Thermal transfer printer

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of thermal transfer printing, and discloses a thermal transfer printer. The thermal transfer printer comprises two reels, a printing mechanism, a first driving assembly, a bearing frame and a guiding assembly, the two reels can rotate around the axes of the reels, a colored tape is wound on one reel, the free end of the colored tape is fixed to the other reel, the printing mechanism comprises a first installation part and a wide printing assembly, and the wide printing assembly is arranged on the first installation part. The wide-width printing assembly extends in the Y-axis direction and is movably arranged on a first mounting part in the Z-axis direction, the first mounting part is connected with a first driving assembly, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the printing mechanism to move in the X-axis direction, the bearing frame comprises two bearing plates arranged in the Y-axis direction, and guide assemblies are arranged on the bearing plates; the two ends of the first mounting part are correspondingly arranged on the upper side faces of the two bearing plates in a sliding mode through guide assemblies, and the guide assemblies can provide guidance for movement of the printing mechanism in the X-axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of thermal transfer printing, in particular to a thermal transfer printer. Background Art

[0002] A thermal transfer printer is a type of printer that can print patterns, barcodes, or time information on the surface of packaging labels made of soft and thin materials or smooth cards. The thermal transfer printer uses a print head to press a ribbon onto the surface of a substrate, and then generates heat through a heating element on the print head to melt the ink on the ribbon and imprint it onto the substrate to complete the printing.

[0003] In order to be compatible with large-area wide-format printing, some thermal transfer printers use a wide-format print head. Such a thermal transfer printer usually also uses a single guide rail for guiding. When the wide-format print head moves, it is easy for the moving distances at both ends to be different, which may lead to uneven left and right gaps in document printing or problems such as text deviation and misalignment.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a thermal transfer printer to solve the above problems. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a thermal transfer printer, in which both ends of the printing mechanism can move synchronously and precisely along a predetermined trajectory under the guidance of a guiding component, avoiding printing errors caused by inconsistent movement at both ends of the printing mechanism, greatly improving the printing accuracy, and significantly enhancing the stability and consistency of the printing quality.

[0006] To achieve this purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A thermal transfer printer, comprising:

[0008] Two reels, both of which can rotate around their own axes. A ribbon is wound around one of the reels, and the free end of the ribbon is fixed to the other reel;

[0009] A printing mechanism, the printing mechanism includes a first mounting member and a wide-format printing component. The wide-format printing component extends in the Y-axis direction, and the wide-format printing component is movably arranged on the first mounting member in the Z-axis direction. The first mounting member is connected to a first driving component, and the first driving component is configured to drive the printing mechanism to move in the X-axis direction;

[0010] A carrier frame, including two carrier plates arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. A guiding component is arranged on the carrier plate. Both ends of the first mounting member are slidably arranged on the upper sides of the two carrier plates along the X-axis direction through the guiding component, and the guiding component can provide guidance for the movement of the printing mechanism in the X-axis direction.

[0011] Preferably, the guiding assembly includes a slide rail and a slider that are slidably engaged with each other. The slide rail extends along the X-axis direction. One of the first mounting member and the carrier plate is provided with the slide rail, and the other is provided with the slider.

[0012] Preferably, the wide-format printing assembly includes:

[0013] A second mounting member located below the first mounting member. A plurality of first connecting members are provided between the first mounting member and the second mounting member. A second driving member is fixed on the second mounting member;

[0014] A third mounting member located below the second mounting member. A plurality of second elastic members are provided between the third mounting member and the first mounting member. The second driving member is configured to drive the third mounting member to move along the Z-axis direction;

[0015] A wide-format print head provided on the third mounting member.

[0016] Preferably, the wide-format printing assembly further includes a connecting assembly, and the connecting assembly includes:

[0017] A second connecting member, one end of which is fixed on the first mounting member;

[0018] A coupling shaft extending along the Y-axis direction. The coupling shaft is fixedly passed through the second connecting member. The second mounting member and the third mounting member are rotatably provided on the coupling shaft.

