Thermal transfer printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a thermal transfer printer. The printer comprises a winding and unwinding shaft component, a printing head pressing component, a printing head component, a printing channel component and a printing head jacking component. The winding and unwinding shaft part is used for installing a ribbon cartridge and driving a ribbon to realize winding and unwinding actions; the printing head pressing part is used for pressing the printing head part above the colored tape and the printing medium, and the printing head jacking part is used for jacking the printing head part, so that the colored tape is separated from the printing medium. According to the utility model, the colored tape and the printing medium can be synchronously conveyed during normal printing, the colored tape is separated from the printing medium when no printing content exists, the printing medium is independently conveyed, and the colored tape is immovable, so that the purpose of saving the colored tape is achieved, and the cost is reduced. And through the arrangement of a middle partition plate in the printing channel part, free conversion between a single channel and double channels can be ingeniously achieved, the problems of double-channel printing of narrow and small printing media and single-channel printing of wide and large printing media are solved, the printing efficiency is greatly improved, and the application range of the printer is widened.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, all existing thermal transfer printers transmit the printing media and ribbon simultaneously during printing, meaning the thermal transfer of the printed content occurs while the printing media and ribbon are being transmitted synchronously. This results in the ribbon continuing to be transmitted even when there is no printing content, leading to low ribbon utilization and significant waste.

[0003] Furthermore, existing thermal transfer printers all use a single channel to transfer printing media, and can only print one printing medium at a time, resulting in low printing efficiency and long printing time.

[0004] Therefore, it is evident that the existing thermal transfer printers still have inconveniences and shortcomings in terms of structure, method, and use, and urgently need further improvement. How to create a new thermal transfer printer that can overcome the problem of severe ribbon waste, achieve single-channel and dual-channel switching, meet the high efficiency of dual-channel printing with narrow consumables, and also accommodate the printing needs of wide consumables has become a pressing goal for the industry. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a thermal transfer printer that can overcome the problem of serious ribbon waste, and can also realize the conversion between single channel and dual channel, meet the high efficiency of dual channel printing of narrow consumables, and can also take into account the printing needs of wide consumables, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of existing thermal transfer printers.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a thermal transfer printer, including a frame and a main upright plate disposed on one side thereof. The main upright plate, from top to bottom, is provided with a roll-up / unroller assembly, a printhead clamping assembly, a printhead assembly, a print channel assembly, and a printhead lifting assembly.

[0007] The take-up and unwinding spool component is used to install the ribbon cassette and drive the ribbon to perform take-up and unwinding actions. The ribbon pulled out of the ribbon cassette is located between the printhead component and the print channel component.

[0008] The printhead assembly includes a printhead support shaft, a printhead bracket, a thermal printhead, a return spring, and a return lever. The printhead support shaft is rotatably mounted through the main support plate. The printhead bracket is installed at the front end of the main support plate, and the return spring and return lever are installed at the rear end of the main support plate. The printhead bracket can rotate with the printhead support shaft, and the thermal printhead is fixed to the free-rotating end of the printhead bracket.

[0009] The printhead clamping component includes a clamping rotating shaft, a clamping handle, a clamping bracket, and a retractable clamping end. The clamping rotating shaft is rotatably mounted through the main upright plate. The clamping handle and clamping bracket are installed at the front end of the main upright plate. The retractable clamping end is mounted on the clamping bracket. Under external force, the clamping handle drives the clamping rotating shaft and clamping bracket to rotate, which in turn drives the retractable clamping end to rotate. When the retractable clamping end rotates downward, it abuts against the printhead bracket of the printhead component, causing the printhead bracket to rotate downward until the heating surface of the thermal printhead presses against the ribbon and printing medium. When the retractable clamping end rotates upward, it disengages from the printhead bracket. The printhead bracket returns to its original position upward under the action of the return spring and the return lever.

[0010] The printing channel component, used to provide a channel for the printing medium and facilitate the transmission of the printing medium, includes a channel support fixed to the lower part of the main plate;

[0011] The printhead lifting component includes a camshaft and a cam mounted thereon, a power gear at the end of the camshaft, and a push rod assembly opposite to the cam. The camshaft is mounted to the bottom of the front and rear side walls of the channel support via a bushing. The push rod assembly is vertically constrained to the inner side of the side wall of the channel support and can slide up and down. The lower end of the push rod assembly contacts the cam surface of the cam, and its upper end contacts the bottom of the printhead bracket. When the cam rotates under the drive of the power gear, it can drive the push rod assembly to slide upward, thereby lifting the printhead bracket within the telescopic range of the telescopic clamping end, causing the ribbon to separate from the printing medium. At this time, the printing medium continues to be conveyed, while the ribbon stops conveying, achieving the purpose of saving ribbon.

[0012] In a further improvement, the retractable clamping end includes a hemispherical end, a clamping spring, an adjusting knob, and a central shaft. The lower end of the central shaft is fixedly connected to the upper end of the hemispherical end. The upper end of the central shaft extends into the lower central stepped hole of the clamping bracket, and the upper end of the central shaft is provided with an expansion portion to prevent the central shaft from coming out of the central stepped hole. The upper inner side of the adjusting knob is provided with an internal thread for connection with the lower external thread of the clamping bracket. The lower inner side of the adjusting knob is provided with a countersunk hole for the upper end of the clamping spring to abut. The lower end of the clamping spring is connected to the upper end face of the hemispherical end, so the hemispherical end can elastically extend and retract under the action of the clamping spring. The adjusting knob can realize the adjustment of the tension of the clamping spring.

[0013] In a further improvement, the printhead lifting component includes two cams and two corresponding push rod assemblies. The two push rod assemblies are respectively vertically defined on the inner side of the front and rear side walls of the channel support, and the bottom end of the push rod assembly is provided with a rolling bearing that contacts the cam surface.

