Label Printer Peeling Unit for Compact Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers with switchable continuous and peeling issuing modes face challenges in reducing size due to the need for a peeling unit that can move between different issuing positions.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a peeling unit with a peeling roller holder and cover that can swing between open and closed positions, using a biasing member to facilitate compact containment and switching between issuing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a peeling unit is added to enable peeling issuing mode, then the printer can switch between continuous and peeling issuing modes, but the printer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peeling roller holder is nested within the peeling roller cover, allowing the peeling unit to be compactly contained when not in use. The peeling roller holder can swing between a first position where it is covered by the peeling roller cover and a second position where it faces the feed roller, enabling mode switching without permanently occupying additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The peeling roller holder is designed to be swingable between different positions rather than fixed. A biasing member provides automatic positioning force, allowing the peeling unit to dynamically adapt between continuous issuing mode (peeling roller holder retracted) and peeling issuing mode (peeling roller holder extended to face feed roller), reducing the need for permanent structural provisions for both modes.
2Volume of moving object
If the peeling unit is made compact to reduce printer size, then the printer volume decreases, but the complexity of the peeling mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peeling unit is segmented into distinct functional components: the peeling roller holder that can swing between positions, the peeling roller cover that provides protection and guidance, and the biasing member that provides automatic positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically positions the peeling roller holder between the first and second positions based on the operational mode, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms. The mechanism serves itself by using elastic potential energy storage and release to maintain proper positioning without requiring additional motors or actuators.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables further reduction in printer size while maintaining functionality for both continuous and peeling issuing modes.
Implementation Method 1
The peeling unit further includes a biasing member that biases the peeling roller holder from the first position to the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention is a printer in which peeling issuing and continuous issuing can be switched. Peeling issuing allows a label to be issued after being peeled from a liner of a print medium with the label releasably attached on the liner. Continuous issuing allows the label to be issued without being peeled from the liner. The printer includes a feed roller configured to feed the print medium and also includes a peeling unit including a peeling roller holder and a peeling roller cover. The peeling roller holder holds a peeling roller that faces the feed roller in peeling issuing. The peeling roller cover axially supports the peeling roller holder in a swingable manner and is movable between a closed position and an open position. When the peeling roller cover is at the open position, the peeling roller holder is swingable between a first position for facing a back surface of the peeling roller cover and a second position at which the peeling roller is not covered with the peeling roller cover. The peeling unit further includes a biasing member that biases the peeling roller holder from the first position to the second position.