[0019] Preferably, the printing mechanism further includes:

[0020] A stripping roller located on one side of the wide-format print head. The ribbon is passed through between the stripping roller and the wide-format print head. The stripping roller is used to strip the ribbon from the substrate.

[0021] Preferably, an avoidance groove is provided on the lower side surface of the carrier plate. The first connecting member is a first elastic member. The first elastic member can drive the second mounting member to move upward along the Z-axis direction. Two limiting blocks protrude from the second mounting member. The two limiting blocks are respectively in contact with the lower side surfaces of the two carrier plates. In the initial state, the limiting blocks are located in the avoidance groove so that the lower end surface of the wide-format print head is higher than the upper end surface of the stripping roller.

[0022] Preferably, rollers are provided on both of the two limiting blocks, and the two rollers can be in contact with and roll on the corresponding lower side surfaces of the two carrier plates.

[0023] Preferably, the thermal transfer printer further includes:

[0024] The housing includes a mounting plate. The first driving component and the carrier are both arranged on the first surface of the mounting plate. A third driving member and a fourth driving member are fixed on the second surface of the mounting plate. The output ends of the third driving member and the fourth driving member both pass through the mounting plate.

[0025] The cover plate is arranged to cover the housing and faces the first surface of the mounting plate. The two reels are rotatably arranged on the cover plate. The end of one reel is clamped with the output end of the third driving member, and the end of the other reel is clamped with the output end of the fourth driving member.

[0026] Preferably, the thermal transfer printer further includes:

[0027] The locking assembly includes a connecting rod, a clamping block and a locking dial. The clamping block and the locking dial are arranged at both ends of the connecting rod. The connecting rod is rotatably inserted through the cover plate. The locking dial is located on the side of the cover plate away from the mounting plate. A clamping assembly is arranged on the second surface of the mounting plate. The end of the connecting rod can pass through the mounting plate. Rotating the locking dial can make the clamping block be clamped with the clamping assembly.

[0028] Preferably, a handle is arranged on the side of the cover plate away from the mounting plate.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present utility model:

[0030] This thermal transfer printer includes two reels, a printing mechanism, a first driving component, a carrier and a guiding component. Both of the two reels can rotate around their own axes. The ribbon is wound on one reel, and the free end of the ribbon is fixed on the other reel. The printing mechanism includes a first mounting member and a wide-format printing component. The wide-format printing component extends along the Y-axis direction and is movably arranged along the Z-axis direction on the first mounting member. The first mounting member is connected to the first driving component. The first driving component is configured to drive the printing mechanism to move along the X-axis direction. The carrier includes two carrier plates arranged along the Y-axis direction. A guiding component is arranged on the carrier plate. Both ends of the first mounting member are slidably arranged on the upper sides of the two carrier plates through the guiding component. The guiding component can provide guidance for the movement of the printing mechanism along the X-axis direction.

[0031] This thermal transfer printer adopts a wide-format printing component, which can cover a wider printing area to meet the printing needs of a larger width. Compared with the existing technology, this thermal transfer printer is provided with a carrier frame having a double carrier plate structure, and both ends of the printing mechanism are respectively arranged on the corresponding carrier frame through a guiding component, realizing double guiding of both ends of the printing mechanism, and abandoning the accuracy limitation that may be brought by the traditional single-rail guiding. It ensures that during high-speed or long-time printing, both ends of the printing mechanism can move synchronously and accurately along a predetermined trajectory, effectively avoiding printing errors caused by inconsistent movement of both ends of the printing mechanism, such as common problems like uneven left and right gaps, text deviation or misalignment. This thermal transfer printer not only greatly improves the printing accuracy but also significantly enhances the stability and consistency of the printing quality, meeting the stringent requirements for accuracy and reliability in high-end printing applications. Description of the Drawings

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the thermal transfer printer provided by the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 is a partial schematic structural diagram of the thermal transfer printer provided by the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a partial enlarged view of A in

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation of the cover plate, guiding roller, reel and locking component provided by the present utility model

[0036] Figure 5 is a partial schematic diagram of the thermal transfer printer provided by the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation of the carrier frame, guiding component and printing mechanism provided by the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the printing mechanism provided by the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the locking component provided by the present utility model.

