CA1301536C - Tape supply system for a thermal printing device or the like - Google Patents
Tape supply system for a thermal printing device or the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1301536C CA1301536C CA000589364A CA589364A CA1301536C CA 1301536 C CA1301536 C CA 1301536C CA 000589364 A CA000589364 A CA 000589364A CA 589364 A CA589364 A CA 589364A CA 1301536 C CA1301536 C CA 1301536C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- tape
- ribbon
- receiving tray
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J35/00—Other apparatus or arrangements associated with, or incorporated in, ink-ribbon mechanisms
- B41J35/28—Detachable carriers or holders for ink-ribbon mechanisms
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
- B41J3/4075—Tape printers; Label printers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J32/00—Ink-ribbon cartridges
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A tape or tape-ribbon alignment and delivery system for a thermal printing or printing device or the like of the type having a device housing and a print or transfer station including a printhead and a platen for forming a selected image onto a tape or for transferring a selected image from a ribbon to a tape. The system further includes a replaceable tape or tape-ribbon cartridge, a cartridge receiving tray connected with the device housing, a cam mechanism associated with the receiving tray for moving the cartridge into print or transfer alignment with the print or transfer station and a retaining member for retaining the cartridge in the print or transfer alignment position.
A tape or tape-ribbon alignment and delivery system for a thermal printing or printing device or the like of the type having a device housing and a print or transfer station including a printhead and a platen for forming a selected image onto a tape or for transferring a selected image from a ribbon to a tape. The system further includes a replaceable tape or tape-ribbon cartridge, a cartridge receiving tray connected with the device housing, a cam mechanism associated with the receiving tray for moving the cartridge into print or transfer alignment with the print or transfer station and a retaining member for retaining the cartridge in the print or transfer alignment position.
Description
~3~ 6 1 Title: TAPE SUPPLY SYSTEM
FOR A THERMAL PRINTING DEVICE OR THE LIKE
BAC~GROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present inv~ntion relates generally to a thermal printing device and more particularly, to a tape supply system for a thermal printing device or the like in which an image of characters from a strip of color carrying ribbon is transferred to or an image of characters is generated on, an image carrying tape as the result of the localized application of heat and 1~ pressure. The invention also relates to an improved cartridge usable with such device for supplying tape or tape and ribbon thereto.
There are a number of strip printing or transfer type devices which currently exist in the prior art and which are utilized to transfer characters from a strip of color carrying ribbon to a strip of image carrving tape. One such device employs impact or pressure in combination wi~h a font having raised characters to transfer an imag~ of a selected charact~r from a ribbon to a~ image receiving tape. Thes~ so-called impact or pressure lettering devices have exis~ed since the ~id-70's and are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,834,507:
4,243,333; 4,402,619 and 4,624,590, among others. Cartridges for supplying tape and ribbon to these de~ices are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,226,547; 4,391,539 and 4,678,353, among others.
Printing or transfer devic~s al~o exist in which an image of a desired character is ormed onto a s~rip of image carrying tape by ~ransferri~g ink or other color from a color carrying ribbon to such tape as a result of ~he localized application of heat and a s~all amount of pressure. A typical thermal ~ransfer devicQ o~ thi~ type is described in U.S.
Patent No. 4,666,319 dated May 19, 1987 and issued to Hirosaki et al.
~ .
~L3~LS36 1 A further thermal transfer devi~e which currently exists employs a machine for transferring the imag~ of a desired character from a strip of ribbon to a strip of tape and a cooperating tape-ribbon cartridge usable with the device for providing a supply of tape and ribbon to the machine transfer station.
Although the above described devices and corresponding cartridges may be satisfactory for various uses and applications, there is always a need to improve the quality of ~he image transfer, to reduce the amount of user maintQnance and to improve the delivery and supply of tape and ribbon to the machine. This is particularly true with respect to thermal prlnting devices in view of the fact that the proper alignment between the printhead, the platen and the tape or the tape and ribbon is of critical importance in obtaining a high guality image. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improv~ments in thermal printing devices and associated cartridges and systems for supplying tape or tape and ribbon thereto.
: 20 SUMMAR~ QF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a thermal printiny device, and in particular a tape or tape-ribbon supply system for such a d~vice, is provided in which an image o a desired character is transferred from a strip of color carrying : 25 ribbon to or generated on, a strip of image carrying tape.
:~ Generally, such a device includes a printing or transfer station defined by a printhead and a cylindrical platen and m~ans for ad~ancing the tape or tape and ribbon from a supply cartridge to the printing or transfer station. The present invention also includes an improved sys~em for supplying or delivering tape or tape and ribbon to the thermal printing or transfar device.
, .
~3~S~i More specif ically, the pres~nt invention relates to a tape or tape-ribbon alignment and supply system for a thermal printing or transfer device or the like of ~he type having a housing and a printing or transfer station for g~nerating an image onto a strip of tape or for transferring a selected image from a strip of ribbon to a strip of tape. In a preferred embodiment of the system, a thermal transfer device housing is provided with a receiving or ser~ice tray for the purpose of receiving a tape-ribbon cartridge. This tray is connected with the housing in a ixed position and can comprise an integral cavity or a separately mounted tray. A ~ape-ribbon cartridge having a supply of tape and ribbon is designed for insertion into the receiving tray~ Means are al~o provided for moving the inserted cartridge into proper transfer alignment relative to the transfer station. In the pxeferred embodiment, this means includes a pivotable cover connected to the cartridge receiving tray and a pair of cam rollers for engagement with a portion of the eartridge. Means are also provided for retaining the cartridge in proper ~ransfer alignmen~ and for selectively releasing the cartridge when its removal from the device is desired.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal printing or ~ransfer device or the like embodying an improved tape or tape-ribbon supply system.
Another object of the present invPntion is to provide an improved tape cr tape-ribbon supply system for a thermal printing or transfer device or the like including a device housing, a tape or tape-ribbon supply car~ridge, a cartridge recei~in~ tray or cavi~y and means for moving the cartridge into transfer alignment and re~aining ~he same during a printing or transfer s~ep.
1 Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal printing or ~ransfer device or the like with an improved tape or tapP-ribbon supply system for aligning a tape or tape~ribbon supply cartridge.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded, pictorial view comprising Figures lA and lB of a thermal printing device and cartridge of the 2referred embodiment of the present invention s~owing the machine with par~s cut away, the service tray removed and suspended over the machine, the cartridge suspended over the service tray and the cartridge cover removed and suspended over the cartridge.
Figure 2 i~ a top plan view of the tape-ribbon ca~tridge of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed and parts cut aw~y.
Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional el~vation of the ribbon supply and rewind spools taken along the section line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation showing a portion of the floating tape-ribbon guide member and the ribbon supply spool as taken along the section line 4-4 of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a ragmentary sectional elev tion of the ~ape-ribbon drive feature taken along the sec~ion li~e 5-S of Figure 2.
Figure 6 iæ a fragmentary sectional eleva~ion of the tape cut-off feature taken along the section line of figure 2.
.. -5 ~3~S~3~
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail of the tape cut-off feature.
Figure 8 is a pictorial view of a pcrtion of the tape-~ibbon drive assembly embodied within the cartridge of the present inven~ion.
Figure 9 is a pictorial view of the floating tape ribbon guide member disposed within th~ ~ape-ribbon cartridge of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a fraqmentary sectional elevation taken along the section line 10-10 of Figure 2.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the section line 11 of Figure 2, Figure 1~ is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the section line 12-12 of Figure 2.
Figure 13 is a fra~mentary sectional elevation taken alony line 13-13 of Figure 2.
~, Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along line 1~-14 of Figure 16.
Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along section line 15~15 of Figure 16.
Figure 16 is a fragmentar~ detail view taken along the section line 16-16 of Figure lA and Figure lB showin~ selected parts therefrom in assembly.
Figure 1~ is a detai} section taken along the : section line 17-1~ of Figure 18.
PESCRIPTIO~ OF THE PREFER~ED EMBODIMENT
A~ described generally above, th~ present invention relates to a ~hermal printing or tran~fer device and an associated supply cartridge. Although the preferred embodimen~
illustrated in the drawings and des~ribed below relates to a ~L3~3~
1 thermal transfer device and an associated tape-ribbon cartridge in which an image of a character is transferrcd at a transfer station from a rihbon to a strip of ~ape, it is also contemplated that the present invention re:Lates to various other lettering apparatus and strip printers as well. For example, without limitation, it is contemp:la~ed that the featur~s of the present invention are applicable to various types of thermal printing devices o~her than a thermal transfer device, such as a thermal printi~g device in which characters are generated on a strip of thermal tape rather than transferred from a ribbon. In such a device, the tape is treated with cer~ain thermal materials so that when heat is applied, an imagQ is formed. This eliminates the need for a ribbon supply. Throughout the specification and claims, the ~erm thermal printiny device is intended to include both a thermal device in which characters are formcd dircctly onto specially treated thermal tape as well as a thermal transfer device in which charactPrs are transferred to such tape from a ribbon memb~r.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 comprising Figures lA and lB showing an exploded pictorial view of a thermal ~ransfer device, a tape-ribbon supply cartridge and the tape-ribbon supply system in accordance with a preferred - embodiment of ~he present invention. As illustrated, the opera~ive components of the thermal transfer device generally include a prin~head assembly 10, a cooperating platen assembly comprising a cylindrical pla~sn 11, a drive roller assembly comprising a drive roll~r 12, and a tape cut-off assembly comprising a tap~ cut-off actuating arm 14. Associat~d with the machine is a fixed cartridge service or receiving tray 15 and a tap~-ribbon cartridge 16 or providing tape 13 and ribbon 17 to :~L3~i3~i 1 the imaqe transfer station disposed between the printhead lO
- and the platen ll. ThP cartridge embodies a drive roller, an alignment mechanism and an internal tape cut-off means interfaceable with corresponding components of the machine. The cartridge 16, when inserted into the tray :L5, is adapted for limited movement between a first or rearward position in which the cartridge 16 is in an inoperative position and a second or forward position in which the cartridge 16 is in an operative position in alignment with the printhead.
With specific reference to Figures lB and 14, ~he printhead assembly 10 includes a rigid frame member l9 æecured to a portion of ~he machine housing 21 by appropriate screws or other connecting means. The assembly 10 also includes a printhead element 20 mounted to the frame 19 for operative alignment with the platen 11. In the preferred embodiment, the printhead element 20 is a conventional thermal printhead identified by Model No. XP ~6Y01 manufactured by Kyocera International, Inc. of Framingham, ~A. Extending rearwardly from, and integrally connected wi~h, a portion of the frame 19 is a horizontally disposed platen support and guide shelf 22.
The shelf 22 is disposed at right angles relative to the frame 19 and functions ~o support the lower surface of a platen carriage 23. The platen carriage ~3 is pivotally secured to a platen pivot arm 24 by a pivot pin 25 extending through the arm 24 and an opening 27 in the platen carriage ~3. It should be noted ~hat the opening 27 in the carriage ~3 is elongated in ~he ver~ical direction to permit limited vertical movement o the carriage rela~ive to the pivot 25. The carriage 23 includes a pair of forwardly extendin~ spaced platen support portions which rotatably receive the center ro~ation shaft 2~ of the cylindrical platen 11.