[0014] In a further improvement, the printing channel component also includes a feed roller assembly, a printing roller assembly, and an output roller assembly mounted on the upper part of the channel support, as well as two floating roller assemblies and a sliding assembly mounted on the main upright plate;

[0015] The feeding roller assembly, printing roller assembly, and discharging roller assembly each include roller shafts arranged parallel to each other and meshing gears fixed to the ends of the roller shafts, for synchronous transmission of the printing medium.

[0016] The floating rubber roller assembly includes a support shaft, a floating plate, a long shaft, and a floating torsion spring. The support shaft is fixed to the main upright plate, the floating plate is rotatably mounted on the support shaft, the long shaft is mounted on the floating end of the floating plate, and the floating torsion spring is sleeved on the support shaft. One end of the floating torsion spring is fixed to the support shaft, and the other end contacts the floating plate and causes the floating plate to press down. Two floating rubber roller assemblies are respectively symmetrically arranged above the feed rubber roller assembly and the discharge rubber roller assembly.

[0017] The sliding assembly includes a sliding plate, a sliding plate support shaft, and a rack. The upper surface of the sliding plate is provided with at least two inclined grooves. Each of the two floating plates is provided with a floating shaft extending into the inclined groove. The middle part of the sliding plate is also provided with at least two elongated holes. The sliding plate support shaft is disposed in the elongated holes. The other end of the sliding plate support shaft is fixed to the main upright plate. One end of the rack is fixedly connected to the sliding plate, and the other end is provided with teeth. When the teeth move horizontally under the action of external power, they drive the sliding plate to move horizontally along the elongated holes. Thus, the two floating plates are raised or lowered under the action of the inclined grooves. When raised, the printing medium is installed; when lowered, the printing medium is pressed.

[0018] In a further improvement, the printing channel component also includes a centering clamping assembly, which includes a threaded shaft and guide shafts located on both sides thereon, as well as two clamping plates perpendicularly connected to the threaded shaft and guide shafts;

[0019] The threaded shaft is a bidirectional threaded shaft, with its two ends rotatably mounted on the front and rear side walls of the channel support, and a threaded shaft knob is provided at the end extending out of the channel support.

[0020] The guide shaft includes a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft, which are rotatably mounted on the front and rear side walls of the channel support, respectively. The ends extending out of the channel support are respectively provided with a first knob and a second knob.

[0021] The clamping plate is provided with through holes corresponding to the threaded shaft, the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft respectively. The through hole corresponding to the threaded shaft is provided with a threaded sleeve that engages with the threaded shaft. The threaded sleeves on the two clamping plates are respectively corresponding to the bidirectional threads of the threaded shaft. Each of the two clamping plates is provided with at least two clamping posts on its upper part. By rotating the threaded shaft knob, the threaded shaft is driven to rotate. The two clamping plates move towards each other or away from each other under the action of the bidirectional threads, thereby adjusting the distance between the clamping posts on the two clamping plates according to the width of the printing medium.

[0022] In a further improvement, the centering clamping assembly also includes a middle partition plate located between the two clamping plates. One end of the middle partition plate is rotatably mounted on the first guide shaft. The middle partition plate has clearance grooves in its center for the threaded shaft and the second guide shaft to pass through. A pull ring is connected to the bottom of the other end of the middle partition plate, and the upper end of the pull ring is fixed to the side wall of the channel support. The bottom of the middle partition plate has a horizontal flange, and the upper part of the middle partition plate has a dividing post. A rotating protrusion is fixed in the middle of the second guide shaft, and the free end of the rotating protrusion abuts against… When the horizontal flange is pressed against the second knob, the second guide shaft is driven to rotate by rotating the second knob. The rotating protrusion presses down on the horizontal flange, thereby causing the middle partition to rotate downward, so that the middle partition does not affect the installation and transfer of the printing medium between the two clamping plates. At this time, the printer is printing in a single channel. After rotating the second knob in the opposite direction, the rotating protrusion does not apply pressure to the horizontal flange. The middle partition rotates upward under the action of the pull ring. The partition post is flush with the clamping post on both sides to form a double channel. At this time, the printer is printing in a double channel.

[0023] In a further improvement, a sliding gear is provided at the end of the first guide shaft away from the first knob. The sliding gear meshes with the teeth of the rack, so that rotating the first knob can drive the rack to move horizontally.

[0024] In a further improvement, the printing channel component also includes a drive assembly disposed at the rear end of the main upright plate. The drive assembly includes a mounting plate and a main motor and an auxiliary motor disposed on the mounting plate. The output shafts of the main motor and the auxiliary motor both pass through the mounting plate. The mounting plate is also provided with a first reduction gear and a second reduction gear that mesh with the output gears of the main motor and the auxiliary motor, respectively. The first reduction gear also meshes with a gear in the printing roller assembly to realize the transmission of printing media. The second reduction gear also meshes with a power gear in the print head lifting component to realize the ribbon saving function.

[0025] In a further improvement, the take-up and unwinding shaft components include a take-up shaft assembly, an unwinding shaft assembly, and a take-up drive assembly. The take-up shaft assembly includes a take-up metal shaft, a take-up gear, a first damping spring, and a first bushing. The take-up metal shaft is rotatably mounted on the main upright plate. The take-up gear is mounted on the rear end of the main upright plate, and the first damping spring and the first bushing are mounted on the front end of the main upright plate. The first bushing can rotate around the take-up metal shaft under the action of the first damping spring.

[0026] The unwinding shaft assembly includes an unwinding metal shaft, a second damping spring, and a second bushing. One end of the unwinding metal shaft is fixed to the main upright plate, and the other end is equipped with the second damping spring and the second bushing. The second bushing can rotate around the unwinding metal shaft under the action of the second damping spring.

[0027] The winding drive assembly includes a winding drive motor and a winding reduction gear. The output gear of the winding drive motor meshes with the winding reduction gear, and the winding reduction gear meshes with the winding gear to realize the winding and unwinding actions.