[0040] In the figure:

[0041] 1. Reel;

[0042] 2. Printing mechanism; 21. First mounting member; 22. Wide-format printing assembly; 221. Second mounting member; 2211. Limit block; 2212. Roller; 222. Second driving member; 223. Third mounting member; 224. Wide-format print head; 23. Connection assembly; 231. Second connecting member; 232. Coupling shaft; 24. Peeling roller;

[0043] 3. First driving assembly; 31. Belt pulley; 32. Timing belt; 33. First driving member;

[0044] 4. Carrier frame; 41. Carrier plate; 411. Avoidance groove;

[0045] 5. Guide assembly; 51. Guide rail; 52. Guide block;

[0046] 6. Outer shell; 61. Mounting plate; 62. Clamping assembly; 621. Clamping block; 63. Heat dissipation holes; 64. Third driving member; 65. Fourth driving member;

[0047] 7. Cover plate; 71. Handle;

[0048] 8. Locking assembly; 81. Locking block; 82. Link; 83. Block;

[0049] 9. Guide roller. Detailed implementation manners

[0050] The present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present utility model, rather than limiting the present utility model. In addition, it should be noted that for the convenience of description, only the parts related to the present utility model rather than all the structures are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific situations.

[0052] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "under" and "beneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0053] In the description of this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationships such as "above", "below", "right", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of description and simplifying the operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0054] A thermal transfer printer is a type of printer that can print patterns, barcodes or time information on the surface of packaging labels made of soft and thin materials or smooth cards. The thermal transfer printer uses a print head to press a ribbon onto the surface of a substrate, and then generates heat through a heating element on the print head to melt the ink on the ribbon and imprint it onto the substrate to complete the printing. In order to be compatible with large-area wide-format printing, some thermal transfer printers use a wide-format print head. This type of thermal transfer printer usually also uses a single guide rail for guiding. When the wide-format print head moves, it is easy to have different moving distances at both ends, which may lead to uneven left and right gaps in document printing or text offset and misalignment.

[0055] To solve the above problems, as Figures 1-8 shown, this embodiment provides a thermal transfer printer. This thermal transfer printer includes two reels 1, a printing mechanism 2, a first driving component 3, a carrier 4 and a guiding component 5. Both of the two reels 1 can rotate around their own axes. The ribbon is wound on one reel 1, and the free end of the ribbon is fixed to the other reel 1. The printing mechanism 2 includes a first mounting member 21 and a wide-format printing component 22. The wide-format printing component 22 extends in the Y-axis direction and is movably arranged on the first mounting member 21 in the Z-axis direction. The first mounting member 21 is connected to the first driving component 3, and the first driving component 3 is configured to drive the printing mechanism 2 to move in the X-axis direction. The carrier 4 includes two carrier plates 41 arranged in the Y-axis direction. The guiding component 5 is arranged on the carrier plates 41. The two ends of the first mounting member 21 are slidably arranged on the upper sides of the two carrier plates 41 through the guiding component 5, and the guiding component 5 can provide guidance for the movement of the printing mechanism 2 in the X-axis direction.

[0056] This thermal transfer printer is applicable to two printing modes: intermittent printing and continuous printing. When using the intermittent printing mode, the two reels 1 move synchronously to drive the ribbon to move. The first driving component 3 drives the printing mechanism 2 to move along the X-axis direction to the initial printing position. Then, the wide-format printing component 22 moves downward along the Z-axis direction. At this time, both the ribbon and the substrate remain stationary. The wide-format printing component 22 moves downward to press the ribbon onto the substrate. The wide-format printing component 22 is equipped with a heating element, and the heating element heats up to melt the ink on the ribbon and transfer it to the substrate, thus completing the printing of one line. Then, the first driving component 3 drives the printing mechanism 2 to move along the X-axis direction to the printing position of the next line to continue printing. The above actions are repeated until the printing is completed. The wide-format printing component 22 moves upward along the Z-axis direction. The ribbon and the substrate move to the next printing position. The first driving component 3 drives the printing mechanism 2 to move along the X-axis direction to the initial printing position, that is, to perform the next printing action.

