A thermal printhead and printer

Abstract

This utility model discloses a thermal printhead and a printer. The thermal printhead includes a thermal printing module, an RFID read / write module, and a control module. The thermal printing module includes a heating control chip and a heating plate. The RFID read / write module includes an RFID antenna and an RFID chip. The control module is electrically connected to both the heating control chip and the RFID chip. The heating control chip is electrically connected to the heating plate, with one side of the heating plate abutting against the control module. The RFID antenna and the RFID chip are electrically connected and disposed on the surface of the control module. This utility model achieves an integrated design, enabling the thermal printhead to simultaneously complete label printing and RFID data reading and writing. This solves the problem of limited functionality in existing thermal printheads, reduces equipment complexity, improves processing efficiency and data consistency, ensures printing efficiency, and facilitates maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Thermal printing technology is widely used in retail, logistics, and medical fields due to its advantages such as high printing speed, low noise, and low printing cost. However, traditional thermal printheads can only perform simple printing functions and cannot meet the growing demand for intelligent printing. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, as a non-contact automatic identification technology, has advantages such as high identification speed, large data capacity, and strong anti-interference capabilities, and is widely used in logistics management, identity verification, and anti-counterfeiting traceability. Integrating RFID functionality into a thermal printhead enables integrated printing and RFID tag reading and writing operations, improving work efficiency and reducing equipment costs.

[0003] Traditional thermal printers require a separate RFID device to complete label printing and data writing, which presents the following problems:

[0004] Separate equipment: cumbersome operation, low efficiency, and large space occupation;

[0005] Data inconsistency risk: Step-by-step operation may result in a mismatch between the printed content and the RFID stored data;

[0006] High cost: Two independent systems need to be purchased and maintained;

[0007] In existing technologies, some solutions attempt to place the RFID module externally in the paper feed path of the printer, but this has problems such as signal interference and low tag positioning accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention provides a thermal printhead and printer to solve problems such as device separation and data inconsistency risks caused by the independence of thermal printheads and radio frequency devices in the prior art.

[0009] According to one aspect of this utility model, a thermal printhead is provided, comprising:

[0010] Thermal printing module, RF read / write module, and control module;

[0011] The thermal printing module includes a heat control chip and a heating plate; the radio frequency (RF) read / write module includes an RF antenna and an RF chip.

[0012] The control module is electrically connected to the heating control chip and the radio frequency chip respectively; the heating control chip is electrically connected to the heating plate, and one side of the heating plate abuts against the control module; the radio frequency antenna and the radio frequency chip are electrically connected and are mounted on the surface of the control module.

[0013] Optionally, the heat control chip is mounted on the surface of the control module.

[0014] Optionally, it may also include: a heat dissipation carrier;

[0015] The heating plate and control module are mounted on the heat dissipation carrier, with the surface of the control module away from the RF read / write module in contact with the heat dissipation carrier.

[0016] Optionally, the heat dissipation carrier can project onto the heating plate and control module on the first plane.

[0017] The first plane is the plane in contact with the heat dissipation carrier, the heating plate, and the control module.

[0018] Optionally, the projected area of ​​the control module on the heat dissipation carrier is larger than the projected area of ​​the heating plate on the heat dissipation carrier.

[0019] Optionally, the RF chip is located on one edge of the control module; the RF antenna is positioned around the outline edge of the control module.

[0020] Optionally, the control module includes a circuit board.

[0021] Optionally, the circuit board includes a data connection socket;

[0022] The data connection socket is used to connect the printer's main control board.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided, including a thermal printhead.

[0024] Optionally, it also includes label paper and a drive roller; the label paper contacts the thermal printhead via the drive roller;

[0025] The drive roller rotates, causing the label paper to move along the first direction to generate graphic information on the label paper.

[0026] The technical solution of this utility model integrates the thermal printing module, the radio frequency reading and writing module, and the control module into the thermal printhead. This allows the radio frequency chip and the heat control chip to share the same control module, achieving an integrated setup. This enables the thermal printhead to simultaneously complete label printing and RFID data reading and writing, solving the problem of the single function of thermal printheads in the prior art. It reduces equipment complexity, improves processing efficiency and data consistency, ensures printing efficiency, and facilitates maintenance.

[0027] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal printhead according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a thermal printhead according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the thermal printhead 10 includes:

[0034] Thermal printing module, RF read / write module and control module 4;

[0035] The thermal printing module includes a heat control chip 5 and a heating plate 6; the radio frequency read / write module includes a radio frequency antenna 2 and a radio frequency chip 3.

[0036] The control module 4 is electrically connected to the heating control chip 5 and the radio frequency chip 3 respectively; the heating control chip 5 is electrically connected to the heating plate 6, and one side of the heating plate 6 abuts against the control module 4; the radio frequency antenna 2 and the radio frequency chip 3 are electrically connected and are disposed on the surface of the control module 4.