[0028] In a further improvement, the printer also includes a pre-feed tube module mounted on the frame. The pre-feed tube module includes a support frame and a drive roller shaft, a swing shaft, a photoelectric sensor shaft, a photoelectric plate, and a power motor mounted thereon. The drive roller shaft is rotatably fixed to the support frame, with one end in contact with the swing shaft's rollers and the other end equipped with a roller gear. The roller gear meshes with the output shaft of the power motor. The swing shaft is rotatably mounted on the support frame via a swing plate and is pressed down on the drive roller shaft by a first torsion spring. One end of the photoelectric sensor shaft is rotatably mounted on the support frame. The other end is suspended by a sensing plate. The photoelectric plate is set on the support frame and can form a signal sensing with the sensing plate of the photoelectric sensing shaft. The suspended end of the photoelectric sensing shaft is pressed down by the second torsion spring to below the upper end surface of the active rubber roller shaft. After the printing medium passes between the active rubber roller shaft and the swing shaft, it passes under the suspended end of the photoelectric sensing shaft and then enters the printing channel component. When the printing medium is consumed and tightened, the printing medium drives the suspended end of the photoelectric sensing shaft to gradually rise. When the photoelectric plate senses the sensing plate, it triggers the power motor to start, realizing the pre-feeding of the printing medium.

[0029] With this design, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0030] 1. This utility model of thermal transfer printer, through the arrangement of a printhead component, a printhead clamping component, a print channel component, and a printhead lifting component, enables the synchronous transmission of the ribbon and printing media during normal printing. When there is no printing content, the ribbon and printing media can be separated through the cooperation of the printhead lifting component and the printhead clamping component. At this time, the printing media continues to be transmitted while the ribbon remains stationary, thus saving ribbon, reducing costs, and solving the problem that current printers transmit the ribbon along with the printing media even when there is no printing content, resulting in the ribbon not being used and being wasted after rewinding.

[0031] 2. Furthermore, by setting up floating roller assemblies and sliding assemblies in the printing channel components, the floating roller assembly can be easily raised and lowered to meet the needs of printing media installation and transmission.

[0032] 3. Furthermore, the centering clamping component can meet the printing needs of different printing media, prevent the printing media from tilting during transmission, and ensure printing quality.

[0033] 4. Furthermore, the design of the intermediate partition allows for seamless switching between single-channel and dual-channel operation, solving the problem of dual-channel printing on narrow printing media and single-channel printing on wide printing media. This significantly improves printing efficiency for narrow consumables while also accommodating the application of wide consumables, thus expanding the printer's applicability.

[0034] 5. Furthermore, the pre-feed module enables the pre-feeding of printing media. Especially for printing media with high elasticity and large winding force, it can be used to feed the printing media a certain distance in advance during the printing process, ensuring that the printing media always remains in a relaxed state and that the printing media is not dragged during the printing process, thus ensuring print quality. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model, the following describes this utility model in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of the main upright plate in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a rear view structural diagram of the main upright plate in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a top view of the main upright plate in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead component in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead clamping component in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the printing channel component in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the printing channel component in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding roller assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the printing roller assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the output roller assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0047] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the floating roller assembly and sliding assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead lifting assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead lifting assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the central clamping component in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the middle partition in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0052] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating protrusion in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0053] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the drive component in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0054] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-feed tube assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model.

[0055] Figure 20 This is a partial structural diagram of the pre-feed tube assembly in the thermal transfer printer of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0057] This utility model is a thermal transfer printer that achieves thermal transfer printing of printing media through a thermal printhead and ribbon. The printing media can be, but is not limited to, heat shrink tubing, sleeves, stickers, signs, etc.

[0058] See attached document Figure 1 As shown, the thermal transfer printer in this embodiment includes a frame 1 and a main plate 2 disposed on one side of the frame 1. The main plate 2 is provided with a roll winding component 3, a print head pressing component 5, a print head component 6, a print channel component 7, a cutter module 8, a pre-feed tube module 9, and a print head lifting component 10 from top to bottom.

[0059] The frame 1 is a sheet metal structure, mainly used for mounting and supporting the main modules and outer shell of the printer. The main support plate 2 is a cast aluminum structure and is fixed to the frame 1. The take-up and unwind roll assembly 3, printhead clamping assembly 5, printhead assembly 6, and print channel assembly 7 are all mounted and fixed to the main support plate 2. The take-up and unwind roll assembly 3 is used to install the ribbon cartridge 4 and drive the ribbon to achieve take-up and unwind actions. The cutter module 8 is installed at the exit position of the print channel assembly 7 and is used to cut the printing medium. The pre-feed tube module 9 is installed on the frame 1. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the ribbon cartridge 4 and the cutter module 8 can adopt existing structures. The ribbon cartridge 4 is installed on the take-up and unwind roll when printing is required, and the extracted ribbon is located between the printhead assembly 6 and the print channel assembly 7. The cutter module 8 can perform half-cut or full-cut.

[0060] For more details, please refer to the appendix. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the take-up and unwind spindle assembly 3 includes a take-up spindle assembly 31, an unwind spindle assembly 32, and a take-up drive assembly 33. The take-up spindle assembly 31 includes a take-up metal shaft 311, a take-up gear 312, a first damping spring 313, and a first bushing 314. The take-up metal shaft 311 is rotatably mounted on the main upright plate 2. The take-up gear 312 is mounted at the rear end of the main upright plate 2, and two first damping springs 313 and two first bushings 314 are mounted at the front end of the main upright plate 2. The first bushings 314 can rotate around the take-up metal shaft 311 under the action of the first damping springs 313. The entire take-up spindle assembly 3 can rotate freely within the mounting holes of the main upright plate 2.

[0061] The unwinding shaft assembly 32 includes an unwinding metal shaft 321, a second damping spring 322, and a second bushing 323. One end of the unwinding metal shaft 321 is fixed to the main upright plate 2 and cannot be rotated. The other end is equipped with two second damping springs 322 and two second bushings 323. The second bushings 323 can rotate around the unwinding metal shaft 321 under the action of the second damping springs 322.