~3~
1 The platen arm 24 extends generally vertically upwardly from, and is pivotally connected to, a base 28 about the pivot pin 29. The base 28, in turn, is securely connected to a portion of the housing 21. The pivot pin 29 extends generally parallel to the pivot pin 25 and permits limited counterclockwise and clockwise rotation of the arm 24, and thus corresponding forward and rearward movement of the platen 11, respectively.
As shown best in Figure 14, a drive rod 30 extends lo forwardly from a linear actuator mechanism 170 and through an elongated opening formed in a wall portion 32 of the arrn 24.
Means in the form of a pin or some other stop member 33 is connected with the forward end of the rod 30 to keep the rod 3a in engagement with the arm 24. A bearin member 1~4 engages a : 15 portion of the arm 24 to assist in transferring movement of the rod 30 to the arm 24. A spring 34 is disposed between a rearward portion of the bearing 184 and a forward end portion of a drive pin 171 to bias the arm 2~ in a counterclockwise or forward direction against the stop member 33.
In the preferred embodimen~, the linear actuator 170 includes a motor 31 and a reduction gear and linear conversion assembly for conver~ing the rotational movement of the motor shaft 174 to generally linear movement o~ the drive rod 30.
Such assembly includes a gear housing 172 and a linear : 25 conversio~ housin~ 173. Formed within the housing 172 is a ring gear 175 and a pair of planet gears 176, 176. The gears 17~, 176 are rotatably moun~ed to a planet carrier 177 which is ;~ positioned to engage the ring gear 175. A sun gear 178 is :~ connected to the end of the motor shaft 174 for engagement with each of ~he planet gears 176. Rotation of the ~otor shaft 174, and corresponding rotation of khe sun gear 17~, result~ in ~IIL3~
1 rotation o the plane~ gears 176. This in turn causes revolvement of the planet gears 176 about the gear 17~ as a result of engagement with the riny gear 175. Such revolvement resul~s in corresponding rotational movement of the planet carrier 177. With the structure illustrated in Figure 14, an output r~duction of about 4.8 to 1 is achieved.
A forward output shaft of the planet carrier 177 is connected for common rotation with a drive screw a cross pin 1~0. The drive screw 179 is provided with a double helix guide ramp 181 which e11gages a cross p ext~nding through a drive pin 171. The outer ends of cross pin 182 extend through the double helix slot 181 for engagement with a guide and retainincJ slot 133 in both the top a~d bottom por~ions of the housing 173 to g forward and rearward movement of ~he cross pin 182 and prevent rotation of the pin 1~2 and thus the drive pin 171. With the above described structure, rotation of the motor shaft lt4 causes corresponding rotational movement of the planet carrier 177 and the drive ~crew 179 via the reduction gear members 175, 176 and 178. Rotation of the drive screw 183, in ~urn, results in linear movement of the drive pin 171 and thus th0 rod 30. In the preferred embodiment, the motor 31 is capa~le of selective moveme~t in both directions, thus providing the capability of selectively moving ~he rod 30 in either a forward or a rearward direction.
Such movement of the rod 30 causes corresponding counterclockwise or clockwis~ pivoting of the arm ~4. During operation, a~ ~he rod 30 is extended and the arm 24 pivots in a counterclockwise dîrection, the platen 11 moves in a forward ~ direction toward the printhead 20. Continued forward movement : of the rod 30 results in engagement between the pla~en 11 and the rearward surface of the tape which is positiolled between , . --10--~3~31t~
1 the platen 11 and the printhead element 20. When this occurs, further forward movement of the rod 30 will not result in any further movement of the platen 11. Instead, the pla~en will be biased against the rearward surface of the tape by the force of the spring member 34. With this mechanism, a relati~ely constant force is generated between the printhead element 20 and the platen 11, which for~e is det rmined by the spring 34.
The platen 11 is a generally cylindrical member constructed of a rubber-like material. In the preferred embodiment, the platen 11 is constructed of a urethane ma~erial having a durometer of about 40 (plus 10, minus 0) on the Shore A scale~ During forward movement of the platen 11, the bottom portion of the carriage 23 rides on the platen shelf 22 to ~ insure proper vertical positioning of the platen 11, ; 15 A~so associated with the printhead assembly 10 is an electrical connector element 36 and a plurality of electrical ~ leads 40 extending from the connector 36 to a con~rol means :: (not shown). The control means functions to drive the printhead assembly 10.
As illustxated best in Figures 18 and 5, the tape-ribbon drive assembly includes a drive roller 12 rotatably mounted within a drive roller housing 37 with the top end of the drive roll~r 12 journalled in an upper end of the housing 37 . Ad; acent to the lower end of the roller 12 is a drive gear 38 which, during operatio~, is designed for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 107 associated with the car~ridge drive roller 106. The d roll~r shaft 39 which extends downwardly from the drive roller 12 and the drive year 38 is connec~ed with a low toothed gear 41. The gear 41 is connected via a gear assembly ~3 comprising a.plurality of gears to a mo Ro~a~ion o~ the motor 44 drives the gear assembly rotates the ~ 3~ S ~ ~
1 gear 41 and thus the drive roller 12. As wi be more fully described below, rotation of the d roller 12 causes corresponding rotation of the dr roller 106 (Figure 5) as a result of engagement gears 38 and 107. Such rotation drives the tape and ribbon through the system. In a thermal device in which printing occurs directly onto the tape, the drive assembly would drive only the tape.
In the preferred embodiment, the clrive assem housing 37 is rigidly secured to a top frame 45 spaced from a lower : 10 frame member 46. The frame members 45 and 46 are rigidly secured to the machine housing 21 by appropriate threaded members and are retained in a spaced relationship by a plurality o~ spacing posts.
A ribbon rewind shaft 35 includes an upper s~lined rotatable end and a lower end which is pivotally and rotatably mounted within a portion of the machine housing 21 to p~rmit limited forward and rearward tilting of the shaft 35. A gear 53 co~nected with the splined shaft 35 is dri~en by an endless ; bel~ 47 which extends around a pair of idler gears 48, 4a and to the gear 42 on the lower end of the shaft 39. With the above s~ructure, the splined shaft 35 is rotated along with rotation of the drive roller 12. It should be noted that the sh~ft 35 is mounted in the housing 21 ~o permit not only rotational : movement, but also limited forward and rearward pivoting movement. This enables the splined portion of the shaft to engage the ribbon rewind spool and also to accommodate the `~ limited forward movement of the cartridge after such e~gagement. A torsion spri~g member 137 biases the rewind shaft 35 in a rearward direc~ion.
The tape cut off actuating mechanism is illustrated best in Figures 6 and 15. The cut-off actuating arm 14 is 13q~LS~
pivotally secured at an intermediate point to a yoke member 186 about the pivot 187. The yoke 186 is in turn secur to the machine housing. The arm 14 includes an upper end which extends upwardly through an opening 156 in the tray 15 and an opening 126 in the cartridge bottom 59 for engagement with a portion of ~ the blade mount 120 within the cartridge. Th lower end of the ; arm 14 is connected via a clevis member wit:h the drive rod 140 of a linear actuator mech~nism The mechanism 141 is secured to the bottom of the mac housing 21 by appropriate fastening means. In the preferred embodiment the mechanism 141 includes a motor 137 and a reduc~icn gear and linear conversion assembly 138 which are similar to corresponding elements of the platen actuator illustrated in Figure 14. The only exception is that the reduction gear assembly 138 comprises a two stage reduction gear assembly pro~id~ng a 23 to 1 output reduction as compared to a 4.8 to 1 output reduction for the platen actuator.
Selective actuation of the motor 137 causes forward or rearward movement of the rod 140 and thus corresponding rearward or forward movement of the upper end of the arm 14 and blade mount 120. Rearward movement of t~e rod 140 (movement to the left as viewed in Figure 15) causes corresponding forward movement of ~he mount 120 and blade 119 ~o cut the tape in the manner which will be described in greater detail below.
The cartridge receiving or service tray 15 is illustrated best in ~igure 1~. As shown, the tray includes a bo~tom surface 145, a pair of side walls 142, 142, a front edge 1~3 and a rear edge 144 which together define a cartridge ~` receiving cavity. Pivotally connected to a rearward end of the side walls 142, 14~ is a service tray cover 146. The cover 146 includes a pair of connection tabs 1~7. Each of the tabs 1~7 includes a pivot post 14~ which extends through a corresponding _13_ ~3~ ~ ~ 3 ~
1 pivot opening in the side walls 142 to pivotally secure the cover 146 relative to the tray 15 The tray 15 also includes an upstandiny post 149 and a spring biased plunger l5o partially contained w the post 14g and biased in an upward direction via : 5 a s member also contained within the post 149. A cam member 151 integrally formed with a portion of the cover 146 is for en~agement with the spring biased plunger 15 member 151 is shaped so that if the cover 146 is open, the plunger 150 will tend to keep it open, while if the cover 146 is clos~d, the lo plunger 150 will tend to keep it closed. A tape viewing slot 152 is formed in the cover 146 and is aligned with a corresponding tape viewing slot 134 in the cover portion of the cartridge (Fi~lre lA).
A pair of cam rollers 153 are rotatably secured to the inside rear surface of the cover 146. Each of the rollers 153 is supported on a shaft 154 which is in turn supported by an appropriate roller mount 155. As illu~trated best in Figure 16, these rollers 153 cause the car~ridge 16 to move forwardly into an operational position as the cover 146 i5 closed. Such movem~nt of the cartridge is the result of engagement between the rollers 153 and a rearward portion of the cartridge 16.
A return spring 13~ is connected with a forward portion of the machine co~er and adapted to bias the cartridge 16 rearwardly. Thus, when the cover 146 of the tray 15 is opened, the spring 139 acts against the forward end of the cartridge and causes it to move rearwardly so that it can be.
removed from the machine.
The bottom 145 of ~he service tray 15 includes an . opening 156 to accommodate the tape cu~-off arm 14, an opening 157 to allow the printhead and platen assemblies to Pxtend through ~he tray lS and into operational relationship with the . -14-;36 1 cartridge and an opening 159 to allow the splined shaft 35 to ex~end into the cartridge. A retaining tab 158 extends upwardlv and rearwardly from ~he bottom 145 to retain the car~ridge in a fixed operative position. As illustrated best in Figure 17, the bottom S9 of the cartridge includes an opening 160 which, when the cartridge is inserted in the service tray 15, is positioned over the retaining tab 158 so that the member 158 extends into the interior o the cartridge. Then, as the cartridge 16 is moved forward as a result of closing of the cover 146, a portion of the cartridge bottom 159 is retained by the overhangin~ portion of the tab 158.