[0037] The thermal printing module can be used to print text, graphics, and other information on label paper 9. The thermal printing module includes a heating control chip 5 and a heating plate 6, which are electrically connected. The heating control chip 5 can control the heating plate 6 to generate heat, thereby performing thermal printing on the label paper 9. In some embodiments, the heating plate 6 can be made of ceramic material for rapid heat conduction printing.

[0038] The radio frequency (RF) read / write module is used to read and write RFID tag information. RFID technology is an automatic identification technology that enables contactless, two-way data communication via radio frequency (RF), facilitating data identification and exchange. The RF read / write module includes an RF antenna 2 and an RF chip 3. The RF antenna 2 transmits and receives RF signals, while the RF chip 3, electrically connected to the RF antenna 2, receives, processes, and communicates with the RFID tag.

[0039] The control module 4 is electrically connected to the heating control chip 5 and the radio frequency chip 3, respectively, and the heating control chip 5 and the radio frequency chip 3 share a single control module 4. The radio frequency antenna 2 and the radio frequency signal are both integrated on the surface of the control module 4, and the heating plate 6 rests against the control module 4 on one side. This integrates the heating control chip 5, the heating plate 6, the radio frequency antenna 2, the radio frequency chip 3, and the control module 4 on the thermal printhead 10, and the heating control chip 5 and the radio frequency chip 3 share the control module 4. This solves the problem of cumbersome operation and low efficiency caused by the separation of the independent radio frequency device from the thermal printhead 10 in the prior art. At the same time, integrating the heating control chip 5, the heating plate 6, the radio frequency antenna 2, the radio frequency chip 3, and the control module 4 on the thermal printhead 10 improves data transmission efficiency, avoids the problem of mismatch between printed content and RFID stored data caused by step-by-step operation, and improves the uniformity and integrity of the printing system.

[0040] For example, refer to Figure 1As shown, both the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 are rectangular structures, with one side of the heating plate 6 abutting against the control module 4 to form a new rectangular structure. The radio frequency antenna 2 and the radio frequency chip 3 are both mounted on the surface of the control module 4, and the radio frequency antenna 2 is electrically connected to the radio frequency chip 3, while the radio frequency chip 3 is electrically connected to the control module 4, thus achieving the integration of the heating control chip 5, the heating plate 6, the radio frequency antenna 2, the radio frequency chip 3, and the control module 4.

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment integrates the thermal printing module, the radio frequency reading and writing module, and the control module 4 into the thermal printhead 10, so that the radio frequency chip 3 and the heating control chip 5 share the control module 4, realizing an integrated setting. This allows the thermal printhead 10 to simultaneously complete label printing and RFID data reading and writing, solving the problem of the single function of the thermal printhead 10 in the prior art, reducing the complexity of the equipment, improving processing efficiency and data consistency, ensuring printing efficiency and facilitating maintenance.

[0042] Optional, see reference Figure 1 As shown, the heating control chip 5 is disposed on the surface of the control module 4.

[0043] Alternatively, the heat control chip 5 can be placed on the surface of the control module 4, so that the heat control chip 5, the radio frequency antenna 2, and the radio frequency chip 3 are all placed on the same surface. This arrangement ensures that the heat control chip 5 does not occupy other space, further improving the integration of the thermal printhead 10.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, since the heating plate 6 abuts against the control module 4 on one side, placing the heating control chip 5 on the surface of the control module 4 can provide sufficient space for the heating plate 6 and ensure the integration of the thermal printhead 10.

[0045] Optional, see reference Figure 1 As shown, it also includes: heat dissipation carrier 7;

[0046] The heating plate 6 and the control module 4 are mounted on the heat dissipation carrier 7, and the surface of the control module 4 away from the radio frequency read / write module is in contact with the heat dissipation carrier 7.

[0047] The heat dissipation carrier 7 serves to conduct and dissipate heat. Since both the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 generate heat during operation, both the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 are placed on the heat dissipation carrier 7 for heat dissipation, and the surface of the control module 4 away from the RF read / write module is in contact with the heat dissipation carrier 7.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, both the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 are rectangular structures, with one side of the heating plate 6 abutting against the control module 4 to form a new rectangular structure. The heat sink 7 is also a rectangular structure, with one side of the heating plate 6 abutting against the control module 4 to form a new rectangular structure, and is placed on the heat sink 7. This ensures maximum contact area between the heating plate 6, the control module 4, and the heat sink 7, guaranteeing effective heat dissipation of the thermal printhead 10 and improving its reliability. The RF read / write module is located on the side of the control module 4 furthest from the heat sink 7, ensuring its normal operation.

