A label printing and winding mechanism and label printer

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of winding mechanism and label printer of printable label, belong to label production technical field.It solves the problem that printable label cannot effectively separate from spool when the existing winding mechanism of printable label unwinds.The winding mechanism of the present application, including spool, the compacting structure for compacting the tail end of printable label is arranged on spool, the tail end of printable label enters the gap between compacting structure and spool in initial state, the tail end of printable label is compacted by compacting structure actively or under the action of printable label covered on compacting structure during winding, printable label drags spool to rotate reversely during unwinding, so that printable label is gradually released, and compacting structure can completely release the tail end of printable label when it is released to the tail end of printable label.By mechanical compacting, the risk of abnormal bonding caused by environmental factors is eliminated, and the tail end of label can be reliably separated during unwinding;Reduce equipment maintenance cost and consumable loss, improve printing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of label production technology, and relates to a roll-up mechanism and label printer that can print labels. Background Technology

[0002] In thermal transfer / thermal label printing systems, label paper is typically mounted in roll form on the printer's feed spool. Printable labels consist of a top layer (label body) and a release liner, with the end of the release liner secured to the roll using double-sided adhesive tape. Currently, the industry commonly uses strong-weak double-sided adhesive tape (pressure-sensitive tape with strong adhesion on one side and weak adhesion on the other) to bond the release liner to the roll. The strong adhesive layer is fixed to the roll to ensure reliability during rewinding, while the weak adhesive layer contacts the end of the release liner to ensure it can detach from the roll during unwinding.

[0003] However, due to the influence of time and environmental factors (temperature fluctuations, diffusion of adhesive molecules), the end of the backing paper may form an abnormal adhesion to the roll exceeding the design strength. The peeling force applied by the paper feeding mechanism during printing cannot overcome this abnormal adhesion, causing the backing paper to fail to peel off normally from the roll, leading to a chain of failures: the printer cannot move the label, resulting in the waste of the last one or more labels, while the printer will make abnormal noises, affecting the printer's lifespan; inconsistent resistance to the label leads to problems such as compression of the printed content; the label backing paper stops moving while the printer's paper feeding motor continues to run, causing the print head to continue printing in the same label area where it is stuck, resulting in overlapping text and images; the ribbon transport mechanism of the thermal transfer printer is linked to the label backing paper, and the label stopping causes the ribbon to stop rotating, and the continuous heating of the print head causes the stationary ribbon to reach a local high temperature, accelerating the melting of the substrate and ultimately causing the ribbon to break; repeated printing causes the loss of silent data, requiring manual intervention for correction and reprinting, which seriously reduces work efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by proposing a roll-up mechanism for printable labels that allows printable labels to effectively detach from the roll during printing.

[0005] A label printer that includes a rewinding mechanism for the printable label is also proposed.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A rewinding mechanism for printable labels includes a reel with a clamping structure for clamping the tail end of the printable label. In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label enters the gap between the clamping structure and the reel. During rewinding, the clamping structure clamps the tail end of the printable label. During unwinding, the printable label drags the reel to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the printable label to be gradually released. When the printable label is released to its tail end, the clamping structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label.

[0008] During winding, the roller acts as the drive shaft. The pressure provided by the clamping structure is converted into resistance to prevent the label from moving due to the winding force. At this time, the sum of the clamping force and friction force on the printable label is slightly greater than the winding force of the roller on the printable label. Under the premise of ensuring normal winding, the roller can stably wind the printable label onto the roller when it rotates, and the tail end of the printable label is firmly clamped.

[0009] When unwinding, the take-up roller on the printer is the drive shaft. When the take-up roller rotates, it pulls the printable label. At this time, the sum of the clamping force and friction force on the printable label is less than the drag force of the printer's take-up roller on the printable label. When the printable label is unwound to the end, under the action of the drag force, the printable label can easily overcome the clamping force and friction force, be pulled out from the clamping structure on the roll and detach from the roll.

[0010] In the above-mentioned rewinding mechanism for printable labels, the clamping structure includes a C-shaped sleeve fitted on a reel. The C-shaped sleeve has a first opening that extends through the axial direction. The width of the first opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the C-shaped sleeve. In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label is located in the gap between the C-shaped sleeve and the reel. During rewinding, the printable label is first wound on the reel, and then covers the surface of the C-shaped sleeve and continues to be wound to clamp the C-shaped sleeve. During unwinding, the printable label drags the reel to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the printable label is gradually released. When all the printable labels covering the C-shaped sleeve are released, the part of the C-shaped sleeve near the first opening is elastically deformed outward under the drag force of the printable label, thereby loosening the tail end of the printable label.