[0057] When using the continuous printing mode, the substrate moves at a constant speed driven by the packaging machine. The two reels 1 move synchronously to drive the ribbon to move, and the moving speed of the ribbon is the same as that of the substrate, that is, the two are relatively stationary. The first driving component 3 drives the printing mechanism 2 to move along the X-axis direction to the initial printing position. Then, the wide-format printing component 22 moves downward along the Z-axis direction to press the ribbon onto the substrate. The wide-format printing component 22 is equipped with a heating element, and the heating element heats up to melt the ink on the ribbon and transfer it to the substrate, thus completing the printing of one line. At this time, the wide-format printing component 22 remains stationary. The ribbon and the substrate continue to move so that the printing position of the next line moves under the wide-format printing component 22 to continue printing until the printing is completed. The wide-format printing component 22 moves upward along the Z-axis direction. The two reels 1 rotate in reverse synchronously to pull back the ribbon, pulling back the unprinted ribbon to achieve the purpose of saving the ribbon. Then, the next printing action is performed.

[0058] This thermal transfer printer adopts a wide-format printing component 22, which can cover a wider printing area to meet the printing requirements of a larger width. Compared with the prior art, this thermal transfer printer is provided with a carrier 4 having a double carrier plate 41 structure. Both ends of the printing mechanism 2 are respectively arranged on the corresponding carrier 4 through the guiding component 5, realizing the double guiding of both ends of the printing mechanism 2, abandoning the possible precision limitation brought by the traditional single-rail guiding, ensuring that both ends of the printing mechanism 2 can move synchronously and accurately along the predetermined trajectory during high-speed or long-time printing, effectively avoiding printing errors caused by inconsistent movement of both ends of the printing mechanism 2, such as common problems like uneven left and right gaps, text deviation or misalignment, etc. This thermal transfer printer not only greatly improves the printing precision but also significantly enhances the stability and consistency of the printing quality, meeting the stringent requirements for accuracy and reliability in high-end printing applications.

[0059] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, the guiding assembly 5 includes a slidingly mated guide rail 51 and a guide block 52. The guide rail 51 extends along the X-axis direction. One of the first mounting member 21 and the carrier plate 41 is provided with the guide rail 51, and the other is provided with the guide block 52. Through the sliding fit of the guide rail 51 and the guide block 52, the error caused by the free movement of the printing mechanism 2 can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0060] In some embodiments, the guide rail 51 is provided on the carrier plate 41, and the guide block 52 is provided on the first mounting member 21; in other embodiments, the guide block 52 is provided on the carrier plate 41, and the guide rail 51 is provided on the first mounting member 21. It is worth mentioning that the settings of the guide rail 51 and the guide block 52 are determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit them.

[0061] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the first driving assembly 3 includes two belt pulleys 31, a synchronous belt 32 and a first driving member 33. The two belt pulleys 31 are arranged at intervals along the X-axis direction. The synchronous belt 32 is sleeved on the two belt pulleys 31 and is jointly tensioned by the two belt pulleys 31. The first mounting member 21 is fixed on the synchronous belt 32. The first driving member 33 is connected to one of the belt pulleys 31 and can drive the belt pulley 31 to rotate. The rotation of the belt pulley 31 can drive the synchronous belt 32 to move, and further cause the first mounting member 21 fixed on the synchronous belt 32 to generate a displacement in the X-axis direction, that is, the printing mechanism 2 generates a displacement in the X-axis direction. The synchronous belt 32 realizes power transmission through the engagement between teeth, avoiding the slipping phenomenon that may occur in traditional belts, realizing stable power transmission, and the synchronous belt 32 can realize the precise positioning of the printing mechanism 2 through the precise engagement between teeth, so that the printing mechanism 2 can accurately move to the position to be printed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first driving member 33 is a closed-loop stepper motor. The closed-loop stepper motor has the advantages of high-precision positioning and control, high stability, etc., and will not lose steps during high-speed and high-frequency printing; in other embodiments, the first driving member 33 is a cylinder. It should be noted that any structure capable of driving the belt pulley 31 to rotate in the prior art can be used as the first driving member 33 in this embodiment, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0063] Furthermore, at least one of the belt pulleys 31 is provided with a guiding groove, and the synchronous belt 32 is located in the guiding groove. The setting of the guiding groove ensures that the synchronous belt 32 will not shift during transmission, improving the stability and reliability of transmission.

