A portable label printing apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a portable label printing device, belonging to the technical field of label printers. It includes a label printer with a paper tray cover rotatably connected to its top via a pivot. A paper tray frame is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the label printer. An adjustment mechanism is provided inside the paper tray frame, including a paper roll support. The paper roll support is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper tray frame, and a paper shaft is detachably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll support. A label paper roll is movably fitted onto the outer surface of the paper shaft. By setting up the adjustment mechanism, this invention ensures that after the pressure block clamps the paper core, it can only rotate in one direction with the paper roll. After printing, a spring drives the pressure block to reset and rotate back, achieving automatic tensioning of the paper roll. A pawl and ratchet gear cooperate to restrict reverse rotation, ensuring that the pressure block continuously applies clamping force, effectively suppressing relative slippage between the paper core and the inner layers of the paper roll, avoiding paper roll loosening and interlayer misalignment, and reducing the probability of printing wrinkles and paper jams.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of label printer technology, and in particular to a portable label printing device. Background Technology

[0002] Portable label printers, with their compact size and ease of operation, are widely used in warehousing and logistics, office archiving, and retail signage. Most mainstream portable label printers on the market currently employ thermal printing technology, using a heating element in the thermal printhead to locally heat the thermal label paper, causing a chemical reaction in the label coating to achieve color imaging.

[0003] In summary, during the operation of portable label printers, the outer diameter of the label roll gradually decreases as consumables are continuously consumed. Unprinted labels are prone to rewinding and falling into the paper tray, forming a curled and piled-up state, which can lead to paper jams and other problems. In existing technologies, portable label printers often use physical blocks in the paper return path to limit and support the falling paper and prevent it from falling deep into the paper tray. However, since the blocks do not have direct contact with the paper roll, the radial gap between the paper roll and the paper tray wall increases significantly as the outer diameter of the paper roll decreases. Therefore, when the equipment is moving, shaking, or vibrating, the paper roll moves back and forth in the paper tray due to inertia, which can easily cause idling and interlayer slippage. Specifically, the outer layer of paper slips relative to the inner layer, causing the label roll with a reduced outer diameter to become loose. This leads to problems such as paper wrinkling and paper jams during printing.

[0004] Therefore, this application provides a portable label printing device to meet the needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable label printing device to solve the aforementioned problems. When the paper tray cover is closed, the arc-shaped rod drives the wedge block to move downwards. The inclined surface of the wedge block presses against the fixed block, converting the closing pressure into a horizontal driving force of the second sliding block. This pushes the two second sliding blocks on both sides to move inwards along the paper axis, causing the pressing block to press the label paper roll core tightly, achieving automatic clamping and axial centering positioning. Simultaneously, after the paper tray cover is closed, the auxiliary roller is constrained by the outer diameter of the label paper roll and maintains a constant radial preload through the first tension spring, always tightly adhering to the outer surface of the label paper roll and suppressing jumping during operation. When printing is required, the label paper roll rotates counterclockwise, and the pressing block rotates synchronously with the paper core, compressing the spring. After the spring is fully compressed, it presses against the connecting block on the outside of the ratchet gear, driving the ratchet gear to overcome the unidirectional limitation of the pawl and achieve rotation. After printing stops, the spring drives the pressing block to reset and rotate, keeping the label paper roll taut. The ratchet pawl restricts the ratchet gear to rotate in only one direction, preventing it from loosening in the opposite direction. This ensures continuous pressure on the paper core, effectively suppressing relative slippage between the paper core and the inner label roll, and preventing problems such as loose label rolls, interlayer misalignment, printing wrinkles, and paper jams. This solves the problems mentioned in the background technology.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A portable label printing device includes a label printer, a paper tray cover rotatably connected to the top of the label printer via a pivot, a paper tray frame fixedly connected to the inner wall of the label printer, and an adjustment mechanism provided inside the paper tray frame.

