Radio-frequency identification mechanism and thermal printer

Abstract

The present invention provides a radio-frequency identification mechanism, for use in identifying parameter information of a paper roll assembly movably arranged in a paper compartment of a thermal printer. The radio-frequency identification mechanism comprises: an RFID tag, used for storing parameter information of a paper roll assembly; an RFID tag reader, arranged in a thermal printer and used for reading and identifying the RFID tag; and a paper roll shaft, the RFID tag being fixedly arranged on the paper roll shaft. The paper roll assembly comprises the paper roll shaft and a paper roll supported by the paper roll shaft. The paper roll assembly has a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state that the paper roll is not consumed, and the second state is a state that the paper roll is exhausted. When viewed in the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper compartment, at least a portion of the RFID tag falls within the range of the RFID tag reader in both the first state and the second state. In this way, paper rolls of different specifications can be mounted in the same thermal printer, and during use of the paper rolls, the RFID tag can always be read and identified by the RFID tag reader.

Description

Radio frequency identification (RFID) agencies and thermal printers Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal printing technology, and more particularly to a radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism and a thermal printer having the RFID mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a non-contact automatic identification technology that uses radio frequency signals to automatically identify target objects and obtain relevant data. It has advantages such as being waterproof, anti-magnetic, heat resistant, having a long service life, a long reading distance, being able to encrypt data on tags, having a larger data storage capacity, and being able to modify stored information freely. It is widely used in logistics warehousing, retail payment, smart manufacturing and other technical fields.

[0003] An RFID system typically includes an RFID tag, an RFID coil (also known as an antenna), and a signal processing module. The signal processing module transmits radio frequency signals of a specific frequency through the RFID coil. When the RFID tag enters the effective working area, the RFID tag generates an induced current and sends its own encoded information to the signal processing module through the RFID coil, thereby completing the identification of the RFID tag's own encoded information.

[0004] In the existing RFID system identification process, the components that assemble the RFID tag may rotate or move, causing the RFID tag to shift and its position to exceed the identification range of the RFID coil, resulting in RFID system identification failure.

[0005] Thermal printers are equipped with a paper tray to house a paper roll assembly. The paper roll assembly is movably disposed within the paper tray and includes a paper roll and a paper roll shaft for supporting the paper roll. An RFID tag is fixedly mounted on the paper roll shaft. The thermal printer also has an RFID tag reader fixedly installed to read and identify the RFID tag. As the thermal printer is used more frequently, the thickness of the paper roll gradually decreases, and the positions of the paper roll, paper roll shaft, and RFID tag in the paper tray change. This causes a change in the relative positional relationship between the RFID tag and the RFID tag reader, which may result in the RFID tag being outside the reading range of the RFID tag reader. Consequently, the RFID tag cannot be recognized by the RFID tag reader, leading to a malfunction of the thermal printer.

[0006] Currently, there are various sizes of paper rolls on the market. How to ensure that RFID tags can always be read by RFID tag readers during the printing process of paper rolls of various sizes in the same thermal printer is a problem that researchers need to consider.

[0007] In the architecture of a thermal printer, a sensor for detecting paper is typically mounted on the printhead holder. Due to their functional characteristics and design requirements, these sensors are usually relatively small. Traditionally, a dedicated sensor mounting structure is used on the printhead holder to securely fix the sensor to the printer frame, ensuring accurate and stable paper detection.

[0008] However, existing technologies present several inconveniences in implementing this installation method. Firstly, the design and fabrication of an additional sensor mounting structure must be added during the product mold-making stage. This not only significantly increases mold-making costs but also, due to the small size of the sensor holder component, makes its design and molding within the mold more challenging. In the subsequent assembly stage, its small size requires more precise and careful assembly by workers, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty and complexity of assembly, making the entire process time-consuming and labor-intensive. This hinders the rapid assembly and production of thermal printers, potentially impacting product production efficiency and market launch timelines.

[0009] Thermal printers are widely used in warehousing, logistics, and cashier scenarios. They typically use thermal technology to form images or text on thermal paper, and then the printed paper is removed.

[0010] Thermal printers are generally equipped with a push-pull cutter to cut the printing media after printing. In order to avoid injury to users from the cutter, existing thermal printers use a complex cutter locking structure to lock the cutter when the cover is opened and unlock the cutter when the cover is closed to cut the paper. This makes the structure of thermal printers complex and has many parts, which makes it difficult to miniaturize thermal printers and makes assembly complex, resulting in high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention provides a radio frequency identification mechanism and a thermal printer that can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems. The specific technical solutions are as follows:

[0012] A radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism is used to identify parameter information of a paper roll assembly disposed within the paper tray of a thermal printer. The RFID mechanism includes: an RFID tag for storing parameter information of the paper roll assembly; an RFID tag reader disposed within the thermal printer for reading and identifying the RFID tag; and a paper roll shaft on which the RFID tag is fixedly disposed. The paper roll assembly includes the paper roll shaft and a paper roll supported by the paper roll shaft. The paper roll assembly has a first state and a second state. The first state is when the paper roll is not consumed, and the second state is when the paper roll is exhausted. When viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the RFID tag falls at least partially within the range of the RFID tag reader in both the first state and the second state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the radius of the paper roll is R1, the radius of the RFID tag is r0, and an inscribed circle of radius R0 is drawn that inscribed the paper compartment. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper compartment, when the RFID tag, the paper roll, and the paper roll are arranged with the same center, the distance between the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the lowermost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper compartment in the height direction is the first distance (D1), where D1 > (R1-r0) or (R1-r0) < D1 < (R1+r0). The leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper compartment is parallel to the height direction, the lowermost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper compartment is parallel to the length direction, and the length direction intersects the height direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the radius of the paper roll is r. When viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the tangent line at the lowest point of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the height direction is the second distance D2, where D2 < (r + r0) or (r - r0) < D2 < (r + r0).

[0015] In some embodiments, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the length direction is the third distance D3, where D3 < (r + r0) or (r - r0) < D3 < (r + r0).

[0016] In some embodiments, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the length direction is the fourth distance D4, where D4 > (2R0-(r+r0)) or (2R0-(r+r0)) < D4 < (2R0-(r-r0)).

[0017] In some embodiments, the radius of the paper roll is R1, the radius of the RFID tag is r0, and the radius of the paper roll shaft is r. An inscribed circle of the paper compartment with radius R0 is drawn. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper compartment, when the RFID tag and the paper roll shaft are not centered, and the RFID tag and the paper roll are also not centered, the distance between the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the lowermost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper compartment is the fifth distance D5, where D5 > (R1 + (r - 2r0)) or (R1 + (r - 2r0)) < D5 < (R1 + r). The leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper compartment is parallel to the height direction, the lowermost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper compartment is parallel to the length direction, and the length direction intersects the height direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the tangent line at the lowest point of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the height direction is the sixth distance D6, where D6 < 2r0 or 0 < D6 < 2r0.

[0019] In some embodiments, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the length direction is the seventh distance D7, where D7 < 2r0 or 0 < D7 < 2r0.

[0020] In some embodiments, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the length direction is the eighth distance D8, where D8 > 2R0 - 2r0 or 2R0 - 2r0 < D8 < 2R0.

[0021] A thermal printer includes a base, a top cover, a paper tray disposed inside the base, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism as described above. The base and the top cover are connected to each other and arranged along the height direction. A paper roll assembly is movably disposed inside the paper tray and is used for imaging during the printing process of the thermal printer. The thermal printer obtains parameter information of the paper roll assembly through the RFID mechanism. The paper tray includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a mounting port, and a receiving cavity formed by the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall. The third wall connects the first wall and the second wall. The mounting port is disposed between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall are spaced apart and opposite to each other. The mounting port communicates with the receiving cavity. The paper roll assembly is mounted to the receiving cavity through the mounting port and is movably disposed in the receiving cavity. The mounting port faces the top cover.

[0022] In some embodiments, the RFID tag reader is disposed outside the paper tray, and at least one of the first wall and the second wall is spaced apart from the RFID tag reader, or at least one of the first wall and the second wall is in contact with the RFID tag reader.

[0023] In some embodiments, the RFID tag reader is enclosed in a container, with at least one of the first wall and the second wall spaced apart from the container, or at least one of the first wall and the second wall in contact with the container.

[0024] In some embodiments, the RFID tag reader is disposed in the paper tray, and the RFID tag reader is disposed on the first wall or the second wall, and the first wall or the second wall is provided with a mounting part for mounting the RFID tag reader.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mounting portion is configured as a protrusion extending from the first wall or the second wall toward a direction away from the receiving cavity, and the RFID tag reader is wound around the protrusion to form a coil.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mounting portion is further provided with a foolproof part for preventing errors. During the assembly of the RFID tag reader, the foolproof part can prevent the RFID tag reader from being installed in the wrong position or in the wrong direction, thereby saving installation time. The foolproof part is a chamfer provided on the mounting portion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first wall has a first outer wall and a first inner wall disposed opposite to each other, the first outer wall facing away from the receiving cavity and the first inner wall facing the receiving cavity; the second wall has a second outer wall and a second inner wall disposed opposite to each other, the second outer wall facing away from the receiving cavity and the second inner wall facing the receiving cavity; the RFID tag reader is disposed on the first outer wall, or between the first outer wall and the first inner wall; or the RFID tag reader is disposed on the second outer wall, or between the second outer wall and the second inner wall.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first wall or the second wall is further provided with a fastener for fixing the RFID tag reader, which can prevent the RFID tag reader from falling off.

[0029] In some embodiments, the third wall includes a first sub-wall, a second sub-wall, and a third sub-wall. The second sub-wall connects the first sub-wall and the third sub-wall. The first sub-wall and the third sub-wall are spaced apart and opposite to each other along the length direction. The mounting opening is spaced apart and opposite to the second sub-wall. The arrangement direction of the mounting opening and the second sub-wall intersects the arrangement direction of the first wall and the second wall. The second sub-wall is configured as an arc shape, so that the lower half of the paper tray in the height direction forms an arc shape. After the paper roll is placed into the paper tray, the shape of the paper roll fits the shape of the lower half of the paper tray, and the paper roll can be more stably accommodated by the receiving cavity.

[0030] In some embodiments, the RFID tag reader is configured as a plurality of such readers, with one RFID tag reader disposed on the first wall and another RFID tag reader disposed on the second wall.

[0031] In some embodiments, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the RFID tag reader is generally rectangular in shape, the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray is parallel to the width direction, and the width direction, the length direction, and the height direction intersect each other.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the RFID mechanism and thermal printer with the RFID mechanism provided by the present invention can design the shape and size of the RFID tag reader according to the initial size of the paper roll, or design the size of the paper roll according to the shape and size of the RFID tag reader, as long as the above conditions are met. With such a setting, the same thermal printer can install paper rolls of different sizes, and the RFID tag can always be read and identified by the RFID tag reader throughout the entire process from the start of use to complete consumption of the paper roll. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the thermal printer involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded view of some components of the thermal printer involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the paper tray of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figures 5, 6, and 7 are schematic diagrams of the thermal printer RFID tag reader according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the highest point in the vertical direction is located too low in a straight line.

[0037] Figures 8, 9, and 10 are schematic diagrams of the RFID tag reader of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the lowest point of the RFID tag reader in the vertical direction is too high in a straight line.

[0038] Figures 11, 12, and 13 are schematic diagrams of the RFID tag reader of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the lowest and highest points are both at appropriate straight-line positions in the vertical direction.

[0039] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible vertical positions of the highest point of the RFID tag reader when the RFID tag, paper roll, and paper roll of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are arranged in a circle.

[0040] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible vertical positions of the lowest point of the RFID tag reader in the height direction when the RFID tag, paper roll, and paper roll of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are arranged concentrically.

[0041] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible linear positions of the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader in the length direction when the RFID tag, paper roll, and paper roll of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are arranged at the same center.

[0042] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible linear positions of the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader in the length direction when the RFID tag, paper roll, and paper roll of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are arranged at the same center.

[0043] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible vertical positions of the highest point of the RFID tag reader in the height direction when the RFID tag and the paper roll are set at different centers in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and the RFID tag and the paper roll are also set at different centers.

[0044] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible positions of the lowest point of the RFID tag reader in the height direction when the RFID tag and the paper roll are set at different centers in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible positions of the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader in the length direction when the RFID tag and the paper roll are set at different centers in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and the RFID tag and the paper roll are also set at different centers.

[0046] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing the range of possible linear positions of the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader in the length direction when the RFID tag and the paper roll are set at different centers in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and the RFID tag and the paper roll are also set at different centers.

[0047] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a movement structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 23 is a front view of a movement structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 24 is a top view of a movement structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the FPC circuit board and the printer circuit board in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 26 is a side sectional view of a movement structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the printer structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the radio frequency identification mechanism provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the printing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the consumables in the printing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 32 is a front view of the printing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention after the front housing has been removed;

[0058] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the front housing and coil in the printing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 34 is a perspective view of the consumable housing in the printing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 35 is a front view of the printing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention after the rear housing and top cover have been removed;

[0061] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of the state of the consumable and the consumable housing when the consumable is not in use, according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the consumable and the consumable housing when the consumable provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention is used.

[0063] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the thermal printer involved in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 39 is an exploded view of some components of the thermal printer involved in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 40A is a perspective view of some components in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 40B is an exploded view of some components in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 41A is a perspective view of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, showing the combination of the drive assembly and the paper pressing assembly.