Also mounted to the service tray bottom 145 is a tape sensing means 80~ In the preferred embodiment, the means 80 is mounted onto a slide 160 which is adapted for limited ~orward and rearward sliding movement relative to the bottom 145 of the service tray 15. The slide 161 is guided by a plurality of slots 162 and is biased by an appropriate spring member in a rearward direction. The service tray 15 is rigidly secured to the housing 21 via a plurali~y of screws extending through the tray 15 and into a plurality o~ corresponding tray support posts 164 (Figure lB).
As illustrated generally in Figures lA and 2, the tape or tape-ribbon cartridge 16 of the present invention includes a spool of tape 51 for supplying tape 13 to the image print or trans~er station, a pair of ribbon supply and rewind spools s6 and 58, respectively, for providing ribbon 17 to and with~rawing ribbon from the image transfer station and a floa~ing tape guide and alignmen~ member 52 for properly aligning the tape and ribbon 13 and 17 and the platen 11 with respect to the pri~thead 10. The cartridge 16 also in~ludes a spring biased ~ape-ribbon drive mechanism illustrated generally ~3~
1 by the reference numeral 54 and an internal tape cut-off mechanism illustrated generally by the reference numeral 55. In a device in which printing occurs directly onto the tape, without being transferred from a ribbon, the cartridge includes only a supply of tape.
The cartridge 16 is generally rectangular in configuration and, in addition to the cover 18, includes a bottom surface 59, a pair of side walls 60 and 61 and a pair of end walls 62 and 63. The cartridge housing is rein~orced by a lo plurality of reinforcing ribs 65 integrally formed with the bottom 59 and reinforcing ribs 66 integrally formed with th~
walls 60-6~. The cover 18 includes a top surf~ce 57 and four walls 64 which mate with the side and end walls 60-63. The . cartridge base includes a plurality of alignment and retaining openings ~7 to mate with corresponding alignment and retaining posts 73 formed in the cover 18. When assembled, the top surface 57 of the cover 18 and the bottom surface 59 are generally parallel to one another.
As shown bes~ in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the tape supply spool 51 is mounted on a central cardboard cylinder 68. The inner surface of the cylinder 68 is supported and retained by an annular portion 10 of a plastic hub 69 and a cylindrical support 77 integrally formed with the bottom 59. The hub 69 includes a centrally position~d opening for rotatably mounting the hub 69 relative to the post 71. The post 71 is integrally ormed with and is generally perpendicular to the cartridge bottom S9. The spool 51 is supported on the ~op edges of the reinfor~ing ribs 65 as shown in Figure 4. A coil spring 74 has one end in engagement with an annular recess 72 within the hub 69 and its other end in engagement with the top surface 57 of the cover 18. This spring 74 functiolls to keep the spool 51 in ~3~
contact with the reinforcing ribs 65 and exerts a frictional force against the hub Ç9 to provide the desired drag or resistance to rotation of the spool 51. A disc member 75 is disposed on the top side of the spool 51 with its inner edge ; positioned between an edg~ of the cardboard cylinder 68 and a portion of the hub 69 to assist i.n maintaining the spool 59 in a compact configuration.
As shown in Figure 4, the bottom of the hub 69 extends into the interior of the cylindrical support 77 for cooperation with a ~tem S0 of a microswi~ch 49 mounted to the service tray 15. The stem S0 extends upwardly from the tray 15 and through an opening 83 in the cartridge bottom S9 for possible engagement with the bottom of the hub 69. Because o~ the width of th~ tape on the spool 59 shown in Figure 4, the hub 69 is precluded from contacting the stem 50. How~ver, if a narrower tape is used, the hub 69 will engage and depr@ss the stem so, thereby activating the microswitch 49. This information regardinq tape width in turn is communicated to the machine user and to the other processing circuitry in the machine ~o indicate width of tape in the cartridge.
. Upon leaving the spool Sl, the tape 13 is guided by a pair oP flanged guide or idler rollers 76 and 78 (Figure 2) pas~ a tap~ sensing opening 79 in th0 car bottom S9 and toward the tape alignment member 52. T opening 79 provides access for a tape sensing mech associated with the service tray 15. In the preferre embo~iment, the ~ape sensing mecha~ism 80 includes a pair o members which extend upwardly through the open one portion on either side of the tape 13. The tape sen mechanism 80 ~lec~ronically detexmines whether tap in ~he system and warns the user ~hat the tape i by sending an appropriate signal to a warning as a ligh~ or buzzer (not shown).
~3~
1 As illustrated best in Figures lA and 3, a color or ink carrying ribbon 17 is supplied from a ribbon spool 56. The spool 56 is rotatably mounted on a post 81 which is integrally formed with the bottom 59 of the cartridge and extends upwardly for engagement with a corresponding ribbon spool alignment post 82 formed with the top 57. The ribbon spool 56 is supported on an enlarged annular portion 84 of the post 81 and is retained in such position by a coil spring 85 disposed between the top 57 and a top portion of the spool 56. ThP spring 85 performs both a function of maintaining the spool 56 in a proper vertical orientation against the annular portion 84 to prevent the ribbon spool 56 from freewheeling and providing the desired tension in the ribbon 17 supplied to the transfer station, After leaving the supply spool 56, the ribbon 17 is : 15 ; guided past the guide roller 78 for engagement with the tape-ribbon guide member 52. After the printing or transfer step at the transfer station, the ribbon 17 is stripped or separa~ed from the tape 13 as a result of being directe~ around a ribbon guide wall or surface 86 for rewinding onto the ribbon rewind spool 58. The ribbon rewind spool 58 includes an upper cylindrical opening for cooperation with a rotation post 88 and a lower annular por~ion 8g for engagement with the cartridge bot~om 59. The spool 58 also includes a clutch means providing an internal, splined drive member 90 and an 0-ring 91 disposed b~tween the member 9 0 and the spoo l f or ~he purpose o transferring a desired torque from the member 90 to the spool 5~. This creates a desired tension in the ribbon being rewound.
In the preferr embodiment, a splined sha~ 35 extends upwardly rom ~he machine and into ~he cartridg~ for engagemeTlt with ~he splined menaber 90. During printing operation of ~he mach the sha~t 3S rotates continuously, thus causing corrresponding 3~ .
ii3~;
1 continuous rotation of the internal splined member 90 and corresponding con~inuous exertion of a rewind force or torque on the spool 58. The size of this rewind force is determined by the relationship between the element 90, the O-ring 91 and the spool 58. In the preferred embodiment, to achieve optimum print quality, the structure is designed to create a torque on the ribbon rewind spool 58 such that approximately 1 1/2 to 4 ounces of tension are created in the ribbon being rewound.
As illustra~ed generally in Figures lA and 2, and more specifically in Figure 9, the floating tape or tape-ribbon guide member 52 includes a generally rigid frame 94 comprising a pair of top and bottom edges and a pair of side edges to deine an opening 101. The opening 101 facilitates operative engagement between the printhead 10 and platen 11 as shown best in Figure 2. The point at which the printhead 10 and platen 11 are operatively engaged defines the transfer station. A guide surface 92 ex~ends between top and bot~om edge portions of the frame 94 to guide the ribbon 17 an tape 13 toward the print or transfer statio~. ~ pair of yoke members 95 define a portion of 20 the top and bottom edges the frame 94 and extend laterally in the area of the transfer station to receive the platen 11. Each of ~he yoke m includes a recessed portion 96 to receive the rotational shaft ~6 of the platen 11.
One side edge of the frame 94 includes a pair of alignment openings g8 and 99 for interfacing wi~h corresponding align~ent pins 37, 87 (Figure 12) of the printhead 10. In ~he preferred embGdimen~, the al opening 98 is a cylindrical : opening having an ax perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the platen 11:. Thealignment recess 99 has a generally U shaped configura~ion which opens downwardly. The other side edge of the frame g~ includes an alignment post 100 ex~ending outwardly 3~
1 from the top and bottom surfaces of the frame 9~. In Figure 9, only the pos~ loo extending from the tOp edge can be seen. The post extending from the bot~om edge, however, is iden~ical except that it extends in the opposite direction. As noted, each of the posts loo extends in a direction generally parallel ~o the axis of rota~ion of the platen 11.
As illustratPd best in Figure 11, the top 57 and bottom 59 of the cartridge are provided with corresponding alignment openings 97 to receive the posts loo. In the preferred embodiment, each of the openings is elongated in a dire~tion generally parallel to the travel path of tape 13 past the transfer station to permit alignment.of the guide member 52 relative to the printhead 10, but to prevent movement of the member 52 in a forward or rearward direction. As shown in Figure 2, the guide member 52 is also retained by a retaining ; member 73 connected with the cartridge bottom 59. A similar retaining member is embodied in the top surface 57 of the cover 18 to retain the top of the guide member 52. The retaining members 73 preclude forward and rearward movement of the member 52.
With the above structure, the guide member 52 is retained in a plane generally parallel to the print plane.
Thus, forward and rearward movement is prevented the alignment means comprising the posts 100 and the corresponding openings 97 and by the alignment means comprising the re~aining members 73. Limited aligning movemen~ of the guide member 52 within this pla~e, however, is permitted because of the shape of the opening (Figure 11) and the opening 99 (Figure 12). The final 3 alignment between the member 52 is controlled by engageme~t between the pins 87 and the openings 98 and 99.
The guide member 52 is utilized t~ accurately align no~ only the tape and ribbon relative to the printhead lO and ~3~S36 1 the transfer station, but to also accurately align the platen 11 relative to the printhead lo. The guide member 52 functlons ~o align ~he platen 11 as a result of engacJement between the alignment recesses 96 in the yoke members 95. It should be noted, however, that ~he recessed por~ions 96 are also elongated in a direction generally perpendlcular to ~he printhead plane. Thus, the yoke members 95 and recesses g6 define the position of the platen axis in a plane generally parallel to the printhead plane, but permits limited movement and tilting of ~he axis in a plane generally perpendicular to the prin~head plane. This allows the platen axis to be aligned in a forward and rearward direction as a result of engagement between the platen 11 and printhead 10, with tape and ribbon positioned therebetween. The above described alignment be~ween the platen and the printhead facilitates optimum and consistent print quality.
Positioned immediately downstream rom the trans~er station is the means for advancing the tape and ribbon through the system, namely, the drive assembly 54. As illustrated best 2~
with reference to Figures lA, 2 and 5, the drive assembly 54 inciudes a yoke mem~er 102 having top and bottom yoke elements, 104 and 105, respectively. These elements 104 and 105 extend forwardly to rotatably receive a drive roller 106. The drive roller 106 is mounted to a roller shaft 103 whose opposite ends are journalled in the yoke elements 104 and 105. As illustrated bes~ in Figure 5, ~he exterior cylindrical surface of the roller 106 is provided with a plurallty of ruhber 0-rings 108 : to assi~t in gripping the back side of the tape 13 and advancing the same as the roller 106 is rotated. The lower end of the shaft 103 extends through the bottom yoke element 105 and is connected with a tooth~d gear 107. The gear 107 is ~ 3~
1 adapted for operative engagement with a corresponding toothed gear 38 at the lower end of the drive roller 12. Because of the engagement between the toothed gears 107 and 38, bo~h of the rollers 106 and 12 are driven rollers.