[0049] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the thermal printhead 10 and enhances the reliability of the thermal printhead 10 by setting a heat dissipation carrier 7, placing the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 on the heat dissipation carrier 7, and having the surface of the control module 4 away from the radio frequency read / write module in contact with the heat dissipation carrier 7.

[0050] Optional, see reference Figure 1 As shown, the projection of the heat dissipation carrier 7 onto the first plane covers the heating plate 6 and the control module 4;

[0051] The first plane is the plane in contact between the heat dissipation carrier 7, the heating plate 6, and the control module 4.

[0052] In order to ensure the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation carrier 7, the projection of the heat dissipation carrier 7 on the first plane covers the heating plate 6 and the control module 4, thereby increasing the contact area between the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 and the first plane and improving the heat conduction efficiency.

[0053] For example, the bottom area of ​​the new cuboid structure formed by the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 is the same as the top area of ​​the heat dissipation carrier 7, so that the heating plate 6, the control module 4, and the heat dissipation carrier 7 are in complete contact on the first plane. The contact area between the heating plate 6, the control module 4, and the heat dissipation carrier 7 on the first plane is the maximum area, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the thermal printhead 10. In some embodiments, the projected area of ​​the heat dissipation carrier 7 on the first plane is also set to be greater than the sum of the projected areas of the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 on the first plane, so as to improve the heat dissipation effect.

[0054] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment increases the contact area between the heating plate 6 and the control module 4 and the heat dissipation carrier 7 by setting the projection of the heat dissipation carrier 7 on the first plane to cover the heating plate 6 and the control module 4, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the thermal printhead 10.

[0055] Optional, see reference Figure 1 As shown, the projected area of ​​the control module 4 on the heat dissipation carrier 7 is greater than the projected area of ​​the heating plate 6 on the heat dissipation carrier 7.

[0056] Specifically, the projected area of ​​the control module 4 on the heat dissipation carrier 7 is larger than that of the heating plate 6 on the heat dissipation carrier 7. In other words, the contact area between the control module 4 and the heat dissipation carrier 7 is larger than that between the heating plate 6 and the heat dissipation carrier 7. This is because the control module 4 generates heat during operation, while the heating plate 6 utilizes its own heat for thermal printing. Therefore, the heat dissipation requirement of the control module 4 is higher than that of the heating plate 6. Setting the projected area of ​​the control module 4 on the heat dissipation carrier 7 to be larger than that of the heating plate 6 results in a larger contact area between the control module 4 and the heat dissipation carrier 7, which is more conducive to the heat dissipation of the control module 4 and ensures the reliability of all components of the thermal printhead 10.

[0057] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment sets the projection area of ​​the control module 4 on the heat dissipation carrier 7 to be larger than the projection area of ​​the heating plate 6 on the heat dissipation carrier 7, so that the heat dissipation efficiency of the control module 4 is higher than that of the heating plate 6, thereby meeting the heat dissipation requirements of each component of the thermal printhead 10 and ensuring the normal operation of the thermal printhead 10.

[0058] Optional, see reference Figure 1 As shown, the radio frequency chip 3 is disposed on one edge of the control module 4; the radio frequency antenna 2 is disposed around the outline edge of the control module 4.

[0059] To avoid interference between the control module 4 and the RF antenna 2, the RF antenna 2 is positioned around the edge of the control module 4, thus ensuring the normal operation of the traces on the control module 4. Simultaneously, to facilitate the connection between the RF chip 3 and the RF antenna 2, the RF chip 3 is positioned on one edge of the control module 4, allowing the RF antenna 2 to be electrically connected to the RF chip 3 at the edge after surrounding the control module 4.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the control module 4 is arranged in a cuboid shape, the radio frequency antenna 2 can be set to surround the outline edge of the control module 4. The number of turns of the radio frequency antenna 2 can be set according to the requirements. One end of the radio frequency antenna 2 is connected to the radio frequency chip 3 set on one side edge of the control module 4, and the other end is not connected, so as to ensure the normal operation of the internal wiring of the control module 4 and not interfere with the normal operation of the radio frequency antenna 2.

[0061] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment is that the radio frequency chip 3 is set on one edge of the control module 4; the radio frequency antenna 2 is set around the outline edge of the control module 4 to avoid mutual interference between the radio frequency antenna 2 and the control module 4 and ensure the normal operation of the internal wiring of the control module 4.

[0062] Optionally, control module 4 includes a circuit board.

[0063] The circuit board can be a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the surface of the heat sink 7, which facilitates the connection between the radio frequency chip 3 and the heat control chip 5.

[0064] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heating plate 6 and the circuit board abut against each other, and the radio frequency antenna 2, radio frequency chip 3, and heating control chip 5 are mounted on the circuit board. The radio frequency antenna 2 is distributed around the edge of the circuit board, enabling the thermal printhead 10 to simultaneously complete label printing and RFID data reading and writing. This solves the problem of the thermal printhead 10 having a single function in the prior art, reduces equipment complexity, improves processing efficiency and data consistency, and ensures printing efficiency while facilitating maintenance.