[0068] Figure 41B is an exploded view of the drive assembly and the paper pressing assembly in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the paper pressing assembly in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 43 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the paper pressing assembly in a thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 44 is a perspective view of the drive component in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 45 is an exploded view of the cutter assembly and the support component in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 46 is an exploded view of the cutter assembly in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 47 is a schematic diagram of the limiting component in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 48 is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly and the cutter assembly in the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 49A is a schematic diagram of the thermal printer in the cutting state after the hidden part of the thermal printer is involved in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 49B is a schematic diagram of the thermal printer in the cutting state when viewed from left to right after hiding some components of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 50A is a schematic diagram of the thermal printer in a protected state when viewed from front to back after hiding some components of the thermal printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 50B is a schematic diagram of the thermal printer in a protected state when viewed from left to right after hiding some components, according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] [Example 1]

[0082] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thermal printer 100 (or simply "printer") includes a base 10, a top cover 20, and a paper tray 30 disposed inside the base 10. The base 10 and the top cover 20 are connected to each other, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The paper tray 30 includes a first wall 31, a second wall 32, a third wall 33, a mounting port 34, and a receiving cavity 35 formed by the first wall 31, the second wall 32, and the third wall 33. The third wall 33 connects the first wall 31 and the second wall 32. The mounting port 34 is disposed between the first wall 31 and the second wall 32. The first wall 31 and the second wall 32 are spaced apart and opposite to each other. The mounting port 34 communicates with the receiving cavity 35. The paper roll assembly can be installed into the receiving cavity 35 through the mounting port 34. The paper roll assembly is movably disposed in the receiving cavity 35 and is used for imaging during the printing process of the thermal printer 100.

[0083] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the thermal printer 100 includes an RFID tag 70, an RFID tag reader 60, and an assembly part. The RFID mechanism is used to identify the parameter information of the paper roll assembly. Specifically, the RFID tag reader 60 is used to read and identify the RFID tag 70, which is fixedly mounted on the assembly part. The RFID tag 70 is used to store the parameter information of the paper roll assembly, such as the model of the paper roll assembly and the total printable quantity (length of the paper roll 40). By reading the RFID tag 70 through the RFID tag reader 60, the thermal printer 100 can obtain the parameter information of the paper roll assembly.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, the paper roll assembly includes a paper roll 40 and a paper roll shaft 50 for supporting the paper roll 40. The paper roll 40 is used for imaging. In some embodiments, the assembly part is set as the paper roll shaft 50, that is, the RFID tag 70 is fixedly mounted on the paper roll shaft 50.

[0085] With the thermal printer 100 placed on a horizontal plane as a reference, the thermal printer 100 has a height direction, a length direction and a width direction, and the height direction, length direction and width direction intersect each other in pairs. Preferably, the height direction, length direction and width direction are orthogonal to each other in pairs.

[0086] In some embodiments, the top cover 20 and the base 10 are arranged along the height direction.

[0087] In some implementations, the mounting port 35 faces the upper cover 20.

[0088] The paper roll 50 is not supported by the thermal printer 100 or the base 10. That is to say, as the number of prints by the thermal printer 100 increases, the thickness of the paper roll 40 gradually decreases. In the height direction, the paper roll 40 will gradually move downward, and the paper roll 50 and the RFID tag 70 will also gradually move downward.

[0089] The RFID tag reader 60 is disposed inside the thermal printer 100. When the RFID tag reader 60 is disposed outside the paper tray 30, at least one of the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 is spaced apart from the RFID tag reader 60, or at least one of the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 is in contact with the RFID tag reader 60.

[0090] In some embodiments, the RFID tag reader 60 is enclosed in a container, with at least one of the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 spaced apart from the container, or at least one of the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 is in contact with the container.

[0091] When the RFID tag reader 60 is installed in the paper tray 30, as shown in FIG3, the RFID tag reader 60 is installed on the first wall 31 or the second wall 32, and the first wall 31 or the second wall 32 is provided with a mounting part 311 for installing the RFID tag reader 60.

[0092] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 311 is configured as a protrusion extending from the first wall 31 or the second wall 32 toward a direction away from the receiving cavity 35, and the RFID tag reader 60 is wound around the protrusion to form a coil.

[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, a fastener 312 for fixing the RFID tag reader 60 is also provided on the first wall 31 or the second wall 32, which can prevent the RFID tag reader 60 from falling off.

[0094] In some embodiments, the mounting part 311 is also provided with a foolproof part 311a for preventing errors. During the assembly process of the RFID tag reader 60, the foolproof part 311a can prevent the RFID tag reader 60 from being installed in the wrong position or in the wrong direction, thereby saving installation time. In some specific embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the foolproof part 311a is a chamfer provided on the mounting part 311.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first wall 31 has a first outer wall and a first inner wall disposed opposite to each other, the first outer wall facing away from the receiving cavity 35 and the first inner wall facing the receiving cavity 35, and the RFID tag reader 60 is disposed on the first outer wall, or disposed between the first outer wall and the first inner wall.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second wall 32 has a second outer wall and a second inner wall disposed opposite to each other, the second outer wall facing away from the receiving cavity 35 and the second inner wall facing the receiving cavity 35, and the RFID tag reader 60 is disposed on the second outer wall, or disposed between the second outer wall and the second inner wall.

[0097] The third wall 33 includes a first sub-wall 331, a second sub-wall 332, and a third sub-wall 333. The second sub-wall 332 connects the first sub-wall 331 and the third sub-wall 333. The first sub-wall 331 and the third sub-wall 333 are arranged opposite each other at intervals along the length direction. The mounting port 34 is arranged opposite to the second sub-wall 332 at intervals. The arrangement direction of the mounting port 34 and the second sub-wall 332 intersects with the arrangement direction of the first wall 31 and the second wall 32.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second sub-wall 332 is configured as an arc, so that the lower half of the paper tray 30 in the height direction is formed as an arc. With this configuration, after the paper roll 40 is placed into the paper tray 30, the shape of the paper roll 40 fits the shape of the lower half of the paper tray 30, and the paper roll 40 can be more stably accommodated by the receiving cavity 35.

[0099] In some implementations, the thermal printer 100 is provided with multiple RFID tag readers 60, for example, one RFID tag reader 60 is provided on the first wall 31 and another RFID tag reader 60 is provided on the second wall 32.

[0100] In some implementations, the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30 are arranged in a direction parallel to the width direction.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, the RFID tag reader 60 is generally rectangular in shape.

[0102] The paper roll assembly has a first state and a second state. The first state is when the paper roll 40 is not consumed, and the second state is when the paper roll 40 is exhausted. When the paper roll assembly is in the first state, the second state, or between the first state and the second state, the paper roll assembly is always active in the paper bin 30.

[0103] As shown in Figures 5 and 14, an inscribed circle 35a is made within the paper tray of the inner receiving cavity 35. A portion of the arc of the inscribed circle 35a coincides with the lower half of the paper tray 30. For ease of description and understanding below, the center of the inscribed circle 35a is defined as P1, and the radius as R0. The center of the paper roll 40 is defined as P2, and the radius as R1. When the paper roll 40 is not consumed, the value of R1 is the largest; when the paper roll 40 is consumed, the value of R1 is the smallest. That is, as the number of prints by the thermal printer 100 increases, the radius R1 of the paper roll 40 gradually decreases. The center of the paper roll 50 is defined as P3, and the radius as r. The center of the RFID tag 70 is defined as P4, and the radius as r. Looking along the arrangement of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, with the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle 35a of the paper tray as the y-axis and the bottommost tangent of the inscribed circle 35a of the paper tray as the x-axis, the y-axis is parallel to the height direction and the x-axis is parallel to the length direction. In the height direction, the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is H, and the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is h (as shown in Figure 8). In the length direction, the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is W (as shown in Figure 16), and the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is w (as shown in Figure 17).

[0104] In actual use of the thermal printer 100, due to the different specifications of the paper roll 40, the following two situations may occur.

[0105] In the first case, the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located at a position too low on the straight line H.

[0106] As shown in Figure 5, when the paper roll 40 is not consumed, the straight line H is tangent to the lowest point of the paper roll shaft 50 in the height direction. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, the RFID tag reader 60 and the RFID tag 70 do not coincide, and the RFID tag reader 60 cannot read the parameter information.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6, as the thermal printer 100 continues to print, the paper roll 40, the paper roll shaft 50, and the RFID tag 70 all move downwards in the height direction within the thermal printer 100. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, at least a portion of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the RFID tag 70, and the RFID tag reader 60 can read parameter information.

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, after the paper roll 40 is completely consumed, in the height direction, the positions of the paper roll 50 and the RFID tag 70 in the thermal printer 100 continue to move downwards. At least a part of the RFID tag reader 60 still coincides with the RFID tag 70, and the RFID tag reader 60 can read the parameter information.

[0109] In the second scenario, the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located at a position h that is too high in the vertical direction.

[0110] As shown in Figure 8, when the paper roll 40 is not consumed, the straight line h is tangent to the lowest point of the RFID tag 70 in the height direction. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, at least a part of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the RFID tag 70, and the RFID tag reader 60 can read parameter information.

[0111] As shown in Figure 9, as the thermal printer 100 continues to print, the paper roll 40, the paper roll shaft 50, and the RFID tag 70 all move downwards in the height direction within the thermal printer 100. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, at least a portion of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the RFID tag 70, and the RFID tag reader 60 can read parameter information.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10, after the paper roll 40 is completely consumed, in the height direction, the positions of the paper roll 50 and the RFID tag 70 in the thermal printer 100 continue to move downwards. The straight line h is tangent to the highest point of the RFID tag 70 in the height direction. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, the RFID tag reader 60 and the RFID tag 70 do not coincide, and the RFID tag reader 60 cannot read the parameter information.

[0113] As shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, in the height direction, when the positions of straight lines H and h are both appropriate, it can be understood that during the process from the start of use of the paper roll 40 to its complete consumption, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, at least a part of the RFID tag reader 60 always coincides with the RFID tag 70. Throughout the process, the RFID tag reader 60 can continuously read the parameter information stored in the RFID tag 70.

[0114] In view of this, the present invention proposes the following technical solution to ensure that, when viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30, in the first state and the second state, at least a portion of the RFID tag 70 falls within the range of the RFID tag reader 60. That is, during the process from the start of use of the paper roll 40 to its complete consumption, the RFID tag reader 60 can continuously read the parameter information stored in the RFID tag.

[0115] As shown in Figure 14, when the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 are arranged with the same center, the distance between the straight line H and the x-axis in the height direction is the first distance D1. When the paper roll assembly is in the first state, as long as the first distance D1 is greater than the distance (R1-r0) between the straight line H2 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis, that is, the first distance D1>(R1-r0), the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line H2 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the lowest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0116] Furthermore, to avoid material waste in the RFID tag reader 60, when the roll paper assembly is in the first state, preferably, the first distance D1 is less than the distance (R1+r0) between the straight line H1 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis. That is, the range of the first distance D1 is (R1-r0) < D1 < (R1+r0), where the straight line H1 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the highest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0117] As shown in Figure 15, when the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 are arranged with the same center, the distance between the straight line h and the x-axis in the height direction is the second distance D2. When the paper roll assembly is in the second state, as long as the second distance D2 is less than the distance (r+r0) between the straight line h1 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis, that is, the second distance D2 < (r+r0), the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. The straight line h1 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the highest point of the RFID tag 70. Furthermore, when the paper roll assembly is in the second state, preferably, the second distance D2 is greater than the distance (r-r0) between the straight line h2 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis. That is, the range of the second distance D2 is (r-r0) < D2 < (r+r0), where the straight line h2 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the lowest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0118] In summary, when the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 are arranged concentrically, in order to ensure that the RFID tag 70 falls within the reading range of the RFID tag reader 60 in the height direction during the printing process of the thermal printer 100, or, in order for the RFID tag 70 to be read by the RFID tag reader 60, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the height direction must satisfy the conditions D1 > (R1 - r0) and D2 < (r + r0). In some preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the height direction must satisfy the conditions (R1 - r0) < D1 < (R1 + r0) and (r - r0) < D2 < (r + r0).

[0119] As shown in Figure 16, when the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 are arranged with the same center, the distance between the straight line W and the y-axis in the length direction is the third distance D3. When the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located on the leftmost side, as long as the third distance D3 is less than the distance (r+r0) between the straight line W1 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis, that is, the third distance D3 < (r+r0), the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line W1 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the rightmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0120] Furthermore, when the paper assembly is in the second state and located at the leftmost position, preferably, the third distance D3 is greater than the distance (r-r0) between the straight line W2 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis. That is, the range of the third distance D3 is (r-r0) < D3 < (r+r0), where the straight line W2 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the leftmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0121] As shown in Figure 17, when the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 are arranged with the same center, the distance between the straight line w and the y-axis in the length direction is the fourth distance D4. When the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located on the rightmost side, as long as the fourth distance D4 is greater than the distance between the straight line w2 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis (2R0-(r+r0)), that is, the fourth distance D4>(2R0-(r+r0)), the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line w2 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the leftmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0122] Furthermore, when the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located on the far right, preferably, the fourth distance D4 is less than the distance between the straight line w1 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis (2R0-(r-r0)), that is, the size range of the fourth distance D4 is (2R0-(r+r0)) < D4 < (2R0-(r-r0)), where the straight line w1 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the rightmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0123] In summary, when the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 are arranged concentrically, in order to ensure that the RFID tag 70 falls within the reading range of the RFID tag reader 60 in the length direction during the printing process of the thermal printer 100, or, in order for the RFID tag 70 to be read by the RFID tag reader 60, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the length direction must satisfy the conditions D3 < (r + r0) and D4 > (2R0 - (r + r0)); in some preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the length direction must satisfy the conditions (r - r0) < D3 < (r + r0) and (2R0 - (r + r0)) < D4 < (2R0 - (r - r0)).