[0062] The winding drive assembly 33 is installed behind the main upright plate 2 and includes a winding drive motor 331 and a winding reduction gear 332. The output gear 333 of the winding drive motor 331 meshes with the winding reduction gear 332, and the winding reduction gear 332 also meshes with the winding gear 312 to realize the winding and unwinding action. The winding reduction gear 332 adopts a double-layer gear.

[0063] See attached document Figure 5As shown, the printhead component 6 in this embodiment includes a printhead support shaft 61, a printhead bracket 62, a thermal printhead 63, a return spring 64, and a return lever 65. The printhead support shaft 61 is rotatably mounted through the main support plate 2. The printhead bracket 62 is mounted on the front end of the main support plate 2, and the return spring 64 and return lever 65 are mounted on the rear end of the main support plate 2. The printhead bracket 62 can rotate with the printhead support shaft 64, and the thermal printhead 63 is fixed to the free-rotating end of the printhead bracket 62.

[0064] See attached document Figure 6 As shown, the printhead clamping component 5 includes a clamping rotating shaft 51, a clamping handle 52, a clamping bracket 53, a retractable clamping end 54, and a sensor baffle 55. The clamping rotating shaft 51 is rotatably mounted through the main upright plate 2. The clamping handle 52 and the clamping bracket 53 are installed at the front end of the main upright plate 2, and the retractable clamping end 54 is mounted on the clamping bracket 53. The sensor baffle 55 is installed at the rear end of the main upright plate 2. Under the action of external force, the clamping handle 52 drives the clamping rotating shaft 51 and the clamping bracket 53 to rotate, thereby driving the retractable clamping end 54 to rotate. When the retractable clamping end 54 rotates downward, it abuts against the printhead bracket 62 of the printhead component 6, causing the printhead bracket 62 to rotate downward until the heating surface of the thermal printhead 63 presses against the ribbon and printing medium. At this time, the sensor baffle 55 receives a signal, and the printer can start printing. When the retractable clamping end 54 rotates upward, it disengages from the printhead bracket 62. The printhead bracket 62 returns to its original position under the action of the return spring 64 and the return lever 65, and can then be used to install the ribbon cartridge 4.

[0065] In this embodiment, the telescopic clamping end 54 includes a hemispherical end 541, a clamping spring 542, an adjusting knob 543, and a central shaft 544. The lower end of the central shaft 544 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the hemispherical end 541. The upper end of the central shaft 544 extends into the lower central stepped hole of the clamping bracket 53, and the upper end of the central shaft 544 has an expansion portion to prevent it from dislodging from the central stepped hole. The upper inner side of the adjusting knob 543 has an internal thread for connecting with the lower external thread of the clamping bracket 53. The lower inner side of the adjusting knob 543 has a countersunk hole for the upper end of the clamping spring 542 to abut against. The lower end of the clamping spring 542 is connected to the upper end face of the hemispherical end 541. Thus, the hemispherical end 541 can elastically extend and retract under the action of the clamping spring 542, providing favorable conditions for saving ribbon. Furthermore, the adjustment knob 543 can adjust the tension of the compression spring 542 to meet the requirements of the compression and elastic extension of the retractable compression end.

[0066] The printing channel component 7 described in this embodiment is used to provide a channel for the printing medium and facilitate the transmission of the printing medium.

[0067] See attached document Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the printing channel component 7 includes a channel support 71 and a feed roller assembly 72, a printing roller assembly 73, and a discharge roller assembly 74 mounted on the upper part of the channel support 71, as well as two floating roller assemblies 75 and 76 and a sliding assembly 77 mounted on the main upright plate 2. The channel support 71 is a cast aluminum part with a square frame structure and is fixed to the lower part of the main upright plate 2.

[0068] See attached document Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the feeding roller assembly 72, printing roller assembly 73, and discharging roller assembly 74 each include roller shafts 721, 731, and 741 arranged parallel to each other, and meshing gears 722, 732, and 742 fixed to the ends of the roller shafts, for synchronous conveying of the printing medium. The roller shafts 721, 731, and 741 are all mounted to the front and rear side walls of the channel support 71 via bushings.

[0069] See attached document Figure 12 As shown, the floating rubber roller assembly 75 includes a support shaft 751, a floating plate 752, a long shaft 753, and a floating torsion spring 754. The support shaft 751 is fixed to the main upright plate 2. The floating plate 752 is rotatably mounted on the support shaft 751, and the long shaft 753 is mounted on the floating end of the floating plate 752. Two floating torsion springs 754 are sleeved on the support shaft 751. One end of each floating torsion spring 754 is fixed to the support shaft 751, and the other end contacts the floating plate 752, causing the floating plate 752 to press down. The floating rubber roller assembly 76 is symmetrically arranged above the feeding rubber roller assembly 72 and the discharging rubber roller assembly 74.

[0070] The sliding assembly 77 includes a sliding plate 771, a sliding plate support shaft 772, and a rack 773. The upper surface of the sliding plate 771 is provided with at least two inclined grooves 774. Each of the two floating plates 752 is provided with a floating shaft 755 extending into the inclined groove 774. The middle part of the sliding plate 771 is also provided with at least two elongated holes 775. The sliding plate support shaft 772 is disposed in the elongated holes 775. The other end of the sliding plate support shaft 772 is fixed to the main upright plate 2. One end of the rack 773 is fixedly connected to the sliding plate 771, and the other end is provided with external power teeth. When the teeth move horizontally under the action of the sliding gear 7822 on the first guide shaft 782 described below, they can drive the sliding plate 771 to move horizontally along the elongated holes 775. The structure of the elongated holes 775 and the sliding plate support shaft 772 ensures that the sliding plate 771 can only move horizontally. The two floating plates 752 are raised or lowered under the action of the inclined groove 774. When raised, they are used to install the printing medium, and when lowered, they are used to press the printing medium.