[0064] Specifically, as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7As shown, the wide-format printing assembly 22 includes a second mounting member 221, a third mounting member 223, and a wide-format print head 224. The second mounting member 221 is located below the first mounting member 21. A number of first connecting members (not shown in the figure) are provided between the first mounting member 21 and the second mounting member 221. A second driving member 222 is fixed on the second mounting member 221. The third mounting member 223 is located below the second mounting member 221. A number of second elastic members (not shown in the figure) are provided between the third mounting member 223 and the first mounting member 21. The second driving member 222 is configured to drive the third mounting member 223 to move in the Z-axis direction. By connecting the second mounting member 221 to the first mounting member 21 with the first connecting members and using the second driving member 222 to drive the third mounting member 223 to move in the Z-axis direction, the wide-format print head 224 can be driven to move in the Z-axis direction. The second elastic members help absorb vibrations and impacts during the movement.

[0065] In some embodiments, the driving end of the second driving member 222 is fixedly connected to the third mounting member 223, and the second driving member 222 can drive the third mounting member 223 to move upward or downward in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, the driving end of the second driving member 222 can move downward to abut against the third mounting member 223, thereby driving the third mounting member 223 to move downward in the Z-axis direction. When the driving end of the second driving member 222 moves upward, the third mounting member 223 moves upward in the Z-axis direction under the drive of the second elastic member to reset.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second driving member 222 is a cylinder; in other embodiments, the second driving member 222 is a motor. It should be noted that any structure in the prior art that can drive the third mounting member 223 to move in the Z-axis direction can be used as the second driving member 222 in this embodiment, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0068] It is worth mentioning that the width of the document that the wide-format print head 224 can print is 128 mm, the length of the document that can be printed in the intermittent printing mode is 100 mm, and the length of the document that can be printed in the continuous printing mode exceeds 200 mm.

[0069] Specifically, as Figure 7As shown, the wide-format printing assembly 22 further includes a connection assembly 23. The connection assembly 23 includes a second connecting member 231 and a coupling shaft 232. One end of the second connecting member 231 is fixed to the first mounting member 21. The coupling shaft extends in the Y-axis direction and is fixedly passed through the second connecting member 231. The second mounting member 221 and the third mounting member 223 are rotatably arranged on the coupling shaft 232. When the output end of the second driving member 222 moves downward along the Z-axis, it can drive the third mounting member 223 to rotate around the coupling shaft 232, so that one end of the wide-format printing assembly 22 away from the coupling shaft 232 generates a displacement along the Z-axis direction to press the ribbon against the substrate.

[0070] In this embodiment, the number of the second connecting members 231 is two, and the two second connecting members 231 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. This distributed structure can effectively reduce the shaking or instability caused by single-point support and ensure the smoothness and stability during the printing process. It should be noted that the specific number of the second connecting members 231 is determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0071] Specifically, as Figure 7 shown, the printing mechanism 2 further includes a stripping roller 24. The stripping roller 24 is located on one side of the wide-format print head 224. The ribbon is passed through between the stripping roller 24 and the wide-format print head 224. The stripping roller 24 is used to strip the ribbon from the substrate. During the printing process, the wide-format print head 224 presses down the ribbon to press it against the substrate. After the printing is completed, the stripping roller 24 smoothly strips the ribbon from the substrate, ensuring that the printed image clearly remains on the substrate and avoiding problems such as blurred printing and ghosting caused by incomplete separation of the ribbon from the substrate, thus improving the printing quality. Specifically, the stripping roller 24 is located on the side of the width print head away from the coupling shaft 232, that is, the stripping roller 24 is located on the downstream side of the printing direction, so as to be able to strip the printed ribbon from the substrate, and the stripping roller 24 is fixedly connected to the first mounting member 21 so that the position of the stripping roller 24 along the Z-axis direction will not change.