S The yoke 102 is mounted within the cartridga to permit limited forward and rearwar~ movement of the yoke 102. This limited movement is facilitated by a pair o tabs 112 extending downwardly from the bottom of the yoke 102 and a tab 114 extending upwardly from the top of the yoke 102. As s~own best in Figure 10, these tabs 112 and 114 are guided in guide channels 113 and 117 in the bottom and top of the cartridge, respectively. The forward movement of the yoke is limited by engagement between one of the tabs 112 and the stop 127 (Figure 5). Connected to the rearward surface of the yoke 102 are a pair of posts 109 which are aligned with corresponding posts 110 extending forwardly from a fixed member 115. The member 115 is fixedly secured between the bottom S9 and top 57 of ~he cartridge by a plurality of retaining posts and corresponding rece~ses. A pair of springs 111 are connected with the corresponding pairs of opposed posts 109 and 110 in ~he manner illustrated in Figure 5 to bias the yoke 102 and ~hus the drive roller ~Q6 in a forward direction. This bias in the forward directio results in a tape-ribbon advanc~men~ force being exerted toward the drive roller 12 of the machine.
When a tape and ribbon are disposed between the drive rollers 106 and 12, the tape 13 and ribbon 17 driven through the system as a result of the for by the springs 111 and the ro~ation of the rollers 105 and 12 via the gears 107 and 38. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, ~he 0-ring~
108 in the roller 106 are dimensioned so that approximately 50%
of the drive foree axerted against the back side of the tapa is taken up by the steel portion of the roller 106.
S3~
1 After the tape 13 and ribbon 17 have passed through the drive rollers 106 and 12, the tape extends in a generally straight path ~hrough an opening 116 (Figures 2 and 7) in ~he side wall 60 of the cartridge and a corresponding opening 163 in the tray 15. Positioned immediately ins:ids the opening 116 is an in~ernal tape cut-off assembly 55 wh:ich is embodied entirely within the cartridge, The cut-off assembly 55 is illustrated best in Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7 an includes a pair of cut-off ~dges in the form of the blades 118 and 119 positioned within the cartridge housing in a side-by-side, shearing position as shown best in Figures 2 and 7. The blade 118 is secured within the cartridge in a ~ixed position with its cutting edge extending generally perpendicular to the top and bo surfaces of the cartridge 16. The blade 118 is retained in his fixed position by engagement between a recessed portion 128 and an alignment rib 129 integrally formed the bottom 59 of the ~ cartridge ~nd by a plurality of retaining posts 133.
`: The blade 119 is also di~posed within the cartridg~
a~d includes a cut~ing edge which is b~veled relative to the : top 57 and bottom 59 surfaces of the cartridge. The blade 119 is fixed to the blade mount 120 which is adapted for limited forward and rearward sliding movement within the cartrid~e and relative to the blade 118. This movement is in response to corresponding rearward movement o the cut-off arm 14 extending upward ~rom th~ machine. As illustrated best in Figure 6, the cut-off arm 14 ex~ends upwardly through an opening 156 in th~
tray lS and an opening 126 in the bottom Sg of the cartridge and has a forward end adapted for engagement with a portion of the blade mount 120. As shown in Figure 13, ~he top edge of ~he mount 120 is provided with a palr of guide posts 123 which are ~uided by a guide groove 131 integrally formQd with the top . 23 ~3C3 ~S~3~
surf ace 57 of the cover 18 . The bottom edge of the mount 120 is guided by the guide groove 133. A spring 124 is connected between a spr ing connecting tab 122 on the mount 120 and a ~ixed post 125 to bias the blade mount 120, and thus the blade 119, in a rearward direction. Because of the force exerted by the spring 124, the normal position of the blade mount 120 and blade 119 is in the position illustrated in Figure 6. When the cutter arm 14 is actuated, the arm 14 moves in a forward direction oausing the mount 120 and the blade 11~ to move toward th let as viewed in Figure 6, thus cutting the tape.
Upon release of the force driviny the arm 14, the spring return the blade 11~ to the position shown in Figure 6.
In the preferred embodiment, both blades or cut-off edges 113 and 11~ are sharpened; however, it is generally sufficient i. only one is sharpened. Also, in the preferred embodiment the blades 118 and 119 mo~e relative to one another in side-by-s.de relationship. It is contemplated that one of the blades or cut-off edges could be incorporated into a slo~
or a pair of spaced edges with the other blade being moved into the slot or between the pair of spaced edges to sever the tape.
The cover 18 of the cartridge 16 is shaped to conform generally to the lower portion of the cartridge includes a pair of recessed gripping portions 132 and 1 (Figure 1) to facilitate easy gripping of the cartri tape viewing slot 134 is also provided in the cover to p viewing of the tape wi~hin ~he cartridge. This per user to determine the appro~imate amount of tape left i car~ridge. The forward end of the cover 18 includes a plurality of vent slots 135 to dissipate heat gen the printhead during operation. A rearward port cover 18 defined by the shoulder 170 is reduced in thickness to receive the ~ray cov~r 146 in i~s closed position.
-~4-~L3~S3~
l Having described the structure of the present invention in detail, the operation of the thermal printing device and th~ corresponding tape-ribbon cartridge of the present invention can be described as follows. First, with the cover 146 of the car~ridge service tray 15 in its open position, the cartridge is manually inserted into the receiving cavity of the tray 15. In this position, the microswitch stem 50 which extends upwardly from the surface of the tray 15 extends through the opening 83 in the bottom of the cartridge for possible engagement with a corresponding reference surface of the hub 69. Because the position of this reference surface varies with the width of tape within the cartridye, the position of the microswitch stem 50 relative to such reference surface will reflect the width of tape within the cartridge.
Also, as the cartridge is placed into the service tray 15, the tape detecting mechanism 80 will extend upwardly through the opening 79 to detect whether or not tape exists within the cartridge. The retaining tab 158 will also extend through the opening 160 (Figure 17) and the pri~thead and platen assemblies, the cut-off arm 14 and the ribbon rewind shaft 35 will extend through corresponding openings in the cartridge bottom.
After the cartridge has been placed wi~hin th~ service tray 15, the cover 146 is closed by movi~g it forwardly and downwardly. During thi~ movement, the camming action resulting from the cam surfaces 153, 153 against t rearward edge o~ the cartridge 16 causes the cartridge to move forwardly against the force of the spring 139 into proper position relative to the printhead 10 and o~her machin~ interface components. These include the interface between the cartridge drive roller 106 and corresponding machine drive roller 12 together wi~h thelr 3L3~3~
1 respective gears 101 and 38. It alsc results in proper interface relationship between the cu~-off drive arm 14 and the cut-off blade mount 120.
During this forward movement of the cartridge 16, the S aliynment pins 87, fl7 in the printhead lO engage ~he alignment openings 98 and 99 in ~he guide member 52 t:o properly align the guide member 52 relative to the printhead element 20. Upon initiation of a print or transfer cycle, the plat~n ll moves forwardly as a result of actuation of the linear actuator 170 and forward pivoting of the arm 24 so that its shaft 26 engag~s and is aligned by the openings 96 within the yok~s 95. The printing or transfer cycle then occurs. During such cycle, the drive rollers 106 and 112 are rotated to advance the tape 13 in a device in which images are formed directly on the tape or the tape 13 and ribbon 17 in a transfer device. After the print or transfer step, the tape 13 exits the cartridge through the opening 1~6 in the side wall 60 of the car~ridge, whil2 the spent ribbon is pulled from the ~ape and is returned ~o the rewind spool 58. Wh~n it is desired to cut of a portion of the tape on which the printing or transfer has been completed, an appropriate cut-off button is depressed on the machine. This c~uses actuation of the cut-off arm 14, ~her~by driving the blade mount 120 and the blade ll9 in a forward direction to sever the ~ape.
~5 : ~hen the printhead 10 is deactivated, the pla~en ll is moved rearwardly so that it is out of engagement with the printhead. To remove th~ cartridge from the machine, the cover l46 of th~ service tray 15 i~ opened. This permits rearward moveme~t of the cartridge as a result of ~he rearward force of ~he sprin~ 13~. The cartridge can then be manually removed from.
the tray 15.
-26- .
`
~3~ 36 1 Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is contemplated tha~ various changes could be made wi~hout deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment.
: 25 -~7-
FOR A THERMAL PRINTING DEVICE OR THE LIKE
BAC~GROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present inv~ntion relates generally to a thermal printing device and more particularly, to a tape supply system for a thermal printing device or the like in which an image of characters from a strip of color carrying ribbon is transferred to or an image of characters is generated on, an image carrying tape as the result of the localized application of heat and 1~ pressure. The invention also relates to an improved cartridge usable with such device for supplying tape or tape and ribbon thereto.
There are a number of strip printing or transfer type devices which currently exist in the prior art and which are utilized to transfer characters from a strip of color carrying ribbon to a strip of image carrving tape. One such device employs impact or pressure in combination wi~h a font having raised characters to transfer an imag~ of a selected charact~r from a ribbon to a~ image receiving tape. Thes~ so-called impact or pressure lettering devices have exis~ed since the ~id-70's and are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,834,507:
4,243,333; 4,402,619 and 4,624,590, among others. Cartridges for supplying tape and ribbon to these de~ices are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,226,547; 4,391,539 and 4,678,353, among others.
Printing or transfer devic~s al~o exist in which an image of a desired character is ormed onto a s~rip of image carrying tape by ~ransferri~g ink or other color from a color carrying ribbon to such tape as a result of ~he localized application of heat and a s~all amount of pressure. A typical thermal ~ransfer devicQ o~ thi~ type is described in U.S.
Patent No. 4,666,319 dated May 19, 1987 and issued to Hirosaki et al.
~ .
~L3~LS36 1 A further thermal transfer devi~e which currently exists employs a machine for transferring the imag~ of a desired character from a strip of ribbon to a strip of tape and a cooperating tape-ribbon cartridge usable with the device for providing a supply of tape and ribbon to the machine transfer station.
Although the above described devices and corresponding cartridges may be satisfactory for various uses and applications, there is always a need to improve the quality of ~he image transfer, to reduce the amount of user maintQnance and to improve the delivery and supply of tape and ribbon to the machine. This is particularly true with respect to thermal prlnting devices in view of the fact that the proper alignment between the printhead, the platen and the tape or the tape and ribbon is of critical importance in obtaining a high guality image. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improv~ments in thermal printing devices and associated cartridges and systems for supplying tape or tape and ribbon thereto.
: 20 SUMMAR~ QF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a thermal printiny device, and in particular a tape or tape-ribbon supply system for such a d~vice, is provided in which an image o a desired character is transferred from a strip of color carrying : 25 ribbon to or generated on, a strip of image carrying tape.
:~ Generally, such a device includes a printing or transfer station defined by a printhead and a cylindrical platen and m~ans for ad~ancing the tape or tape and ribbon from a supply cartridge to the printing or transfer station. The present invention also includes an improved sys~em for supplying or delivering tape or tape and ribbon to the thermal printing or transfar device.