[0124] Therefore, with the RFID tag 70, the paper roll 50, and the paper roll 40 arranged at the same center, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 must meet the following conditions: D1 > (R1 - r0), D2 < (r + r0), D3 < (r + r0), and D4 > (2R0 - (r + r0)). With this arrangement, the RFID tag 70 can always be read and identified by the RFID tag reader 60 during the printing process of the thermal printer 100, and the printing operation of the thermal printer 100 will not be affected.

[0125] In some preferred embodiments, to avoid material waste in the RFID tag reader 60, the size of the RFID tag reader 60 must meet the following conditions: (R1-r0)<D1<(R1+r0), (r-r0)<D2<(r+r0), (r-r0)<D3<(r+r0), and (2R0-(r+r0))<D4<(2R0-(r-r0)). In this way, the RFID tag 70 can be continuously read and identified by the RFID tag reader 60 during the printing process of the thermal printer 100.

[0126] As shown in Figure 18, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, the distance between the straight line H and the x-axis in the height direction is the fifth distance D5. When the paper roll assembly is in the first state, as long as the fifth distance D5 is greater than the distance between the straight line H4 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis (R1+(r-2r0)), that is, the fifth distance D5>(R1+(r-2r0)), the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line H4 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the lowest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0127] Furthermore, to avoid material waste in the RFID tag reader 60, when the roll assembly is in the first state, preferably, the fifth distance D5 is less than the distance (R1+r) between the straight line H3 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis. That is, the range of the fifth distance D5 is (R1+(r-2r0))<D5<(R1+r), where the straight line H3 where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the highest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0128] As shown in Figure 19, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, the distance between the straight line h and the x-axis in the height direction is the sixth distance D6. When the paper roll assembly is in the second state, as long as the sixth distance D6 is less than the distance 2r0 between the straight line h3 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis, that is, the sixth distance D6 < 2r0, the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line h3 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the highest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0129] Furthermore, when the paper roll assembly is in the second state, preferably, the sixth distance D6 is greater than the distance 0 between the line h4 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the x-axis. The line h4 passes through the x-axis, that is, the size range of the sixth distance D6 is 0 < D6 < 2r0. The line h4 where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the lowest point of the RFID tag 70.

[0130] In summary, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, in order to ensure that the RFID tag 70 can fall within the reading range of the RFID tag reader 60 in the height direction during the printing process of the thermal printer 100, or, in order for the RFID tag 70 to be read by the RFID tag reader 60, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the height direction must satisfy the conditions D5 > (R1 + (r - 2r0)) and D6 < 2r0. In some preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the height direction must satisfy the conditions (R1 + (r - 2r0)) < D5 < (R1 + r) and 0 < D6 < 2r0.

[0131] As shown in Figure 20, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, the distance between the straight line W and the y-axis in the length direction is the seventh distance D7. When the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located on the leftmost side, as long as the seventh distance D7 is less than the distance 2r0 between the straight line W3 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis, that is, the seventh distance D7 < 2r0, the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line W3 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the rightmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0132] Furthermore, when the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located at the leftmost position, preferably, the seventh distance D7 is greater than the distance 0 between the straight line W4 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis. The straight line W4 passes through the y-axis, that is, the size range of the seventh distance D7 is 0 < D7 < 2r0. The straight line W4 where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the leftmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0133] As shown in Figure 21, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, the distance between the straight line w and the y-axis in the length direction is the eighth distance D8. When the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located on the rightmost side, as long as the eighth distance D8 is greater than the distance between the straight line w4 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis (2R0-2r0), that is, the eighth distance D8>(2R0-2r0), the RFID tag reader 60 can read the RFID tag 70. Here, the straight line w4 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the leftmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0134] Furthermore, when the paper roll assembly is in the second state and located on the far right, preferably, the eighth distance D8 is less than the distance 2R0 between the straight line w3 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located and the y-axis. The eighth distance D8 < 2R0, that is, the range of the eighth distance D8 is (2R0-2r0) < D8 < 2R0. Here, the straight line w3 where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 is located is the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader 60 coincides with the rightmost point of the RFID tag 70.

[0135] In summary, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, in order to ensure that the RFID tag 70 can fall within the reading range of the RFID tag reader 60 in the length direction during the printing process of the thermal printer 100, or, in order for the RFID tag 70 to be read by the RFID tag reader 60, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the length direction must satisfy the conditions D7 < 2r0 and D8 > (2R0 - 2r0); in some preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 in the length direction must satisfy the conditions 0 < D7 < 2r0 and (2R0 - 2r0) < D8 < 2R0.

[0136] Therefore, when the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 50 are set at different centers, and the RFID tag 70 and the paper roll 40 are also set at different centers, the dimensions of the RFID tag reader 60 must meet the following conditions: D5 > (R1 + (r - 2r0)), D6 < 2r0, D7 < 2r0, and D8 > (2R0 - 2r0). With this setting, the RFID tag 70 can always be read and identified by the RFID tag reader 60 during the printing process of the thermal printer 100, and the printing operation of the thermal printer 100 will not be affected.

[0137] In some preferred embodiments, to avoid material waste in the RFID tag reader 60, the size of the RFID tag reader 60 must meet the following conditions: (R0+(r-2r0))<D5<(R0+r), 0<D6<2r0, 0<D7<2r0, and (2R0-2r0)<D8<2R0. In this way, the RFID tag 70 can be continuously read and identified by the RFID tag reader 60 during the printing process of the thermal printer 100.

[0138] As described above, when the initial size of the paper roll 40 (the size of the paper roll 40 when it is not consumed) cannot be changed, the shape and size of the RFID tag reader 60 can be designed based on the initial size of the paper roll 40, as long as the above conditions are met. Conversely, when the shape and size of the RFID tag reader 60 cannot be changed, the size of the paper roll 40 and the size and position of the RFID tag 70 can be designed based on the shape and size of the RFID tag reader 60, again as long as the above conditions are met. Under this setting, the thermal printer 100 is no longer limited to the initial size of the paper roll 40, the size and position of the RFID tag 70, and the shape and size of the RFID tag reader 60, thus improving the versatility of the thermal printer 100.

[0139] In some implementations, the RFID tag reader 60 and the paper tray 30 are arranged in a direction parallel to the height direction. In this case, based on the above reasoning process, the conditions that the size of the RFID tag reader 60 needs to meet can be deduced. Generally, the RFID tag 70 is attached inside the paper roll 50. The paper roll 50 rotates with the rotation of the paper roll 40, and the RFID tag 70 rotates with the rotation of the paper roll 50. When setting the size of the RFID tag reader 60, the size of the RFID tag reader 60 can be set according to the rotation range of the paper roll 50. [Beneficial Effects]

[0140] Compared with the prior art, the radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism and the thermal printer 100 having the RFID mechanism provided by the present invention have the following advantages:

[0141] Firstly, the shape and size of the RFID tag reader 60 can be designed according to the initial size of the paper roll 40, or the size of the paper roll 40 can be designed according to the shape and size of the RFID tag reader 60, as long as the above conditions are met. With such a setting, the same thermal printer 100 can install paper rolls 40 of different sizes / specifications, and the RFID tag 70 can always be read and identified by the RFID tag reader 60 throughout the entire process from the start of use of the paper roll 40 to its complete consumption.

[0142] Secondly, as described in the first aspect, the same thermal printer 100 can be used with paper rolls 40 of various sizes or specifications, thus improving the versatility of the thermal printer 100.

[0143] [Example 2]

[0144] All other embodiments obtained are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0145] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 22 to 26.

[0146] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a movement structure is provided, comprising:

[0147] The housing A1 has a mounting groove A2, and a fixing structure is provided in the mounting groove A2. The fixing structure is suitable for fixing the FPC circuit board A3. A sensor suitable for detecting paper is provided on one side of the FPC circuit board A3. A detection slot is provided on the mounting groove A2. The detection slot is located on the side of the housing A1 facing the paper roll A4, and the sensor is exposed in the detection slot.

[0148] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sensor is an optocoupler sensor A6. The optocoupler sensor A6 has the advantages of isolation characteristics, resistance to electrical interference, and ensuring accurate and stable signals, enabling the thermal printer to work accurately in complex electromagnetic environments, with fast response speed, timely detection of paper state changes, and improved printing and paper handling efficiency.

[0149] In one optional implementation, the sensor can be a Hall sensor. Hall sensors detect paper by sensing changes in magnetic fields, exhibiting high sensitivity and fast response. When designing thermal printers for special spaces or complex electromagnetic environments, Hall sensors can effectively detect paper, ensuring the normal operation of the thermal printer and providing more possibilities for sensor selection. The mechanism structure provided by this invention utilizes a fixed structure to mount the FPC circuit board A3, which houses the sensor, within the housing A1. This avoids the cumbersome design and manufacturing process caused by adding a sensor mounting structure during the product mold-making stage, significantly reducing mold-making costs. It also reduces the difficulty of mold design and molding due to the small size of the sensor holder. In the assembly stage, since there is no need to install complex sensor holder components, assembly workers can operate more easily and quickly, greatly reducing assembly difficulty and complexity, significantly shortening assembly time, and powerfully promoting the rapid assembly and production of thermal printers. This facilitates earlier market entry for products, enhances market competitiveness and economic benefits, and lays the foundation for the efficient and stable operation of thermal printers.

[0150] Furthermore, the fixing structure includes at least two first snap-fit ​​members A21, which are spaced apart on both sides of the mounting groove A2 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, so as to apply a force to the FPC circuit board A3 toward the detection groove opening.

[0151] Specifically, in this embodiment, there are two first snap-fit ​​pieces A21, which are located at both ends of the mounting groove A2 in the direction parallel to the paper roll A4.

[0152] In a straightforward manner, two first engaging members A21, spaced apart along the sides of the mounting groove A2 parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, can apply force to the FPC circuit board A3 from both sides of the mounting groove A2. On one hand, this ensures that the FPC circuit board A3 is tightly fitted against the detection slot, keeping the sensor stably in its working position and guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of paper detection. On the other hand, the force distribution in both directions helps to evenly disperse stress, reducing the risk of damage to the FPC circuit board A3 or related components due to excessive localized stress. This improves the overall stability and durability of the printer mechanism, extends its lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances the stability and continuity of the thermal printer's operation.

[0153] Furthermore, the first latching member A21 has a first latching surface facing the detection slot, and a portion of the first latching surface is an inclined surface, while another portion is set at an angle to the inclined surface. The inclined surface is adapted to abut against the surface of the FPC circuit board A3, and the other portion is adapted to abut against the end face of the FPC circuit board A3.

[0154] Specifically, the angle between the bevel of the first contact surface and the other part is approximately 90°.

[0155] As is easily understood, the bevel allows the FPC circuit board A3 to slide more smoothly into the snap-fit ​​position during installation, acting as a guide, reducing installation difficulty, and improving assembly efficiency. The other part of the first snap-fit ​​surface is angled to the bevel, forming a stepped surface. This stepped surface effectively restricts the displacement of the FPC circuit board A3 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, preventing it from shifting and ensuring the accuracy and stability of the sensor position. This guarantees the accuracy and reliability of paper detection, helps maintain the overall stability of the machine's structure during operation, reduces detection errors or malfunctions caused by component displacement, and improves the working performance and product quality of the thermal printer.

[0156] In an optional embodiment, an elastic clip structure can be used as the first locking member A21. One end of the elastic clip is fixed to the mounting groove wall, and the other end has an inwardly curved arc-shaped retaining portion. When installing the FPC circuit board A3, the FPC circuit board A3 presses against the arc-shaped retaining portion, causing the elastic clip to undergo elastic deformation. After the FPC circuit board A3 reaches the predetermined position, the elastic clip recovers its deformation due to its own elasticity, and the arc-shaped retaining portion tightly locks the edge of the FPC circuit board A3, thereby achieving stable fixation of the FPC circuit board A3 towards the detection groove.

[0157] In an optional embodiment, the first contact surface can be designed as an arc-shaped surface. The arc-shaped surface also provides good guidance during the installation of the FPC circuit board A3, allowing the circuit board to smoothly enter the contact area. Furthermore, when the arc-shaped surface contacts the FPC circuit board A3, it can create a more uniform contact stress, reducing the possibility of damage to the circuit board due to localized stress concentration. In terms of limiting circuit board displacement, the curvature and depth of the arc can be rationally designed to achieve a limiting function similar to a stepped structure, ensuring stable sensor operation and guaranteeing the normal operation and accuracy of the thermal printer's paper detection process.

[0158] Furthermore, the fixing structure also includes at least one second snap-fit ​​member A22, which is disposed on one side of the groove wall parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, and is spaced apart from the first snap-fit ​​member A21 along the height direction of the housing A1, so as to apply a force to the FPC circuit board A3 to adhere to the detection groove.

[0159] Intuitively, the addition of a second snap-fit ​​component A22 applies a force to the FPC circuit board A3 from different dimensions, ensuring it adheres tightly to the detection slot. This additional force in the height direction further enhances the tightness of the fit between the FPC circuit board A3 and the detection slot, effectively preventing loosening or warping of the FPC circuit board A3 due to the rotation of the paper roll A4 or other external factors. This ensures the sensor is always in the optimal detection position, greatly improving the stability and accuracy of paper detection. Simultaneously, the multi-directional snap-fit ​​fixing method makes the installation of the FPC circuit board A3 within the housing A1 more secure, improving the overall machine structure's anti-interference capability in complex working environments, reducing the risk of malfunctions caused by FPC circuit board A3 displacement, and enhancing the overall reliability and durability of the thermal printer.