[0072] Furthermore, as Figure 6 、 Figure 7As shown in the figure, an avoidance groove 411 is provided on the lower side surface of the carrier plate 41. The first connecting member is a first elastic member, and the first elastic member can drive the second mounting member 221 to move upward in the Z-axis direction. Two limiting blocks 2211 protrude from the second mounting member 221, and the two limiting blocks 2211 are respectively in contact with the lower side surfaces of the two carrier plates 41. In the initial state, the limiting blocks 2211 are located in the avoidance groove 411, so that the lower end surface of the wide-format print head 224 is higher than the upper end surface of the peeling roller 24. By providing the avoidance groove 411, in the initial state, the lower end surface of the wide-format print head 224 is higher than the upper end surface of the peeling roller 24, which facilitates threading the ribbon between the wide-format print head 224 and the peeling roller 24. During the printing process, the printing mechanism 2 will move in the X-axis direction, that is, the second mounting member 221 will move in the X-axis direction to leave the avoidance groove 411, then the wide-format printing assembly 22 will move downward, that is, the wide-format print head 224 will move downward, so as to shorten the driving stroke of the subsequent second driving member 222.

[0073] Preferably, as Figure 6 、 Figure 7 shown, rollers 2212 are provided on both of the two limiting blocks 2211, and the two rollers 2212 can be in contact with and roll on the lower side surfaces of the corresponding two carrier plates 41. The rollers 2212 significantly reduce the direct contact area between the second mounting member 221 and the carrier plate 41, reduce the wear caused by sliding friction, and have a smaller frictional resistance; the rollers 2212 can make the second mounting member 221 move more smoothly in the X-axis direction. The rollers 2212 can roll along the lower side surface of the carrier plate 41, reducing the vibration or jitter caused by uneven friction or uneven contact surfaces, thereby improving the stability and printing quality during the printing process.

[0074] Specifically, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the thermal transfer printer further includes a housing 6 and a cover plate 7. The housing 6 includes a mounting plate 61. The first driving assembly 3 and the carrier frame 4 are both provided on the first surface of the mounting plate 61. A third driving member 64 and a fourth driving member 65 are fixed on the second surface of the mounting plate 61. The output ends of the third driving member 64 and the fourth driving member 65 both pass through the mounting plate 61. The cover plate 7 is covered on the housing 6 and is opposite to the first surface of the mounting plate 61. Two reels 1 are rotatably provided on the cover plate 7. One end of a reel 1 is clamped with the third output end, and the other end of the other reel 1 is clamped with the output end of the fourth driving member 65.

[0075] When using this thermal transfer printer, first ensure that the printing mechanism 2 is in the initial state, that is, the lower end face of the wide-format print head 224 is higher than the upper end face of the peeling roller 24. Snap the cover plate 7 into the housing 6. The ribbon located at the bottom can easily enter between the wide-format print head 224 and the peeling roller 24. One reel 1 is clamped to the output end of the third driving member 64, and the other reel 1 is clamped to the output end of the fourth driving member 65. The third driving member 64 and the fourth driving member 65 can respectively drive the two reels 1 to rotate to drive the ribbon to rotate. After the ribbon is used up, directly remove the cover plate 7 to replace the ribbon. By arranging the reel 1 on the cover plate 7, the ribbon can be replaced more simply and quickly.

[0076] It should be noted that, as Figure 4 shown, a plurality of guide rollers 9 are also rotatably arranged on the cover plate 7. The plurality of guide rollers 9 are distributed according to a preset ribbon conveying trajectory to provide guidance for the conveyance of the ribbon and ensure the stability of the ribbon conveyance.