[0008] Optionally, the adjusting mechanism includes a paper roll support, which is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper compartment frame. A paper shaft is detachably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll support. A label paper roll is movably sleeved on the outer surface of the paper shaft. A second sliding block is provided at both ends of the label paper roll. A fixing block is fixedly connected to the top of the second sliding block. The second sliding block is movably sleeved on the outer surface of the paper shaft. A ratchet is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the second sliding block. A squeezing block is provided on the outer wall of the ratchet near the label paper roll. The squeezing block is used to squeeze the paper core of the label paper roll. When the paper compartment cover closes around the pivot, the arc-shaped rod drives the wedge to move down. The inclined surface of the wedge fits against the upper surface of the fixing block, converting the closing force of the paper compartment cover into a horizontal thrust of the second sliding block, driving the second sliding block to move towards the label paper roll. During the movement of the second sliding block, the squeezing block on it presses the paper core of the label paper roll.

[0009] Optionally, a connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second sliding block, and one end of the connecting shaft away from the second sliding block is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll holder. The connecting shaft is used to prevent the second sliding block from rotating and to keep the second sliding block moving horizontally.

[0010] Optionally, a second tension spring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second sliding block near the connecting shaft. The end of the second tension spring away from the second sliding block is fixedly connected to the paper roll bracket. The second tension spring is used to assist the second sliding block in completing the reset.

[0011] Optionally, a connecting block is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the ratchet, and a groove is formed on the outer surface of the extrusion block. The ratchet is slidably connected to the inner wall of the groove through the connecting block.

[0012] Optionally, a spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the extrusion block, and the end of the spring away from the extrusion block is fixedly connected to the connecting block. The spring is used to assist the extrusion block in completing the reset.

[0013] Optionally, a pawl is fixedly connected to the top inner wall of the second sliding block. The bottom of the pawl engages with the ratchet gear. The pawl is used to limit the rotation direction of the ratchet gear. The pawl limits the ratchet gear to rotate only in one direction along the compression block to press the paper core, and prohibits it from rotating in the opposite direction. Therefore, after the compression block clamps the paper core under the push of the wedge block, even if the label printer is affected by vibration, the ratchet gear can still remain locked, thereby ensuring that the compression block continuously applies pressure to the paper core and effectively avoids interlayer slippage caused by loosening of the paper core.

[0014] Optionally, an arc-shaped rod is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the paper tray cover, and a wedge is fixedly connected to the end of the arc-shaped rod. The wedge is used to squeeze the fixed block.

[0015] Optionally, a first sliding block is slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped rod, and an auxiliary roller is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the first sliding block via a rotating shaft. The auxiliary roller is used to squeeze the outer surface of the label paper roll.

[0016] Optionally, a first tension spring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the first sliding block on the side away from the auxiliary roller. The end of the first tension spring away from the first sliding block is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped rod. The first tension spring is used to pull the first sliding block toward one side of the label roll. When the paper compartment cover is opened, the clamping effect of the wedge block on the fixed block is released. The second tension spring drives the second sliding block to retract away from the label roll through the pulling force, so that the squeezing block is separated from the paper core, making it easy for the user to take out the empty paper roll or replace the label roll.

[0017] Optionally, when the paper tray cover is closed, the wedge block presses against the fixing block, pushing the second sliding block towards the label paper roll. This causes the pressing block to clamp the paper core of the label paper roll. When changing the label paper roll in the label printer, simply closing the paper tray cover normally will automatically clamp and position the paper core, eliminating the need for additional manual adjustment and improving operational convenience. Simultaneously, second sliding blocks are provided at both ends of the label paper roll. The two sets of pressing blocks apply axial pressure synchronously from both ends of the paper core, securing the paper core firmly in the axially centered position on the paper shaft and preventing axial movement of the paper core during rotation.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0019] In the above-mentioned solution, the portable label printing device provided in this application, by setting an adjustment mechanism, allows the extrusion block to rotate only in one direction with the paper roll after clamping the paper core. After printing is completed, the extrusion block is driven by a spring to reset and rotate, thereby achieving automatic tensioning of the paper roll. The pawl and ratchet gear cooperate to restrict reverse rotation, ensuring that the extrusion block continuously applies pressure, effectively suppressing relative slippage between the paper core and the inner layer of the paper roll, avoiding loose paper roll and interlayer misalignment, and reducing the probability of printing wrinkles and paper jams.