[0160] Furthermore, the second latching member A22 has a stepped second latching surface facing the detection slot, and a portion of the second latching surface is inclined.

[0161] As easily understood, the second latching surface of the second latching component A22 is stepped and partially inclined. The inclined surface guides the FPC circuit board A3 into place smoothly during installation, reducing installation obstacles and improving assembly convenience and efficiency. The stepped structure precisely restricts the displacement of the FPC circuit board A3 in the corresponding direction, working in conjunction with the first latching component A21 to stabilize the FPC circuit board A3 from multiple directions, ensuring the sensor position is fixed correctly and enabling accurate and stable paper detection. This design effectively enhances the fixing effect of the machine core structure on the FPC circuit board A3, reducing positional deviations of the FPC circuit board A3 caused by vibration, shaking, and other factors, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal printer and reducing detection errors or malfunctions caused by displacement of the detection components.

[0162] In an optional embodiment, a bump and groove mating mechanism can be used instead of the second snap-fit ​​connector A22. A bump is provided at a corresponding position on the housing A1 / FPC circuit board A3, and a matching groove is designed on the FPC circuit board A3 / housing A1. During installation, the bump is embedded in the groove, and the interlocking of the bump and groove restricts the movement of the FPC circuit board A3 in the corresponding direction, achieving a fixing function similar to the second snap-fit ​​connector A22. Furthermore, some elastic cushioning material can be provided on the contact surface between the bump and the groove to reduce the impact force during assembly and prevent damage to the components due to friction, ensuring that the sensor is stably in the detection position and maintaining the normal operation and accuracy of the thermal printer's paper detection function.

[0163] Furthermore, there are two second snap-fit ​​pieces A22, which are spaced apart on the wall of the mounting groove A2 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4.

[0164] In simple terms, the two second latching members A22, spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, together with the first latching member A21, apply a stable and uniform force to the FPC circuit board A3 from multiple directions, ensuring it adheres more tightly to the detection slot. This effectively limits the displacement and wobbling of the FPC circuit board A3 in the face of various vibrations, impacts, and interference forces generated by the rotation of the paper roll A4 during the operation of the thermal printer, thus improving the stability and reliability of the sensor position.

[0165] Furthermore, the fixing structure also includes a third latching member A23, which is disposed on the side wall of the mounting groove A2 opposite to the second latching member A22. The third latching member A23 is adapted to apply a force away from the detection slot to the FPC circuit board A3.

[0166] Intuitively, the third connector A23 works in conjunction with the second connector A22 to apply a counterforce, balancing and stabilizing the FPC circuit board A3. This precisely controls its positional accuracy, preventing excessive compression and twisting deformation, ensuring accurate sensor fit, avoiding component damage, and improving the reliability and durability of the mounting structure.

[0167] Furthermore, the FPC circuit board A3 and the printer circuit board A5 are electrically connected via a flexible flat cable. The printer circuit board A5 is located on the lower side of the FPC circuit board A3 along the height direction of the housing A1 and is bent via the flexible flat cable.

[0168] As is easily understood, the FPC circuit board A3 and the printer circuit board A5 are electrically connected via a flexible flat cable. The flexible flat cable has good flexibility and can adapt to changes in the relative position of the two, preventing wire breakage or poor contact due to excessive wire rigidity when the internal structure of the thermal printer moves or is subjected to external impact, thus ensuring stable and continuous electrical signal transmission.

[0169] The flexible flat cable's bending design makes full use of the printer's limited internal space, enabling a layered layout of the circuit boards, avoiding messy and tangled wiring, and improving space utilization. Simultaneously, the bending of the flexible flat cable can accommodate positional differences between different circuit boards, ensuring stable signal transmission and reducing signal interruptions caused by wire bending or poor contact. During installation and maintenance, this layout makes disassembly and replacement of circuit boards easier, reducing operational difficulty, improving work efficiency, and helping to ensure the stable operation of the thermal printer, thus enhancing product maintainability and reliability.

[0170] Furthermore, the FPC circuit board A3 is located on one side of the motor A7.

[0171] Furthermore, the mounting slot A2 is also provided with a mounting opening, which is located on the side of the housing A1 away from the paper roll A4, and the FPC circuit board A3 is adapted to be installed in the mounting slot A2 from the mounting opening.

[0172] It should be noted that a mounting slot is provided on the mounting slot A2 on the side of the housing A1 away from the paper roll A4, making the installation of the FPC circuit board A3 more convenient. This provides a clear and convenient insertion path for the FPC circuit board A3, allowing operators to place it more accurately within the mounting slot A2, reducing the difficulty and probability of errors during installation.

[0173] According to an embodiment of the present invention, and referring to Figures 27-28, a printer is also provided, comprising:

[0174] Printer body A8;

[0175] Casing A1;

[0176] Paper roll A4 is installed in housing A1;

[0177] The mechanism structure described in any of the above descriptions is located within the printer body A8.

[0178] Specifically, the A8 printer body is equipped with control buttons A81 and indicator lights A82. These buttons and lights facilitate user operation and status monitoring. Control button A81 allows users to easily issue print commands and adjust parameters according to their needs, improving user convenience and autonomy. Indicator light A82 uses different colors or flashing frequencies to intuitively provide feedback on the printer's operating status, such as normal operation, paper out, paper jam, and ink low, enabling users to understand the printer's condition promptly and take appropriate action, avoiding wasted time or operational errors due to unclear status.

[0179] Specifically, the printer body A8 internally features a limiting plate A83 and a paper tray A84. The limiting plate A83 can reciprocate along the axis of the paper tray A84 and adjust according to the size of the paper roll. This avoids problems such as unstable paper placement or wobbling within the paper tray A84 due to differences in paper roll specifications, thus ensuring paper stability during transport and greatly reducing the probability of paper jams. For different sizes of paper rolls, the printer can achieve precise adaptation through the adjustment of the limiting plate A83, enhancing the printer's compatibility with various paper sizes and improving product applicability and user experience.

[0180] Specifically, the printer body A8 also features a paper output tray A85, located above the control buttons A81 and indicator light A82. From a user's perspective, after printing, the paper exits directly from the top paper output tray A85, conforming to the user's natural paper-grabbing habit. Users can easily reach for the printed paper without needing to adjust their posture or shift their gaze, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, from a visual and operational convenience perspective, while operating the control buttons A81 and checking the status of the indicator light A82, users can intuitively monitor the paper output status of the paper output tray A85, easily understanding the printing progress in real time and avoiding missing any printed pages due to oversight.

[0181] This embodiment provides a mechanism structure, including: a housing A1, a mounting groove A2 provided on the housing A1, a fixing structure provided in the mounting groove A2, the fixing structure being adapted to fix an FPC circuit board A3, a sensor adapted to detect paper being provided on one surface of the FPC circuit board A3, a detection slot provided on the mounting groove A2, the detection slot being located on the side of the housing A1 facing the paper roll A4, and the sensor being exposed in the detection slot.

[0182] The fixing structure includes at least two first snap-fit ​​members A21, which are spaced apart on both sides of the mounting groove A2 along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, so as to apply a force to the FPC circuit board A3 to adhere to the detection groove.

[0183] The first snap-fit ​​component A21 has a first snap-fit ​​surface facing the detection slot, and a portion of the first snap-fit ​​surface is an inclined surface, while another portion is set at an angle to the inclined surface. The inclined surface is adapted to abut against the surface of the FPC circuit board A3, and the other portion is adapted to abut against the end face of the FPC circuit board A3.

[0184] The fixing structure further includes at least one second snap-fit ​​member A22, which is disposed on one side of the groove wall parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4, and is spaced apart from the first snap-fit ​​member A21 along the height direction of the housing A1, so as to apply a force to the FPC circuit board A3 to adhere to the detection groove.

[0185] The second snap-fit ​​component A22 has a stepped second snap-fit ​​surface facing the detection slot, and a portion of the second snap-fit ​​surface is inclined.

[0186] The number of the second snap-fit ​​component A22 is two, and the two second snap-fit ​​components A22 are spaced apart on the groove wall of the mounting groove A2 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the paper roll A4.

[0187] The fixing structure also includes a third snap-fit ​​component A23, which is disposed on the side wall of the mounting groove A2 opposite to the second snap-fit ​​component A22. The third snap-fit ​​component A23 is adapted to apply a force away from the detection slot to the FPC circuit board A3.

[0188] The FPC circuit board 3 and the printer circuit board A5 are electrically connected via a flexible flat cable. The printer circuit board A5 is located on the lower side of the FPC circuit board A3 along the height direction of the housing A1 and is bent by the flexible flat cable; and / or, the FPC circuit board A3 is located on one side of the motor A7.

[0189] The mounting slot A2 is also provided with a mounting opening, which is located on the side of the housing A1 away from the paper roll A4. The FPC circuit board A3 is adapted to be installed in the mounting slot A2 from the mounting opening.

[0190] This embodiment also provides a printer, including: a printer body A8; a housing A1; a paper roll A4, the paper roll A4 being mounted on the housing A1; and a mechanism structure as described above, the mechanism structure being disposed in the printer body A8.

[0191] [Example 3]

[0192] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0193] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0194] As shown in Figure 29, a radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism B70 includes an RFID tag B100, an RFID coil B200, and a circuit board B500. The RFID tag B100 is mounted on a first assembly structure B300 and is used to receive a first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 and to emit a second radio frequency signal. The RFID coil B200 is mounted on a second assembly structure and is used to transmit the first radio frequency signal and receive the second radio frequency signal to identify the RFID tag B100. The circuit board B500 is electrically connected to the RFID coil B200 and is used to control the RFID coil B200 to emit the first radio frequency signal and to process the second radio frequency signal received by the RFID coil B200. During the identification process of the RFID coil B200, the first assembly structure B300 drives the RFID tag B100 to move, and the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 moves; during the identification process of the RFID coil B200, the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 remains at least partially overlapping with the RFID coil B200, so as to ensure that the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 can be directed to the RFID tag B100 during the movement of the RFID tag B100, and the RFID coil B200 can receive the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag B100. In the RFID mechanism B70 provided in this embodiment, although the RFID tag B100 moves under the drive of the first assembly structure B300, the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 remains at least partially overlapping with the RFID coil B200. This ensures that the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 can always be directed towards the RFID tag B100, and the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag B100 based on the first radio frequency signal can always be received by the RFID coil B200. This avoids the problem that the RFID tag B100 may exceed the recognition range of the RFID coil B200 due to the movement of the RFID tag B100, causing the RFID coil B200 to be unable to recognize the RFID tag B100 and the RFID mechanism B70 to malfunction.

[0195] As shown in Figure 29, in one specific embodiment, the RFID tag B100 rotates under the drive of the first assembly structure B300, rotating cyclically in the order of first position P1, second position P2, third position P3, and fourth position P4; the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 rotates cyclically in the order of first projection position SP1, second projection position SP2, third projection position SP3, and fourth projection position SP4; during the cyclic rotation of the RFID tag B100 in the order of first position P1, second position P2, third position P3, and fourth position P4, the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 remains completely overlapping with the RFID coil B200, i.e., RF... The projection pattern of ID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to RFID coil B200 is always within the area covered by RFID coil B200; specifically, when RFID tag B100 is moved to the first position P1, the projection of RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to RFID coil B200 completely overlaps with RFID coil B200; when RFID tag B100 is moved to the second position P2, the projection of RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to RFID coil B200 completely overlaps with RFID coil B200; when RFID tag B100 is moved to the third position P3, the projection of RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to RFID coil B200 completely overlaps with RFID coil B200; when RFID tag B100 is moved to the fourth position P4, the projection of RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to RFID coil B200 completely overlaps with RFID coil B200.

[0196] In another specific implementation, when the RFID tag B100 rotates cyclically in the order of first position P1, second position P2, third position P3, and fourth position P4, the projection of the RFID tag in some positions, perpendicular to the RFID coil, completely overlaps with the RFID coil. Conversely, when the RFID tag rotates to other positions, the projection portion perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil. For example, when the RFID tag rotates to the first and third positions, the projection portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil; that is, the projected pattern portion of the RFID tag at the first and third positions lies within the area covered by the RFID coil. Within the coverage area; when the RFID tag rotates to the second and fourth positions, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil completely overlaps with the RFID coil, that is, the projected pattern of the RFID tag in the second and fourth positions is entirely within the area covered by the RFID coil; wherein, during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the fourth position to the first position, it passes through the first critical position; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the fourth position to the first critical position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil remains completely overlapping with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag rotating beyond the first critical position to the first position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil... The projection holding portion overlaps with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the first position to the second position, it passes through the second critical position; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the first position to the second critical position, the projection holding portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the second critical position to the second position, the entire projection holding portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the second position to the third position, it passes through the third critical position; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the second position to the third critical position, the entire projection holding portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the third position to the fourth position, it passes through the fourth critical position; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the third position to the fourth critical position, the projection holding portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag rotating from the fourth critical position to the fourth position, the entire projection holding portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil overlaps with the RFID coil.

[0197] In another specific embodiment, as the RFID tag B100 rotates sequentially in the order of first position P1, second position P2, third position P3, and fourth position P4, the projection portion of the RFID tag B100 perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 overlaps with the RFID coil B200. That is, the projection pattern of the RFID tag B100 perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 is always partially located within the area covered by the RFID coil B200. Specifically, when the RFID tag B100 rotates to the first position P1, the projection portion perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 overlaps with the RFID coil B200; when the RFID tag B100 rotates to the second position P2, the projection portion perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 overlaps with the RFID coil B200; when the RFID tag B100 rotates to the third position P3, the projection portion perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 overlaps with the RFID coil B200; and when the RFID tag B100 rotates to the fourth position P4, the projection portion perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 overlaps with the RFID coil B200.