[0011] The C-shaped sleeve with the first opening has a C-shaped radial cross-section with an arc length greater than the semicircular arc length, preventing it from detaching from the reel. The C-shaped sleeve is made of a flexible material such as plastic, metal, or paper, possessing a certain degree of elasticity. During unwinding, the reel is the driven shaft. When unwinding to the end of the printable label, the reel stops rotating. At this point, the pressure from the printable label on the C-shaped sleeve disappears, and the printable label causes one side of the C-shaped sleeve to elastically deform outward along a direction perpendicular to the sleeve's axis. The contact area between the end of the printable label and the reel gradually decreases, causing the sum of the clamping force and frictional force exerted on the printable label by the C-shaped sleeve to gradually decrease. When the sum of the clamping force and frictional force exerted on the printable label by the C-shaped sleeve is less than the rewinding force of the printable label, the printable label is pulled out from between the C-shaped sleeve and the reel.

[0012] When the printable label is first wound up, it is not under winding force and is fixed in a specific position. Then, a C-sleeve secures the label to the roll. The roll is then rotated at a certain angle, causing a layer of printable label to form on the outside of the C-sleeve. At this point, the C-sleeve is secured to the roll, but the clamping force is small, allowing only one or two turns of the label to be wound. As winding begins, the label presses against the C-sleeve, which converts the winding force into pressure on the printable label. Under the influence of the winding force, the C-sleeve tightens its grip on the roll, and all the winding force is applied to the label, thus achieving winding.

[0013] When the last label is placed, since there are no more printable labels on the outside of the C-sleeve, the original winding force disappears. Only the elastic force of the C-sleeve acts on the printable label. Simultaneously, the dragging force of the printable label causes the first opening of the C-sleeve to widen. As this opening widens, the elastic force exerted by the C-sleeve on the printable label decreases, making it easier for the printable label to be ejected. The clamping elastic force of the C-sleeve is much less than the dragging force of the printer on the label, allowing for smooth printing.

[0014] In the aforementioned rewinding mechanism for printable labels, one side of the C-sleeve is rotatably connected to the reel via a connecting portion. The thickness of the connecting portion is less than the wall thickness of the C-sleeve, or the connecting portion is made of a more flexible material to facilitate the required rotational deformation of the C-sleeve side around the connecting portion.

[0015] The C-sleeve and the reel can be integrally formed. In this case, the connecting part acts as a flexible hinge between the two, which can effectively prevent the C-sleeve from separating from the reel and being lost.

[0016] In the aforementioned rewinding mechanism for printable labels, the reel is cylindrical and has a second opening extending axially through it. The width of the second opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the reel. One side of the C-shaped sleeve is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening via a connecting part, and the C-shaped sleeve covers the second opening. Injection molding the C-shaped sleeve and the reel together facilitates demolding.

[0017] In the aforementioned roll-up mechanism for printable labels, the inner side of the C-shaped sleeve away from the connecting part is chamfered.

[0018] In the above-mentioned rewinding mechanism for printable labels, the length of the C-type sleeve is equal to the length of the roll.

[0019] In the above-mentioned rewinding mechanism for printable labels, the length of the C-shaped sleeve is less than the length of the roll.

[0020] In the above-mentioned roll-up mechanism for printable labels, each roll has at least one C-shaped sleeve.

[0021] In the above-mentioned rewinding mechanism for printable labels, the reel has a third opening that extends through the axial direction. The clamping structure includes a traction shaft coaxially disposed within the reel and an airbag strip disposed on the outer wall of the traction shaft and located within the reel. The airbag strip extends along the length of the reel. In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label enters between the airbag strip and the inner wall of the reel through the third opening. Subsequently, the airbag strip inflates and clamps the tail end of the printable label. During rewinding, the printable label is first wound on the reel, and then covers and clamps the printable label that was first wound on the reel. After winding is completed, the airbag strip is depressurized and releases its clamping force on the tail end of the printable label. Then, the reel with the printable label wound on it is removed from the traction shaft.

