Thermal transfer printer and ribbon roll

Abstract

A first identification module is arranged at at least one axial end part of a feeding roller, a second identification module is arranged at a corresponding position on a feeding support seat, and the first identification module and the second identification module form an interactive verification channel through a physical contact type connection structure or a wireless communication module. The problem that in the prior art, a colored tape identification and verification mechanism is lacked is effectively solved. According to the design, the printer can accurately identify the authenticity, the type and the parameter information of the installed ribbon, so that not only is the use of counterfeit and shoddy ribbons effectively prevented, but also the printing parameters can be automatically optimized according to the identified ribbon characteristics, the manual operation errors are reduced, and the consistency and the stability of the printing quality are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing equipment manufacturing, and in particular to a thermal transfer printer and ribbon roll. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal transfer printing technology is widely used in fields such as card production and label printing. Its core components include a feeding assembly, a printing assembly, and a receiving assembly. Existing thermal transfer printers typically use a simple mechanical structure to install the ribbon roll, lacking an effective ribbon identification and verification mechanism. This leads to the potential use of non-original or incompatible ribbons in practical applications, affecting print quality and equipment lifespan. Furthermore, the printer cannot identify crucial information such as the authenticity, type, and remaining quantity of the installed ribbon. This not only fails to prevent the use of counterfeit or substandard ribbons but also fails to automatically optimize printing parameters based on ribbon characteristics, severely impacting the consistency and stability of print results. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a thermal transfer printer and ribbon roll with ribbon recognition and verification functions.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] A thermal transfer printer includes a feeding assembly, a printing assembly, and a receiving assembly. The feeding assembly includes a feeding roller and a feeding support. The printing assembly includes a print head for printing identification cards. At least one axial end of the feeding roller is provided with a first identification module, and a second identification module is provided at a mounting position on the feeding support corresponding to the first identification module. The first identification module and the second identification module are connected via a physical contact connection structure or a wireless communication module to form an interactive verification path when the feeding roller is installed on the feeding support.

[0006] Furthermore, the first identification module and the second identification module are connected via a wireless communication module; the first identification module is a radio frequency identification chip, which is fixedly disposed at at least one axial end of the feeding roller; the second identification module is an induction coil, which is fixedly disposed on the feeding support at a position radially or axially opposite to the radio frequency identification chip; when the feeding roller is installed on the feeding support, the induction coil and the radio frequency identification chip are coupled through electromagnetic induction to form the interactive verification path.

[0007] Furthermore, the radio frequency identification chip is a passive chip.

[0008] Furthermore, the feeding support includes a bearing structure and an internally integrated receiving cavity. The second identification module is embedded in the receiving cavity. The periphery of the receiving cavity is provided with a first connecting part. The first identification module is equipped with a corresponding second connecting part. The connection between the first identification module and the second identification module is realized through the alignment and cooperation of the first connecting part and the second connecting part and the self-locking clamping mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, the feeding support includes a bearing structure, the bearing structure having a bearing sleeve, and at least one baffle plate circumferentially arranged on the bearing sleeve. At least one stop rod is correspondingly arranged on the feeding support. A damping connection structure is provided between the baffle plate and the bearing sleeve, such that in a static state, the baffle plate and the stop rod abut against each other to prevent the bearing sleeve from rotating, while when an external force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied, the damping connection structure allows the baffle plate to displace relative to the bearing sleeve, thereby enabling the bearing sleeve to achieve controlled rotation.

[0010] Furthermore, the damping connection structure includes a first annular plate sleeved on the outer periphery of the bearing sleeve, and a baffle plate fixedly disposed on the first annular plate; and at least two clamping plates arranged circumferentially around the first annular plate, wherein the clamping plates and the first annular plate form a frictional contact surface with a preset pressure, and an adjustable damping effect is achieved through the frictional force between the first annular plate and the clamping plates, so that the baffle plate abuts against the stop rod when stationary, and can overcome the frictional force to generate controlled displacement under the action of external force.

[0011] Furthermore, a platform is set at the card entry point, which is used to receive and print the cards; the platform is provided with two horizontally movable limiting parts, which are arranged opposite each other to form a card positioning channel; the limiting parts can slide relative to the platform, and the distance between the two limiting parts can be adjusted to match the width of the card, thereby limiting the horizontal position deviation of the card when it enters the first transmission component.