[0020] Simultaneously, in conjunction with the wedge structure, when the paper compartment cover is closed, the wedge automatically pushes the second sliding block, causing the extrusion block to simultaneously press the label paper roll core from both ends, achieving rapid clamping and axial centering of the paper core; in addition, the first tension spring enables the auxiliary roller to adaptively conform to the outer surface of the label paper roll, maintaining contact regardless of changes in the diameter of the label paper roll, effectively suppressing vibration during the operation of the label paper roll. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and enable those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the label printer structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the paper compartment cover after it is opened according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the label printer of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the paper tray cover and adjustment mechanism of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism and label roll structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the adjusting mechanism of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of A in the middle.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1. Label printer; 2. Paper tray cover; 201. Arc rod; 202. Wedge block; 203. First sliding block; 204. First tension spring; 205. Auxiliary roller; 3. Paper tray frame; 4. Adjustment mechanism; 401. Paper roll support; 402. Paper shaft; 403. Second sliding block; 404. Connecting shaft; 405. Second tension spring; 406. Fixing block; 407. Ratchet; 408. Pawl; 409. Squeezing block; 410. Groove; 411. Connecting block; 412. Spring; 5. Label paper roll.

[0034] As shown in the figure, specific structures and devices are marked in the figure to clearly illustrate the structure of the embodiments of the present invention. However, this is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present invention to this specific structure, device and environment. Those skilled in the art can adjust or modify these devices and environments according to specific needs. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The portable label printing device provided by the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, to make the embodiments more comprehensive, the following embodiments are the best and preferred embodiments, and those skilled in the art can use other alternative methods to implement some well-known technologies; moreover, the accompanying drawings are only for more specific description of the embodiments and are not intended to specifically limit the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," and "some embodiments" in the specification indicates that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) should be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0037] Generally, terms can be understood at least partly from their use in context. For example, depending at least partly on the context, the term "one or more" as used herein can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Additionally, the term "based on" can be understood not necessarily to convey an exclusive set of factors, but rather, alternatively, depending at least partly on the context, to allow for the presence of other factors that are not necessarily explicitly described.

[0038] It is understood that the meanings of “on”, “above”, and “above” in this invention should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on” something, but also includes the meaning of being “on” something with an intervening feature or layer, and that “above” or “above” means not only “on” something, but also includes the meaning of being “on” something without an intervening feature or layer.

[0039] Furthermore, spatially related terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein for convenience to describe the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations in the use or operation of the device other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. The device may be oriented in other ways, and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein can be interpreted similarly.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a portable label printing device, including a label printer 1. A paper tray cover 2 is rotatably connected to the top of the label printer 1 via a rotating shaft. A paper tray frame 3 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the label printer 1. An adjustment mechanism 4 is provided inside the paper tray frame 3.

[0041] An arc-shaped rod 201 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the paper tray cover 2. A wedge block 202 is fixedly connected to the end of the arc-shaped rod 201. The wedge block 202 is used to squeeze the fixed block 406. Specifically, when the paper tray cover 2 closes around the pivot, the arc-shaped rod 201 drives the wedge block 202 to move downward. The inclined surface of the wedge block 202 fits against the upper surface of the fixed block 406, converting the closing force of the paper tray cover 2 into the horizontal thrust of the second sliding block 403, driving the second sliding block 403 to move towards the label paper roll 5. During the movement of the second sliding block 403, the core of the label paper roll 5 is pressed by the squeezing block 409 on it.

[0042] The inner wall of the arc-shaped rod 201 is slidably connected to a first sliding block 203. The inner wall of the first sliding block 203 is rotatably connected to an auxiliary roller 205 via a rotating shaft. The auxiliary roller 205 is made of flexible material and can apply radial pressure to the outer surface of the label roll 5 to prevent the label roll 5 from jumping or loosening during the rotation of the label printer 1. The auxiliary roller 205 is used to squeeze the outer surface of the label roll 5.

[0043] A first tension spring 204 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the first sliding block 203 away from the auxiliary roller 205. The end of the first tension spring 204 away from the first sliding block 203 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped rod 201. Therefore, when the label paper roll 5 in the label printer 1 is replaced and the paper tray cover 2 is closed, the auxiliary roller 205 is constrained by the outer diameter of the label paper roll 5, so that the first tension spring 204 remains in a stretched state and provides continuous preload. Thus, no matter how the diameter of the label paper roll 5 changes, the auxiliary roller 205 can always fit tightly against the outer surface of the label paper roll 5, thereby effectively suppressing the vibration during the rotation of the label paper roll 5.