[0022] During winding, the air inside the airbag strip is removed, and then the roll is fitted onto the traction shaft. The tail end of the printable label is then inserted into the third opening and positioned directly opposite the airbag strip. The airbag strip is then inflated, and its expansion presses the tail end of the printable label tightly against it. The traction shaft rotates under the action of the motor, thereby winding the printable label onto the roll. The air inside the airbag strip is then removed, and the roll is removed from the traction shaft. The tail end of the printable label is restrained by the outer printable label and will not come out of the third opening.

[0023] The above description uses the example of a printable label being rolled onto a spool in the forward direction. When rolled forward, the label body affixed to the backing paper is located on the side of the backing paper facing outwards. In addition to the forward rolling method, the printable label can also be rolled onto the spool in the reverse direction. When rolled in the reverse direction, the label body affixed to the backing paper is located on the side of the backing paper facing inwards.

[0024] A label printer includes a roll-up mechanism for printing labels as described above.

[0025] Compared with existing technologies, the roll-up mechanism of this printable label has the following advantages:

[0026] Mechanical clamping replaces adhesive bonding, eliminating the risk of abnormal adhesion caused by environmental factors and ensuring reliable label detachment during unwinding; it avoids duplicate printing, ribbon melting, and data loss caused by label stagnation, reducing equipment maintenance costs and consumable consumption; it eliminates the need for manual intervention to handle adhesion problems, improving printing efficiency; the printer can print to the last label, preventing label waste, and the printer will not make abnormal noises due to slow movement; through mechanical clamping, the resistance change during printing is small, thereby improving the stability of the printed content and reducing the likelihood of printing defects; the overall structure is simple and easy to manufacture; it can be used in other labeling fields, with a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 when it is in the winding state.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 when it is unwinding.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment 2.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment 3.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the C-shaped sleeve of the winding mechanism in Embodiment 4 when it is in the unfolded state.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the C-shaped sleeve of the winding mechanism in Embodiment 5 when it is in the unfolded state.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the C-shaped sleeve of the winding mechanism in Embodiment 5 when it is in the winding state.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment Six.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a side view of the winding mechanism provided in Embodiment Six.

[0037] In the diagram, a) printable label; 1) spool; 11) second opening; 12) third opening; 2) C-shaped sleeve; 21) first opening; 22) connecting part; 23) rounded corner; 3) traction shaft; 4) airbag strip. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] like Figure 1-3 The printable label a winding mechanism shown includes a roller 1, which is cylindrical and has a clamping structure for clamping the tail end of the printable label a.

[0041] During winding, the roll is mounted on a traction shaft, and multiple airbag strips are evenly distributed along its circumference on the traction shaft. Figure 1-3 The structure of the traction shaft and airbag strip is not shown, but can be referenced. Figure 10The structure of the traction shaft and airbag strips: The airbag strips are connected to an air pump, and multiple airbag strips extend axially along the traction shaft. When the roll 1 is fitted, the airbags are in an uninflated state. After the roll 1 is in place, the airbag strips are evenly distributed on the inner side of the roll 1, and then air is used to inflate the airbag strips. The airbag strips press against the inner wall of the roll 1, and the expansion of the airbag strips coaxially fixes the roll 1 to the traction shaft. The traction shaft is driven by a motor, and when the traction shaft rotates, it drives the roll 1 to wind up.

[0042] When in use, this winding mechanism is installed in the printer. During unwinding, the winding roller on the printer is the drive shaft. When the winding roller rotates, it pulls the printable label a. The printable label a drags the roll 1 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the printable label a is gradually released. When all the printable label a covering the clamping structure is released, the clamping structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label a. Under the action of the dragging force, the printable label a can easily overcome the clamping force and friction, and be pulled out from the clamping structure on the roll 1 and detached from the roll 1.

[0043] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the pressing structure includes a C-shaped sleeve 2 sleeved on the roll 1. The C-shaped sleeve 2 has a first opening 21 that extends through the axial direction. The width of the first opening 21 is smaller than the inner diameter of the C-shaped sleeve 2. The tail end of the printable label a is pressed between the C-shaped sleeve 2 and the roll 1. When the printable label a is unwound to the tail end, the C-shaped sleeve 2 elastically deforms outward under the drag force of the printable label a.

[0044] The length of the C-type sleeve 2 is equal to the length of the roll 1.