[0012] Furthermore, the platform is provided with a transversely extending through groove, and a limiting post is fixed at the bottom of the limiting part. The limiting post passes through the through groove and is slidably connected to the platform. The limiting post is a screw structure, and its lower end is provided with an abutment part with a diameter greater than the width of the through groove. The abutment part forms a detachable locking fit with the bottom surface of the platform through a screwing action to fix the position of the limiting part.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a housing and a human-machine interface display screen integrated on the housing, the display screen being electrically connected to the feeding assembly, the printing assembly and the receiving assembly; the display screen is configured to display printing parameters in real time and receive user input commands to dynamically adjust at least one process parameter of printing temperature, printing speed and printing pressure, thereby achieving precise control of the printing process.

[0014] A ribbon roll includes: a core structure for mounting onto a feed roller of a thermal transfer printer; at least one axial end of the core structure is provided with a first identification module that matches a second identification module of the thermal transfer printer; the first identification module is configured to form an interactive verification path with the second identification module when the ribbon roll is mounted onto the feed support of the thermal transfer printer, so that the thermal transfer printer can identify and verify the legality and parameter information of the ribbon roll; the ribbon roll further includes thermal transfer printing ribbon material, and the parameter information of the ribbon material is stored in the first identification module.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] The thermal transfer printer provided by this utility model effectively solves the problem of the lack of ribbon identification and verification mechanism in the prior art by setting a first identification module at at least one axial end of the feed roller and a second identification module at a corresponding position on the feed support. The two are connected by a physical contact structure or a wireless communication module to form an interactive verification path. This design enables the printer to accurately identify the authenticity, type and parameter information of the installed ribbon, which not only effectively prevents the use of counterfeit ribbons, but also automatically optimizes printing parameters based on the identified ribbon characteristics, reduces human error and improves the consistency and stability of print quality. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a split view of the material supply support base of this utility model.

[0020] in,

[0021] 100. Feeding assembly; 111. First identification module; 112. Second connecting part; 120. Feeding support base; 121. Second identification module; 122. Receiving cavity; 123. First connecting part; 124. Bearing sleeve; 125. Annular piece; 1251. Baffle; 126. Clamping piece; 127. Stop bar;

[0022] 200. Printing components;

[0023] 300. Receiving assembly;

[0024] 400, platform; 410, through groove; 420, limiting post;

[0025] 500. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of this utility model in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, all connections / linkages involved in the patent do not simply refer to direct contact between components, but rather to the ability to form a better connection structure by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to specific implementation conditions. The various technical features in this utility model can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 A thermal transfer printer includes a feeding assembly 100, a printing assembly 200, and a receiving assembly 300. The feeding assembly 100 includes a feeding roller (not shown) and a feeding support 120. The printing assembly 200 includes a print head for printing ID cards. At least one axial end of the feeding roller is provided with a first identification module 111, and a second identification module 121 is provided on the feeding support 120 at a mounting position corresponding to the first identification module 111. The first identification module 111 and the second identification module 121 are connected via a physical contact connection structure or a wireless communication module to form an interactive verification path when the feeding roller is installed on the feeding support 120.

[0028] It is understood that by setting a first identification module 111 at at least one axial end of the feed roller, and simultaneously setting a matching second identification module 121 at a corresponding installation position on the feed support 120, an interactive verification path is established between the two identification modules when the feed roller is installed on the feed support 120. This interactive verification path can be implemented in two ways: one is a physical contact connection structure, for example, setting a first identification module 111 composed of metal contacts at the end of the feed roller, and setting a corresponding metal elastic contact composed of the second identification module 121 on the feed support 120. When the feed roller is installed in place, the two sets of contacts contact to form a circuit connection, thereby realizing information exchange; the other is a wireless communication module connection, for example, embedding an RFID tag at the end of the feed roller as the first identification module 111, and installing an RFID reader on the feed support 120 as the second identification module 121. When the feed roller is installed in place and within the effective range of the reader, the ribbon information can be read wirelessly. This effectively solves the problem of the lack of ribbon identification and verification mechanism in the prior art. This design enables the printer to accurately identify the authenticity, type, and parameter information of the installed ribbon. This not only effectively prevents the use of counterfeit ribbons but also automatically optimizes printing parameters based on the identified ribbon characteristics, reducing human error and improving the consistency and stability of print quality.

