Spring-Loaded Pressure Roller for Label Printer Tape Thickness Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label printers require laborious and time-consuming adaptation of the spacing between the carrier tape drawing roller and pressure roller to accommodate different carrier tape thicknesses, affecting the efficiency of label printing and tape propulsion.
Innovation Solution
The carrier tape pressure roller is displaceably supported perpendicular to its rotational axis with a spring device providing a preload, allowing automatic adjustment of the spacing and propulsion force when the carrier tape is inserted, and can be supported at its axial ends or by a holder with guide tracks for stable and flexible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between the carrier tape drawing roller and pressure roller is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different carrier tape thicknesses without laborious adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure roller is made displaceable along the carrier tape transport path, transforming from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. This allows the spacing between the drawing roller and pressure roller to be automatically adapted to different carrier tape thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the pressure roller is made variable, allowing it to be adjusted according to the carrier tape thickness. This parameter change enables the device to accommodate different tape specifications without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of the pressure roller spacing is provided, then the device can adapt to different carrier tape thicknesses, but the adjustment process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure roller is designed to automatically adjust its position based on the carrier tape thickness when the tape is inserted. The system performs the adaptation function itself without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining adaptability to different tape specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure roller positioning mechanism is pre-configured to automatically respond to the carrier tape insertion. The system prepares the appropriate spacing configuration in advance through the displaceable design, so that when the carrier tape is inserted, the correct spacing is automatically established without requiring subsequent manual adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure roller is made displaceable with spring preload, then the spacing adapts automatically to carrier tape thickness, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded displaceable pressure roller automatically adjusts its position and applies the necessary pressing force based on the carrier tape thickness. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual spacing adaptation while maintaining ease of operation, as the system performs the adjustment function automatically when the carrier tape is inserted.
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
This solution enables simple and fast adaptation to varying carrier tape thicknesses, enhancing the efficiency of label printing by automatically setting the suitable spacing and propulsion force, reducing operator intervention and accommodating production tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device being provided to exert a pressing force onto the carrier tape, said spring device preloading the respective carrier tape pressure roller in the displacement direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a label printer, configured to hold the carrier tape with the labels in contact with the printhead, wherein the carrier tape is led between the printhead and a counter-element; a drive mechanism for the carrier tape having a driven carrier tape drawing roller; and at least one non-driven carrier tape pressure roller, associated with the carrier tape drawing roller, that is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the carrier tape is led between the carrier tape drawing roller and the respective carrier tape pressure roller and is transported along a predefined carrier tape transport path. The respective carrier tape pressure roller is supported perpendicular to its rotational axis and in a displacement direction toward the carrier tape drawing roller, with a spring device being provided to exert a pressing force onto the carrier tape, said spring device preloading the respective carrier tape pressure roller in the displacement direction.