[0045] The C-shaped sleeve 2 with the first opening 21 has a C-shaped radial cross-section with an arc length greater than the semicircular arc length, preventing the C-shaped sleeve 2 from coming off the reel 1. The C-shaped sleeve 2 is made of a material that provides elasticity, such as plastic or metal, and has a certain degree of elasticity, which is conducive to the outward elastic deformation of the C-shaped sleeve 2.

[0046] During unwinding, the roll 1 is the driven shaft. When the printable label a is unwound to the end, the roll 1 stops rotating. At this time, the printable label a causes one side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 to elastically deform outward along the axis perpendicular to the C-shaped sleeve 2. The contact area between the end of the printable label a and the roll 1 gradually decreases, so that the sum of the pressing force and friction force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 on the printable label a gradually decreases. When the sum of the pressing force and friction force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 on the printable label a is less than the dragging force of the printable label a, the printable label a is pulled out from between the C-shaped sleeve 2 and the roll 1.

[0047] During winding, the printable label 'a' is first wound onto the reel 1. At this point, the printable label 'a' is not subject to winding force and is fixed in a specific position on the reel 1. Then, the C-sleeve 2 is used to fasten the printable label 'a' onto the reel 1, with the tail end of the printable label 'a' positioned in the gap between the C-sleeve 2 and the reel 1. Then, the reel 1 is rotated, causing the printable label 'a' to cover the surface of the C-sleeve 2 and continue winding, thus pressing the C-sleeve 2 tightly.

[0048] That is, the C-sleeve 2 will be fastened to the roll 1. At this time, the fastening force is not large, and it can only be wound up one or two turns of the printable label a. When the winding begins, when the wound printable label a is pressed onto the C-sleeve 2, the C-sleeve 2 converts the winding force into its pressure on the printable label a. That is, under the action of the winding force, the C-sleeve 2 is fastened to the roll 1 more and more tightly, and all the winding force will be applied to the printable label a, thereby achieving winding.

[0049] During unwinding, the printable label 'a' drags the reel 1 to rotate in the opposite direction, gradually releasing the printable label 'a'. When all the printable label 'a' covering the C-sleeve 2 is released, since there are no more printable labels 'a' on the outside of the C-sleeve 2, the original winding force disappears, and only the elastic force of the C-sleeve 2 acts on the printable label 'a'. Simultaneously, the dragging force of the printable label 'a' causes the first opening 21 of the C-sleeve 2 to enlarge. As the first opening 21 enlarges, the elastic force exerted by the C-sleeve 2 on the printable label 'a' decreases, making it easier for the printable label 'a' to be released. The clamping elastic force of the C-sleeve 2 is much less than the dragging force of the printer on the printable label 'a', thus enabling the printer to print smoothly.

[0050] In this embodiment, taking the printable label a as an example of being rolled onto the roller 1, the label body affixed to the backing paper is located on the side of the backing paper facing outwards when being rolled onto the roller 1.

[0051] In other embodiments, the printable label a can also be unrolled onto the roll 1, with the label body attached to the backing paper located on the inward side of the backing paper during unrolling.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that, as Figure 4 As shown, the length of the C-type sleeve 2 is less than the length of the reel 1.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of embodiment two, except that, as Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve stability, each reel 1 is provided with two C-shaped sleeves 2.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that, as Figure 6 As shown, one side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is rotatably connected to the roller 1 via the connecting part 22. The thickness of the connecting part 22 is less than the wall thickness of the C-shaped sleeve 2, so that the C-shaped sleeve 2 and the roller 1 can be integrally injection molded. At this time, the connecting part 22 acts as a flexible hinge between the two, which can effectively prevent the C-shaped sleeve 2 from separating from the roller 1 and being lost.

[0058] In other embodiments, the connection 22 is made of a more flexible material to facilitate the required rotational deformation of the C-shaped sleeve 2 around the connection 22.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the spool 1 has a second opening 11 that extends through the axial direction. The width of the second opening 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the spool 1. One side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening 11 through the connecting part 22. The C-shaped sleeve 2 covers the second opening 11.

[0061] The printable label a includes a backing paper and a label body.

[0062] To prevent the side of the C-sleeve 2 from scraping off the label body attached to the base paper during unwinding and to avoid pressing the label off during fastening, such as Figure 7-8 As shown, a rounded corner 23 is provided on the inner side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 away from the connecting part 22.

[0063] In other embodiments, a C-angle is provided on the inner side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 away from the connecting part 22.

[0064] Example 6

[0065] like Figure 9-10 The printable label a winding mechanism shown includes a roller 1, which is cylindrical and has a clamping structure for clamping the tail end of the printable label a.