, .
~3~S~i More specif ically, the pres~nt invention relates to a tape or tape-ribbon alignment and supply system for a thermal printing or transfer device or the like of ~he type having a housing and a printing or transfer station for g~nerating an image onto a strip of tape or for transferring a selected image from a strip of ribbon to a strip of tape. In a preferred embodiment of the system, a thermal transfer device housing is provided with a receiving or ser~ice tray for the purpose of receiving a tape-ribbon cartridge. This tray is connected with the housing in a ixed position and can comprise an integral cavity or a separately mounted tray. A ~ape-ribbon cartridge having a supply of tape and ribbon is designed for insertion into the receiving tray~ Means are al~o provided for moving the inserted cartridge into proper transfer alignment relative to the transfer station. In the pxeferred embodiment, this means includes a pivotable cover connected to the cartridge receiving tray and a pair of cam rollers for engagement with a portion of the eartridge. Means are also provided for retaining the cartridge in proper ~ransfer alignmen~ and for selectively releasing the cartridge when its removal from the device is desired.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal printing or ~ransfer device or the like embodying an improved tape or tape-ribbon supply system.
Another object of the present invPntion is to provide an improved tape cr tape-ribbon supply system for a thermal printing or transfer device or the like including a device housing, a tape or tape-ribbon supply car~ridge, a cartridge recei~in~ tray or cavi~y and means for moving the cartridge into transfer alignment and re~aining ~he same during a printing or transfer s~ep.
1 Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal printing or ~ransfer device or the like with an improved tape or tapP-ribbon supply system for aligning a tape or tape~ribbon supply cartridge.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded, pictorial view comprising Figures lA and lB of a thermal printing device and cartridge of the 2referred embodiment of the present invention s~owing the machine with par~s cut away, the service tray removed and suspended over the machine, the cartridge suspended over the service tray and the cartridge cover removed and suspended over the cartridge.
Figure 2 i~ a top plan view of the tape-ribbon ca~tridge of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed and parts cut aw~y.
Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional el~vation of the ribbon supply and rewind spools taken along the section line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation showing a portion of the floating tape-ribbon guide member and the ribbon supply spool as taken along the section line 4-4 of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a ragmentary sectional elev tion of the ~ape-ribbon drive feature taken along the sec~ion li~e 5-S of Figure 2.
Figure 6 iæ a fragmentary sectional eleva~ion of the tape cut-off feature taken along the section line of figure 2.
.. -5 ~3~S~3~
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail of the tape cut-off feature.
Figure 8 is a pictorial view of a pcrtion of the tape-~ibbon drive assembly embodied within the cartridge of the present inven~ion.
Figure 9 is a pictorial view of the floating tape ribbon guide member disposed within th~ ~ape-ribbon cartridge of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a fraqmentary sectional elevation taken along the section line 10-10 of Figure 2.
Figure 11 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the section line 11 of Figure 2, Figure 1~ is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the section line 12-12 of Figure 2.
Figure 13 is a fra~mentary sectional elevation taken alony line 13-13 of Figure 2.
~, Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along line 1~-14 of Figure 16.
Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along section line 15~15 of Figure 16.
Figure 16 is a fragmentar~ detail view taken along the section line 16-16 of Figure lA and Figure lB showin~ selected parts therefrom in assembly.
Figure 1~ is a detai} section taken along the : section line 17-1~ of Figure 18.
PESCRIPTIO~ OF THE PREFER~ED EMBODIMENT
A~ described generally above, th~ present invention relates to a ~hermal printing or tran~fer device and an associated supply cartridge. Although the preferred embodimen~
illustrated in the drawings and des~ribed below relates to a ~L3~3~
1 thermal transfer device and an associated tape-ribbon cartridge in which an image of a character is transferrcd at a transfer station from a rihbon to a strip of ~ape, it is also contemplated that the present invention re:Lates to various other lettering apparatus and strip printers as well. For example, without limitation, it is contemp:la~ed that the featur~s of the present invention are applicable to various types of thermal printing devices o~her than a thermal transfer device, such as a thermal printi~g device in which characters are generated on a strip of thermal tape rather than transferred from a ribbon. In such a device, the tape is treated with cer~ain thermal materials so that when heat is applied, an imagQ is formed. This eliminates the need for a ribbon supply. Throughout the specification and claims, the ~erm thermal printiny device is intended to include both a thermal device in which characters are formcd dircctly onto specially treated thermal tape as well as a thermal transfer device in which charactPrs are transferred to such tape from a ribbon memb~r.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 comprising Figures lA and lB showing an exploded pictorial view of a thermal ~ransfer device, a tape-ribbon supply cartridge and the tape-ribbon supply system in accordance with a preferred - embodiment of ~he present invention. As illustrated, the opera~ive components of the thermal transfer device generally include a prin~head assembly 10, a cooperating platen assembly comprising a cylindrical pla~sn 11, a drive roller assembly comprising a drive roll~r 12, and a tape cut-off assembly comprising a tap~ cut-off actuating arm 14. Associat~d with the machine is a fixed cartridge service or receiving tray 15 and a tap~-ribbon cartridge 16 or providing tape 13 and ribbon 17 to :~L3~i3~i 1 the imaqe transfer station disposed between the printhead lO
- and the platen ll. ThP cartridge embodies a drive roller, an alignment mechanism and an internal tape cut-off means interfaceable with corresponding components of the machine. The cartridge 16, when inserted into the tray :L5, is adapted for limited movement between a first or rearward position in which the cartridge 16 is in an inoperative position and a second or forward position in which the cartridge 16 is in an operative position in alignment with the printhead.
With specific reference to Figures lB and 14, ~he printhead assembly 10 includes a rigid frame member l9 æecured to a portion of ~he machine housing 21 by appropriate screws or other connecting means. The assembly 10 also includes a printhead element 20 mounted to the frame 19 for operative alignment with the platen 11. In the preferred embodiment, the printhead element 20 is a conventional thermal printhead identified by Model No. XP ~6Y01 manufactured by Kyocera International, Inc. of Framingham, ~A. Extending rearwardly from, and integrally connected wi~h, a portion of the frame 19 is a horizontally disposed platen support and guide shelf 22.
The shelf 22 is disposed at right angles relative to the frame 19 and functions ~o support the lower surface of a platen carriage 23. The platen carriage ~3 is pivotally secured to a platen pivot arm 24 by a pivot pin 25 extending through the arm 24 and an opening 27 in the platen carriage ~3. It should be noted ~hat the opening 27 in the carriage ~3 is elongated in ~he ver~ical direction to permit limited vertical movement o the carriage rela~ive to the pivot 25. The carriage 23 includes a pair of forwardly extendin~ spaced platen support portions which rotatably receive the center ro~ation shaft 2~ of the cylindrical platen 11.
~3~
1 The platen arm 24 extends generally vertically upwardly from, and is pivotally connected to, a base 28 about the pivot pin 29. The base 28, in turn, is securely connected to a portion of the housing 21. The pivot pin 29 extends generally parallel to the pivot pin 25 and permits limited counterclockwise and clockwise rotation of the arm 24, and thus corresponding forward and rearward movement of the platen 11, respectively.
As shown best in Figure 14, a drive rod 30 extends lo forwardly from a linear actuator mechanism 170 and through an elongated opening formed in a wall portion 32 of the arrn 24.
Means in the form of a pin or some other stop member 33 is connected with the forward end of the rod 30 to keep the rod 3a in engagement with the arm 24. A bearin member 1~4 engages a : 15 portion of the arm 24 to assist in transferring movement of the rod 30 to the arm 24. A spring 34 is disposed between a rearward portion of the bearing 184 and a forward end portion of a drive pin 171 to bias the arm 2~ in a counterclockwise or forward direction against the stop member 33.
In the preferred embodimen~, the linear actuator 170 includes a motor 31 and a reduction gear and linear conversion assembly for conver~ing the rotational movement of the motor shaft 174 to generally linear movement o~ the drive rod 30.
Such assembly includes a gear housing 172 and a linear : 25 conversio~ housin~ 173. Formed within the housing 172 is a ring gear 175 and a pair of planet gears 176, 176. The gears 17~, 176 are rotatably moun~ed to a planet carrier 177 which is ;~ positioned to engage the ring gear 175. A sun gear 178 is :~ connected to the end of the motor shaft 174 for engagement with each of ~he planet gears 176. Rotation of the ~otor shaft 174, and corresponding rotation of khe sun gear 17~, result~ in ~IIL3~
1 rotation o the plane~ gears 176. This in turn causes revolvement of the planet gears 176 about the gear 17~ as a result of engagement with the riny gear 175. Such revolvement resul~s in corresponding rotational movement of the planet carrier 177. With the structure illustrated in Figure 14, an output r~duction of about 4.8 to 1 is achieved.
A forward output shaft of the planet carrier 177 is connected for common rotation with a drive screw a cross pin 1~0. The drive screw 179 is provided with a double helix guide ramp 181 which e11gages a cross p ext~nding through a drive pin 171. The outer ends of cross pin 182 extend through the double helix slot 181 for engagement with a guide and retainincJ slot 133 in both the top a~d bottom por~ions of the housing 173 to g forward and rearward movement of ~he cross pin 182 and prevent rotation of the pin 1~2 and thus the drive pin 171. With the above described structure, rotation of the motor shaft lt4 causes corresponding rotational movement of the planet carrier 177 and the drive ~crew 179 via the reduction gear members 175, 176 and 178. Rotation of the drive screw 183, in ~urn, results in linear movement of the drive pin 171 and thus th0 rod 30. In the preferred embodiment, the motor 31 is capa~le of selective moveme~t in both directions, thus providing the capability of selectively moving ~he rod 30 in either a forward or a rearward direction.
Such movement of the rod 30 causes corresponding counterclockwise or clockwis~ pivoting of the arm ~4. During operation, a~ ~he rod 30 is extended and the arm 24 pivots in a counterclockwise dîrection, the platen 11 moves in a forward ~ direction toward the printhead 20. Continued forward movement : of the rod 30 results in engagement between the pla~en 11 and the rearward surface of the tape which is positiolled between , . --10--~3~31t~
1 the platen 11 and the printhead element 20. When this occurs, further forward movement of the rod 30 will not result in any further movement of the platen 11. Instead, the pla~en will be biased against the rearward surface of the tape by the force of the spring member 34. With this mechanism, a relati~ely constant force is generated between the printhead element 20 and the platen 11, which for~e is det rmined by the spring 34.
The platen 11 is a generally cylindrical member constructed of a rubber-like material. In the preferred embodiment, the platen 11 is constructed of a urethane ma~erial having a durometer of about 40 (plus 10, minus 0) on the Shore A scale~ During forward movement of the platen 11, the bottom portion of the carriage 23 rides on the platen shelf 22 to ~ insure proper vertical positioning of the platen 11, ; 15 A~so associated with the printhead assembly 10 is an electrical connector element 36 and a plurality of electrical ~ leads 40 extending from the connector 36 to a con~rol means :: (not shown). The control means functions to drive the printhead assembly 10.