[0065] Optional, see reference Figure 1 As shown, the circuit board includes a data connection socket 1;

[0066] Data connection socket 1 is used to connect the printer's main control board.

[0067] The data connection socket 1 can be used to connect the printer's main control board, thereby enabling the connection of the thermal printhead 10. At the same time, through the data connection socket 1, the main control board can communicate with the circuit board, thereby enabling the radio frequency antenna 2 to communicate with the main control board, ensuring the normal operation of the printer.

[0068] Based on the same utility model concept Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present utility model, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention provides a printer, including a thermal printhead 10.

[0069] The thermal printhead 10 is mounted on the printer, giving it both radio frequency communication and thermal printing capabilities. This facilitates printer assembly and promotes printer miniaturization.

[0070] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it also includes label paper 9 and drive roller 8; label paper 9 contacts thermal printhead 10 through drive roller 8;

[0071] The drive roller 8 rotates, causing the label paper 9 to move along the first direction to generate graphic information on the label paper 9.

[0072] The label paper 9 can be used to contact the heating plate 6 for thermal printing. The label paper 9 is driven by the rotation of the driving roller 8, which in turn drives the label paper 9 to move. After passing through the radio frequency antenna 2 of this utility model, it communicates with the radio frequency chip 3 to perform read and write operations. Then, the thermal printing module leaves graphic information on the label paper 9.

[0073] It is understandable that existing technologies involve placing the RFID module externally in the paper path of the printer, but this method suffers from problems such as signal interference and low tag positioning accuracy. The technical solution of this utility model integrates thermal printing and RFID reading and writing functions, which can realize integrated operation of printing and RFID tag reading and writing, improve work efficiency, and reduce equipment costs.

[0074] For example, the technical solutions of this utility model embodiment can be applied to various scenarios:

[0075] Logistics label printing scenario: The user inputs the goods information, the printer automatically generates a barcode and the corresponding electronic product code, and transmits it to the thermal print head through the data cable. The print head writes the electronic product code data to the radio frequency chip through the radio frequency antenna. Then the control module controls the thermal printing module to leave the barcode on the label paper surface, which takes less than 0.5 seconds.

[0076] Retail price tag management scenario: Supports encrypted writing function, stores price and anti-counterfeiting key in RF chip, and print head simultaneously prints plain text price, name and barcode / QR code information.

[0077] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment integrates the thermal printing module, the radio frequency reading and writing module, and the control module into the thermal printhead, so that the radio frequency chip and the heat control chip share the control module, realizing an integrated setting. This allows the thermal printhead to simultaneously complete label printing and RFID data reading and writing, solving the problem of the single function of the thermal printhead in the prior art, reducing the complexity of the equipment, improving processing efficiency and data consistency, ensuring printing efficiency and facilitating maintenance.

[0078] It should be understood that the various forms of the process shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this utility model can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this utility model can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0079] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal printhead, characterized in that, include: Thermal printing module, RF read / write module, and control module; The thermal printing module includes a heat control chip and a heating plate; the radio frequency read / write module includes a radio frequency antenna and a radio frequency chip. The control module is electrically connected to the heating control chip and the radio frequency chip respectively; the heating control chip is electrically connected to the heating plate, and one side of the heating plate abuts against the control module; the radio frequency antenna is electrically connected to the radio frequency chip, and the radio frequency antenna and the radio frequency chip are disposed on the surface of the control module.

2. The thermal printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat control chip is disposed on the surface of the control module.

3. The thermal printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Heat dissipation medium; The heating plate and the control module are mounted on the heat dissipation carrier, with the surface of the control module away from the radio frequency read / write module in contact with the heat dissipation carrier.

4. The thermal printhead according to claim 3, characterized in that, The projection of the heat dissipation carrier onto the first plane covers the heating plate and the control module; The first plane is the plane in contact between the heat dissipation carrier, the heating plate, and the control module.

5. The thermal printhead according to claim 4, characterized in that, The projected area of ​​the control module on the heat dissipation carrier is larger than the projected area of ​​the heating plate on the heat dissipation carrier.

6. The thermal printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency chip is disposed on one edge of the control module; the radio frequency antenna is disposed around the outline edge of the control module.

7. The thermal printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a circuit board.

8. The thermal printhead according to claim 7, characterized in that, The circuit board includes a data connection socket; The data connection socket is used to connect to the printer's main control board.

9. A printer, characterized in that, Includes the thermal printhead as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The printer according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes label paper and a drive roller; the label paper contacts the thermal printhead via the drive roller. The drive roller rotates, causing the label paper to move along a first direction to generate graphic information on the label paper.

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