[0198] This application does not restrict whether the projection of the RFID tag B100 perpendicular to the direction of the RFID coil B200 during movement overlaps entirely or partially with the RFID coil B200. It can be set according to actual needs, as long as the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 can be effectively received by the RFID tag B100, that is, the RFID tag B100 can emit a second radio frequency signal after receiving the first radio frequency signal, and the RFID coil B200 can receive the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag B100.

[0199] In another specific embodiment, the RFID tag moves under the drive of the first assembly structure B300 and moves from a first moving position to a second moving position. During the process of the RFID tag moving from the first moving position to the second moving position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil completely overlaps with the RFID coil, that is, the projection pattern of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil is always within the range covered by the RFID coil. Specifically, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil completely overlaps with the RFID coil when it moves to the first moving position, and the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil completely overlaps with the RFID coil when it moves to the second moving position.

[0200] In another specific implementation, during the process of the RFID tag moving from a first moving position to a second moving position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil completely overlaps with the RFID coil at some positions, while the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil partially overlaps with the RFID coil at other positions. For example, when the RFID tag moves to the first moving position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil completely overlaps with the RFID coil; when the RFID tag moves to the second moving position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil partially overlaps with the RFID coil. During the process of the RFID tag moving from the first moving position to the second moving position, it passes through a critical moving position. During the process of the RFID tag moving from the first moving position to the critical moving position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil remains completely overlapping with the RFID coil; during the process of the RFID tag moving beyond the critical moving position to the second moving position, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil remains partially overlapping with the RFID coil.

[0201] In another specific embodiment, during the process of the RFID tag moving from the first moving position to the second moving position, the projection portion of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil direction remains overlapping with the RFID coil, that is, the projection pattern of the RFID tag perpendicular to the RFID coil direction is always partially located within the area covered by the RFID coil; wherein, the projection portion of the RFID tag moving to the first moving position overlaps with the RFID coil in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil; the projection portion of the RFID tag moving to the second moving position overlaps with the RFID coil in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil.

[0202] In other embodiments, the first assembly structure can drive the RFID coil to move by rotating while moving, or rotating first and then moving, or moving first and then rotating, or rotating and moving alternately, etc. This application does not limit the way the first assembly structure drives the RFID coil to move.

[0203] As shown in Figure 29, in one specific embodiment, the first assembly structure B300 includes a first mounting surface B301 facing the RFID coil B200; the RFID tag B100 is mounted on the first mounting surface B301; during the identification process of the RFID coil B200, the first mounting surface B301 rotates around a first pivot B302 perpendicular to the first mounting surface B301, thereby driving the RFID tag B100 to rotate; during the rotation of the RFID tag B100, the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 moves.

[0204] Specifically, the first mounting surface B301 is circular, and the RFID tag B100 is offset from the center of the first mounting surface B301, so that the RFID tag B100 moves in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 as the first mounting surface B301 rotates; in other embodiments, the first mounting surface B301 can be square or other shapes, and the RFID tag B100 is offset from the geometric center of the first mounting surface B301; this application does not limit the shape of the first mounting surface B301.

[0205] Specifically, the RFID coil B200 is a closed coil, such as a square coil, a circular coil, or other closed coils of other shapes; in other embodiments, the RFID coil B200 is a spiral coil; this application does not limit the shape of the RFID coil B200.

[0206] Specifically, the first mounting surface B301 is parallel to the RFID coil B200; in other embodiments, the first mounting surface B301 and the RFID coil B200 are not parallel, but are set at a certain acute angle, such as 1°, 2°, etc.; this application does not limit the setting angle of the first mounting surface B301 and the RFID coil B200.

[0207] In one specific embodiment, the first mounting surface B301 is parallel to the RFID coil B200, and the first mounting surface B301 rotates about a first pivot 302 perpendicular to the first mounting surface B301; the area of ​​the RFID tag B100 is smaller than the area covered by the RFID coil B200; during the rotation of the RFID tag B100, the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 moves, and the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 remains at least partially overlapping with the RFID coil B200, so that during the movement of the RFID tag B100, the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 can be directed to the RFID tag B100, and the RFID coil B200 can receive the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag B100.

[0208] In one specific embodiment, the first rotating shaft B302 is a central axis perpendicular to the first mounting surface B301, and the first rotating shaft B302 is a virtual axis; in another specific embodiment, the first rotating shaft B302 is a shaft structure protruding from the first mounting surface B301, and this shaft structure can be fastened to a structure for accommodating the first assembly structure B300, such as a consumable housing for accommodating consumables, by means of a clip and a structure.

[0209] In one specific implementation, the maximum identification distance between the RFID coil B200 and the RFID tag B100 is 12mm; the distance D between the RFID tag B100 and the RFID coil B200 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 satisfies: 2mm≤D≤4mm, to avoid the problem that the RFID tag B100 is too far from the RFID coil B200 and exceeds the identification range of the RFID coil B200, causing the RFID coil B200 to be unable to identify the RFID tag B100 and the radio frequency identification mechanism B70 to malfunction.

[0210] In one specific embodiment, the RFID tag B100 is attached to the first mounting surface B301 by an adhesive element such as an adhesive; in other embodiments, the RFID tag B100 can be assembled onto the first mounting surface B301 in other ways, and this application does not limit the assembly method of the RFID tag B100.

[0211] In addition to the first assembly structure B300 driving the RFID tag B100 to move, in some other specific embodiments, when various products identified by the aforementioned radio frequency identification mechanism B70 are being handheld or placed, the RFID tag B100 may shift in position due to the different handheld or placement angles.

[0212] Preferably, when the RFID tag B100 moves under the action of the first assembly structure B300 and is offset under the action of external forces such as gravity, the RFID tag B100 moves within the range of the first position P1; when the RFID tag B100 moves under the action of the first assembly structure B300 and is offset under the action of external forces such as gravity, the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 moves, and the projection of the RFID tag B100 in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 remains at least partially overlapping with the RFID coil B200, so that the RFID tag B100 moves under the action of the first assembly structure B300 and gravity. Under the action of external forces, regardless of the hand-held angle or placement angle of the product using the radio frequency identification mechanism B70, the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 can be directed to the RFID tag B100, and the RFID coil B200 can receive the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag B100. This avoids the problem of the RFID tag B100 moving due to external forces such as the first assembly structure B300 and / or gravity, causing the RFID tag B100 to exceed the recognition range of the RFID coil B200, making the RFID coil B200 unable to recognize the RFID tag B100, and causing the radio frequency identification mechanism B70 to malfunction.

[0213] As shown in Figure 29, the second assembly structure includes a second mounting surface B401 and a coil fixing mechanism. The second mounting surface B401 is opposite to the RFID tag B100, and the RFID coil B200 is mounted on the second mounting surface B401. The coil fixing mechanism is used to fix the RFID coil B200 on the second mounting surface B401. The RFID coil B200 is mounted on the second mounting surface B401 opposite to the RFID tag B100, so that the structure where the second mounting surface B401 is located is at least partially located in the space between the RFID coil B200 and the RFID tag B100. This can effectively utilize the space between the RFID coil B200 and the RFID tag B100, and facilitate the reduction of the size of the radio frequency identification mechanism B70.

[0214] As shown in Figure 29, in one specific embodiment, the coil fixing mechanism includes a first protrusion B411 and a second protrusion B412; the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412 are spaced apart on the second mounting surface B401, and the first protrusion B401 is located inside the second protrusion B412; the space between the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412 defines an assembly space for assembling the RFID coil B200.

[0215] Specifically, the first protrusion B411 is a closed protrusion with its ends closed, which can increase the contact area with the RFID coil B200 and facilitate providing stable support for the RFID coil B200; the second protrusion B412 includes a plurality of protruding blocks arranged at intervals, which, while positioning the RFID coil B200 in the assembly space defined by the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412, facilitates the assembly operation of the RFID coil B200; in other embodiments, the first protrusion B411 includes a plurality of protruding blocks arranged at intervals; and the second protrusion B412 is a closed protrusion with its ends closed.

[0216] In one specific embodiment, the outer wall contour of the first protrusion B411 roughly matches the inner ring shape of the RFID coil B200; the sharp corners of the first protrusion B411 are chamfered to prevent damage and reduce the probability of the first protrusion B411 being damaged by impact or friction.

[0217] As shown in Figure 29, in one specific embodiment, the height of the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412 is less than the thickness of the RFID coil B200, which facilitates the placement and removal of the RFID coil B200. As shown in Figure 29, the coil fixing mechanism also includes a third protrusion B413. The third protrusion B413 is disposed on a third mounting surface (not shown in Figure 29). The third mounting surface faces the RFID coil B200. The third protrusion B414 abuts against the RFID coil B200 in a direction perpendicular to the third mounting surface to prevent the RFID coil B200 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the third mounting surface.

[0218] In one specific embodiment, the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412 are both integrally formed with the second mounting surface B401; the third protrusion B413 is integrally formed with the third mounting surface; in other embodiments, the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412 are manufactured separately from the second mounting surface B401 and then assembled to the second mounting surface B401; the third protrusion B413 is manufactured separately from the third mounting surface and then assembled to the third mounting surface.

[0219] The coil fixing mechanism provided in this application positions the RFID coil B200 in a direction parallel to the second mounting surface B401 through the first protrusion B411 and the second protrusion B412, and positions the RFID coil B200 in a direction perpendicular to the second mounting surface B401 through the second mounting surface B401 and the third protrusion B413, so that the RFID coil B200 is fixedly positioned on the second mounting surface B401.

[0220] Preferably, the coil fixing mechanism further includes an adhesive element, such as an adhesive or conductive tape. By using the adhesive element to attach the RFID coil B200 to the second mounting surface B401, the RFID coil B200 can be more securely mounted on the second mounting surface B401. This avoids the problem that the RFID coil B200 cannot recognize the RFID tag B100 and the radio frequency identification mechanism B70 will malfunction due to loose mounting of the RFID coil B200.

[0221] In other embodiments, the coil fixing mechanism includes a first groove that is closed end to end and recessed inward from the first mounting surface B301; the RFID coil B200 is assembled within the assembly space defined by the first groove; preferably, the RFID coil B200 is fixed in the first groove by an adhesive element, such as an adhesive, conductive tape, etc.

[0222] In other embodiments, the coil fixing mechanism does not include the second protrusion B412 and the third protrusion B413. The RFID coil B200 passes through the first protrusion B411 and is fixedly connected to the first protrusion B411 by an adhesive element, such as an adhesive, conductive tape, etc.

[0223] In other embodiments, the coil fixing mechanism includes a snap-fit ​​connection mechanism, which fixes the RFID coil B200 to the second mounting surface B401 by snap-fit ​​connection; this application does not limit the specific structure of the coil fixing mechanism.

[0224] In one specific implementation, the third mounting surface is arranged parallel to the second mounting surface B401, which facilitates the abutment and fixation of the RFID coil B200.

[0225] As shown in Figures 30 to 35, this application also provides a printing device B1 including the above-mentioned radio frequency identification mechanism B70; the printing device B1 further includes printing consumables B20 applied therein; the printing consumables B20 includes a shaft B21 and a paper roll B22 wound on the shaft B21, the shaft B21 includes a side for winding the paper roll B22 and a first end face B211 located at one end of the side; the shaft B21 is a first assembly structure B300; the first mounting surface B301 of the radio frequency identification mechanism B70 is the first end face B211 of the shaft B21.

[0226] As shown in Figures 30 and 35, the printing device B1 also includes a housing B10, a consumable receiving housing B30, a consumable conveying mechanism, and a print head (not shown). The housing B10 has an internal receiving space, within which the print head, printing consumable B20, consumable receiving housing B30, consumable conveying mechanism, and radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism B70 are assembled. The consumable receiving housing B30 includes a first end plate B31, a second end plate B32, and a connecting plate B33 arranged parallel to each other. The connecting plate B33 is connected to a portion of the first end plate B31. Between the first end plate B31 and part of the second end plate B32, a consumable receiving space is formed for accommodating the printing consumable B20. The two ends of the connecting plate B33, where the first end plate B31 is not connected to the connecting plate B33, and the parts of the second end plate B32 not connected to the connecting plate B33, form openings B34 for inserting or removing the printing consumable B20. The printing consumable B20 is assembled in the consumable receiving space. The consumable conveying mechanism is used to convey the paper roll B22 to the printing area where the print head is located. The print head is used to perform printing operations on the paper roll B22 that enters its printing area.

[0227] In one specific embodiment, the first end face B211 faces the first end plate B31; the second mounting surface B401 is the side of the first end plate B31 facing away from the first end face B211; and the third mounting surface is the inner wall surface B111 of the housing B10 near the first end plate B31.

[0228] In other embodiments, when the first end face B211 faces the connecting plate B33, the second mounting surface B401 is the side of the connecting plate B33 facing away from the first end face B211; in other specific embodiments, when the first end face B211 faces the opening B34, the second mounting surface B401 is the inner sidewall of the housing B10 facing the opening B34; this application does not limit the position of the second mounting surface B401, that is, the assembly position of the RFID coil B200, as long as the RFID tag B100 is perpendicular to the RFID coil B200 during the identification process of the RFID coil B200. The projection of the direction should at least partially overlap with the RFID coil B200 to ensure that the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil B200 can reach the RFID tag B100 during the movement of the RFID tag B100, and that the RFID coil B200 can receive the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag B100. This avoids the problem that the RFID tag B100 may exceed the recognition range of the RFID coil B200 due to the movement of the RFID tag B100, causing the RFID coil B200 to be unable to recognize the RFID tag B100 and the RFID identification mechanism B70 to malfunction.

