Label Printer Separation Mechanism Metal Shaft Resin Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable label printers with separation ejection mechanisms face challenges in maintaining mechanical strength due to the use of many components made from synthetic resin, which are prone to deterioration, especially when switching between normal and separation ejection modes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of roller holders and supporters made from different types of resin, with the nip roller shaft being supported by these holders to enhance mechanical strength, and the use of a metal nip roller shaft with resin supporters, provides a robust separation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If many components of the separation mechanism are made from synthetic resin to reduce cost and weight, then the printer becomes more compact and cost-effective, but the mechanical strength of the components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials by combining metal (nip roller shaft) with synthetic resin (roller holders and supporters). The metal shaft provides the necessary mechanical strength while the resin components reduce overall weight and manufacturing cost. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by leveraging the strengths of both material types in different components of the separation mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the separation mechanism moves within the body case at every switching between normal ejection and separation ejection, then the printer can switch between ejection modes, but the mechanical strength of synthetic resin components deteriorates due to repeated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The metal nip roller shaft provides durability that withstands repeated movement between ejection modes, while the resin roller holders and supporters benefit from the metal shaft's structural integrity. The combination ensures both adaptability for mode switching and reliability for the synthetic resin components.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal nip roller shaft acts as an intermediary between the moving separation mechanism and the printer body. It absorbs mechanical stress from repeated movement, protecting the synthetic resin components from deterioration while enabling mode switching functionality.
3Strength
If the roller holders and supporters are made from synthetic resin, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies composite materials by making the roller holders and supporters from synthetic resin while combining them with a metal nip roller shaft. The resin components are molded for ease of manufacture and cost reduction, while the metal shaft provides the necessary mechanical strength support, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and structural strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A separation unit (10) of a label printer includes a metal nip roller shaft (11), a resin nip roller (12) disposed at a center part of the nip roller shaft and is supported so as to be rotatable around the nip roller shaft, and resin supporters (13) that support both ends of the nip roller shaft. The separation unit (10) is attached to the body case (2) to be relatively movable between the normal ejection position and the separation ejection position. Each of the pair of supporters has a part protruding toward the nip roller, and this part is a roller holder (13d) to insert an end of the nip roller shaft. The roller holder and the supporter are integrally formed for enhanced strength of the supporter.