[0066] During the winding process, the sum of the clamping force of the pressing structure on the printable label a and the friction force on the printable label a is greater than the winding force of the roll 1 on the printable label a. When the roll 1 rotates, the printable label a can be stably wound onto the roll 1, and the tail end of the printable label a is firmly pressed.

[0067] like Figure 9-10 As shown, the scroll 1 has a third opening 12 that extends through the axial direction, such as... Figure 10As shown, the pressing structure includes a traction shaft 3 coaxially disposed within the roll 1 and an airbag strip 4 disposed on the outer wall of the traction shaft 3 and located within the roll 1. The airbag strip 4 extends along the length direction of the roll 1. When rewinding, the airbag strip 4 presses the tail end of the printable label a against the inner wall of the roll 1.

[0068] In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label a enters between the airbag strip 4 and the inner wall of the roll 1 through the third opening 12. Then the airbag strip 4 is inflated and presses the tail end of the printable label a.

[0069] During winding, the printable label a is first wound onto the reel 1, and then covers and presses the printable label a wound onto the reel 1. The later-wound printable label a presses the earlier-wound printable label a.

[0070] After winding is complete, the airbag strip 4 is depressurized and released from the clamping of the tail end of the printable label a, and then the roll 1 with the printable label a wound on it is removed from the traction shaft 3. Due to the clamping effect of the subsequently wound printable label a, the tail end of the printable label a will not come out of the third opening 12.

[0071] When in use, this winding mechanism is installed in the printer. When unwinding, the winding roller on the printer is the drive shaft. When the winding roller rotates, it pulls the printable label a. At this time, the sum of the clamping force and friction force on the printable label a is less than the drag force of the winding roller on the printable label a. When the printable label a is unwound to the end, it is no longer clamped by the subsequent winding of the printable label a and can easily come out of the third opening 12.

[0072] Example 7

[0073] This embodiment provides a label printer, which includes a roll-up mechanism capable of printing labels as described in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4, Embodiment 5, or Embodiment 6.

[0074] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roll-up mechanism for printable labels, comprising a roll (1), characterized in that, The reel (1) is provided with a clamping structure for clamping the tail end of the printable label (a). In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label (a) enters the gap between the clamping structure and the reel (1). When winding, the clamping structure clamps the tail end of the printable label (a). When unwinding, the printable label (a) drags the reel (1) to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the printable label (a) is gradually released. When it is released to the tail end of the printable label (a), the clamping structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label (a).

2. The roll-up mechanism for printable labels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing structure includes a C-shaped sleeve (2) sleeved on the reel (1). The C-shaped sleeve (2) has a first opening (21) that extends through the axial direction. The width of the first opening (21) is smaller than the inner diameter of the C-shaped sleeve (2). When the reel is wound up, the tail end of the printable label (a) is pressed between the C-shaped sleeve (2) and the reel (1).

3. The roll-up mechanism for printable labels according to claim 2, characterized in that, One side of the C-shaped sleeve (2) is rotatably connected to the spool (1) via a connecting part (22).

4. The roll-up mechanism for printable labels according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spool (1) is cylindrical and has a second opening (11) that extends through the axial direction. The width of the second opening (11) is smaller than the inner diameter of the spool (1). One side of the C-shaped sleeve (2) is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening (11) through a connecting part (22). The C-shaped sleeve (2) covers the second opening (11).

5. The roll-up mechanism for printable labels according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The C-shaped sleeve (2) has a chamfer (23) on the inner side away from the connecting part (22).

6. The roll-up mechanism for printable labels according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the C-type sleeve (2) is equal to the length of the reel (1).

7. The roll-up mechanism for printable labels according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the C-type sleeve (2) is less than the length of the reel (1).

8. The winding mechanism for printable labels according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the reels (1) has at least one C-shaped sleeve (2).

9. The winding mechanism for printable labels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reel (1) has a third opening (12) that runs through the axial direction. The pressing structure includes a traction shaft (3) coaxially disposed in the reel (1) and an airbag strip (4) disposed on the outer wall of the traction shaft (3) and located in the reel (1). The airbag strip (4) extends along the length direction of the reel (1). When rewinding, the airbag strip (4) presses the tail end of the printable label (a).

10. A label printer, characterized in that, Including a roll-up mechanism for printable labels as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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