[0029] A ribbon roll includes a core structure for mounting onto the feed roller of the aforementioned thermal transfer printer, as described above. Figure 2At least one axial end of the core structure is provided with a first identification module 111 that matches the second identification module 121 of the thermal transfer printer. The first identification module 111 is configured to form an interactive verification path with the second identification module 121 when the ribbon roll is installed onto the feed support 120 of the thermal transfer printer, enabling the thermal transfer printer to identify and verify the legality and parameter information of the ribbon roll. The ribbon roll also contains thermal transfer printing ribbon material, and the parameter information of the ribbon material is stored in the first identification module 111. When the ribbon roll is installed onto the feed support 120 of the thermal transfer printer, the first identification module 111 at the core end and the second identification module 121 on the feed support 120 automatically form an interactive verification path. Through this path, the thermal transfer printer can read the information stored in the first identification module 111, thereby identifying and verifying the legality of the ribbon roll and its related parameter information. This ribbon roll also contains the actual heat transfer ribbon material used for printing. Important parameters related to this ribbon material, such as ribbon type, ribbon length, ribbon batch, applicable temperature range, and production date, are stored in the first identification module 111. If a non-original or incompatible ribbon is detected, the printer will issue a warning and refuse to print, effectively preventing card printing quality problems and printhead damage risks caused by using substandard ribbons.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first identification module 111 and the second identification module 121 are connected via a wireless communication module; the first identification module 111 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, fixedly disposed at at least one axial end of the feed roller; the second identification module 121 is an induction coil, fixedly disposed on the feed support 120 at a position radially or axially opposite to the RFID chip; when the feed roller is installed on the feed support 120, the induction coil and the RFID chip are electromagnetically coupled to form the interactive verification path. It is understood that this ensures that when the feed roller is installed in place, the induction coil and the RFID chip can be radially or axially opposite each other, maintaining an effective sensing distance. When the operator correctly installs the feed roller containing the ribbon onto the feed support 120, the induction coil generates an electromagnetic field of a specific frequency, providing energy to the RFID chip through electromagnetic induction, and simultaneously establishing an electromagnetic coupling relationship between the two, enabling the printer control system to read and verify the ribbon information stored in the RFID chip. For example, in the application scenario of ID card printing, when an operator installs a feed roller containing a color thermal transfer ribbon, the radio frequency identification chip at the end of the feed roller stores key information such as the type, specifications, and production batch of the ribbon. The induction coil on the printer reads this information through electromagnetic induction and transmits the information to the control system. The system then verifies the authenticity and suitability of the ribbon. If the verification is successful, it automatically sets the optimal printing parameters according to the characteristics of the ribbon. If the verification fails, it will issue a warning to prevent the use of an unsuitable ribbon for ID card printing, thereby protecting the printing equipment and ensuring the quality of ID card printing.

[0031] Furthermore, the RFID chip is preferably a passive chip. Passive chips do not require a built-in power supply; instead, they obtain energy from the electromagnetic field generated by an induction coil, greatly simplifying the structural design of the feeding roller, reducing costs, extending service life, and avoiding battery replacement and maintenance issues.

[0032] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2The feeding support 120 includes a bearing structure and an internally integrated receiving cavity 122. The second identification module 121 is embedded in the receiving cavity 122. A first connecting part 123 is provided around the periphery of the receiving cavity 122. The first identification module 111 is equipped with a corresponding second connecting part 112. The connection between the first identification module 111 and the second identification module 121 is achieved through the alignment and cooperation of the first connecting part 123 and the second connecting part 112 and a self-locking clamping mechanism. It can be understood that the feeding support 120, including the bearing structure and the internal receiving cavity 122, provides installation space for the second identification module 121. The second identification module 121, which is the aforementioned induction coil, is fixed inside the receiving cavity 122 by an embedded installation method. This embedded installation can protect the induction coil from the influence of the external environment and ensure that the optimal sensing distance is maintained with the radio frequency identification chip on the feeding roller. The periphery of the receiving cavity 122 is designed with a first connecting part 123, while the first identification module 111 is equipped with a corresponding second connecting part 112. During installation, the second connecting part 112 of the second identification module 121 is aligned with the first connecting part 123 on the periphery of the receiving cavity 122, and quick installation and connection are achieved through a self-locking clamping mechanism. This self-locking clamping mechanism may be in the form of a snap, thread or other form.