As illustxated best in Figures 18 and 5, the tape-ribbon drive assembly includes a drive roller 12 rotatably mounted within a drive roller housing 37 with the top end of the drive roll~r 12 journalled in an upper end of the housing 37 . Ad; acent to the lower end of the roller 12 is a drive gear 38 which, during operatio~, is designed for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 107 associated with the car~ridge drive roller 106. The d roll~r shaft 39 which extends downwardly from the drive roller 12 and the drive year 38 is connec~ed with a low toothed gear 41. The gear 41 is connected via a gear assembly ~3 comprising a.plurality of gears to a mo Ro~a~ion o~ the motor 44 drives the gear assembly rotates the ~ 3~ S ~ ~
1 gear 41 and thus the drive roller 12. As wi be more fully described below, rotation of the d roller 12 causes corresponding rotation of the dr roller 106 (Figure 5) as a result of engagement gears 38 and 107. Such rotation drives the tape and ribbon through the system. In a thermal device in which printing occurs directly onto the tape, the drive assembly would drive only the tape.
In the preferred embodiment, the clrive assem housing 37 is rigidly secured to a top frame 45 spaced from a lower : 10 frame member 46. The frame members 45 and 46 are rigidly secured to the machine housing 21 by appropriate threaded members and are retained in a spaced relationship by a plurality o~ spacing posts.
A ribbon rewind shaft 35 includes an upper s~lined rotatable end and a lower end which is pivotally and rotatably mounted within a portion of the machine housing 21 to p~rmit limited forward and rearward tilting of the shaft 35. A gear 53 co~nected with the splined shaft 35 is dri~en by an endless ; bel~ 47 which extends around a pair of idler gears 48, 4a and to the gear 42 on the lower end of the shaft 39. With the above s~ructure, the splined shaft 35 is rotated along with rotation of the drive roller 12. It should be noted that the sh~ft 35 is mounted in the housing 21 ~o permit not only rotational : movement, but also limited forward and rearward pivoting movement. This enables the splined portion of the shaft to engage the ribbon rewind spool and also to accommodate the `~ limited forward movement of the cartridge after such e~gagement. A torsion spri~g member 137 biases the rewind shaft 35 in a rearward direc~ion.
The tape cut off actuating mechanism is illustrated best in Figures 6 and 15. The cut-off actuating arm 14 is 13q~LS~
pivotally secured at an intermediate point to a yoke member 186 about the pivot 187. The yoke 186 is in turn secur to the machine housing. The arm 14 includes an upper end which extends upwardly through an opening 156 in the tray 15 and an opening 126 in the cartridge bottom 59 for engagement with a portion of ~ the blade mount 120 within the cartridge. Th lower end of the ; arm 14 is connected via a clevis member wit:h the drive rod 140 of a linear actuator mech~nism The mechanism 141 is secured to the bottom of the mac housing 21 by appropriate fastening means. In the preferred embodiment the mechanism 141 includes a motor 137 and a reduc~icn gear and linear conversion assembly 138 which are similar to corresponding elements of the platen actuator illustrated in Figure 14. The only exception is that the reduction gear assembly 138 comprises a two stage reduction gear assembly pro~id~ng a 23 to 1 output reduction as compared to a 4.8 to 1 output reduction for the platen actuator.
Selective actuation of the motor 137 causes forward or rearward movement of the rod 140 and thus corresponding rearward or forward movement of the upper end of the arm 14 and blade mount 120. Rearward movement of t~e rod 140 (movement to the left as viewed in Figure 15) causes corresponding forward movement of ~he mount 120 and blade 119 ~o cut the tape in the manner which will be described in greater detail below.
The cartridge receiving or service tray 15 is illustrated best in ~igure 1~. As shown, the tray includes a bo~tom surface 145, a pair of side walls 142, 142, a front edge 1~3 and a rear edge 144 which together define a cartridge ~` receiving cavity. Pivotally connected to a rearward end of the side walls 142, 14~ is a service tray cover 146. The cover 146 includes a pair of connection tabs 1~7. Each of the tabs 1~7 includes a pivot post 14~ which extends through a corresponding _13_ ~3~ ~ ~ 3 ~
1 pivot opening in the side walls 142 to pivotally secure the cover 146 relative to the tray 15 The tray 15 also includes an upstandiny post 149 and a spring biased plunger l5o partially contained w the post 14g and biased in an upward direction via : 5 a s member also contained within the post 149. A cam member 151 integrally formed with a portion of the cover 146 is for en~agement with the spring biased plunger 15 member 151 is shaped so that if the cover 146 is open, the plunger 150 will tend to keep it open, while if the cover 146 is clos~d, the lo plunger 150 will tend to keep it closed. A tape viewing slot 152 is formed in the cover 146 and is aligned with a corresponding tape viewing slot 134 in the cover portion of the cartridge (Fi~lre lA).
A pair of cam rollers 153 are rotatably secured to the inside rear surface of the cover 146. Each of the rollers 153 is supported on a shaft 154 which is in turn supported by an appropriate roller mount 155. As illu~trated best in Figure 16, these rollers 153 cause the car~ridge 16 to move forwardly into an operational position as the cover 146 i5 closed. Such movem~nt of the cartridge is the result of engagement between the rollers 153 and a rearward portion of the cartridge 16.
A return spring 13~ is connected with a forward portion of the machine co~er and adapted to bias the cartridge 16 rearwardly. Thus, when the cover 146 of the tray 15 is opened, the spring 139 acts against the forward end of the cartridge and causes it to move rearwardly so that it can be.
removed from the machine.
The bottom 145 of ~he service tray 15 includes an . opening 156 to accommodate the tape cu~-off arm 14, an opening 157 to allow the printhead and platen assemblies to Pxtend through ~he tray lS and into operational relationship with the . -14-;36 1 cartridge and an opening 159 to allow the splined shaft 35 to ex~end into the cartridge. A retaining tab 158 extends upwardlv and rearwardly from ~he bottom 145 to retain the car~ridge in a fixed operative position. As illustrated best in Figure 17, the bottom S9 of the cartridge includes an opening 160 which, when the cartridge is inserted in the service tray 15, is positioned over the retaining tab 158 so that the member 158 extends into the interior o the cartridge. Then, as the cartridge 16 is moved forward as a result of closing of the cover 146, a portion of the cartridge bottom 159 is retained by the overhangin~ portion of the tab 158.
Also mounted to the service tray bottom 145 is a tape sensing means 80~ In the preferred embodiment, the means 80 is mounted onto a slide 160 which is adapted for limited ~orward and rearward sliding movement relative to the bottom 145 of the service tray 15. The slide 161 is guided by a plurality of slots 162 and is biased by an appropriate spring member in a rearward direction. The service tray 15 is rigidly secured to the housing 21 via a plurali~y of screws extending through the tray 15 and into a plurality o~ corresponding tray support posts 164 (Figure lB).
As illustrated generally in Figures lA and 2, the tape or tape-ribbon cartridge 16 of the present invention includes a spool of tape 51 for supplying tape 13 to the image print or trans~er station, a pair of ribbon supply and rewind spools s6 and 58, respectively, for providing ribbon 17 to and with~rawing ribbon from the image transfer station and a floa~ing tape guide and alignmen~ member 52 for properly aligning the tape and ribbon 13 and 17 and the platen 11 with respect to the pri~thead 10. The cartridge 16 also in~ludes a spring biased ~ape-ribbon drive mechanism illustrated generally ~3~
1 by the reference numeral 54 and an internal tape cut-off mechanism illustrated generally by the reference numeral 55. In a device in which printing occurs directly onto the tape, without being transferred from a ribbon, the cartridge includes only a supply of tape.
The cartridge 16 is generally rectangular in configuration and, in addition to the cover 18, includes a bottom surface 59, a pair of side walls 60 and 61 and a pair of end walls 62 and 63. The cartridge housing is rein~orced by a lo plurality of reinforcing ribs 65 integrally formed with the bottom 59 and reinforcing ribs 66 integrally formed with th~
walls 60-6~. The cover 18 includes a top surf~ce 57 and four walls 64 which mate with the side and end walls 60-63. The . cartridge base includes a plurality of alignment and retaining openings ~7 to mate with corresponding alignment and retaining posts 73 formed in the cover 18. When assembled, the top surface 57 of the cover 18 and the bottom surface 59 are generally parallel to one another.
As shown bes~ in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the tape supply spool 51 is mounted on a central cardboard cylinder 68. The inner surface of the cylinder 68 is supported and retained by an annular portion 10 of a plastic hub 69 and a cylindrical support 77 integrally formed with the bottom 59. The hub 69 includes a centrally position~d opening for rotatably mounting the hub 69 relative to the post 71. The post 71 is integrally ormed with and is generally perpendicular to the cartridge bottom S9. The spool 51 is supported on the ~op edges of the reinfor~ing ribs 65 as shown in Figure 4. A coil spring 74 has one end in engagement with an annular recess 72 within the hub 69 and its other end in engagement with the top surface 57 of the cover 18. This spring 74 functiolls to keep the spool 51 in ~3~
contact with the reinforcing ribs 65 and exerts a frictional force against the hub Ç9 to provide the desired drag or resistance to rotation of the spool 51. A disc member 75 is disposed on the top side of the spool 51 with its inner edge ; positioned between an edg~ of the cardboard cylinder 68 and a portion of the hub 69 to assist i.n maintaining the spool 59 in a compact configuration.
As shown in Figure 4, the bottom of the hub 69 extends into the interior of the cylindrical support 77 for cooperation with a ~tem S0 of a microswi~ch 49 mounted to the service tray 15. The stem S0 extends upwardly from the tray 15 and through an opening 83 in the cartridge bottom S9 for possible engagement with the bottom of the hub 69. Because o~ the width of th~ tape on the spool 59 shown in Figure 4, the hub 69 is precluded from contacting the stem 50. How~ver, if a narrower tape is used, the hub 69 will engage and depr@ss the stem so, thereby activating the microswitch 49. This information regardinq tape width in turn is communicated to the machine user and to the other processing circuitry in the machine ~o indicate width of tape in the cartridge.
. Upon leaving the spool Sl, the tape 13 is guided by a pair oP flanged guide or idler rollers 76 and 78 (Figure 2) pas~ a tap~ sensing opening 79 in th0 car bottom S9 and toward the tape alignment member 52. T opening 79 provides access for a tape sensing mech associated with the service tray 15. In the preferre embo~iment, the ~ape sensing mecha~ism 80 includes a pair o members which extend upwardly through the open one portion on either side of the tape 13. The tape sen mechanism 80 ~lec~ronically detexmines whether tap in ~he system and warns the user ~hat the tape i by sending an appropriate signal to a warning as a ligh~ or buzzer (not shown).