[0229] As shown in Figures 30, 32 to 35, the housing B10 includes a front housing B11, a rear housing B12, a top cover B13, and a base B14; the front housing B11, the rear housing B12, the top cover B13, and the base B14 are assembled together to form the housing B10; wherein, the first end plate B31 is disposed facing the front housing B11, and the second end plate B32 is disposed facing the rear housing B12; as shown in Figure 33, the third mounting surface is the inner wall surface of the front housing B11 near the first end plate B31.

[0230] In other embodiments; when the first end face B211 faces the opening B34; the second mounting surface B401 is the inner sidewall of the top cover B13 facing the opening B34.

[0231] As shown in Figure 32, the circuit board B500 is fixedly mounted on the base B14; the circuit board B500 is spaced apart from the front housing B11 and the rear housing B12 to facilitate heat dissipation.

[0232] In this embodiment, during the printing operation of the printing device B1, the consumable conveying mechanism pulls the paper roll B22 to move towards the printing area where the print head is located; when the paper roll B22 is pulled, it will drive the shaft B21 to rotate, thereby driving the RFID tag B100 mounted on the shaft B21 to rotate.

[0233] In one specific embodiment, the consumable delivery mechanism includes a motor B41, a gear assembly B42, and a paper roll B43; wherein, the motor B41 drives the gear assembly B42 to rotate; the gear assembly B42 drives the paper roll B43 to rotate; and the paper roll B43 pulls the paper roll B22 to move towards the printing area where the print head is located.

[0234] As shown in Figure 35, in this embodiment, the gear assembly B42 is mounted on the second end plate B32; in order to avoid interference with the gear assembly B42, the RFID coil B200 is mounted on the first end plate B31.

[0235] Specifically, the RFID tag B100 of the radio frequency identification mechanism B70 is a consumable tag used to record information such as the serial number that identifies the paper roll B22 and the amount of consumable components used.

[0236] In one specific implementation, paper roll B22 is a consumable label; in other implementations, paper roll B22 can be other media that can be used for printing, such as paper strips. This application does not limit the specific types of consumable components.

[0237] In one specific implementation, the area of ​​the RFID tag B100 is smaller than that of the first end face B211. This is to avoid the situation where the area of ​​the RFID tag B100 is too large, which would cause the area of ​​the first end face B211 used to carry the RFID tag B100 to be too large. This would require reducing the thickness of the paper roll B22 wound on the axis B21, i.e. reducing the amount of paper roll B22 that can be used, so that the printing consumable B20 can be placed into the consumable housing B30. This would result in fewer paper rolls B22 that the printing device B1 can print, a shorter single-use lifespan of the printing device B1, and the need for frequent replacement of the printing device or consumables, thus affecting printing efficiency.

[0238] In the printing device provided by this utility model, although the RFID tag moves under the drive of the first assembly structure, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil remains at least partially overlapping with the RFID coil, ensuring that the first radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID coil can always be directed to the RFID tag, and the second radio frequency signal emitted by the RFID tag based on the first radio frequency signal can always be received by the RFID coil. This avoids the problem that the RFID tag moves beyond the recognition range of the RFID coil, causing the RFID coil to be unable to recognize the RFID tag and the wireless radio frequency identification mechanism to malfunction.

[0239] This embodiment provides a printing device, including a wireless radio frequency mechanism and a first assembly structure; the wireless radio frequency mechanism includes an RFID tag and an RFID coil; the RFID tag is assembled on a first mounting surface of the first assembly structure; the RFID coil is used to identify the RFID tag; during the identification process of the RFID coil, the projection of the RFID tag in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil remains at least partially overlapping with the RFID coil.

[0240] The printing device further includes a second assembly structure; the second assembly structure includes a second mounting surface and a coil fixing mechanism; the RFID coil is assembled on the second mounting surface; the coil fixing mechanism is used to fix the RFID coil on the second mounting surface.

[0241] The coil fixing mechanism includes a first protrusion, on which the RFID coil passes; or, the coil fixing mechanism includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion being spaced apart on the second mounting surface, and the first protrusion being located inside the second protrusion, the space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion defining an assembly space for assembling the RFID coil.

[0242] The first protrusion is a closed protrusion that is closed at both ends; the second protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart.

[0243] The coil fixing mechanism further includes a third protrusion; the third protrusion is disposed on a third mounting surface; the third mounting surface faces the RFID coil; the third protrusion abuts against the RFID coil in a direction perpendicular to the second mounting surface.

[0244] The coil fixing mechanism further includes an adhesive element; the adhesive element is used to adhere and fix the RFID coil to the second mounting surface.

[0245] The second mounting surface is opposite to the RFID tag.

[0246] The first mounting surface is arranged parallel to the second mounting surface; the area of ​​the RFID tag is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the RFID coil.

[0247] The distance D between the RFID tag and the RFID coil satisfies: 2mm≤D≤4mm.

[0248] The printing device also includes printing consumables applied thereto, the printing consumables including a spindle and a paper roll wound on the spindle, the spindle including a side for winding the paper roll and a first end face located at one end of the side; the spindle is the first assembly structure; the first mounting surface is the first end face.

[0249] [Example 4]

[0250] As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the printing device B1 provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 3 in that: the RFID tag B100 is located at the center of the first mounting surface B301; the printing consumable B20 is placed inside the consumable housing B30, and the printing consumable B20 and the consumable housing B30 are not connected; the first rotating shaft B302 is the central axis of the first mounting surface B301, which is a virtual axis; when there is a gap between the outer surface of the printing consumable B20 and the inner wall of the consumable housing B30, the printing consumable B20 can move within the consumable housing B30, allowing the RFID tag B100 to move in a direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200.

[0251] As shown in Figure 36, in one specific embodiment, when the printing consumable B20 is not in use, the outer surface of the printing consumable B20 matches the shape of the inner surface of the consumable housing 30. When the paper roll B22 begins to be consumed, the thickness of the printing consumable B20 decreases as the paper roll B22 is consumed, resulting in a larger gap between the outer surface of the consumable B22 and the inner surface of the consumable housing B30. When the paper roll B22 is pulled, it not only drives the shaft B21 to rotate, but also drives the shaft B21 to move within the consumable housing B30, thereby driving the RFID tag B100 mounted on the shaft B21 to move while rotating, so that the RFID tag B100 moves in the direction perpendicular to the RFID coil B200.

[0252] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0253] [Example 5]

[0254] The thermal printer C100 contains an imaging medium and is used for developing / imaging on the medium, as shown in Figure 38. The thermal printer C100 includes a main component C1 and a cover component C2 that are coupled together. The cover component C2 is movably disposed relative to the main component C1; for example, the cover component C2 can be flipped relative to the main component C1. Specifically, the cover component C2 and the main component C1 are hinged together. Furthermore, the cover component C2 can also be locked; for example, the cover component C2 and the main component C1 can be mechanically locked or magnetically locked. When mechanical locking is used, an unlocking device is provided between the cover component C2 and the main component C1, allowing the user to unlock the cover component C2 and the main component C1.

[0255] The thermal printer C100 also includes a paper output port C31 located between the main component C1 and the top cover component C2, and a gripping part C32 connected to either the main component C1 or the top cover component C2. After the imaging medium is developed / imaged, it is sent out from the paper output port C31, and the gripping part C32 makes it easy for the user to pick up the thermal printer C100.

[0256] For ease of description, the thermal printer C100 is first defined as follows: When the thermal printer C100 is in its normal placement state (as shown in Figure 38), the height direction of the thermal printer C100 is the up-down direction, the width / thickness direction is the left-right direction, and the length direction is the front-back direction. The up-down, front-back, and left-right directions intersect each other. Preferably, the up-down, front-back, and left-back directions are perpendicular to each other. The top cover assembly C2 is located above the main assembly C1, and the main assembly C1 is located below the top cover assembly C2. The side where the main assembly C1 and the top cover assembly C2 are hinged together is the rear, and the side where the paper output port C31 is located is the front.

[0257] As shown in Figure 39, the upper cover assembly C2 includes an upper cover C21 and a printhead mounting assembly C22. The printhead mounting assembly C22 includes a main mounting plate C221 and a printhead (not shown) mounted on the main mounting plate C221. The printhead can move vertically relative to the paper feed roller C13 as described below, depending on the thickness of the imaging medium, to always maintain close contact between the printhead and the imaging medium and between the imaging medium and the paper feed roller, so as to ensure the imaging effect.

[0258] As shown in Figures 38 and 39, the main component C1 includes a housing component C11, a paper tray C12, and a paper cutting mechanism C4. Further, the housing component C11 comprises a first housing C111 and a second housing C112 joined together, forming a first cavity C113. At least a portion of the paper tray C12 and at least a portion of the paper cutting mechanism C4 are accommodated within the first cavity C113. Further, the paper tray C12 and the paper cutting mechanism C4 are disposed on the housing component C11. The imaging medium is placed in a roll within the paper tray C12. The paper tray C12 can be disposed inside or outside the housing component C11. The paper cutting mechanism C4 is used to cut the imaging medium supplied to the paper outlet C31. Further still, the imaging medium can be label paper. In some embodiments, the first housing C111 and the second housing C112 are joined in the left-right or front-back direction.

[0259] As shown in Figure 39, the first housing C111 includes a first main housing C1111 extending in the vertical and front-back directions and a first extended housing C1112 connected to the first main housing C1111. A first notch C1113 is formed at least on the first extended housing C1112. The second housing C112 has a structure substantially the same as the first housing C111, and also includes a second main housing C1121 extending in the vertical and front-back directions and a second extended housing C1122 connected to the second main housing C1121. A second notch C1123 is formed at least on the second extended housing C1122. When the first housing C111 and the second housing C112 are combined, the first notch C1113 and the second notch C1123 are opposite each other in the left-right direction. The paper cutting mechanism C4 is disposed in the first cavity C113, and a part of the paper cutting mechanism C4 is exposed from the first notch C1113 and / or the second notch C1123.

[0260] The housing assembly C11 also includes a bottom shell C114 connected to the first housing C111 or the second housing C112, the bottom shell C114 being integrally formed with or separate from the first housing C111 / C112.

[0261] As shown in Figures 39 and 40B, the main component C1 also includes a transmission mechanism (not shown) and a paper feed roller C13. The transmission mechanism is used to transmit the driving force output by the motor / drive force output component C14 disposed in the first cavity C113 to the paper feed roller C13 to drive the paper feed roller C13 to rotate. A part of the paper feed roller C13 is exposed to the outside. The thermal printer C100 transports the imaging medium in the paper tray C12 to the paper output port C31 through the paper feed roller C13. The paper feed roller C13 is located on the paper feeding channel of the imaging medium and is rotatably disposed in the housing component C11.

[0262] As shown in Figures 39, 40A and 40B, the paper container C12 includes a paper container shell C121 and a second cavity C122 formed inside the paper container shell C121. The second cavity C122 has an upward opening C1221. The second cavity C122 is used to contain an imaging medium, which is installed or removed through the opening C1221. The paper tray C12 also includes an edge C123 located above the second cavity C122 and two protrusions C124 located in front of the second cavity C122. The edge C123 extends along the outer surface of the paper tray housing C121. Preferably, the edge C123 extends around the opening C1221 of the second cavity C122, so as to allow the paper tray C12 to be combined with the housing assembly C11. The two protrusions C124 are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and there is an opening between them to expose the paper feed roller C13. Furthermore, the paper tray C12 is also provided with a locking part C125, which is used to lock the upper cover assembly C2 to the main assembly C1. In some embodiments, the main assembly C1 may not be provided with the paper tray C12. When the paper tray C12 is not provided, the imaging medium can enter from one side (e.g., the rear) of the thermal printer C100, and after development / imaging, it can be sent out from the other side (e.g., the front) of the thermal printer C100.

[0263] As shown in Figures 40A and 40B, the paper cutting mechanism C4 includes a drive component C5, a paper cutting device C6, and a limiting component C7. The drive component C5 receives a pushing force to force the paper cutting device C6 to move upward. Furthermore, the drive component C5 can move / slide from a closed position to an open position. With the upper cover component C2 closed, the user applies a force to the drive component C5, causing it to move / slide from the closed position to the open position, thus enabling the paper cutting device C6 to complete the paper cutting action. The limiting component C7 can limit the paper cutting device C6. Furthermore, the drive component C5 and the paper cutting device C6 are movably disposed relative to the housing component C11 / limiting component C7; for example, the drive component C5 and the paper cutting device C6 can move / slide relative to the housing component C11 / limiting component C7 in the vertical direction.

[0264] As shown in Figures 38, 39, 40A, 40B, 41A, and 41B, at least a portion of the drive assembly C5 is disposed inside the housing assembly C11. Alternatively, at least a portion of the drive assembly C5 is exposed through a first notch C1113 and / or a second notch C1123. Furthermore, the drive assembly C5 includes a slider C51 and a force-receiving member C52. When the force-receiving member C52 is subjected to an upward thrust, the slider C51 is driven to slide upward. Simultaneously, the slider C51 drives the paper-cutting device C6 to slide upward to perform a paper-cutting operation. In some embodiments, the slider C51 and the force-receiving member C52 are integrally formed or separately. The slider C51 is slidably disposed in the housing assembly C11. Specifically, the slider C51 includes a slider body C511, a first guide part C512 connected to the slider body C511, and a first support part C513 connected to the slider body C511. The force-bearing member C52 is integrally formed with or separately from the slider body C511. The slider body C511 is used to slide in cooperation with the guide structure (not shown) provided in the housing assembly C11 so that the slider C51 can slide in the vertical direction.

