Thermal Head Magnetic Stabilization for Printing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermal-transfer printing apparatuses, the thermal head often becomes inclined towards the ink ribbon conveyance path during non-printing periods, leading to potential contact and printing quality issues due to incorrect placement relative to the platen.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus design featuring a thermal head with magnetic engagement members and a head pressing member that allows the thermal head to pivot around a magnetic axis, ensuring uniform pressing force and reducing inclination by utilizing magnetic forces to stabilize the head's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermal head is pivotally supported around a support shaft at the barycentric position, then the thermal head can be easily aligned, but the thermal head becomes inclined towards the ink ribbon during non-printing periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical support shaft system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets are embedded in both the thermal head and the head holding member, creating magnetic attraction forces that stabilize the thermal head's position during non-printing periods and prevent inclination towards the ink ribbon, while still allowing easy alignment through the pivotal support mechanism
2Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic members are added to stabilize the thermal head position, then position stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic positioning function with the existing head holding member structure. The magnets are integrated into the head holding member and thermal head assembly, combining the stabilizing magnetic field generation with the mechanical holding structure, thereby improving position stability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
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
The solution ensures uniform pressing force application to the ink ribbon and minimizes the likelihood of the thermal head inclining towards the ink ribbon conveyance path, enhancing printing quality and preventing contact with the ribbon during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic member provided in the thermal head and positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the first engagement member; a second magnetic member provided in the head holding member, positioned on the first side in the first direction relative to the second engagement member, and facing the first magnetic member in the second direction so that the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are attracted to each other by magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printing apparatus, including: a base; a thermal head including heating elements arranged in a first direction; a first engagement member; a second engagement member configured to engage with the first engagement member such that the thermal head pivotally moves, relative to the base, around a first axis extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a head holding member being slidable with respect to the base in a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction and holding the thermal head such that the heating elements face the third direction; a first magnetic member positioned on a first side in the first direction relative to the first engagement member; a second magnetic member positioned on the first side in the first direction relative to the second engagement member; and a head pressing member facing the head holding member from a first side in the third direction.