[0077] In this embodiment, the third driving member 64 is a motor. In other embodiments, the third driving member 64 is a cylinder. It should be noted that in the prior art, any structure capable of driving the reel 1 to rotate can be used as the third driving member 64 in this embodiment, and this embodiment does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0078] In this embodiment, the fourth driving member 65 is a motor. In other embodiments, the fourth driving member 65 is a cylinder. It should be noted that in the prior art, any structure capable of driving the reel 1 to rotate can be used as the fourth driving member 65 in this embodiment, and this embodiment does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0079] Specifically, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, the thermal transfer printer further includes a locking assembly 8, which includes a connecting rod 82, a block 83 and a locking block 81. The block 83 and the locking block 81 are arranged at both ends of the connecting rod 82. The connecting rod 82 is rotatably arranged on the cover plate 7. The locking block 81 is located on the side of the cover plate 7 away from the mounting plate 61. The second surface of the mounting plate 61 is provided with a clamping assembly 62. The end of the connecting rod 82 can pass through the mounting plate 61. The locking block 81 is rotated so that the block 83 is clamped in the clamping assembly 62. The locking assembly 8 is inserted into the cover plate 7, and then the cover plate 7 is buckled into the housing 6. One end of the connecting rod 82 provided with the block 83 passes through the mounting plate 61. The locking block 81 is rotated so that the block 83 is clamped in the clamping assembly 62, so that the cover plate 7 is fixedly connected to the housing 6. When the ribbon needs to be replaced or the thermal transfer printer needs to be maintained, the locking block 81 can be unlocked by rotating the locking block 81 in the opposite direction to remove the cover plate 7. The cover plate 7 can be quickly installed and removed by rotating the locking block 81 without using additional tools, which simplifies the operation process and improves the convenience of use.

[0080] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the clamping assembly 62 includes two clamping blocks 621 arranged along the Z-axis direction, and there is a gap between the two clamping blocks 621 along the Y-direction. This gap allows the clamping block 83 to move freely when it is not clamped. When the clamping block 83 passes through the mounting plate 61, the clamping block 83 is located in the gap and is in a non-clamped state; by rotating the locking dial block 81 to drive the clamping block 83 to rotate, after the clamping block 83 rotates a certain angle, the clamping block 83 can be just clamped by the two clamping blocks 621 to achieve a stable clamping and locking state, and the cover plate 7 is firmly connected to the shell 6; the locking dial block 81 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the clamping block 83 is reset and switched to the non-clamped state, that is, the clamping block 83 is located in the gap, and the connection between the cover plate 7 and the shell 6 becomes loose and easy to separate, and the cover plate 7 can be easily removed at this time.

[0081] It is understandable that the block 83 may be in a diamond, rectangular or elliptical shape.

[0082] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, a handle 71 is provided on one side of the cover plate 7 away from the mounting plate 61. The handle 71 is used to provide a fulcrum when removing or installing the cover plate 7. The cover plate 7 is buckled into or removed from the housing 6 by holding the handle 71. The design of the handle 71 makes the entire operation process smoother and more comfortable, and the operator can operate easily and stably without having to laboriously find a suitable fulcrum or use tools.

[0083] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of heat dissipation holes 63 are provided on the housing 6, and the heat dissipation holes 63 allow air to flow into and out of the interior of the thermal transfer printer more smoothly, so as to reduce the heat inside the thermal transfer printer and prevent overheating damage.

[0084] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, rather than limitations on the implementation manners of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various obvious changes, re-adjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present utility model. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all the implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. Thermal transfer printer, characterized in that, include: The two reels (1) are both capable of rotating around their own axes, the ribbon is wound on one of the reels (1), and the free end of the ribbon is fixed on the other reel (1); A printing mechanism (2), the printing mechanism (2) comprising a first mounting member (21) and a wide-format printing assembly (22), the wide-format printing assembly (22) extending along the Y-axis direction, the wide-format printing assembly (22) being movably arranged on the first mounting member (21) along the Z-axis direction, the first mounting member (21) being connected to a first driving assembly (3), the first driving assembly (3) being configured to drive the printing mechanism (2) to move along the X-axis direction; The carrier frame (4) comprises two carrier plates (41) arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction, and a guide assembly (5) is arranged on the carrier plates (41). The two ends of the first mounting member (21) are slidably arranged on the upper side surfaces of the two carrier plates (41) along the X-axis direction through the guide assembly (5), and the guide assembly (5) can provide guidance for the movement of the printing mechanism (2) along the X-axis direction.