~3~
1 As illustrated best in Figures lA and 3, a color or ink carrying ribbon 17 is supplied from a ribbon spool 56. The spool 56 is rotatably mounted on a post 81 which is integrally formed with the bottom 59 of the cartridge and extends upwardly for engagement with a corresponding ribbon spool alignment post 82 formed with the top 57. The ribbon spool 56 is supported on an enlarged annular portion 84 of the post 81 and is retained in such position by a coil spring 85 disposed between the top 57 and a top portion of the spool 56. ThP spring 85 performs both a function of maintaining the spool 56 in a proper vertical orientation against the annular portion 84 to prevent the ribbon spool 56 from freewheeling and providing the desired tension in the ribbon 17 supplied to the transfer station, After leaving the supply spool 56, the ribbon 17 is : 15 ; guided past the guide roller 78 for engagement with the tape-ribbon guide member 52. After the printing or transfer step at the transfer station, the ribbon 17 is stripped or separa~ed from the tape 13 as a result of being directe~ around a ribbon guide wall or surface 86 for rewinding onto the ribbon rewind spool 58. The ribbon rewind spool 58 includes an upper cylindrical opening for cooperation with a rotation post 88 and a lower annular por~ion 8g for engagement with the cartridge bot~om 59. The spool 58 also includes a clutch means providing an internal, splined drive member 90 and an 0-ring 91 disposed b~tween the member 9 0 and the spoo l f or ~he purpose o transferring a desired torque from the member 90 to the spool 5~. This creates a desired tension in the ribbon being rewound.
In the preferr embodiment, a splined sha~ 35 extends upwardly rom ~he machine and into ~he cartridg~ for engagemeTlt with ~he splined menaber 90. During printing operation of ~he mach the sha~t 3S rotates continuously, thus causing corrresponding 3~ .
ii3~;
1 continuous rotation of the internal splined member 90 and corresponding con~inuous exertion of a rewind force or torque on the spool 58. The size of this rewind force is determined by the relationship between the element 90, the O-ring 91 and the spool 58. In the preferred embodiment, to achieve optimum print quality, the structure is designed to create a torque on the ribbon rewind spool 58 such that approximately 1 1/2 to 4 ounces of tension are created in the ribbon being rewound.
As illustra~ed generally in Figures lA and 2, and more specifically in Figure 9, the floating tape or tape-ribbon guide member 52 includes a generally rigid frame 94 comprising a pair of top and bottom edges and a pair of side edges to deine an opening 101. The opening 101 facilitates operative engagement between the printhead 10 and platen 11 as shown best in Figure 2. The point at which the printhead 10 and platen 11 are operatively engaged defines the transfer station. A guide surface 92 ex~ends between top and bot~om edge portions of the frame 94 to guide the ribbon 17 an tape 13 toward the print or transfer statio~. ~ pair of yoke members 95 define a portion of 20 the top and bottom edges the frame 94 and extend laterally in the area of the transfer station to receive the platen 11. Each of ~he yoke m includes a recessed portion 96 to receive the rotational shaft ~6 of the platen 11.
One side edge of the frame 94 includes a pair of alignment openings g8 and 99 for interfacing wi~h corresponding align~ent pins 37, 87 (Figure 12) of the printhead 10. In ~he preferred embGdimen~, the al opening 98 is a cylindrical : opening having an ax perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the platen 11:. Thealignment recess 99 has a generally U shaped configura~ion which opens downwardly. The other side edge of the frame g~ includes an alignment post 100 ex~ending outwardly 3~
1 from the top and bottom surfaces of the frame 9~. In Figure 9, only the pos~ loo extending from the tOp edge can be seen. The post extending from the bot~om edge, however, is iden~ical except that it extends in the opposite direction. As noted, each of the posts loo extends in a direction generally parallel ~o the axis of rota~ion of the platen 11.
As illustratPd best in Figure 11, the top 57 and bottom 59 of the cartridge are provided with corresponding alignment openings 97 to receive the posts loo. In the preferred embodiment, each of the openings is elongated in a dire~tion generally parallel to the travel path of tape 13 past the transfer station to permit alignment.of the guide member 52 relative to the printhead 10, but to prevent movement of the member 52 in a forward or rearward direction. As shown in Figure 2, the guide member 52 is also retained by a retaining ; member 73 connected with the cartridge bottom 59. A similar retaining member is embodied in the top surface 57 of the cover 18 to retain the top of the guide member 52. The retaining members 73 preclude forward and rearward movement of the member 52.
With the above structure, the guide member 52 is retained in a plane generally parallel to the print plane.
Thus, forward and rearward movement is prevented the alignment means comprising the posts 100 and the corresponding openings 97 and by the alignment means comprising the re~aining members 73. Limited aligning movemen~ of the guide member 52 within this pla~e, however, is permitted because of the shape of the opening (Figure 11) and the opening 99 (Figure 12). The final 3 alignment between the member 52 is controlled by engageme~t between the pins 87 and the openings 98 and 99.
The guide member 52 is utilized t~ accurately align no~ only the tape and ribbon relative to the printhead lO and ~3~S36 1 the transfer station, but to also accurately align the platen 11 relative to the printhead lo. The guide member 52 functlons ~o align ~he platen 11 as a result of engacJement between the alignment recesses 96 in the yoke members 95. It should be noted, however, that ~he recessed por~ions 96 are also elongated in a direction generally perpendlcular to ~he printhead plane. Thus, the yoke members 95 and recesses g6 define the position of the platen axis in a plane generally parallel to the printhead plane, but permits limited movement and tilting of ~he axis in a plane generally perpendicular to the prin~head plane. This allows the platen axis to be aligned in a forward and rearward direction as a result of engagement between the platen 11 and printhead 10, with tape and ribbon positioned therebetween. The above described alignment be~ween the platen and the printhead facilitates optimum and consistent print quality.
Positioned immediately downstream rom the trans~er station is the means for advancing the tape and ribbon through the system, namely, the drive assembly 54. As illustrated best 2~
with reference to Figures lA, 2 and 5, the drive assembly 54 inciudes a yoke mem~er 102 having top and bottom yoke elements, 104 and 105, respectively. These elements 104 and 105 extend forwardly to rotatably receive a drive roller 106. The drive roller 106 is mounted to a roller shaft 103 whose opposite ends are journalled in the yoke elements 104 and 105. As illustrated bes~ in Figure 5, ~he exterior cylindrical surface of the roller 106 is provided with a plurallty of ruhber 0-rings 108 : to assi~t in gripping the back side of the tape 13 and advancing the same as the roller 106 is rotated. The lower end of the shaft 103 extends through the bottom yoke element 105 and is connected with a tooth~d gear 107. The gear 107 is ~ 3~
1 adapted for operative engagement with a corresponding toothed gear 38 at the lower end of the drive roller 12. Because of the engagement between the toothed gears 107 and 38, bo~h of the rollers 106 and 12 are driven rollers.
S The yoke 102 is mounted within the cartridga to permit limited forward and rearwar~ movement of the yoke 102. This limited movement is facilitated by a pair o tabs 112 extending downwardly from the bottom of the yoke 102 and a tab 114 extending upwardly from the top of the yoke 102. As s~own best in Figure 10, these tabs 112 and 114 are guided in guide channels 113 and 117 in the bottom and top of the cartridge, respectively. The forward movement of the yoke is limited by engagement between one of the tabs 112 and the stop 127 (Figure 5). Connected to the rearward surface of the yoke 102 are a pair of posts 109 which are aligned with corresponding posts 110 extending forwardly from a fixed member 115. The member 115 is fixedly secured between the bottom S9 and top 57 of ~he cartridge by a plurality of retaining posts and corresponding rece~ses. A pair of springs 111 are connected with the corresponding pairs of opposed posts 109 and 110 in ~he manner illustrated in Figure 5 to bias the yoke 102 and ~hus the drive roller ~Q6 in a forward direction. This bias in the forward directio results in a tape-ribbon advanc~men~ force being exerted toward the drive roller 12 of the machine.
When a tape and ribbon are disposed between the drive rollers 106 and 12, the tape 13 and ribbon 17 driven through the system as a result of the for by the springs 111 and the ro~ation of the rollers 105 and 12 via the gears 107 and 38. It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, ~he 0-ring~
108 in the roller 106 are dimensioned so that approximately 50%
of the drive foree axerted against the back side of the tapa is taken up by the steel portion of the roller 106.
S3~
1 After the tape 13 and ribbon 17 have passed through the drive rollers 106 and 12, the tape extends in a generally straight path ~hrough an opening 116 (Figures 2 and 7) in ~he side wall 60 of the cartridge and a corresponding opening 163 in the tray 15. Positioned immediately ins:ids the opening 116 is an in~ernal tape cut-off assembly 55 wh:ich is embodied entirely within the cartridge, The cut-off assembly 55 is illustrated best in Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7 an includes a pair of cut-off ~dges in the form of the blades 118 and 119 positioned within the cartridge housing in a side-by-side, shearing position as shown best in Figures 2 and 7. The blade 118 is secured within the cartridge in a ~ixed position with its cutting edge extending generally perpendicular to the top and bo surfaces of the cartridge 16. The blade 118 is retained in his fixed position by engagement between a recessed portion 128 and an alignment rib 129 integrally formed the bottom 59 of the ~ cartridge ~nd by a plurality of retaining posts 133.
`: The blade 119 is also di~posed within the cartridg~
a~d includes a cut~ing edge which is b~veled relative to the : top 57 and bottom 59 surfaces of the cartridge. The blade 119 is fixed to the blade mount 120 which is adapted for limited forward and rearward sliding movement within the cartrid~e and relative to the blade 118. This movement is in response to corresponding rearward movement o the cut-off arm 14 extending upward ~rom th~ machine. As illustrated best in Figure 6, the cut-off arm 14 ex~ends upwardly through an opening 156 in th~
tray lS and an opening 126 in the bottom Sg of the cartridge and has a forward end adapted for engagement with a portion of the blade mount 120. As shown in Figure 13, ~he top edge of ~he mount 120 is provided with a palr of guide posts 123 which are ~uided by a guide groove 131 integrally formQd with the top . 23 ~3C3 ~S~3~
surf ace 57 of the cover 18 . The bottom edge of the mount 120 is guided by the guide groove 133. A spring 124 is connected between a spr ing connecting tab 122 on the mount 120 and a ~ixed post 125 to bias the blade mount 120, and thus the blade 119, in a rearward direction. Because of the force exerted by the spring 124, the normal position of the blade mount 120 and blade 119 is in the position illustrated in Figure 6. When the cutter arm 14 is actuated, the arm 14 moves in a forward direction oausing the mount 120 and the blade 11~ to move toward th let as viewed in Figure 6, thus cutting the tape.
Upon release of the force driviny the arm 14, the spring return the blade 11~ to the position shown in Figure 6.
In the preferred embodiment, both blades or cut-off edges 113 and 11~ are sharpened; however, it is generally sufficient i. only one is sharpened. Also, in the preferred embodiment the blades 118 and 119 mo~e relative to one another in side-by-s.de relationship. It is contemplated that one of the blades or cut-off edges could be incorporated into a slo~
or a pair of spaced edges with the other blade being moved into the slot or between the pair of spaced edges to sever the tape.