[0033] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2The feeding support 120 includes a bearing structure with a bearing sleeve 124. At least one baffle 1251 is circumferentially arranged on the bearing sleeve 124, and at least one stop rod 127 is correspondingly provided on the feeding support 120. A damping connection structure is provided between the baffle 1251 and the bearing sleeve 124, such that in a static state, the baffle 1251 and the stop rod 127 abut against each other to prevent the bearing sleeve 124 from rotating. However, when an external force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied, the damping connection structure allows the baffle 1251 to displace relative to the bearing sleeve 124, thereby enabling controlled rotation of the bearing sleeve 124. It is understood that, in order to achieve precise control of the ribbon tension, at least one baffle 1251 is cleverly arranged circumferentially on the bearing sleeve 124, and at least one stop rod 127 is correspondingly fixed on the feeding support 120. These two components work together to form a mechanical limiting structure. More importantly, a damping connection structure is provided between the baffle 1251 and the bearing sleeve 124. This damping connection structure can employ a torsion spring, friction plate, or other elastic element. Its design principle is to ensure that, in a static state, the baffle 1251 remains in contact with the stop rod 127, thereby preventing the bearing sleeve 124 and the connected feed roller from rotating freely. This prevents the ribbon from becoming loose or overly tense when not printing. When the printing process begins and the printer's drive system pulls the ribbon, if the applied tension exceeds a preset threshold, the damping connection structure allows the baffle 1251 to undergo a certain angular displacement relative to the bearing sleeve 124. The baffle 1251 then bypasses the stop rod 127, enabling the bearing sleeve 124 to rotate in a controlled manner, and the ribbon is then fed out evenly.

[0034] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2The damping connection structure includes a first annular piece 125 sleeved on the outer periphery of the bearing sleeve 124, a baffle 1251 fixedly disposed on the first annular piece 125; and at least two clamping pieces 126 arranged circumferentially around the first annular piece 125. The clamping pieces 126 and the first annular piece 125 form a frictional contact surface with a preset pressure. The adjustable damping effect is achieved by the friction between the first annular piece 125 and the clamping pieces 126, so that the baffle 1251 abuts against the stop rod 127 when stationary, and can overcome the friction to generate controlled displacement under the action of external force. Understandably, to produce a controllable damping effect, at least two clamping plates 126 are arranged around the first annular plate 125. These clamping plates 126 may be subjected to a preset pressure by springs or other elastic elements, so that a frictional contact surface with a precise preset pressure is formed between the clamping plates 126 and the first annular plate 125. By adjusting the magnitude of this pressure, the intensity of the frictional force can be precisely controlled, thereby achieving an adjustable damping effect. In a static state, this frictional force is sufficient to keep the baffle 1251 against the stop bar 127, preventing the bearing sleeve 124 from rotating arbitrarily. When the ribbon is subjected to a sufficiently large tension, this external force can overcome the frictional force, causing the first annular plate 125 to slide in a controlled manner within the enclosure of the clamping plates 126, driving the baffle 1251 to pass around the stop bar 127, allowing the bearing sleeve 124 to rotate smoothly.

[0035] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The system also includes a platform 400 located at the card entry point, which receives and prints the cards. The platform 400 has two laterally movable limiting parts, which are positioned opposite each other to form a card positioning channel. These limiting parts can slide relative to the platform 400, and the distance between them can be adjusted to match the card width, thereby limiting the horizontal position deviation of the card when it enters the first conveying component. Operators can manually or automatically adjust the distance between these two limiting parts according to the actual width of different card sizes to precisely match the card width, effectively limiting any potential horizontal position deviation of the card when it enters the first conveying component.

[0036] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1The platform 400 has a laterally extending through groove 410. A limiting post 420 is fixed to the bottom of the limiting part. The limiting post 420 passes through the through groove 410 and is slidably connected to the platform 400. The limiting post 420 is a screw structure, with a contact portion at its lower end having a diameter larger than the width of the through groove 410. This contact portion forms a detachable locking engagement with the bottom surface of the platform 400 through a screwing action, thereby fixing the position of the limiting part. The limiting post 420 adopts a screw structure design, which not only provides a sliding guide function but also a locking function. Specifically, the lower end of the limiting post 420 features a contact portion with a diameter larger than the width of the through groove 410. This contact portion may be a nut or an enlarged screw head. When the operator adjusts this contact portion through a screwing action, it forms a detachable locking engagement with the bottom surface of the platform 400, thus firmly fixing the position of the limiting part and preventing displacement of the limiting part during card insertion.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system further includes a housing (not shown) and a human-machine interface display screen 500 integrated on the housing. The display screen 500 is electrically connected to the feeding assembly 100, the printing assembly 200, and the receiving assembly 300. The display screen 500 is configured to display printing parameters in real time and receive user input commands to dynamically adjust at least one process parameter, such as printing temperature, printing speed, and printing pressure, thereby achieving precise control of the printing process. It is understood that the display screen 500 is configured to display various key parameters during the printing process in real time, including but not limited to the current ribbon type, remaining ribbon amount, printing temperature, printing speed, and printing pressure. Simultaneously, it can receive commands input by the user via touch or buttons, enabling the user to dynamically adjust at least one of these process parameters according to actual printing needs, thereby achieving precise control of the printing process. Through this human-machine interface, the printer can maintain optimal printing results under different card materials and environmental conditions.

