Thermal transfer printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a thermal transfer printer, which is characterized in that a movable radio frequency assembly is arranged at the entrance of a card conveying channel of the thermal transfer printer, so that the relative spatial position can be dynamically adjusted according to the physical position of a chip in a card to be printed, and the directional communication coupling with the chip is established; accurate data writing of chips with unfixed positions in non-standard cards is realized. The tedious process of printing after using independent read-write equipment in the traditional process is eliminated, the read-write difficulty caused by the fact that the position of a non-standard card chip is not fixed is solved, the working efficiency and success rate of card manufacturing are remarkably improved, the operation complexity and the rejection rate of cards are reduced, and the production cost is reduced. Meanwhile, by integrating data writing and printing functions, integrated processing of the card manufacturing process is achieved, and the requirements of modern intelligent card manufacturing for high efficiency and high accuracy are met.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Traditional thermal transfer printers primarily focus on printing text and image information on ID cards, lacking the ability to read and write data to the card's built-in chip. In applications requiring simultaneous card printing and chip data writing, a separate RFID reader / writer is typically used to write data to the card chip before the card is fed into the thermal transfer printer for text and image printing. This results in a cumbersome and inefficient card production process.

[0003] With the widespread adoption of smart cards, more and more non-standard card products have appeared on the market. The location of the built-in chip in these cards is not fixed; it can be distributed anywhere on the card. For these non-standard cards, writing data using traditional standalone readers / writers faces greater challenges because conventional devices often assume the chip is in its standard position on the card. When the chip position changes, operators need to repeatedly adjust the relative positions of the card and the reader / writer to successfully complete the data writing operation. This not only significantly reduces production efficiency but also increases operational complexity and error rates, failing to meet the high efficiency and accuracy requirements of modern card manufacturing. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a thermal transfer printer that integrates a movable radio frequency component, which can dynamically adjust the communication position according to the actual position of the chip in a non-standard card, thereby achieving high-efficiency data writing before printing.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A thermal transfer printer includes: a printing module, a card delivery channel, and an radio frequency (RF) component; the RF component is movably disposed at the entrance of the card delivery channel, and the RF component can dynamically adjust its relative spatial position with the card according to the physical position of the chip in the card to be printed in order to establish directional communication coupling with the chip; the RF component is used to complete the data writing to the chip before the card is transmitted to the printing module for printing operation via the card delivery channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the radio frequency component includes a partition, a radio frequency chip, and a cover plate; the radio frequency chip is detachably mounted on the mounting surface of the partition, and the cover plate is detachably connected to the partition to form a closed accommodating space for the radio frequency chip; a signal port is provided on the partition, and the projection area of ​​the signal port covers the antenna radiation area of ​​the radio frequency chip.

[0008] Furthermore, the position-adjustable radio frequency component includes a partition, a radio frequency chip, and a cover plate; the cover plate has a receiving cavity facing the partition, the radio frequency chip is fixedly disposed in the receiving cavity, the cover plate and the partition are movably connected, so that the cover plate drives the radio frequency chip to move relative to the partition plate; a signal port is opened on the partition plate, and when the cover plate is connected to the partition plate, the projection area of ​​the signal port covers the antenna radiation area of ​​the radio frequency chip.

[0009] Furthermore, the partition is movably disposed at the entrance of the card conveying channel in a vertical direction, so as to adjust the communication coupling position between the radio frequency chip and the chip inside the card by the vertical displacement of the partition.

[0010] Furthermore, the partition is provided with a first partition side and a second partition side at both ends along its length direction. The first partition side and the second partition side are arranged parallel to each other and both extend in a direction away from the card conveying channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the first partition and the second partition are integrally formed with the partition plate, and the connection between the first partition, the second partition and the partition plate is provided with an arc transition structure to disperse the stress concentration of the partition plate during vertical adjustment.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes: a platform set at the card entry point, the platform being used to receive and print the card; the platform is provided with two horizontally movable limiting parts, the two limiting parts being 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 card width, thereby limiting the horizontal position deviation of the card when it enters the first transmission component.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Furthermore, the radio frequency chip is an ultra-high frequency radio frequency chip, and the operating frequency band of the ultra-high frequency radio frequency chip is configured to be 860MHz to 960MHz.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a housing and a display screen disposed on the housing, the display screen being electrically connected to the printing module and the radio frequency components; the display screen is configured to display printing parameters and receive user input to adjust at least one parameter of printing speed, printing resolution, and radio frequency writing power.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] This invention incorporates a movable radio frequency component at the card delivery channel entrance of a thermal transfer printer. This component dynamically adjusts its relative spatial position based on the physical location of the chip within the card to be printed, establishing directional communication coupling with the chip. This enables precise data writing to chips in non-standard cards with variable positions. This not only eliminates the cumbersome process of using separate reading / writing devices before printing, but also solves the reading / writing difficulties caused by the variable positions of chips in non-standard cards. It significantly improves the efficiency and success rate of card production, reduces operational complexity and card reject rates. Furthermore, by integrating data writing and printing functions, it achieves integrated processing of the card production process, meeting the high efficiency and accuracy requirements of modern smart card production. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the radio frequency component of this utility model.

[0022] in,

[0023] 100. Outer casing; 110. Display screen;

[0024] 200. Card delivery channel;

[0025] 300. Radio frequency component; 310. Separator; 311. First partition; 312. Second partition; 320. Radio frequency chip; 330. Cover plate; 340. Signal port;

[0026] 400, platform; 410, limiting part; 411, limiting post; 420, through groove. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 A thermal transfer printer includes a printing module, a card delivery channel 200, and an radio frequency (RF) component 300. The RF component 300 is movably disposed at the entrance of the card delivery channel 200. The RF component 300 can dynamically adjust its relative spatial position with the card according to the physical position of the chip within the card to be printed, thereby establishing directional communication coupling with the chip. The RF component 300 is used to write data to the chip before the card is transmitted through the card delivery channel 200 to the printing module for printing. It is understood that in this thermal transfer printer, the RF component 300 is a movable structure and is installed at the entrance of the card delivery channel 200. When different types of cards need to be processed, the RF component 300 can dynamically adjust its relative spatial position with the card according to the physical position of the chip within the card to be printed, thereby establishing directional communication coupling with the chip. For example, when processing a batch of non-standard smart access cards with chips located in the upper left corner, the RF component 300 can automatically or manually adjust to the corresponding position; while when processing another batch of membership cards with chips located in the center, the RF component 300 can adjust to the new position accordingly. This flexibility ensures that the RF component 300 can establish a stable communication connection with the chip regardless of its location on the card. Before the card is conveyed to the printing module through the card delivery channel 200 for printing, the RF component 300 completes the necessary data writing to the chip, such as writing access information for access cards or personal identification data for membership cards, thus making the entire card production process more efficient and streamlined.

[0029] In some embodiments, the movement of the RF component 300 can be achieved in multiple ways. Specifically, the RF component 300 can be mounted on a two-dimensional planar moving mechanism composed of a horizontal slide rail and a vertical slide rail, and its precise position adjustment in the XY plane can be achieved by a stepper motor drive, with a stepping accuracy of up to 0.1 mm, ensuring perfect alignment with the card chip. In another embodiment, the RF component 300 can be mounted on a multi-joint robotic arm with three degrees of freedom, enabling more flexible spatial position adjustment to adapt to various complex chip distribution situations. Yet another embodiment employs a pneumatic piston-driven platform structure, on which the RF component 300 is fixed. The platform position is adjusted by controlling the air pressure, featuring fast response and low noise. In high-end embodiments, a visual positioning system is also provided, which automatically identifies the position of the chip on the card using a miniature camera, and then controls a servo motor to drive the RF component 300 to precisely move to the corresponding position, achieving a fully automated positioning and communication process.

[0030] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 The radio frequency component 300 includes a partition 310, a radio frequency chip 320, and a cover plate 330. The radio frequency chip 320 is detachably mounted on the mounting surface of the partition 310, and the cover plate 330 is detachably connected to the partition 310 to form a closed accommodating space for the radio frequency chip 320. A signal port 340 is provided on the partition 310, and the projection area of ​​the signal port 340 covers the antenna radiation area of ​​the radio frequency chip 320.

[0031] Specifically, the radio frequency chip 320 is detachably mounted on the mounting surface of the partition 310 and is located at the corresponding position of the signal port 340.

[0032] More specifically, the radio frequency (RF) component 300 includes a partition 310, an RF chip 320, and a cover 330. The RF chip 320 is detachably mounted on the mounting surface of the partition 310, allowing for manual adjustment of its position. Simultaneously, the cover 330 and the partition 310 are also detachably connected, forming a closed enclosure that effectively protects the internal RF chip 320 from external dust, moisture, and physical damage. A signal port 340 is provided on the partition 310, its projection area completely covering the antenna radiation area of ​​the RF chip 320, ensuring that RF signals can pass unobstructed through the partition 310 and communicate effectively with the chip inside the card.

[0033] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the position-adjustable RF component 300 includes a partition 310, an RF chip 320, and a cover plate 330. The cover plate 330 has a receiving cavity facing the partition 310, and the RF chip 320 is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity. The cover plate 330 is movably connected to the partition 310, such that the cover plate 330 drives the RF chip 320 to move relative to the partition 310. The partition 310 has a signal port 340, and when the cover plate 330 is connected to the partition 310, the projection area of ​​the signal port 340 covers the antenna radiation area of ​​the RF chip 320. Unlike the aforementioned embodiments, here the cover plate 330 has a receiving cavity facing the partition 310, and the RF chip 320 is fixedly disposed inside this receiving cavity, rather than being directly mounted on the partition 310. The cover plate 330 and the partition plate 310 are movably connected. This connection allows the cover plate 330 to move the RF chip 320 within its housing relative to the fixed partition plate 310, thereby achieving fine-tuning of the RF chip 320's position. The partition plate 310 still has a signal port 340. When the cover plate 330 and the partition plate 310 are connected and assembled, the system ensures that the adjusted position allows the projection area of ​​the signal port 340 to completely cover the antenna radiation area of ​​the RF chip 320, guaranteeing effective RF signal transmission.

[0034] In some embodiments, the radio frequency chip 320 is an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency chip 320, which operates in the frequency band of 860MHz to 960MHz. This frequency band is within the UHF RFID standard band, enabling the thermal transfer printer to be compatible with card standards worldwide. UHF technology has significant advantages over low-frequency and high-frequency technologies, especially in terms of reading distance and data transmission rate, enabling efficient communication without direct contact with the card.

[0035] In some embodiments, the partition 310 is movably disposed vertically at the entrance of the card conveying channel 200 to adjust the communication coupling position between the radio frequency chip 320 and the chip inside the card by the vertical displacement of the partition 310. It is understood that the partition 310 achieves vertical movement via a lifting mechanism (not shown), solving the problem of chip height differences that may exist between different types of cards. When a card enters the conveying channel, the system can control the partition 310 to adjust its vertical displacement according to preset card type parameters or through real-time detection, thereby precisely changing the vertical position relationship between the radio frequency chip 320 mounted on the partition 310 and the chip inside the card, ensuring that an optimal communication coupling position can be established between them.

[0036] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism can be a gear and rack combination driven by a stepper motor. The stepper motor controls the rotation of the gear with a precise step of 0.1mm, driving the rack to move up and down, thereby achieving precise lifting and lowering of the partition 310. The adjustment range can reach 15mm, which is sufficient to handle the positional differences of various card chips. In another embodiment, the lifting mechanism adopts a micro electric screw slide structure. The motor drives the screw to rotate, converting the rotational motion into linear up and down movement of the partition 310. This mechanism has self-locking performance and can maintain its position even when power is off. Another embodiment uses a precision pneumatic cylinder as the lifting mechanism. By controlling the air pressure, precise control of the position of the partition 310 is achieved. It has a fast response speed and is suitable for high-speed card processing scenarios. In a more advanced embodiment, the lifting mechanism adopts a combination of a servo motor and a ball screw, equipped with a position feedback sensor to form a closed-loop control system. This not only achieves higher precision position control but also automatically finds the optimal coupling position based on real-time communication quality. It is sufficient to achieve vertical movement of the partition 310.

[0037] In some embodiments, to enhance the stability and functionality of the RF component 300 structure, the partition 310 employs an edge-reinforced design, as shown in the reference. Figure 3 Specifically, a first partition 311 and a second partition 312 are respectively provided at both ends of the partition 310 along its length. These two partitions are arranged in parallel and extend away from the card conveying channel 200, forming a stable "U"-shaped structure. First, this effectively enhances the mechanical strength of the partition 310. When the partition 310 moves and adjusts its position in the vertical direction, especially at high speeds, it may be subjected to vibration and stress. These two partitions act like "ribs" in engineering structures, preventing the partition 310 from bending or deforming and ensuring that the RF component 300 maintains a precise spatial position after multiple lifting and lowering operations. At the same time, the first partition 311 and the second partition 312 also have a stop function. When the partition 310 moves to the preset highest or lowest position, the partitions can contact the limiting structure on the device to prevent the partition 310 from moving beyond the safe range, thus protecting the RF chip 320 and the drive mechanism.

[0038] Furthermore, the first partition 311 and the second partition 312 are integrally formed with the partition plate 310, and the connection between the first partition 311, the second partition 312 and the partition plate 310 is provided with an arc transition structure to disperse the stress concentration experienced by the partition plate 310 during vertical adjustment. On the one hand, the integrally formed structure eliminates the structural weaknesses that may exist in traditional welding or mechanical connections, greatly improving the structural integrity and service life of the entire radio frequency assembly 300; on the other hand, the arc transition structure at the connection between the first partition 311, the second partition 312 and the partition plate 310, instead of the traditional right-angle connection, effectively disperses the stress concentration experienced by the partition plate 310 during vertical adjustment.

[0039] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 , 2 To address the issue of precise positioning before card printing, a platform 400 is installed at the card entry point. This platform 400 receives the cards to be printed. Two laterally movable limiting parts 410 are provided on the platform 400, positioned opposite each other to form a card positioning channel. The limiting parts 410 can slide relative to the platform 400, and the distance between the two limiting parts 410 can be adjusted to match the card width, thereby limiting the horizontal position deviation of the card when it enters the first conveying component. The two limiting parts 410 can slide and adjust relative to the platform 400, allowing the operator to adjust the distance between them according to the actual card width used, ensuring precise matching of different card sizes. The limiting parts 410 can be limiting plates, limiting blocks, or similar structures, serving to clamp the card.

[0040] Furthermore, the platform 400 is provided with a laterally extending through groove 420. A limiting post 411 is fixed to the bottom of the limiting part 410. The limiting post 411 passes through the through groove 420 and is slidably connected to the platform 400. The limiting post 411 is a screw structure, with an abutment portion at its lower end having a diameter larger than the width of the through groove 420. The abutment portion forms a detachable locking engagement with the bottom surface of the platform 400 through a screwing action to fix the position of the limiting part 410. The through groove 420 provides a moving track for the precise adjustment of the limiting part 410. The limiting post 411, passing through the through groove 420 and forming a slidable connection with the platform 400, allows the limiting part 410 to move freely along the direction of the through groove 420 to adjust its width. The limiting post 411 adopts a screw structure design, which not only provides strength assurance, but more importantly, it has an abutment part at its lower end with a diameter greater than the width of the through groove 420. This abutment part does not pass through the through groove 420, but stays on the bottom surface of the platform 400. It forms a detachable locking fit with the bottom surface of the platform 400 through a screwing action, thereby fixing the position of the limiting part 410.

[0041] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1It also includes a housing 100 and a display screen 110 mounted on the housing 100. The display screen 110 can display various key parameters of the current printing job in real time, and also receive direct input commands from the user. Through this human-machine interface, operators can precisely adjust at least one key parameter, including printing speed, printing resolution, and RF writing power, according to different card materials and application requirements. This parameter adjustment function is crucial for improving the quality and efficiency of card production.

[0042] 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 characterized by comprising: Comprising: a printing module, a card conveying channel, and a radio frequency assembly; the radio frequency assembly is movably arranged at the entrance of the card conveying channel, and the radio frequency assembly can dynamically adjust the relative spatial position between the radio frequency assembly and the card according to the physical position of the chip in the card to be printed to establish a directional communication coupling with the chip; the radio frequency assembly is used to complete the data writing of the chip before the printing operation of the card conveyed to the printing module through the card conveying channel.

2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: the radio frequency assembly comprises a partition plate, a radio frequency chip, and a cover plate; the radio frequency chip is detachably mounted on the mounting surface of the partition plate, and the cover plate is detachably connected with the partition plate to form a closed containing space for the radio frequency chip; a signal port is formed on the partition plate, and the projection area of the signal port covers the antenna radiation area of the radio frequency chip.

3. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: the radio frequency assembly comprises a partition plate, a radio frequency chip, and a cover plate; the cover plate has a containing cavity facing the partition plate, and the radio frequency chip is fixedly arranged in the containing cavity, and the cover plate is movably connected with the partition plate, so that the cover plate drives the radio frequency chip to displace relative to the partition plate; a signal port is formed on the partition plate, and when the cover plate is connected with the partition plate, the projection area of the signal port covers the antenna radiation area of the radio frequency chip.

4. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: the partition plate is movably arranged along the vertical direction at the entrance of the card conveying channel, so as to adjust the communication coupling position between the radio frequency chip and the chip in the card by the up-down displacement of the partition plate.

5. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: the partition plate is provided with a first partition edge and a second partition edge at both ends along the length direction of the partition plate, respectively, and the first partition edge and the second partition edge are arranged in parallel and extend away from the card conveying channel.

6. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: the first partition edge and the second partition edge are integrally formed with the partition plate, and the connection between the first partition edge, the second partition edge, and the partition plate is provided with a circular arc transition structure for dispersing the stress concentration of the partition plate during vertical adjustment.

7. The heat transfer printer of claim 1, wherein Further comprising: a carrier arranged at the entrance of the card, the carrier is used to receive the card to be printed; two laterally 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 to adjust the distance between the two limiting parts 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, and the limiting column passes through the through slot and is slidably connected with the carrier; The limiting column is a screw rod structure, and a diameter-larger-than-slot-width abutting portion is arranged at the lower end of the limiting column.

9. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The radio frequency chip is an ultra-high frequency radio frequency chip, and a working frequency band of the ultra-high frequency radio frequency chip is configured as 860-960 MHz.

10. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a housing and a display screen arranged on the housing, the display screen being electrically connected with the printing module and the radio frequency component; The display screen is configured to display printing parameters and receive user input to adjust at least one of printing speed, printing resolution, and radio frequency writing power.

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