[0265] Furthermore, the first guide portion C512 is used to accommodate at least a portion of the paper pressing assembly C62 described later, and to guide the paper pressing assembly C62 to move / slide in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first guide portion C512 includes a first blocking member C5121 connected to the sliding member body C511, a second blocking member C5122 connected to the first blocking member C5121, an upward first opening C5123, and a leftward and / or rightward second opening C5124. In the vertical direction, the first opening C5123 is located above the second opening C5124. A blocking member C5121 is located between the first opening C5123 and the second opening C5124. The first blocking member C5121 includes two that are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The second blocking member C5122 is connected to the two first blocking members C5121. The first blocking member C5121 can limit the paper pressing assembly C62 in the left-right direction. In the front-back direction, the second blocking member C5122 is located behind the sliding body C511. The second blocking member C5122 and the sliding body C511 can limit the paper pressing assembly C62 in the front-back direction.

[0266] Furthermore, the first blocking member C5121 has a first blocking portion C5121a and a second blocking portion C5121b. In the vertical direction, the first blocking portion C5121a is closer to the first opening C5123 than the second blocking portion C5121b, and the second blocking portion C5121b is closer to the second opening C5124 than the first blocking portion C5121a. That is, in the vertical direction, the first blocking portion C5121a is located above the second blocking portion C5121b. The first opening C5123 is used to expose at least a portion of the paper pressing assembly C62 upwards, and the second opening C5124 is used to expose a portion of the paper pressing assembly C62 to the left and / or right. The first blocking portion C5121a and the second blocking portion C5121b are used to limit the movement / sliding range of the paper pressing assembly C62 in the vertical direction. The second blocking portion C5121b is also used to prevent the paper pressing assembly C62 from disengaging from the first guide portion C512 and to drive the paper pressing assembly C62 downwards.

[0267] Furthermore, the first support portion C513 is used to support the cutter assembly C61 described later, so that the cutter assembly C61 moves upward together with the slider C51; in some embodiments, the first support portion C513 has two portions spaced apart in the left-right direction to support the cutter assembly C61 more stably.

[0268] As shown in Figures 40B, 41A, 41B, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46, the paper cutting device C6 includes a cutter assembly C61 and a paper pressing assembly C62. At least a portion of the cutter assembly C61 and at least a portion of the paper pressing assembly C62 are disposed inside the housing assembly C11. Both the cutter assembly C61 and the paper pressing assembly C62 are movably / slidably disposed relative to the housing assembly C11. When the upper cover assembly C2 is closed, the user pushes the drive assembly C5 and causes the paper pressing assembly C62 and the cutter assembly C61 to move / slide together for a first distance. Under the limiting action of the limiting assembly C7, the paper pressing assembly C62 stops moving / sliding and presses the imaging medium. The cutter assembly C61 continues to move / slide for a second distance. Under the limiting action of the limiting assembly C7, the cutter assembly C61 stops moving / sliding and completes the paper cutting.

[0269] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 45, 46 and 48, the cutting assembly C61 includes a blade holder C611 and a blade C612 that are coupled together. The blade C612 is fixedly mounted on the blade holder C611. The blade holder C611 is movably / slidably disposed relative to the housing assembly C11. For example, the blade holder C611 is movably / slidably mounted on the support member C8 described later in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the tool holder C611 includes a tool holder body C6111, a first receiving portion C6112 disposed on the tool holder body C6111, a first supported portion C6113 connected to the tool holder body C6111, and a second supported portion C6114 connected to the tool holder body C6111. The first receiving portion C6112 is used to receive at least a portion of the blade C612 and to limit the blade C612 in the front-back and left-right directions. The first receiving portion C6112 has a support surface C6112a for supporting the blade C612. The tool holder C611 also includes a first positioning portion C6115a, which cooperates with the first positioned portion C6115b disposed on the blade C612 to achieve [the desired effect]. The blade C612 is limited in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the first positioning part C6115a is a protrusion, and the first positioned part C6115b is a slot / hole; alternatively, the first positioning part C6115a is a slot / hole, and the first positioned part C6115b is a protrusion. The first supported part C6113 extends forward from the tool holder body C6111 and abuts against the first support part C513 of the slider C51, so that the tool holder C611 is supported by the slider C51 and can be pushed upward by the slider C51. The second supported part C6114 extends rearward from the tool holder body C6111 and abuts against a portion of the support member C8, so that the tool holder C611 is supported in the vertical direction. Along the vertical direction, the first receiving part C6112 is located above the first supported part C6113 and the second supported part C6114.

[0270] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 48, the tool holder C611 also includes a second positioning part C6116 and a first connecting part C6117 disposed below the first supported part C6113 and / or the second supported part C6114. The second positioning part C6116 is configured as two parts spaced apart in the left and right direction. The two second positioning parts C6116 are used to abut against the first support part C513 of the slider C51 in the left and right direction, thereby limiting the tool holder C611 in the left and right direction to prevent the tool holder C611 from moving / sliding relative to the slider C51 in the left and right direction. The first connecting part C6117 is used to connect with the second elastic member C64 described later.

[0271] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 40B, 45, and 46, the blade C612 includes a blade body C6121 and a tip C6122 located at the upper end of the blade body C6121. The tip C6122 is set in a conical shape to make it easier to cut imaging media such as paper.

[0272] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 41A, 41B, and 42, the paper pressing assembly C62 is movably / slidably mounted to the first guide portion C512 of the drive assembly C5 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the paper pressing assembly C62 includes a paper pressing body C621, a paper pressing block C622 combined with the paper pressing body C621, and a first blocked portion C6231 and a second blocked portion C6232 connected to the paper pressing body C621. The paper pressing block C622 is used to press the imaging medium firmly, thereby making it easier for the blade C612 to cut. The imaging medium is interrupted. Along the vertical direction, the paper pressure block C622 is located above the first blocked portion C6231 and the second blocked portion C6232, with the first blocked portion C6231 located above the second blocked portion C6232. The paper pressure block C622 is preferably made of a flexible material; for example, it can be a silicone pressure block. The high friction between the silicone pressure block and the imaging medium allows for more stable paper feeding. In some embodiments, the paper pressure block C622 is formed separately from or integrally with the paper pressure body C621. In some embodiments, the paper pressure block C622 has a chamfer (not shown) to reduce paper jams and facilitate smoother paper feeding. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG42, the paper pressure block C622 is generally rectangular.

[0273] Furthermore, the first blocked portion C6231 and the second blocked portion C6232 are preferably two that are spaced apart in the left-right direction. For example, the two first blocked portions C6231 are located at the left and right ends of the paper pressing body C621, and the two second blocked portions C6232 are protrusions that are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction. In the up-down direction, the first blocked portions C6231 and the second blocked portions C6232 are spaced apart. That is, in the left-right direction, the first blocked portion C6231 protrudes to the left and right of the paper pressing body C621, and the second blocked portion C6232 protrudes to the left and right of the paper pressing body C621. Or, the paper pressing body C621 is recessed to the left and right to form a notch C6223, and the notch C6223 is used to cooperate with the first blocking member C5121. After the paper pressing assembly C62 is installed to the first guide part C512, the second blocked part C6232 is exposed from the second opening C5124. The first blocked part C6231 can be used to abut against the first blocking part C5121a of the first blocking member C5121, and the second blocked part C6232 can be used to abut against the second blocking part C5121b of the first blocking member C5121. The first blocked part C6231 and the second blocked part C6232 together limit the range of movement / sliding of the paper pressing assembly C62 relative to the slider C51 in the vertical direction. The first blocked part C6231 is also used to prevent the paper pressing assembly C62 from disengaging downward from the slider C51, and the second blocked part C6232 is also used to prevent the paper pressing assembly C62 from disengaging upward from the slider C51. When the slider C5 slides downward, the second blocked part C6232 abuts against the second blocking part C5121b so that the paper pressing assembly C62 moves / slides downward with the slider C5.

[0274] Figure 43 illustrates one embodiment where the paper-pressing block C622 and the paper-pressing body C621 are integrally formed. Specifically, a perforated portion C623 is provided between the paper-pressing block C622 and the paper-pressing body C621. The perforated portion C623 can reduce the overall internal stress of the paper-pressing body C621, thereby reducing damage to the paper-pressing body C621. Furthermore, the paper-pressing block C622 is also provided with a chamfer C6221. The paper-pressing block C622 has an upward-facing upper surface C6222, and the chamfer C6221 is located at the edge of the upper surface C6222. The chamfer C6221 is used to reduce paper jams, so that the paper can be fed out more smoothly.

[0275] As shown in Figures 40A and 47, the limiting component C7 is used to limit the paper cutting device C6. For example, when the cover component C2 is closed, the user pushes the drive component C5 from the closed position to the open position, causing the paper pressing component C62 to move / slide upwards a first distance. Then, the limiting component C7 stops the paper pressing component C62 from moving / sliding. The paper pressing component C62 moves from the first position to the second position, as described below. After the cutter component C61 continues to move / slide a second distance, the limiting component C7 stops the cutter component C61 from moving / sliding and completes the paper cutting. The cutter component C61 moves from the retracted position to the cutting position. In the vertical direction, the cutting position is above the retracted position. Specifically, the limiting component C7 includes a first limiting member C71 and a second limiting member C72. The first limiting member C71 and the second limiting member C72 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the first limiting member C71 is located below the second limiting member C72. The first limiting member C71 is used to limit the cutter assembly C61, and the second limiting member C72 is used to limit the paper pressing assembly C62. The limiting component C7 is disposed inside the main component C1 and / or the top cover component C2. In some embodiments, the first limiting member C71 is at least a part of the main component C1, and the second limiting member C72 is at least a part of the top cover component C2. In some embodiments, the first limiting member C71 is disposed in the main component C1, for example, disposed on the paper tray C12, and the second limiting member C72 is disposed in the top cover component C2. For example, the first limiting member C71 is integrally or separately formed with the paper tray C12, and the second limiting member C72 is integrally or separately formed with the main mounting plate C221. In the front-rear direction, the second limiting member C72 is located in front of the first limiting member C71, and the first limiting member C71 and the second limiting member C72 are close to the paper outlet C31.

[0276] As shown in Figures 41B, 42, 43, and 44, the paper cutting mechanism C4 further includes a first elastic member C63 disposed between the slider C51 / sliding assembly C5 and the paper pressing assembly C62. One end of the first elastic member C63 abuts against the paper pressing assembly C62, and the other end abuts against the slider C51. Preferably, the first elastic member C63 is configured as a compression spring. When the driving assembly C5 is in the closed position, the first elastic member C63 supports the paper pressing assembly C62 in the vertical direction, placing the paper pressing assembly C62 in a first position. In some embodiments, the paper pressing assembly C62 includes a second positioning part C6241a connected to the paper pressing body C621, and / or the sliding assembly C5 includes a third positioning part C6241b connected to the slider C51. The second positioning part C6241a and / or the third positioning part C6241b are used to limit the first elastic member C63 to prevent the first elastic member C63 from shifting.

[0277] As shown in Figures 40B and 45, the paper cutting mechanism C4 further includes a second elastic member C64, wherein one end of the second elastic member C64 is connected to the blade holder C611 / cutter assembly C61, and the other end is connected to the housing assembly C11 or other components. Preferably, the second elastic member C64 is configured as a tension spring. In some embodiments, one end of the second elastic member C64 is connected to the first connecting portion C6117. When the drive assembly C5 is in the closed position, the cutter assembly C61 is in the retracted position under the elastic force of the second elastic member C64.

[0278] As shown in Figures 49A and 49B, with the top cover assembly C2 closed, the user pushes the drive assembly C5 upwards. The drive assembly C5 causes the paper pressing assembly C62 and the cutter assembly C61 to move / slide upwards a first distance. At this time, the paper pressing assembly C62 abuts against the second limiting member C72 and stops moving / sliding, and the paper pressing assembly C62 is in the second position. The first elastic member C63 undergoes elastic deformation, for example, the first elastic member C63 is compressed. The cutter assembly C61 continues to move / slide upwards a second distance. At this time, the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 abuts against the first limiting member C71 and stops moving / sliding. At the same time, the cutter assembly C61 completes the paper cutting and is in the paper cutting position. The second elastic member C64 undergoes elastic deformation. For example, the second elastic member C64 is stretched. In the vertical direction, the tip C6122 of the blade C612 protrudes from the paper pressing assembly C62. For example, in the vertical direction, the tip C6122 of the blade C612 protrudes from the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622.

[0279] After the paper is cut, the user pushes the drive component C5 downwards. During the process of the drive component C5 moving from the open position to the closed position, the drive component C5 pulls the paper pressing component C62 downwards. The first elastic member C63 releases its elastic force and supports the paper pressing component C62. The paper pressing component C62 moves from the second position to the first position. Under the action of the weight of the cutter component C61 itself, or under the action of the elastic force of the second elastic member C64, the cutter component C61 moves downwards / slides back to its original position. That is, the cutter component C61 moves from the paper cutting position to the retracted position, and the blade C612 disengages from the first limiting member C71.

[0280] In some embodiments, after the paper is cut, under the elastic force of the second elastic member C64, the cutter assembly C61 moves downward / slides back to its original position, that is, the cutter assembly C61 moves from the paper cutting position to the retracted position, the blade C612 disengages from the first limiting member C71, and at the same time drives the drive assembly C5 and the paper pressing assembly C62 to move downward / slide back to their original positions.

