Ink Ribbon Winding Torque Control for Stable Printer Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ribbon transfer type printers, the increasing diameter of the collecting roll due to wound ink ribbon leads to a weakened tension between the thermal head and the collecting roll, affecting the quality of printing.
Innovation Solution
A detection unit measures the tension of the ink ribbon and adjusts the torque applied to the winding roller to maintain a constant tension, using a DC motor with adjustable torque and a torque limiter to stabilize the ink ribbon tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the winding shaft rotates with constant torque, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ink ribbon tension weakens as the collecting roll diameter increases, affecting printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant torque winding mechanism to a dynamic torque adjustment mechanism. The winding shaft torque is dynamically adjusted based on the diameter of the collecting roll, ensuring that ink ribbon tension remains stable throughout the winding process. This resolves the contradiction by making the winding system adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque parameter of the winding shaft based on the collecting roll diameter. As the diameter increases, the torque is adjusted to maintain constant tension on the ink ribbon. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple constant torque operation and stable tension requirement.
2Quantity of substance
If the collecting roll diameter increases, then the ink ribbon winding capacity increases, but the ink ribbon tension between the thermal head and collecting roll weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the torque parameter of the winding shaft based on the collecting roll diameter. As the diameter increases, the torque is adjusted to maintain constant tension on the ink ribbon. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple constant torque operation and stable tension requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tension of the ink ribbon is detected and used to adjust the winding shaft torque. This closed-loop control ensures that even as the collecting roll diameter increases and winding capacity grows, the tension remains stable through continuous adjustment based on actual tension conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If constant torque is applied to the winding shaft, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the printing quality deteriorates due to weakened ink ribbon tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the torque parameter of the winding shaft based on the collecting roll diameter. As the diameter increases, the torque is adjusted to maintain constant tension on the ink ribbon. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between simple constant torque operation and stable tension requirement.
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
Maintains consistent ink ribbon tension, ensuring high-quality printing by compensating for changes in the collecting roll diameter and preventing issues like ink ribbon slippage or wrinkling.
Implementation Method 1
uses a DC motor with adjustable torque and a torque limiter to stabilize the ink ribbon tension
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a feed side roll, a winding roller, a driver, a detector, a printer, a conveyance roller, and an adjuster. The feed side roll includes an ink ribbon wound on a feeding roller. The driver rotates the winding roller in a direction of winding the ink ribbon. The detector detects a change in a tension of the ink ribbon being wound. The printer prints on a print medium via the ink ribbon stretched in a tense state between a collection side roll where the ink ribbon is wound and the feed side roll. The conveyance roller winds the ink ribbon between the collection side roll and the printer. The adjuster adjusts a torque for rotating the winding roller by the driver based on detection results by the detector to keep a tension of the ink ribbon passing through the printer constant.