[0071] See attached document Figure 13 and 14 As shown, the printhead lifting component 10 in this embodiment includes a camshaft 101 and a cam 102 disposed thereon, a power gear 103 disposed at the end of the camshaft 101, and a push rod assembly 104 disposed opposite to the cam 102. The camshaft 101 is mounted to the bottom of the front and rear side walls of the channel support 71 via a bushing, and has two cams 102 disposed thereon. The push rod assembly 104 also includes two components, which are respectively vertically defined on the inner sides of the front and rear side walls of the channel support 71, and both can slide up and down. The lower end of the push rod assembly 104 contacts the cam surface of the cam 102, and preferably a rolling bearing 105 is provided to facilitate rolling contact between the two. When the upper end of the push rod assembly 104 contacts the bottom of the print head bracket 6, the cam 102 rotates under the drive of the power gear 103, which drives the push rod assembly 104 to slide upward, thereby lifting the print head bracket 62 within the telescopic range of the telescopic pressing end 54, causing the ribbon to separate from the printing medium. At this time, the printing medium continues to be conveyed, and the ribbon stops conveying, thus achieving the purpose of saving ribbon.

[0072] Also, see attached Figure 15 As shown, the printing channel component 7 in this embodiment further includes a centering clamping assembly 78. The centering clamping assembly 78 includes a threaded shaft 781 and guide shafts located on both sides thereon, as well as two clamping plates 784 and 785 perpendicularly connected to the threaded shaft and guide shafts;

[0073] The threaded shaft 781 is a bidirectional threaded shaft, with its two ends rotatably mounted on the front and rear side walls of the channel support 71, and its end extending out of the channel support 71 is provided with a threaded shaft knob 7811.

[0074] The guide shaft includes a first guide shaft 782 and a second guide shaft 783, which are rotatably mounted on the front and rear side walls of the channel support 71, respectively. The ends extending out of the channel support 71 are respectively provided with a first knob 7821 and a second knob 7831.

[0075] The clamping plates 784 and 785 are each provided with through holes corresponding to the threaded shaft 781, the first guide shaft 782, and the second guide shaft 783, respectively. A threaded sleeve is provided at the through hole corresponding to the threaded shaft 781 to engage with the thread of the threaded shaft 781. The threaded sleeves on the two clamping plates 784 and 785 correspond to the bidirectional threads of the threaded shaft 781, and each of the two clamping plates 784 and 785 has three clamping posts 7841 and 7851 on its upper part. By rotating the threaded shaft knob 7811, the threaded shaft 781 is driven to rotate, and the two clamping plates 784 and 785 move towards or away from each other under the action of the bidirectional threads, thereby adjusting the distance between the clamping posts on the two clamping plates 784 and 785 according to the width of the printing medium.

[0076] Preferably, the centering clamping assembly 78 further includes a central spacer 786 located between the two clamping plates. (See attached figure) Figure 15 and 16 As shown, one end of the intermediate partition 786 is rotatably mounted on the first guide shaft 782. The intermediate partition 786 has clearance grooves 7861 in the middle for the threaded shaft 781 and the second guide shaft 783 to pass through. A pull ring 787 is connected to the bottom of the other end of the intermediate partition 786, and the upper end of the pull ring 787 is fixed to the side wall of the channel support 71. A horizontal flange 7862 is provided at the bottom of the intermediate partition 786. A partition post 7863 is provided at the upper part of the intermediate partition 786. A rotating protrusion 7864 is fixed in the middle of the second guide shaft 783, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 17 As shown, the free end of the rotating protrusion 7864 abuts against the horizontal flange 7862. By rotating the second knob 7831, the second guide shaft 783 is driven to rotate, and the rotating protrusion 7864 presses down on the horizontal flange 7862, thereby causing the intermediate partition 786 to rotate downwards. This ensures that the intermediate partition 786 does not affect the transmission of printing media between the two clamping plates 784 and 785, at which point the printer is in single-channel printing. After rotating the second knob 7831 in the opposite direction, the rotating protrusion 7864 no longer applies pressure to the horizontal flange 7862, and the intermediate partition 786 rotates upwards under the action of the pull ring 787. The partition post 7863 is flush with the clamping posts on both sides, forming a double channel, at which point the printer is in dual-channel printing.

[0077] In this embodiment, a sliding gear 7822 is provided at the end of the first guide shaft 782 away from the first knob 7821. The sliding gear 7822 meshes with the teeth of the rack 773. Rotating the first knob 7821 can drive the rack 773 to move horizontally.

[0078] In this embodiment, the printing channel component 7 further includes a drive assembly 79 disposed at the rear end of the main support plate 2. (See attached diagram.) Figure 18 As shown, the drive assembly 79 includes a mounting plate 791 and a main motor 792 and an auxiliary motor 793 mounted on the mounting plate 791. The output shafts of both the main motor 792 and the auxiliary motor 793 pass through the mounting plate 791. The mounting plate 791 is also provided with a first reduction gear 796 and a second reduction gear 797, which mesh with the output gear 794 of the main motor and the output gear 795 of the auxiliary motor, respectively. Both the first reduction gear 796 and the second reduction gear 797 are double-layer gears. The first reduction gear 796 also meshes with a gear 732 in the printing roller assembly 73 for conveying the printing media. The second reduction gear 797 also meshes with a power gear 103 in the print head lifting component 10 for saving ribbon.