[0044] Due to the reduced diameter of the label roll 5, the interlayer pressure of the label roll 5 decreases, resulting in insufficient maximum static friction between the layers. Consequently, it becomes difficult to move synchronously with the traction of the label printer 1, leading to interlayer slippage. At the same time, the reduced diameter of the paper roll increases the gap in the paper tray, making it prone to eccentric swaying and radial runout, which further exacerbates the relative slippage between the layers, causing the label roll 5 to become loose and misaligned between layers, ultimately leading to printing wrinkles, paper jams, and other malfunctions.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the adjusting mechanism 4 includes a paper roll support 401, which is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper tray 3. A paper shaft 402 is detachably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll support 401. A label paper roll 5 is movably sleeved on the outer surface of the paper shaft 402. A second sliding block 403 is provided at both ends of the label paper roll 5. A fixing block 406 is fixedly connected to the top of the second sliding block 403. The second sliding block 403 is movably sleeved on the outer surface of the paper shaft 402. A ratchet 407 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the second sliding block 403. A pressing block 409 is provided on the outer wall of the ratchet 407 near the label paper roll 5. The pressing block 409 is used to press the paper core of the label paper roll 5. It is worth noting that, as Figure 10As shown, when the paper tray cover 2 is closed, the wedge block 202 presses against the fixing block 406, pushing the second sliding block 403 towards the label paper roll 5. This causes the pressing block 409 to press the paper core of the label paper roll 5. Therefore, when replacing the label paper roll 5 in the label printer 1, simply closing the paper tray cover 2 normally will automatically clamp and position the paper core, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and improving operational convenience. Simultaneously, the label paper roll 5 has second sliding blocks 403 at both ends. The two sets of pressing blocks 409 apply axial pressure synchronously from both ends of the paper core, firmly positioning the paper core in the axially centered position of the paper shaft 402, preventing axial movement of the paper core during rotation.

[0046] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a connecting shaft 404 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second sliding block 403. One end of the connecting shaft 404 away from the second sliding block 403 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll support 401. The connecting shaft 404 is used to prevent the second sliding block 403 from rotating and to keep the second sliding block 403 moving horizontally.

[0047] A second tension spring 405 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second sliding block 403 near the connecting shaft 404. The end of the second tension spring 405 away from the second sliding block 403 is fixedly connected to the paper roll bracket 401. The second tension spring 405 is used to assist the second sliding block 403 in completing the reset. When the paper compartment cover 2 is opened, the pressing action of the wedge block 202 on the fixing block 406 is released. The second tension spring 405 drives the second sliding block 403 to retract away from the label paper roll 5 through the pulling force, so that the squeezing block 409 is separated from the paper core, making it easy for the user to take out the empty paper roll or replace the label paper roll 5.

[0048] A connecting block 411 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the ratchet 407. A groove 410 is formed on the outer surface of the pressing block 409. The ratchet 407 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the groove 410 via the connecting block 411. Furthermore, a spring 412 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the pressing block 409. The end of the spring 412 away from the pressing block 409 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 411. The spring 412 is used to assist the pressing block 409 in completing the reset. Specifically, as shown... Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, when the label printer 1 is printing, the label paper roll 5 rotates counterclockwise to feed paper. Since the squeezing block 409 clamps the paper core and rotates synchronously, the squeezing block 409 rotates counterclockwise with the label paper roll 5 and compresses the spring 412. After the spring 412 is fully compressed, the squeezing block 409 presses against the connecting block 411 on the outside of the ratchet 407 through the spring 412, driving the ratchet 407 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously. When the label printer 1 finishes printing, the squeezing block 409 returns to its original position under the action of the spring 412. After the label paper roll 5 is tensioned, it stops rotating, thereby suppressing the relative slippage between the paper core and the inner layer of the paper roll, avoiding looseness inside the label paper roll 5 and misalignment between layers, and effectively preventing printing wrinkles and paper jams.