2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide assembly (5) comprises a guide rail (51) and a guide block (52) that are slidably matched, the guide rail (51) extending along the X-axis direction, one of the first mounting member (21) and the bearing plate (41) being provided with the guide rail (51), and the other being provided with the guide block (52).

3. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wide format printing assembly (22) comprises: A second mounting member (221) is located below the first mounting member (21), a plurality of first connecting members are arranged between the first mounting member (21) and the second mounting member (221), and a second driving member (222) is fixed on the second mounting member (221); a third mounting member (223) located below the second mounting member (221), a plurality of second elastic members being arranged between the third mounting member (223) and the first mounting member (21), and the second driving member (222) being configured to drive the third mounting member (223) to move along the Z-axis direction; A wide-format printing head (224) is arranged on the third mounting member (223).

4. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The printing mechanism (2) further comprises a connecting component (23), wherein the connecting component (23) comprises: A second connecting member (231), one end of the second connecting member (231) being fixed to the first mounting member (21); The connecting shaft (232) extends along the Y-axis direction. The connecting shaft (232) is fixedly inserted into the second connecting member (231). The second mounting member (221) and the third mounting member (223) are both rotatably arranged on the connecting shaft (232).

5. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The printing mechanism (2) further comprises: A peeling roller (24) is located on one side of the wide-format print head (224), the ribbon is passed between the peeling roller (24) and the wide-format print head (224), and the peeling roller (24) is used to peel the ribbon off the substrate.

6. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower side surface of the carrier plate (41) is provided with an avoidance groove (411); the first connecting member is a first elastic member, and the first elastic member can drive the second mounting member (221) to move upward along the Z-axis direction; the second mounting member (221) is provided with two limit blocks (2211) protruding therefrom; the two limit blocks (2211) are respectively in contact with the lower side surfaces of the two carrier plates (41); in an initial state, the limit blocks (2211) are located in the avoidance groove (411), so that the lower end surface of the wide-format print head (224) is higher than the upper end surface of the peeling roller (24).

7. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The two limit blocks (2211) are each provided with a roller (2212), and the two rollers (2212) are capable of abutting and rolling against the lower side surfaces of the two corresponding bearing plates (41).

8. The thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The thermal transfer printer also includes: The housing (6) comprises a mounting plate (61), the first driving assembly (3) and the supporting frame (4) are both arranged on a first surface of the mounting plate (61), a third driving member (64) and a fourth driving member (65) are fixed to a second surface of the mounting plate (61), and an output end of the third driving member (64) and an output end of the fourth driving member (65) both pass through the mounting plate (61); A cover plate (7) is arranged on the housing (6) and is directly opposite to the first surface of the mounting plate (61). The two reels (1) are rotatably arranged on the cover plate (7). The end of one reel (1) is clamped with the output end of the third driving member (64), and the end of the other reel (1) is clamped with the output end of the fourth driving member (65).

9. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The thermal transfer printer also includes: A locking assembly (8) comprises a connecting rod (82), a clamping block (83) and a locking block (81), wherein the clamping block (83) and the locking block (81) are arranged at two ends of the connecting rod (82), the connecting rod (82) is rotatably inserted into the cover plate (7), the locking block (81) is located on a side of the cover plate (7) away from the mounting plate (61), a clamping assembly (62) is arranged on the second surface of the mounting plate (61), an end of the connecting rod (82) can pass through the mounting plate (61), and the locking block (83) can be clamped in the clamping assembly (62) by rotating the locking block (81).

10. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: A handle (71) is provided on a side of the cover plate (7) away from the mounting plate (61).

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