[0079] See attached document Figure 19 and 20As shown, the pre-feeding tube module 9 in this embodiment includes a support frame 91 and an active glue roller shaft 92, a swing shaft 93, a photoelectric sensing shaft 94, a photoelectric plate 95, and a power motor 96 disposed thereon. The active glue roller shaft 92 is rotatably fixed on the support frame 91, with one end in contact with the swing shaft 93, and the other end provided with a glue roller gear 97. The glue roller gear 97 meshes with the output shaft of the power motor 96. The swing shaft 93 is rotatably disposed on the support frame 91 via a swing plate, and is pressed down on the active glue roller shaft 92 by a first torsion spring 98 to allow the printing medium to pass through. One end of the photoelectric sensing shaft 94 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 91, and the other end is suspended by a sensing plate 99. The photoelectric plate 95 is disposed on the support frame 91 and can form a signal sensing with the sensing plate 99 of the photoelectric sensing shaft 94. The suspended end of the photoelectric sensing shaft 94 is pressed down below the upper end surface of the active glue roller shaft 92 by a second torsion spring. The printing medium passes between the active roller shaft 92 and the swing shaft 93, then passes under the suspended end of the photoelectric sensing shaft 94, and then enters the printing channel component 7. As the printing medium is consumed and tightened, it causes the suspended end of the photoelectric sensing shaft 94 to gradually rise. When the photoelectric plate 95 senses the sensing plate 99, it triggers the power motor 96 to start, thus pre-feeding the printing medium. In other words, the pre-feeding tube module 9 can pre-feed the printing medium a certain distance during the printing process, ensuring that the printing medium remains relaxed and is not dragged during printing, thus guaranteeing print quality.

[0080] The pre-feeding tube module 9 also includes a guide member 100. The guide member 100 is mounted on the support frame 91 and has a guide hole for introducing the printing medium between the active glue roller shaft 92 and the swing shaft 93.

[0081] The process of installing the ribbon and printing media in this embodiment of the thermal transfer printer is as follows: When printing is required, first install the ribbon cartridge 4, rotate the clamping handle 52 counterclockwise. At this time, the printhead clamping component 5 rotates, and the retractable clamping end 54 disengages from the printhead bracket 62 in the printhead component 6. Under the action of the return spring 64, the printhead component 6 is driven by the return lever 65, causing the printhead component 6 to rotate and lift around the center of the printhead support shaft 61. Then, the ribbon cartridge 4 is installed into the take-up and untake-down reel component 3, and the drawn-out ribbon is located below the printhead component 6. After that, install the printing media, rotate the first knob 7821 clockwise by 90°. The first knob 7821 drives the sliding gear 7822 on the first guide shaft 782 to rotate. The sliding gear 7822 drives the rack 773 to move linearly. The rack 773 is fixed to the sliding plate 771, so the sliding plate 771 also moves linearly. When the sliding plate 771 moves linearly, both floating plates are lifted by the inclined groove 774, opening the channel space. The printing media is then manually placed above the roller shaft 721 in the feed roller assembly 72, the roller shaft 731 in the printing roller assembly 73, and the roller shaft 741 in the discharge roller assembly 74. Afterwards, adjusting the threaded shaft knob 7811 causes the two clamping plates 784 and 785 to move synchronously via the threaded shaft 781. The clamping posts 7841 and 7851 on the clamping plates 784 and 785 clamp the printing media, preventing it from tilting left or right. Then, rotate the first knob 7821 counterclockwise by 90°. The two long shafts clamp the printing medium with the roller shaft 721 in the feed roller assembly 72 and the roller shaft 741 in the discharge roller assembly 74, respectively. Finally, rotate the clamping handle 52 clockwise. The telescopic clamping end 54 presses down the print head assembly 6 until the heating surface of the thermal print head 63 presses down on the ribbon and the printing medium. At the same time, it is located at the highest point of the center of the roller shaft 731 in the printing roller assembly 73. During this process, the ribbon completely wraps around the thermal print head 63 and is located between the printing medium and the thermal print head 63. The entire installation process is completed.

[0082] When dual-channel printing of narrow printing media is required, the second knob 7831 is rotated counterclockwise. The rotating protrusion 7864 rotates with the second guide shaft 783, so that it does not abut against the middle partition 7864. Then, the middle partition 7864 rotates upward under the action of the pull ring 787, and the partition post 7863 is raised and located between the clamping posts, forming two printing media channels. The printing media is clamped by the clamping posts on both sides at the same time, thus realizing dual-channel printing.

[0083] If the above process encounters printing media with strong elasticity and large winding force, such as sleeves, a pre-feed module 9 is required to ensure that the printing media is not stretched or deformed during the entire printing process, thus ensuring print quality. The specific operation is as follows: Before the printing media is installed, it needs to be pre-installed between the active roller shaft 92 and the swing shaft 93 through the guide 100, and then passed downwards around the photoelectric sensing shaft 94. A certain length of printing media is pre-feeded before printing to keep the printing media in a relaxed state. During printing, as the printing media is consumed, it drives the photoelectric sensing shaft 94 to gradually rise. When the photoelectric sensing shaft 94 rises to a certain height, it triggers the sensor on the photoelectric plate 95. At this point, a certain length of pre-feeding is continued. This process is repeated until the printing task is completed.

[0084] The printing process is as follows: During printing, the main motor 792 rotates clockwise, and the main motor output gear 794 drives the roller shaft 731 in the printing roller assembly 73 to rotate through the first reduction gear 796. Simultaneously, this drives the roller shaft 721 in the feeding roller assembly 72 and the roller shaft 741 in the discharging roller assembly 74 to rotate synchronously. As each roller shaft rotates, the printing medium moves in the discharging direction. Simultaneously with the main motor 792 starting to drive, the winding drive motor 331 in the winding drive assembly 3 also starts to drive the winding gear 312 to rotate, causing the winding shaft assembly 31 to rotate and begin the tape winding action. Because the operating speed of the winding drive motor 331 is greater than that of the main motor 792, the first damping spring 313 in the winding shaft assembly 31 activates, ensuring that the tape always moves synchronously with the printing medium. At the same time, the tape is taut, and the thermal print head 63 heats up, transferring the printing content onto the printing medium through the tape, completing the printing process. The printing medium continues to be conveyed forward to the cutter module 8, where it performs a half-cut or full-cut operation as required.