[0281] As shown in Figures 50A and 50B, when the top cover assembly C2 is open, as the user pushes the drive assembly C5 upward from the closed position to the open position, the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 has not yet contacted the first limiting member C71. At this time, the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 is in the first state, and along the vertical direction, the tip C6122 of the blade C612 does not protrude from the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622. Simultaneously, the drive assembly C5 drives the paper pressing assembly C62 and the cutter assembly C61 to move / slide upward a first distance. At this time, the second limiting member C72 flips / opens with the top cover assembly C2. The second limiting member C72 is outside the movement / sliding path of the paper pressing assembly C62 and cannot limit the paper pressing assembly C62. Therefore, the paper pressing assembly C62 and the cutter assembly C61 continue to move / slide upward. At the second distance, the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 abuts against the first limiting member C71 and stops moving / sliding. The cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 is in the second state. At the same time, the paper pressing assembly C62 also stops moving / sliding. The paper pressing assembly C62 moves from the first position to the third position. In the vertical direction, the tip C6122 of the blade C612 does not protrude from the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622. That is to say, in the vertical direction, the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622 is flush with the tip C6122 of the blade C612, or in the vertical direction, the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622 is positioned above the tip C6122 of the blade C612. This can prevent the blade C612 / tip C6122 from scratching the user, thus protecting the user when the cover assembly C2 is opened.

[0282] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the third position is above the second position, and the second position is above the first position; or, in the vertical direction, the third position is above the first position, and the second position is between the first and third positions.

[0283] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 39, 40A, 40B, and 45, the paper cutting mechanism C4 also includes a support component C8. The support component C8 supports the cutter assembly C61 and guides the cutter assembly C61 along its vertical movement / sliding path. Specifically, the support component C8 includes a support body C811, a second support portion C812 connected to the support body C811, and a third blocking member C813 connected to the support body C811. The second support portion C812 abuts against the second supported portion C6114 of the blade holder C611 to support the blade holder C611 / cutter assembly C61; the third blocking member C813 restricts the blade holder C611 / cutter assembly C61 to move only in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the support member C8 is disposed in the first cavity C113 by means of pin engagement or snap-fit ​​engagement, etc. Furthermore, the paper feed roller C13 may be disposed on the support member C8 or on the housing assembly C11.

[0284] The thermal printer provided in this embodiment is used for developing on an imaging medium. The thermal printer includes a main component and a top cover component that are connected to each other. The top cover component is located above the main component. The main component includes a housing component. The thermal printer further includes: a first limiting member disposed in the main component; a cutter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed inside the housing component, the cutter assembly including a blade holder and a blade that are connected to each other, the blade being fixedly mounted on the blade holder, the blade holder being slidably disposed relative to the housing component; a paper pressing assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed inside the housing component, the paper pressing assembly being slidably disposed relative to the housing component, for pressing the imaging medium; and a drive assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed inside the housing component, the drive assembly being used to receive a pushing force to force the cutter assembly and the paper pressing assembly to move upward.

[0285] The cutter assembly has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the cutter holder does not abut against the first limiting member, and the blade does not protrude from the paper pressing assembly. In the second state, the cutter holder abuts against the first limiting member, and the blade does not protrude from the paper pressing assembly.

[0286] The thermal printer also includes a second limiting member. When the upper cover assembly is closed, the drive assembly is pushed upward, and the paper pressing assembly abuts against the second limiting member. The blade holder continues to move upward until it abuts against the first limiting member. The blade protrudes from the paper pressing assembly and cuts the imaging medium.

[0287] The second limiting member is at least a part of the upper cover assembly.

[0288] The paper-pressing assembly has a first position, a second position, and a third position. In the vertical direction, the third position is located above the first position, and the second position is located between the first position and the third position. When the upper cover assembly is closed, pushing the drive assembly upward causes the paper-pressing assembly to slide from the first position to the second position, where it abuts against the second limiting member. The blade holder continues to move upward until it abuts against the first limiting member. When the upper cover assembly is open, pushing the drive assembly upward causes the paper-pressing assembly to slide from the first position to the third position, where the blade holder abuts against the first limiting member, and the blade does not protrude from the paper-pressing assembly.

[0289] The thermal printer further includes a first elastic member disposed between the drive assembly and the paper pressing assembly. In the vertical direction, the first elastic member is used to support the paper pressing assembly so that the paper pressing assembly is in the first position. The thermal printer further includes a second elastic member. One end of the second elastic member is combined with the cutter assembly, and the other end is combined with the housing assembly. The second elastic member is used to disengage the blade from the first limiting member.

[0290] The main component also includes a paper tray for containing the imaging medium, and the first limiting member is disposed on the paper tray.

[0291] The paper pressing assembly includes a paper pressing body and a paper pressing block combined with the paper pressing body. The paper pressing block is used to press the imaging medium. When the upper cover assembly is open, the drive assembly is pushed upward, the blade holder abuts against the first limiting member, and the blade does not protrude from the paper pressing block.

[0292] The paper pressing block is made of a flexible material.

[0293] The paper press block is chamfered to facilitate the feeding of the imaging medium. The paper press block has an upward-facing upper surface, and the chamfer is located at the edge of the upper surface.

[0294] The paper pressing block is integrally formed with the paper pressing body, and a hollow part is provided between the paper pressing block and the paper pressing body to reduce the internal stress of the paper pressing body as a whole. [Beneficial Effects]

[0295] 1. When the top cover assembly C2 is opened, the cutter assembly C61 has a first state and a second state. When the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 is not in contact with the first limiting member C71, the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 is in the first state. At this time, in the vertical direction, the tip C6122 of the blade C612 does not protrude from the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622. When the user accidentally pushes the drive assembly C5 upward, causing the cutter assembly C61 to move from the first state to the second state, the second limiting member C72 moves accordingly. When the top cover assembly C2 flips together, it can no longer limit the paper pressing assembly C62. Driven by the drive assembly C5, the paper pressing assembly C62 can move to a third position higher than the second position. In this position, the cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 abuts against the first limiting member C71 and stops moving / sliding. The cutter assembly C61 / blade holder C611 is in the second state. At this time, in the up and down direction, the tip C6122 of the blade C612 does not protrude from the upper surface C6222 of the paper pressing block C622, which can prevent injury to the user.

[0296] 2. Compared with existing technologies, this solution does not require a special protective mechanism to prevent the blade C612 from causing injury to the user when the top cover assembly C2 is open. The simple structure makes assembly easy and also facilitates the miniaturization design of the thermal printer C100.

Claims

A radio frequency identification (RFID) mechanism for identifying parameter information of a paper roll assembly actively positioned within the paper tray of a thermal printer, characterized in that... The radio frequency identification mechanism includes: RFID tags are used to store parameter information of the paper roll assembly; An RFID tag reader is installed inside the thermal printer and is used to read and identify the RFID tags; A paper roll, on which the RFID tag is fixedly mounted; The paper roll assembly includes the paper roll shaft and a paper roll supported by the paper roll shaft. The paper roll assembly has a first state and a second state. The first state is the state in which the paper roll is not consumed, and the second state is the state in which the paper roll is exhausted. When viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the RFID tag falls at least partially within the range of the RFID tag reader in both the first state and the second state. The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 1 is characterized in that, The radius of the paper roll is R1, the radius of the RFID tag is r0, and an inscribed circle of the paper compartment with radius R0 is drawn. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, when the RFID tag, the paper roll and the paper roll are arranged with the same center, in the height direction, the distance between the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the tangent line at the lowest point of the inner circle of the paper tray is the first distance (D1), where D1 > (R1-r0) or (R1-r0) < D1 < (R1+r0); The leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper bin is parallel to the height direction, the bottommost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper bin is parallel to the length direction, and the length direction intersects the height direction. The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 2 is characterized in that, The radius of the paper roll is r. When viewed along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the distance between the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the tangent line at the lowest point of the inscribed circle of the paper tray in the height direction is the second distance D2, where D2 < (r + r0) or (r - r0) < D2 < (r + r0). The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 3 is characterized in that, Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, in the length direction, the distance between the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray is the third distance D3, where D3 < (r + r0) or (r - r0) < D3 < (r + r0). The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 4 is characterized in that, Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, in the length direction, the distance between the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray is the fourth distance D4, where D4 > (2R0-(r+r0)) or (2R0-(r+r0)) < D4 < (2R0-(r-r0)). The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 1 is characterized in that, The radius of the paper roll is R1, the radius of the RFID tag is r0, the radius of the paper roll shaft is r, and an inscribed circle of the paper compartment with radius R0 is drawn. Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, when the RFID tag is set at a different center from the paper roll shaft, and the RFID tag is also set at a different center from the paper roll, in the height direction, the distance between the straight line where the highest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the tangent line at the lowest point of the inscribed circle of the paper tray is the fifth distance D5, where D5 > (R1 + (r - 2r0)) or (R1 + (r - 2r0)) < D5 < (R1 + r); The leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper bin is parallel to the height direction, the bottommost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper bin is parallel to the length direction, and the length direction and the height direction intersect. The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 6 is characterized in that, Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, in the height direction, the distance between the straight line where the lowest point of the RFID tag reader is located and the tangent line at the lowest point of the inscribed circle of the paper tray is the sixth distance D6, where D6 < 2r0 or 0 < D6 < 2r0. The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 7 is characterized in that, Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, in the length direction, the distance between the straight line where the leftmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray is the seventh distance D7, where D7 < 2r0 or 0 < D7 < 2r0. The radio frequency identification mechanism according to claim 8 is characterized in that, Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, in the length direction, the distance between the straight line where the rightmost point of the RFID tag reader is located and the leftmost tangent of the inscribed circle of the paper tray is the eighth distance D8, where D8 > 2R0 - 2r0 or 2R0 - 2r0 < D8 < 2R0. Thermal printers are characterized by, The thermal printer includes a base, a top cover, a paper tray disposed inside the base, and a radio frequency identification mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9. The base and the top cover are coupled together and arranged along the height direction. The paper roll assembly is movably disposed inside the paper tray and is used for imaging during the printing process of the thermal printer. The thermal printer obtains the parameter information of the paper roll assembly through the radio frequency identification mechanism; The paper tray includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, an installation port, and a receiving cavity formed by the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall. The third wall connects the first wall and the second wall. The installation port is disposed between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall are spaced apart and opposite to each other. The installation port communicates with the receiving cavity. The paper roll assembly is installed into the receiving cavity through the installation port. The paper roll assembly is movably disposed in the receiving cavity. The installation port faces the top cover. The thermal printer according to claim 10 is characterized in that, The RFID tag reader is disposed outside the paper tray, and at least one of the first wall and the second wall is spaced apart from the RFID tag reader, or at least one of the first wall and the second wall is in contact with the RFID tag reader. The thermal printer according to claim 10 is characterized in that, The RFID tag reader is enclosed in a container, with at least one of the first wall and the second wall spaced apart from the container, or at least one of the first wall and the second wall in contact with the container. The thermal printer according to claim 10 is characterized in that, The RFID tag reader is disposed in the paper tray, and the RFID tag reader is disposed on the first wall or the second wall, and the first wall or the second wall is provided with a mounting part for mounting the RFID tag reader. The thermal printer according to claim 13 is characterized in that, The mounting portion is configured as a protrusion extending from the first wall or the second wall toward a direction away from the receiving cavity, and the RFID tag reader is wound around the protrusion to form a coil. The thermal printer according to claim 14 is characterized in that, The mounting section is also provided with a mistake-proofing part. During the assembly of the RFID tag reader, the mistake-proofing part can prevent the RFID tag reader from being installed in the wrong position or in the wrong direction, thereby saving installation time. The anti-mistake part is a chamfer provided on the mounting part. The thermal printer according to claim 13 is characterized in that, The first wall has a first outer wall and a first inner wall disposed opposite to each other, the first outer wall facing away from the receiving cavity and the first inner wall facing the receiving cavity; the second wall has a second outer wall and a second inner wall disposed opposite to each other, the second outer wall facing away from the receiving cavity and the second inner wall facing the receiving cavity. The RFID tag reader is disposed on the first outer wall, or between the first outer wall and the first inner wall; or... The RFID tag reader is disposed on the second outer wall, or between the second outer wall and the second inner wall. The thermal printer according to claim 13 is characterized in that, The first wall or the second wall is also provided with a fastener for fixing the RFID tag reader, which can prevent the RFID tag reader from falling off. The thermal printer according to claim 10 is characterized in that, The third wall includes a first sub-wall, a second sub-wall, and a third sub-wall. The second sub-wall connects the first sub-wall and the third sub-wall. The first sub-wall and the third sub-wall are spaced apart and opposite to each other along the length direction. The mounting port is spaced apart and opposite to the second sub-wall. The arrangement direction of the mounting port and the second sub-wall intersects with the arrangement direction of the first wall and the second wall. The second sub-wall is set in an arc shape, so that the lower half of the paper tray in the height direction forms an arc shape. After the paper roll is placed into the paper tray, the shape of the paper roll fits the shape of the lower half of the paper tray, and the paper roll can be more stably contained by the receiving cavity. The thermal printer according to claim 10 is characterized in that, The RFID tag reader is configured as a plurality of units, with one RFID tag reader installed on the first wall and another RFID tag reader installed on the second wall. The thermal printer according to claim 10 is characterized in that, Observing along the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray, the RFID tag reader is generally rectangular in shape, and the arrangement direction of the RFID tag reader and the paper tray is parallel to the width direction. The width direction, the length direction, and the height direction intersect each other.

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