[0049] A pawl 408 is fixedly connected to the top inner wall of the second sliding block 403. The bottom of the pawl 408 is engaged with the ratchet gear 407. The pawl 408 is used to limit the rotation direction of the ratchet gear 407. The pawl 408 limits the ratchet gear 407 to rotate only in one direction along the pressing block 409 to press the paper core, and prohibits it from rotating in the opposite direction. Therefore, after the pressing block 409 clamps the paper core under the push of the wedge block 202, even if the label printer 1 is affected by vibration, the ratchet gear 407 can still remain locked, thereby ensuring that the pressing block 409 continuously applies pressure to the paper core and effectively avoids interlayer slippage caused by loosening of the paper core.

[0050] This invention encompasses any substitutions, modifications, equivalent methods, and solutions made within the spirit and scope of this invention. To provide the public with a thorough understanding of this invention, specific details are described in detail in the following preferred embodiments; however, those skilled in the art will fully understand the invention even without these details. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding of the essence of this invention, well-known methods, processes, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable label printing device, comprising a label printer (1), wherein a paper tray cover (2) is rotatably connected to the top of the label printer (1) via a pivot, and a paper tray rack (3) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the label printer (1), characterized in that, The paper tray frame (3) is equipped with an adjustment mechanism (4) inside. The adjustment mechanism (4) includes: A paper roll support (401) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper storage rack (3). A paper shaft (402) is detachably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll support (401). A label paper roll (5) is movably sleeved on the outer surface of the paper shaft (402). A second sliding block (403) is provided at both ends of the label paper roll (5). A fixing block (406) is fixedly connected to the top of the second sliding block (403). The second sliding block (403) is movably sleeved on the outer surface of the paper shaft (402). A ratchet gear (407) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the second sliding block (403). A squeezing block (409) is provided on the outer wall of the ratchet gear (407) near the label paper roll (5). The squeezing block (409) is used to squeeze the paper core of the label paper roll (5).

2. The portable label printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting shaft (404) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second sliding block (403). The end of the connecting shaft (404) away from the second sliding block (403) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the paper roll support (401). The connecting shaft (404) is used to prevent the second sliding block (403) from rotating and to keep the second sliding block (403) moving horizontally.

3. The portable label printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second tension spring (405) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second sliding block (403) near the connecting shaft (404). The end of the second tension spring (405) away from the second sliding block (403) is fixedly connected to the paper roll bracket (401). The second tension spring (405) is used to assist the second sliding block (403) in completing the reset.

4. The portable label printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the ratchet (407) is fixedly connected to a connecting block (411), and the outer surface of the pressing block (409) is provided with a groove (410). The ratchet (407) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the groove (410) through the connecting block (411).

5. The portable label printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spring (412) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the extrusion block (409). The end of the spring (412) away from the extrusion block (409) is fixedly connected to the connecting block (411). The spring (412) is used to assist the extrusion block (409) in completing the reset.

6. The portable label printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sliding block (403) has a pawl (408) fixedly connected to the top inner wall. The bottom of the pawl (408) engages with the ratchet gear (407). The pawl (408) is used to limit the rotation direction of the ratchet gear (407).

7. The portable label printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An arc-shaped rod (201) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the paper tray cover (2), and a wedge (202) is fixedly connected to the end of the arc-shaped rod (201). The wedge (202) is used to squeeze the fixed block (406).

8. The portable label printing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the arc-shaped rod (201) is slidably connected to a first sliding block (203), and the inner wall of the first sliding block (203) is rotatably connected to an auxiliary roller (205) via a rotating shaft. The auxiliary roller (205) is used to squeeze the outer surface of the label roll (5).

9. The portable label printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first tension spring (204) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the first sliding block (203) away from the auxiliary roller (205). The end of the first tension spring (204) away from the first sliding block (203) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the arc rod (201). The first tension spring (204) is used to pull the first sliding block (203) toward one side of the label roll (5).

10. The portable label printing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the paper tray cover (2) is closed, the wedge block (202) presses against the fixing block (406) to push the second sliding block (403) to move toward the label paper roll (5), so that the pressing block (409) presses against the paper core of the label paper roll (5).

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