[0085] When a section of the printing medium is no longer needed for printing, the auxiliary motor 793 in the drive assembly 79 begins to rotate. The output gear 795 of the auxiliary motor drives the second reduction gear 797, which in turn drives the power gear 103 in the printhead lifting component 10 to engage. The power gear 103 drives the camshaft 101 and cam 102 to rotate synchronously, which in turn drives the push rod assembly 104 to slide upward, lifting the printhead support 62 by 5mm. At this time, the thermal printhead 63 and the ribbon separate from the printing medium. The printing medium can continue to be conveyed forward under the drive of the roller shaft 721 in the feed roller assembly 72 and the roller shaft 741 in the discharge roller assembly 74. At this time, the winding drive motor 331 in the winding drive assembly 3 stops working, and the ribbon stops conveying, thus saving the ribbon. When printing is needed on the printing medium again, the auxiliary motor 793 in the drive assembly 79 starts to rotate in the opposite direction, the push rod assembly 104 starts to move downward, and the print head support 62 falls down until the thermal print head 63 presses the ribbon and printing medium together again. The auxiliary motor 793 then stops rotating, and printing can resume.

[0086] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes or alterations made by those skilled in the art using the above-disclosed technical content shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal transfer printer, characterized in that, The machine includes a frame and a main support plate on one side thereof. From top to bottom, the main support plate is provided with a roll-up / unroller assembly, a printhead clamping assembly, a printhead assembly, a print channel assembly, and a printhead lifting assembly. The take-up and unwinding spool component is used to install the ribbon cassette and drive the ribbon to perform take-up and unwinding actions. The ribbon pulled out of the ribbon cassette is located between the printhead component and the print channel component. The printhead assembly includes a printhead support shaft, a printhead bracket, a thermal printhead, a return spring, and a return lever. The printhead support shaft is rotatably mounted through the main support plate. The printhead bracket is installed at the front end of the main support plate, and the return spring and return lever are installed at the rear end of the main support plate. The printhead bracket can rotate with the printhead support shaft, and the thermal printhead is fixed to the free-rotating end of the printhead bracket. The printhead clamping component includes a clamping rotating shaft, a clamping handle, a clamping bracket, and a retractable clamping end. The clamping rotating shaft is rotatably mounted through the main upright plate. The clamping handle and clamping bracket are installed at the front end of the main upright plate. The retractable clamping end is mounted on the clamping bracket. Under external force, the clamping handle drives the clamping rotating shaft and clamping bracket to rotate, which in turn drives the retractable clamping end to rotate. When the retractable clamping end rotates downward, it abuts against the printhead bracket of the printhead component, causing the printhead bracket to rotate downward until the heating surface of the thermal printhead presses against the ribbon and printing medium. When the retractable clamping end rotates upward, it disengages from the printhead bracket. The printhead bracket returns to its original position upward under the action of the return spring and the return lever. The printing channel component, used to provide a channel for the printing medium and facilitate the transmission of the printing medium, includes a channel support fixed to the lower part of the main plate; The printhead lifting component includes a camshaft and a cam mounted thereon, a power gear at the end of the camshaft, and a push rod assembly opposite to the cam. The camshaft is mounted to the bottom of the front and rear side walls of the channel support via a bushing. The push rod assembly is vertically constrained to the inner side of the side wall of the channel support and can slide up and down. The lower end of the push rod assembly contacts the cam surface of the cam, and its upper end contacts the bottom of the printhead bracket. When the cam rotates under the drive of the power gear, it can drive the push rod assembly to slide upward, thereby lifting the printhead bracket within the telescopic range of the telescopic clamping end, causing the ribbon to separate from the printing medium. At this time, the printing medium continues to be conveyed, while the ribbon stops conveying, achieving the purpose of saving ribbon.

2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retractable clamping end includes a hemispherical end, a clamping spring, an adjusting knob, and a central shaft. The lower end of the central shaft is fixedly connected to the upper end of the hemispherical end. The upper end of the central shaft extends into the lower central stepped hole of the clamping bracket, and the upper end of the central shaft is provided with an expansion portion to prevent the central shaft from coming out of the central stepped hole. The upper inner side of the adjusting knob is provided with an internal thread for connecting with the lower external thread of the clamping bracket. The lower inner side of the adjusting knob is provided with a countersunk hole for the upper end of the clamping spring to abut. The lower end of the clamping spring is connected to the upper end face of the hemispherical end, so the hemispherical end can elastically extend and retract under the action of the clamping spring. The adjusting knob can realize the adjustment of the tension of the clamping spring.

3. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printhead lifting component includes two cams and two corresponding push rod assemblies. The two push rod assemblies are respectively vertically defined on the inner side of the front and rear side walls of the channel support, and the bottom end of the push rod assembly is provided with a rolling bearing that contacts the cam surface.

4. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing channel component also includes a feed roller assembly, a printing roller assembly, and an output roller assembly installed on the upper part of the channel support, as well as two floating roller assemblies and a sliding assembly installed on the main upright plate; The feeding roller assembly, printing roller assembly, and discharging roller assembly each include roller shafts arranged parallel to each other and meshing gears fixed to the ends of the roller shafts, for synchronous transmission of the printing medium. The floating rubber roller assembly includes a support shaft, a floating plate, a long shaft, and a floating torsion spring. The support shaft is fixed to the main upright plate, the floating plate is rotatably mounted on the support shaft, the long shaft is mounted on the floating end of the floating plate, and the floating torsion spring is sleeved on the support shaft. One end of the floating torsion spring is fixed to the support shaft, and the other end contacts the floating plate and causes the floating plate to press down. Two floating rubber roller assemblies are respectively symmetrically arranged above the feed rubber roller assembly and the discharge rubber roller assembly. The sliding assembly includes a sliding plate, a sliding plate support shaft, and a rack. The upper surface of the sliding plate is provided with at least two inclined grooves. Each of the two floating plates is provided with a floating shaft extending into the inclined groove. The middle part of the sliding plate is also provided with at least two elongated holes. The sliding plate support shaft is disposed in the elongated holes. The other end of the sliding plate support shaft is fixed to the main upright plate. One end of the rack is fixedly connected to the sliding plate, and the other end is provided with teeth. When the teeth move horizontally under the action of external power, they drive the sliding plate to move horizontally along the elongated holes. Thus, the two floating plates are raised or lowered under the action of the inclined grooves. When raised, the printing medium is installed; when lowered, the printing medium is pressed.

5. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The printing channel component also includes a centering clamping assembly, which includes a threaded shaft and guide shafts located on both sides thereon, as well as two clamping plates perpendicularly connected to the threaded shaft and guide shafts; The threaded shaft is a bidirectional threaded shaft, with its two ends rotatably mounted on the front and rear side walls of the channel support, and a threaded shaft knob is provided at the end extending out of the channel support. The guide shaft includes a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft, which are rotatably mounted on the front and rear side walls of the channel support, respectively. The ends extending out of the channel support are respectively provided with a first knob and a second knob. The clamping plate is provided with through holes corresponding to the threaded shaft, the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft respectively. The through hole corresponding to the threaded shaft is provided with a threaded sleeve that engages with the threaded shaft. The threaded sleeves on the two clamping plates are respectively corresponding to the bidirectional threads of the threaded shaft. Each of the two clamping plates is provided with at least two clamping posts on its upper part. By rotating the threaded shaft knob, the threaded shaft is driven to rotate. The two clamping plates move towards each other or away from each other under the action of the bidirectional threads, thereby adjusting the distance between the clamping posts on the two clamping plates according to the width of the printing medium.

6. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The centering clamping assembly also includes a middle partition plate located between the two clamping plates. One end of the middle partition plate is rotatably mounted on the first guide shaft. The middle partition plate has clearance grooves in the middle for the threaded shaft and the second guide shaft to pass through. The bottom of the other end of the middle partition plate is connected to a pull ring. The upper end of the pull ring is fixed to the side wall of the channel support. The bottom of the middle partition plate has a horizontal flange. The upper part of the middle partition plate has a dividing post. A rotating protrusion is fixed in the middle of the second guide shaft. The free end of the rotating protrusion abuts against the horizontal flange. By rotating the second knob, the second guide shaft is driven to rotate. The rotating protrusion presses down on the horizontal flange, thereby causing the middle partition plate to rotate downward, so that the middle partition plate does not affect the installation and transmission of the printing medium between the two clamping plates. At this time, the printer is printing in a single channel. After the second knob is rotated in the opposite direction, the rotating protrusion does not apply pressure to the horizontal flange, the middle partition rotates upward under the action of the pull ring, and the partition post is flush with the clamping post on both sides to form a double channel. At this time, the printer is printing in a dual channel.

7. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first guide shaft has a sliding gear at its end away from the first knob. The sliding gear meshes with the teeth of the rack, so rotating the first knob can drive the rack to move horizontally.

8. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The printing channel component also includes a drive assembly disposed at the rear end of the main upright plate. The drive assembly includes a mounting plate and a main motor and an auxiliary motor disposed on the mounting plate. The output shafts of the main motor and the auxiliary motor both pass through the mounting plate. The mounting plate is also provided with a first reduction gear and a second reduction gear that mesh with the output gears of the main motor and the auxiliary motor, respectively. The first reduction gear also meshes with a gear in the printing roller assembly to realize the transmission of printing media. The second reduction gear also meshes with a power gear in the print head lifting component to realize the ribbon saving function.

9. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The take-up and unwinding shaft components include a take-up shaft assembly, an unwinding shaft assembly, and a take-up drive assembly. The take-up shaft assembly includes a take-up metal shaft, a take-up gear, a first damping spring, and a first bushing. The take-up metal shaft is rotatably mounted on the main upright plate. The take-up gear is mounted on the rear end of the main upright plate, and the first damping spring and the first bushing are mounted on the front end of the main upright plate. The first bushing can rotate around the take-up metal shaft under the action of the first damping spring. The unwinding shaft assembly includes an unwinding metal shaft, a second damping spring, and a second bushing. One end of the unwinding metal shaft is fixed to the main upright plate, and the other end is equipped with the second damping spring and the second bushing. The second bushing can rotate around the unwinding metal shaft under the action of the second damping spring. The winding drive assembly includes a winding drive motor and a winding reduction gear. The output gear of the winding drive motor meshes with the winding reduction gear, and the winding reduction gear meshes with the winding gear to realize the winding and unwinding actions.

10. The thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The printer also includes a pre-feed tube module mounted on the frame. The pre-feed tube module includes a support frame and a drive roller shaft, a swing shaft, a photoelectric sensor shaft, a photoelectric plate, and a power motor mounted thereon. The drive roller shaft is rotatably fixed to the support frame, with one end in contact with the swing shaft's rollers and the other end equipped with a roller gear. The roller gear meshes with the output shaft of the power motor. The swing shaft is rotatably mounted on the support frame via a swing plate and is pressed down on the drive roller shaft by a first torsion spring. One end of the photoelectric sensor shaft is rotatably mounted on the support frame, and the other end... The end of the photoelectric sensor is suspended by a sensor plate. The photoelectric sensor plate is mounted on the support frame and can form a signal sensing with the sensor plate of the photoelectric sensor shaft. The suspended end of the photoelectric sensor shaft is pressed down by a second torsion spring to below the upper end surface of the active rubber roller shaft. After the printing medium passes between the active rubber roller shaft and the swing shaft, it passes under the suspended end of the photoelectric sensor shaft and then enters the printing channel component. When the printing medium is consumed and tightened, the printing medium drives the suspended end of the photoelectric sensor shaft to gradually rise. When the photoelectric sensor plate senses the sensor plate, it triggers the power motor to start, realizing the pre-feeding of the printing medium.

Images