[0038] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. However, the present utility model is not limited to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present utility model. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal transfer printer comprising a supply assembly, a printing assembly and a take-up assembly, the supply assembly comprising a supply roller and a supply support seat, the printing assembly comprising a print head for printing identification cards, characterized in that: at least one axial end of the supply roller is provided with a first identification module, and a mounting position corresponding to the first identification module on the supply support seat is provided with a second identification module; the first identification module and the second identification module are connected through a physical contact type connection structure or a wireless communication module to form an interactive verification channel when the supply roller is mounted to the supply support seat.

2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first identification module and the second identification module are connected through a wireless communication module; the first identification module is a radio frequency identification chip, which is fixedly arranged at least one axial end of the supply roller; the second identification module is an inductive coil, which is fixedly arranged at a position on the supply support seat that is radially or axially opposite to the radio frequency identification chip; when the supply roller is mounted to the supply support seat, the inductive coil and the radio frequency identification chip are coupled through electromagnetic induction to form the interactive verification channel.

3. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: the radio frequency identification chip is a passive chip.

4. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: the supply support seat comprises a bearing structure and an internally integrated accommodating cavity, the second identification module is embeddedly mounted inside the accommodating cavity, a first connecting portion is provided on the periphery of the accommodating cavity, the first identification module is provided with a corresponding second connecting portion, and the first identification module and the second identification module are connected through the alignment and fitting of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and a self-locking clamping mechanism.

5. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: the supply support seat comprises a bearing structure, the bearing structure is provided with a bearing sleeve, at least one baffle is arranged in the periphery of the bearing sleeve, and at least one stop rod is correspondingly arranged on the supply support seat; a damping connection structure is arranged between the baffle and the bearing sleeve, so that in a static state, the baffle abuts against the stop rod to prevent the bearing sleeve from rotating, and when an external force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied, the damping connection structure allows the baffle to displace relative to the bearing sleeve, so that the bearing sleeve can rotate in a controlled manner.

6. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: the damping connection structure comprises a first annular sheet sleeved on the periphery of the bearing sleeve, and the baffle is fixedly arranged on the first annular sheet; and at least two clamping sheets are arranged in the periphery of the first annular sheet, a frictional contact surface with a predetermined pressure is formed between the clamping sheets and the first annular sheet, and an adjustable damping effect is realized through the frictional force between the first annular sheet and the clamping sheets, so that the baffle abuts against the stop rod in a static state and can displace in a controlled manner under the action of an external force.

7. The heat transfer printer of claim 1, wherein Further comprising: a carrier arranged at the entrance of the identification cards, the carrier being used for receiving the identification cards to be printed. Two lateral movable limiting parts are arranged on the carrier, and the two limiting parts are oppositely arranged and form a card positioning channel. The limiting parts can slide relative to the carrier, and the distance between the two limiting parts is adjusted to match the width of the card, so as to limit the horizontal position deviation of the card when entering the first conveying assembly.

8. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, A transversely extending through slot is arranged on the carrier, the bottom of the limiting part is fixed with a limiting column, the limiting column passes through the through slot and is in sliding connection with the carrier; The limiting column is in the form of a screw rod, and the lower end of the limiting column is provided with an abutting portion with a diameter greater than the width of the through slot, and the abutting portion is in detachable locking cooperation with the bottom surface of the carrier through a screwing action, so as to fix the position of the limiting part.

9. The thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Further comprising a housing and a man-machine interactive display screen integrated on the housing, the display screen is in electrical connection with the feeding assembly, the printing assembly and the receiving assembly; The display screen is configured to display printing parameters in real time and receive user input instructions to dynamically adjust at least one process parameter of printing temperature, printing speed and printing pressure, so as to realize accurate control of the printing process.

10. A ribbon cartridge, characterized by, Comprising: A roll core structure for mounting to the feeding roller of the thermal transfer printer of claim 1, at least one axial end of the roll core structure is provided with a first identification module matched with a second identification module of the thermal transfer printer; The first identification module is arranged to form an interactive verification path with the second identification module when the ribbon material roll is mounted to the feeding support seat of the thermal transfer printer, so that the thermal transfer printer can identify and verify the legitimacy and parameter information of the ribbon material roll; The ribbon material roll further comprises a ribbon material for thermal transfer printing, and the parameter information of the ribbon material is stored in the first identification module.

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