The cover 18 of the cartridge 16 is shaped to conform generally to the lower portion of the cartridge includes a pair of recessed gripping portions 132 and 1 (Figure 1) to facilitate easy gripping of the cartri tape viewing slot 134 is also provided in the cover to p viewing of the tape wi~hin ~he cartridge. This per user to determine the appro~imate amount of tape left i car~ridge. The forward end of the cover 18 includes a plurality of vent slots 135 to dissipate heat gen the printhead during operation. A rearward port cover 18 defined by the shoulder 170 is reduced in thickness to receive the ~ray cov~r 146 in i~s closed position.
-~4-~L3~S3~
l Having described the structure of the present invention in detail, the operation of the thermal printing device and th~ corresponding tape-ribbon cartridge of the present invention can be described as follows. First, with the cover 146 of the car~ridge service tray 15 in its open position, the cartridge is manually inserted into the receiving cavity of the tray 15. In this position, the microswitch stem 50 which extends upwardly from the surface of the tray 15 extends through the opening 83 in the bottom of the cartridge for possible engagement with a corresponding reference surface of the hub 69. Because the position of this reference surface varies with the width of tape within the cartridye, the position of the microswitch stem 50 relative to such reference surface will reflect the width of tape within the cartridge.
Also, as the cartridge is placed into the service tray 15, the tape detecting mechanism 80 will extend upwardly through the opening 79 to detect whether or not tape exists within the cartridge. The retaining tab 158 will also extend through the opening 160 (Figure 17) and the pri~thead and platen assemblies, the cut-off arm 14 and the ribbon rewind shaft 35 will extend through corresponding openings in the cartridge bottom.
After the cartridge has been placed wi~hin th~ service tray 15, the cover 146 is closed by movi~g it forwardly and downwardly. During thi~ movement, the camming action resulting from the cam surfaces 153, 153 against t rearward edge o~ the cartridge 16 causes the cartridge to move forwardly against the force of the spring 139 into proper position relative to the printhead 10 and o~her machin~ interface components. These include the interface between the cartridge drive roller 106 and corresponding machine drive roller 12 together wi~h thelr 3L3~3~
1 respective gears 101 and 38. It alsc results in proper interface relationship between the cu~-off drive arm 14 and the cut-off blade mount 120.
During this forward movement of the cartridge 16, the S aliynment pins 87, fl7 in the printhead lO engage ~he alignment openings 98 and 99 in ~he guide member 52 t:o properly align the guide member 52 relative to the printhead element 20. Upon initiation of a print or transfer cycle, the plat~n ll moves forwardly as a result of actuation of the linear actuator 170 and forward pivoting of the arm 24 so that its shaft 26 engag~s and is aligned by the openings 96 within the yok~s 95. The printing or transfer cycle then occurs. During such cycle, the drive rollers 106 and 112 are rotated to advance the tape 13 in a device in which images are formed directly on the tape or the tape 13 and ribbon 17 in a transfer device. After the print or transfer step, the tape 13 exits the cartridge through the opening 1~6 in the side wall 60 of the car~ridge, whil2 the spent ribbon is pulled from the ~ape and is returned ~o the rewind spool 58. Wh~n it is desired to cut of a portion of the tape on which the printing or transfer has been completed, an appropriate cut-off button is depressed on the machine. This c~uses actuation of the cut-off arm 14, ~her~by driving the blade mount 120 and the blade ll9 in a forward direction to sever the ~ape.
~5 : ~hen the printhead 10 is deactivated, the pla~en ll is moved rearwardly so that it is out of engagement with the printhead. To remove th~ cartridge from the machine, the cover l46 of th~ service tray 15 i~ opened. This permits rearward moveme~t of the cartridge as a result of ~he rearward force of ~he sprin~ 13~. The cartridge can then be manually removed from.
the tray 15.
-26- .
`
~3~ 36 1 Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is contemplated tha~ various changes could be made wi~hout deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment.
: 25 -~7-
Claims (11)
1. A tape supply system for a thermal printing device or the like of the type having a device housing and a print station comprising a printhead and a platen for forming a selected image onto a tape, said tape supply system comprising:
a tape supply cartridge having a supply of tape;
a tape cartridge receiving tray connected to said device housing, said cartridge receiving tray including a cartridge receiving cavity for receiving said tape supply cartridge, each of said tape supply cartridge and said receiving tray including an opening to receive said printhead and platen;
means for moving said cartridge, after insertion of said cartridge into said receiving tray, in a forward direction into a print alignment position relative to said print station, said means including a receiving tray cover pivotally secured to a portion of said receiving tray and pivotable between an open and a closed position and a cam means associated with said cover and engaging said cartridge whereby said cartridge is moved into print alignment as a result of pivoting said cover to a closed position; and means for retaining said cartridge in said print alignment position.
a tape supply cartridge having a supply of tape;
a tape cartridge receiving tray connected to said device housing, said cartridge receiving tray including a cartridge receiving cavity for receiving said tape supply cartridge, each of said tape supply cartridge and said receiving tray including an opening to receive said printhead and platen;
means for moving said cartridge, after insertion of said cartridge into said receiving tray, in a forward direction into a print alignment position relative to said print station, said means including a receiving tray cover pivotally secured to a portion of said receiving tray and pivotable between an open and a closed position and a cam means associated with said cover and engaging said cartridge whereby said cartridge is moved into print alignment as a result of pivoting said cover to a closed position; and means for retaining said cartridge in said print alignment position.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said cam means includes a pair of cam rollers rotatably secured to a portion of said tray cover portion.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said cartridge includes a forward and a rearward end and said pair of cam rollers engage said rearward end.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said cartridge receiving tray is connected with said device housing in a fixed positions
5. The system of claim 1 including spring means for biasing said cartridge in a rearward direction away from said print alignment position.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said spring means is connected with a portion of said device housing.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for retaining said cartridge in said print alignment position includes a retaining tab opening in the bottom of said cartridge and a retaining tab member connected with the base of said cartridge receiving tray, whereby said retaining tab member extends through said retaining tab opening.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said retaining tab includes a retaining portion for securing engagement with said cartridge when said cartridge is in said print alignment position.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said supply of tape includes a hub and wherein the bottom of said cartridge includes a first tape sensing opening and said cartridge receiving tray includes a tape sensing switch, said switch extending through said first tape sensing opening for engagement with said hub for the purpose of detecting the width of tape within said cartridge.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the bottom of said cartridge includes a second tape sensing opening and said cartridge receiving tray includes a tape sensing means, said tape sensing means extending through said second tape sensing opening for the purpose of sensing the existence or absence of tape in said cartridge.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said tape sensing means is slidably mounted to said cartridge receiving tray for movement with said cartridge.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/151,103 US4815875A (en) | 1988-02-01 | 1988-02-01 | Tape-ribbon cartridge and receiver tray with pivoted cover and cam |
| US151,103 | 1988-02-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1301536C true CA1301536C (en) | 1992-05-26 |
Family
ID=22537328
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000589364A Expired - Fee Related CA1301536C (en) | 1988-02-01 | 1989-01-27 | Tape supply system for a thermal printing device or the like |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4815875A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0327076B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH02147272A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE104602T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1301536C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE68914694T2 (en) |
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| EP2370264B1 (en) | 2008-12-25 | 2014-08-27 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Tape cassette and tape printer |
| HUE026714T2 (en) | 2008-12-25 | 2016-07-28 | Brother Ind Ltd | Tape cassette and tape printer |
| JP5136503B2 (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2013-02-06 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Tape cassette |
| CN102361758B (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2015-11-25 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Tape drum |
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| JP4947085B2 (en) * | 2009-03-31 | 2012-06-06 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Tape cassette |
| EP2415612B1 (en) * | 2009-03-31 | 2019-09-25 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Tape cassette |
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| JP5212550B2 (en) | 2009-12-16 | 2013-06-19 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Tape cassette |
| EP2520437B1 (en) | 2009-12-28 | 2015-05-20 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Tape cassette |
| JP2011206914A (en) * | 2010-03-26 | 2011-10-20 | Brother Industries Ltd | Tape cassette |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3834507A (en) * | 1973-01-30 | 1974-09-10 | Kroy Ind Inc | Printing apparatus |
| US4226547A (en) * | 1978-07-07 | 1980-10-07 | Kroy Industries Inc. | Printing cartridge |
| US4243333A (en) * | 1978-07-07 | 1981-01-06 | Kroy Industries, Inc. | Printing apparatus |
| US4239107A (en) * | 1979-02-01 | 1980-12-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Cartridge assembly apparatus for typewriters |
| US4391539A (en) * | 1980-05-23 | 1983-07-05 | Kroy Inc. | Tape-ribbon printing cartridge |
| US4339210A (en) * | 1980-11-26 | 1982-07-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Ribbon cartridge loading mechanism |
| US4402619A (en) * | 1981-03-30 | 1983-09-06 | Kroy, Inc. | Printing apparatus and printing cartridge therefor |
| US4479730A (en) * | 1981-06-05 | 1984-10-30 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Ribbon cartridge |
| US4586095A (en) * | 1982-11-26 | 1986-04-29 | Data Electronics, Inc. | Fail-safe locking mechanism for tape cartridge drive with movable read/write head |
| JPS59111883A (en) * | 1982-12-17 | 1984-06-28 | Canon Inc | Ink ribbon cassette fitting mechanism |
| US4678353A (en) * | 1983-11-04 | 1987-07-07 | Kroy Inc. | Tape supply cartridge |
| US4624590A (en) * | 1983-11-04 | 1986-11-25 | Kroy Inc. | Lettering apparatus |
| CA1240202A (en) * | 1983-11-04 | 1988-08-09 | Michael M. Richardson | Lettering apparatus |
| US4624592A (en) * | 1984-06-05 | 1986-11-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Ribbon cartridge retention |
| JPS6122649U (en) * | 1984-07-16 | 1986-02-10 | 東芝テック株式会社 | label printer |
| JPH0655539B2 (en) * | 1986-01-27 | 1994-07-27 | 日本電気株式会社 | Multi-color ink ribbon switching mechanism for printer |
-
1988
- 1988-02-01 US US07/151,103 patent/US4815875A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1989
- 1989-01-27 CA CA000589364A patent/CA1301536C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1989-02-01 JP JP1023624A patent/JPH02147272A/en active Pending
- 1989-02-01 AT AT8989101753T patent/ATE104602T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1989-02-01 EP EP89101753A patent/EP0327076B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-02-01 DE DE68914694T patent/DE68914694T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE68914694D1 (en) | 1994-05-26 |
| US4815875A (en) | 1989-03-28 |
| JPH02147272A (en) | 1990-06-06 |
| EP0327076A3 (en) | 1990-07-18 |
| DE68914694T2 (en) | 1994-09-08 |
| EP0327076A2 (en) | 1989-08-09 |
| ATE104602T1 (en) | 1994-05-15 |
| EP0327076B1 (en) | 1994-04-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |