EP0061577B1 - Device for controlling the working condition of an ink ribbon of a cartridge - Google Patents

Device for controlling the working condition of an ink ribbon of a cartridge Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0061577B1
EP0061577B1 EP82101241A EP82101241A EP0061577B1 EP 0061577 B1 EP0061577 B1 EP 0061577B1 EP 82101241 A EP82101241 A EP 82101241A EP 82101241 A EP82101241 A EP 82101241A EP 0061577 B1 EP0061577 B1 EP 0061577B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
ribbon
cassette
elements
contact element
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
Application number
EP82101241A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0061577A1 (en
Inventor
Johannes Haftmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Original Assignee
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Nixdorf Computer AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH, Nixdorf Computer AG filed Critical Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Priority to AT82101241T priority Critical patent/ATE10920T1/en
Publication of EP0061577A1 publication Critical patent/EP0061577A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0061577B1 publication Critical patent/EP0061577B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • B41J35/36—Alarms, indicators, or feed disabling devices responsive to ink ribbon breakage or exhaustion

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an arrangement for monitoring the function of the ink ribbon in electronic writing or printing units with a scanning of the surface of the ink ribbon by means of contact elements.
  • the ink ribbon has a covering made of an electrically conductive material near its end, which can simultaneously come into contact with a contact spring and an earthed guide roller, as a result of which the circuit of a signal device is closed and a signal is generated.
  • the known arrangement it is not possible to monitor the condition of the ink ribbon, that is, its degree of wear.
  • This object is achieved according to the invention in that certain contact elements are arranged on both sides of the ink ribbon path for contacting the ink ribbon in order to monitor the wear of the ink ribbon in a ribbon cassette and in that counter-contact elements are provided on the writing mechanism, which are in active connection with their ink cartridge cassette when inserted and are electrically connected to a writing mechanism control and / or function or fault display.
  • the opposing contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette come into contact with one another and close a circuit, as a result of which, for example, the writing mechanism is shut down or an acoustic and / or optical signal is generated which is generated by the operator indicates that the ribbon needs to be replaced.
  • the contact elements on the ribbon cassette do not take up much space and can therefore be attached to the ribbon cassettes without difficulty. The same applies to the mating contact elements on the writing mechanism.
  • the contact elements are preferably arranged at a distance from the section of the ink ribbon path forming the writing area of the ink ribbon and have a contact surface which points to the same side of the cartridge and is intended for contact with the respective counter-contact element. This ensures in a simple manner that contact between the mating contact elements on the writing mechanism and the contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette is ensured when the same is inserted.
  • a first contact element of the ribbon cassette can be formed, for example, by an angled leaf spring which is fastened to the end area of its one spring leg that supports the contact surface on a web of the cassette housing and whose other spring leg forms a section of a ribbon guide and with its end opposite the other contact element the ribbon.
  • This free spring leg can thus compensate for differences in tension in the ink ribbon and always ensure that the ink ribbon runs closely between the two opposing contact elements. The ribbon is tightened at the same time.
  • the second contact element can be formed by a simple contact strip which is bent around an outer web of the cassette housing which delimits the ribbon path.
  • the mating contact elements are preferably mounted displaceably in a contact element carrier in the direction of the contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette.
  • the counter-contact elements can be formed by contact pins or rivets which are guided displaceably in the contact element carrier and are biased in the direction of the contact position by contact springs.
  • the contact springs in turn serve to connect lines that connect the mating contact elements to the writing mechanism control or the fault display.
  • the contact element carrier preferably consists of a one-piece frame-like plastic part which has certain hook-like approaches for snap engagement in recesses of the writing mechanism. With the help of these approaches, the contact element carrier can thus be detachably connected to the writing mechanism, so that it is easy to attach on the one hand and can be removed at any time on the other hand.
  • the arrangement according to the invention can therefore be carried out without difficulty can also be retrofitted to existing typewriters.
  • Aligning the contact element carrier in its desired position can be further facilitated in that the contact element carrier has, for example, a centering bush which can be plugged onto a centering pin of the writing mechanism.
  • FIG. 1 shows a writing mechanism known per se with a writing carriage 11 which is slidably mounted on a slide rod 11 a and can be moved back and forth in a manner known per se via a toothed belt 26 which in turn is driven by a motor 25 .
  • a ribbon cassette 1 with an ink ribbon 2 can be seen above the writing carriage 11.
  • the ribbon cassette 1 can be plugged onto the writing mechanism, centering pins 22 arranged on the writing carriage 11 engaging with their respective centering tip 22a in a corresponding centering opening 23 of the cassette housing.
  • the ink ribbon can be guided past the writing head (not shown) of the writing mechanism with the aid of a cassette drive 24 known per se and therefore not described in detail.
  • the first contact element 12 consists of a leaf spring bent at an acute angle, which is attached with its one end section 5 to a web 13 of the cassette housing.
  • the other leg 12a of the contact element 12 runs essentially parallel to the ink ribbon 2 and forms part of the ink ribbon guide. At its free end it bears an approximately punctiform elevation 5b with which the contact element 12 lies against the ink ribbon 2.
  • the second contact element is formed by a contact strip which is bent around a web 14 of the ink ribbon cassette 1 forming the outer boundary of the ribbon guide 4.
  • the two contact elements 12 and 6 are arranged such that the ink ribbon 2 runs between the contact element 6 and the elevation 5b of the contact element 12.
  • the spring leg 12a of the contact element 12 presses the ink ribbon 2 against the contact element 6 with the elevation 5b, so that the ink ribbon 2 is tensioned smoothly before it emerges into the writing area.
  • the contact element 12 thus performs a double function as a contact element and a band tensioning element.
  • the contact elements 12 and 6 of the ink ribbon cassette 1 are connected to the control device for the writing mechanism or a function and fault indicator 10 (FIG. 1) via a contact mechanism 3 arranged on the writing carriage 11, which is now explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 shall be.
  • the contact mechanism 3 comprises a contact element carrier 15 and mating contact elements 7 and 8.
  • the contact element carrier 15 consists of a frame-shaped, one-piece plastic part which has at least two hook-shaped projections 16 at its lower end, which are used for insertion into recesses (slots or the like) (not shown) of the writing carriage 11 are insertable and engage with their hook lugs, so that the contact element carrier is detachably connected to the writing carriage 11 by this snap connection.
  • the counter-contact elements 7 and 8 form the ends of an open circuit which can be closed by the contact elements 12 and 6 when they come into contact through the ink ribbon 2. As long as the ink ribbon 2 is undamaged, the contact between the contact elements 12 and 6 is interrupted.
  • the function and fault display 10 in this case either gives no indication or indicates that the ribbon is still in order.
  • the previously open circuit is closed via the contact elements 12 and 6.
  • the signal occurring in the circuit can be used in the control for the writing mechanism to stop the writing mechanism immediately and / or to generate an acoustic and / or optical signal in the function and fault display 10, which indicates the operator, that the writing mechanism may have to be stopped and ribbon cassette 1 must be replaced.
  • both the contact elements 12 and 6 on the ink ribbon cassette and the contact mechanism on the writing carriage 11 can still be installed subsequently.
  • an eye 21 arranged on a longitudinal side of the frame-shaped contact element carrier 15 also enables centering and alignment of the contact element carrier with respect to the ink ribbon cassette 1.
  • the eye 21 formed on the contact element carrier 15 extends over one of the centering pins 22 of the writing carriage, as a result of which the contact element carrier 15 is precisely aligned and held in its position.

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  • Impression-Transfer Materials And Handling Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

An arrangement for monitoring the operation of the ink ribbon (2) of an ink-ribbon magazine (1) for electromechanical print units or print mechanisms comprises contacts (12,6) on the ink-ribbon magazine (1) on either side of the ink ribbon's path (4) and intended to lie against the ink ribbon (2), and opposite contacts (7,8) on the print unit which, when the ink ribbon magazine (1) is inserted, are in contact with the contacts (21,6) of the later and are connected electrically to a function or malfunction indication (10). When holes or tears occur on the ink ribbon (2), the contacts (12,6) on the ink-ribbon magazine (1) come in contact with one another and thereby set off a signal which can be used to switch off the print unit and/or for a malfunction indication.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Anordnung zur Funktionsüberwachung des Farbbandes in elektroni- - schen Schreib- oder Druckwerken mit einer Abtastung der Oberfläche des Farbbandes mittels Kontaktelementen.The invention relates to an arrangement for monitoring the function of the ink ribbon in electronic writing or printing units with a scanning of the surface of the ink ribbon by means of contact elements.

Insbesondere bei rechnergesteuerten Schreibwerken, wie beispielsweise Schnelldruckern oder sogenannten Textautomaten, bei denen der Schreibvorgang nicht ständig von einer Bedienungsperson überwacht wird, besteht das Problem, den Verschleiss des Farbbandes rechtzeitig vor der völligen Zerstörung des Farbbandes zu erkennen. Insbesondere Farbbandkasetten, die mit sogenannten Nachtränkeinrichtungen versehen sind, besitzen einen so grossen Farbvorrat, dass das Gewebe des Farbbandes häufig zerstört ist, bevor der Farbvorrat aufgebraucht ist. Insbesondere bei der Verwendung von Nadelschreibköpfen entstehen bei fortschreitender Abnutzung kleine Löcher im Farbband, die zum Reissen des Bandes führen können, wenn das Farbband nicht rechtzeitig ausgetauscht wird. Ein Bandriss kann jedoch zu erheblichen Folgeschäden führen, wenn das entstehende Farbbandende in bewegte Teile des Schreibwerkes gerät.Especially in computer-controlled writing mechanisms, such as high-speed printers or so-called automatic text machines, in which the writing process is not constantly monitored by an operator, there is the problem of recognizing the wear of the ink ribbon in good time before the ink ribbon is completely destroyed. Ribbon cartridges in particular, which are provided with so-called post-soaking devices, have such a large ink supply that the fabric of the ink ribbon is often destroyed before the ink supply is used up. In particular when using stylus pens, as the wear progresses, small holes appear in the ribbon, which can cause the ribbon to tear if the ribbon is not replaced in time. A ribbon break can, however, lead to considerable consequential damage if the resulting ribbon end gets into moving parts of the writing mechanism.

Aus der CH-A-447 223 Patentschrift ist eine Anordnung der eingangs genannten Art bekannt, die das Herannahen des Bandendes überwacht. Hierzu weist das Farbband nahe seinem Ende einen Belag aus einem elektrisch leitenden Material auf, der gleichzeitig in Kontakt mit einer Kontaktfeder und einer geerdeten Führungsrolle treten kann, wodurch der Stromkreis einer Signalvorrichtung geschlossen und ein Signal erzeugt wird. Mit der bekannten Anordnung ist es jedoch nicht möglich, den Zustand des Farbbandes, das heisst, seinen Abnutzungsgrad zu überwachen.From CH-A-447 223 patent an arrangement of the type mentioned is known which monitors the approach of the tape end. For this purpose, the ink ribbon has a covering made of an electrically conductive material near its end, which can simultaneously come into contact with a contact spring and an earthed guide roller, as a result of which the circuit of a signal device is closed and a signal is generated. With the known arrangement, however, it is not possible to monitor the condition of the ink ribbon, that is, its degree of wear.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine mit geringem technischen Aufwand einfach und preiswert herzustellende, funktionssichere Anordnung der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, mit der der Abnutzungsgrad des Farbbandes überwacht werden kann.The invention is based on the object of specifying a functionally reliable arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning which can be produced simply and inexpensively with little technical effort and with which the degree of wear of the ink ribbon can be monitored.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäss dadurch gelöst, dass zur Überwachung der Abnutzung des Farbbandes in einer Farbbandkassette an dieser beiderseits des Farbbandweges zur Anlage an dem Farbband bestimmte Kontaktelemente angeordnet sind und dass an dem Schreibwerk Gegenkontaktelemente vorgesehen sind, die bei eingesetzter Farbbandkassette mit deren Kontaktelementen in Wirkverbundung stehen und mit einer Schreibwerksteuerung und/oder Funktions- bzw. Störungsanzeige elektrisch verbunden sind.This object is achieved according to the invention in that certain contact elements are arranged on both sides of the ink ribbon path for contacting the ink ribbon in order to monitor the wear of the ink ribbon in a ribbon cassette and in that counter-contact elements are provided on the writing mechanism, which are in active connection with their ink cartridge cassette when inserted and are electrically connected to a writing mechanism control and / or function or fault display.

Treten in dem Farbband durch fortschreitenden Verschleiss beispielsweise Löcher oder Risse auf, so treten die einander gegenüberliegenden Kontaktelemente an der Farbbandkassette miteinander in Berührung und schliessen einen Stromkreis, wodurch entweder beispielsweise das Schreibwerk stillgesetzt oder ein akustisches und/oder optisches Signal erzeugt wird, das der Bedienungsperson anzeigt, dass das Farbband ausgewechselt werden muss.If, for example, holes or tears occur in the ink ribbon due to progressive wear, the opposing contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette come into contact with one another and close a circuit, as a result of which, for example, the writing mechanism is shut down or an acoustic and / or optical signal is generated which is generated by the operator indicates that the ribbon needs to be replaced.

Die Kontaktelemente an der Farbbandkassette benötigen nicht viel Platz und können daher ohne Schwierigkeiten an den Farbbandkassetten angebracht werden. Das gleiche gilt für die Gegenkontaktelemente an dem Schreibwerk.The contact elements on the ribbon cassette do not take up much space and can therefore be attached to the ribbon cassettes without difficulty. The same applies to the mating contact elements on the writing mechanism.

Vorzugsweise sind die Kontaktelemente in einem Abstand neben dem den Schreibbereich des Farbbandes bildenden Abschnitt des Farbbandweges angeordnet und weisen eine zur selben Kassettenseite hinweisende und zur Anlage an dem jeweiligen Gegenkontaktelement bestimmte Kontaktfläche auf. Dadurch wird auf einfache Weise eine Kontaktgabe zwischen den Gegenkontaktelementen am Schreibwerk und den Kontaktelementen an der Farbbandkassette beim Einlegen derselben gewährleistet.The contact elements are preferably arranged at a distance from the section of the ink ribbon path forming the writing area of the ink ribbon and have a contact surface which points to the same side of the cartridge and is intended for contact with the respective counter-contact element. This ensures in a simple manner that contact between the mating contact elements on the writing mechanism and the contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette is ensured when the same is inserted.

Ein erstes Kontaktelement der Farbbandkassette kann beispielsweise von einer winklig gebogenen Blattfeder gebildet sein, die mit dem die Kontaktfläche tragenden Endbereich ihres einen Federschenkels an einem Steg des Kassettengehäuses befestigt ist und deren anderer Federschenkel einen Abschnitt einer Farbbandführung bildet und mit seinem dem anderen Kontaktelement gegenüberliegenden Ende an dem Farbband anliegt. Dieser freie Federschenkel kann somit Spannungsunterschiede in dem Farbband ausgleichen und immer dafür sorgen, dass das Farbband eng zwischen den beiden einander gegenüberstehenden Kontaktelementen durchläuft. Dabei wird gleichzeitig das Farbband gestrafft.A first contact element of the ribbon cassette can be formed, for example, by an angled leaf spring which is fastened to the end area of its one spring leg that supports the contact surface on a web of the cassette housing and whose other spring leg forms a section of a ribbon guide and with its end opposite the other contact element the ribbon. This free spring leg can thus compensate for differences in tension in the ink ribbon and always ensure that the ink ribbon runs closely between the two opposing contact elements. The ribbon is tightened at the same time.

Um sicherzustellen, dass die erfindungsgemässe Anordnung auch bereits bei kleinen Löchern in dem Farbband anspricht und somit ein rechtzeitiges Austauschen des Farbbandes ermöglicht, ist die am Farbband anliegende Kontaktfläche des ersten Kontaktelementes zumindest annähernd punktförmig ausgebildet.In order to ensure that the arrangement according to the invention responds even with small holes in the ink ribbon and thus enables the ink ribbon to be exchanged in good time, the contact surface of the first contact element which is in contact with the ink ribbon is at least approximately punctiform.

Das zweite Kontaktelement kann von einem einfachen Kontaktstreifen gebildet sein, der um einen den Farbbandweg begrenzenden Aussensteg des Kassettengehäuses herumgebogen ist.The second contact element can be formed by a simple contact strip which is bent around an outer web of the cassette housing which delimits the ribbon path.

Um eine sichere Kontaktgabe zwischen den Kontaktelementen an der Farbbandkassette und den Gegenkontaktelementen am Schreibwerk zu gewährleisten, sind die Gegenkontaktelemente vorzugsweise in Richtung auf die Kontaktelemente an der Farbbandkassette verschiebbar in einem Kontaktelemententräger gelagert. Beispielsweise können die Gegenkontaktelemente von Kontaktstiften oder -nieten gebildet sein, die in dem Kontaktelemententräger verschiebbar geführt und durch Kontaktfedern in Richtung auf die Kontaktstellung vorgespannt sind. Die Kontaktfedern dienen ihrerseits zum Anschluss von Leitungen, welche die Gegenkontaktelemente mit der Schreibwerkssteuerung oder der Störungsanzeige verbinden.In order to ensure reliable contact between the contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette and the mating contact elements on the writing mechanism, the mating contact elements are preferably mounted displaceably in a contact element carrier in the direction of the contact elements on the ink ribbon cassette. For example, the counter-contact elements can be formed by contact pins or rivets which are guided displaceably in the contact element carrier and are biased in the direction of the contact position by contact springs. The contact springs in turn serve to connect lines that connect the mating contact elements to the writing mechanism control or the fault display.

Der Kontaktelemententräger besteht vorzugsweise aus einem einstückigen rahmenartigen Kunststoffteil, das zum schnappenden Eingriff in Aussparungen des Schreibwerkes bestimmte hakenartige Ansätze aufweist. Mit Hilfe dieser Ansätze kann der Kontaktelemententräger somit lösbar mit dem Schreibwerk verbunden werden, so dass er einerseits leicht anzubringen ist und andererseits jederzeit auch wieder entfernt werden kann. Die erfindungsgemässe Anordnung kann daher ohne Schwierigkeiten auch nachträglich noch an bestehenden Schreibwerken angebracht werden.The contact element carrier preferably consists of a one-piece frame-like plastic part which has certain hook-like approaches for snap engagement in recesses of the writing mechanism. With the help of these approaches, the contact element carrier can thus be detachably connected to the writing mechanism, so that it is easy to attach on the one hand and can be removed at any time on the other hand. The arrangement according to the invention can therefore be carried out without difficulty can also be retrofitted to existing typewriters.

Das Ausrichten des Kontaktelemententrägers in seine gewünschte Lage kann noch dadurch erleichtert werden, dass der Kontaktelemententräger beispielsweise eine Zentrierbuchse aufweist, die auf einen Zentrierstift des Schreibwerkes aufsteckbar ist.Aligning the contact element carrier in its desired position can be further facilitated in that the contact element carrier has, for example, a centering bush which can be plugged onto a centering pin of the writing mechanism.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der folgenden Beschreibung, welche in Verbindung mit den beigefügten Zeichnungen die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles erläutert.Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which in connection with the accompanying drawings explains the invention using an exemplary embodiment.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 eine perspektivische, teilweise schematische Ansicht eines Schreibwagens eines Schreibwerkes und einer mit Kontakten versehenen Farbbandkassette in kontaktfreier Stellung,
  • Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht auf den den Schreibbereich des Farbbandes enthaltenden Abschnitt der Farbbandkassette,
  • Fig. 3 einen Schnitt durch ein die Gegenkontaktelemente und den Kontaktelemententräger umfassendes Kontaktwerk und
  • Fig. 4 eine Draufsicht auf das in der Fig. 3 dargestellte Kontaktwerk.
Show it:
  • 1 is a perspective, partially schematic view of a writing carriage of a writing mechanism and a ribbon cassette provided with contacts in a contact-free position,
  • 2 is a plan view of the portion of the ribbon cassette containing the writing area of the ink ribbon,
  • 3 shows a section through a contact mechanism comprising the counter-contact elements and the contact element carrier and
  • Fig. 4 is a plan view of the contact mechanism shown in Fig. 3.

In der Fig. 1 erkennt man ein an sich bekanntes Schreibwerk mit einem Schreibwagen 11, der auf einer Gleitstange 11 a verschiebbar gelagert und in an sich bekannter Weise über einen Zahnriemen 26 hin-und herbewegbar ist, der seinerseits von einem Motor 25 her angetrieben wird.1 shows a writing mechanism known per se with a writing carriage 11 which is slidably mounted on a slide rod 11 a and can be moved back and forth in a manner known per se via a toothed belt 26 which in turn is driven by a motor 25 .

Oberhalb des Schreibwagens 11 erkennt man eine Farbbandkassette 1 mit einem Farbband 2. Die Farbbandkassette 1 ist auf das Schreibwerk aufsteckbar, wobei an dem Schreibwagen 11 angeordnete Zentrierstifte 22 mit ihrer jeweiligen Zentrierspitze 22a in eine korrespondierende Zentrieröffnung 23 des Kassettengehäuses eingreifen. In dieser Lage der Farbbandkassette kann das Farbband mit Hilfe eines an sich bekannten und daher nicht näher beschriebenen Kassettenantriebes 24 an dem nicht dargestellten Schreibkopf des Schreibwerkes vorbeigeführt werden.A ribbon cassette 1 with an ink ribbon 2 can be seen above the writing carriage 11. The ribbon cassette 1 can be plugged onto the writing mechanism, centering pins 22 arranged on the writing carriage 11 engaging with their respective centering tip 22a in a corresponding centering opening 23 of the cassette housing. In this position of the ink ribbon cassette, the ink ribbon can be guided past the writing head (not shown) of the writing mechanism with the aid of a cassette drive 24 known per se and therefore not described in detail.

An der Farbbandkassette 1 sind beiderseits einer Farbbandführung 4 seitlich neben dem Schreibbereich des Farbbandes zwei Kontaktelemente 12 und 6 angeordnet, die das Farbband 2 auf seinen Zustand abtasten und damit eine Prüfung ermöglichen, ob das Farbband 2 noch benutzbar ist oder ob es bereits Löcher und Einrisse aufweist (s. Fig. 2). Das erste Kontaktelement 12 besteht aus einer spitzwinklig gebogenen Blattfeder, die mit ihrem einen Endabschnitt 5 an einem Steg 13 des Kassettengehäuses befestigt ist. Der andere Schenkel 12a des Kontaktelementes 12 verläuft im wesentlichen parallel zu dem Farbband 2 und bildet einen Teil der Farbbandführung. Er trägt an seinem freien Ende eine annähernd punktförmige Erhebung 5b, mit der das Kontaktelement 12 an dem Farbband 2 anliegt.On the ink ribbon cassette 1, two contact elements 12 and 6 are arranged on both sides of an ink ribbon guide 4 next to the writing area of the ink ribbon, which scan the ink ribbon 2 for its condition and thus enable a check whether the ink ribbon 2 is still usable or whether there are already holes and tears has (see Fig. 2). The first contact element 12 consists of a leaf spring bent at an acute angle, which is attached with its one end section 5 to a web 13 of the cassette housing. The other leg 12a of the contact element 12 runs essentially parallel to the ink ribbon 2 and forms part of the ink ribbon guide. At its free end it bears an approximately punctiform elevation 5b with which the contact element 12 lies against the ink ribbon 2.

Das zweite Kontaktelement ist von einem Kontaktstreifen gebildet, der um einen die äussere Begrenzung der Bandführung 4 bildenden Steg 14 der Farbbandkassette 1 herum gebogen ist. Die beiden Kontaktelemente 12 und 6 sind derart angeordnet, dass das Farbband 2 zwischen dem Kontaktelement 6 und der Erhebung 5b des Kontaktelementes 12 hindurchläuft. Dabei drückt der Federschenkel 12a des Kontaktelementes 12 mit der Erhebung 5b das Farbband 2 gegen das Kontaktelement 6, so dass das Farbband 2 vor seinem Austritt in den Schreibbereich glatt gespannt ist. Das Kontaktelement 12 übt somit eine Doppelfunktion als Kontaktelement und Bandspannelement aus.The second contact element is formed by a contact strip which is bent around a web 14 of the ink ribbon cassette 1 forming the outer boundary of the ribbon guide 4. The two contact elements 12 and 6 are arranged such that the ink ribbon 2 runs between the contact element 6 and the elevation 5b of the contact element 12. The spring leg 12a of the contact element 12 presses the ink ribbon 2 against the contact element 6 with the elevation 5b, so that the ink ribbon 2 is tensioned smoothly before it emerges into the writing area. The contact element 12 thus performs a double function as a contact element and a band tensioning element.

Man erkennt, dass beim Auftreten von Löchern oder Rissen in dem Farbband 2 die Erhebung 5b unmittelbar mit dem Kontaktelement 6 in Berührung kommt, so dass eine Kontaktgabe zwischen den beiden Kontaktelementen erfolgt.It can be seen that when holes or tears occur in the ink ribbon 2, the elevation 5b comes into direct contact with the contact element 6, so that contact is established between the two contact elements.

Die Verbindung der Kontaktelemente 12 und 6 der Farbbandkassette 1 mit der Steuereinrichtung für das Schreibwerk oder einer Funktions- und Störungsanzeige 10 (Fig. 1) erfolgt über ein auf dem Schreibwagen 11 angeordnetes Kontaktwerk 3, das nun anhand der Fig. 3 und 4 näher erläutert werden soll.The contact elements 12 and 6 of the ink ribbon cassette 1 are connected to the control device for the writing mechanism or a function and fault indicator 10 (FIG. 1) via a contact mechanism 3 arranged on the writing carriage 11, which is now explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 shall be.

Das Kontaktwerk 3 umfasst einen Kontaktelemententräger 15 sowie Gegenkontaktelemente 7 und 8. Der Kontaktelemententräger 15 besteht aus einem rahmenförmigen einstückigen Kunststoffteil, das an seinem unteren Ende wenigstens 2 hakenförmige Ansätze 16 aufweist, die zum Einführen in nicht dargestellte Aussparungen (Schlitze oder dergleichen) des Schreibwagens 11 einführbar sind und mit ihren Hakennasen einrasten, so dass der Kontaktelemententräger durch diese Schnappverbindung lösbar mit dem Schreibwagen 11 verbunden ist.The contact mechanism 3 comprises a contact element carrier 15 and mating contact elements 7 and 8. The contact element carrier 15 consists of a frame-shaped, one-piece plastic part which has at least two hook-shaped projections 16 at its lower end, which are used for insertion into recesses (slots or the like) (not shown) of the writing carriage 11 are insertable and engage with their hook lugs, so that the contact element carrier is detachably connected to the writing carriage 11 by this snap connection.

An seiner Oberseite weist der Kontaktelemententräger 15 Buchsen 17 und 18 auf, in denen die stift-oder nietenförmigen Kontaktelemente 7 bzw. 8 axial verschiebbar geführt sind, wobei sie durch einen unteren Bund 7a bzw. 8a gegen ein Herausrutschen nach oben in den Buchsen 17 und 18 gesichert sind. Die Buchsen 17 und 18 stehen geringfügig über den oberen Rand des Kontaktelementenhalters 15 hinaus.On its upper side, the contact element carrier 15 has sockets 17 and 18, in which the pin-shaped or rivet-shaped contact elements 7 and 8 are guided so as to be axially displaceable, being prevented from slipping upwards into the sockets 17 and 8 by a lower collar 7a or 8a 18 are secured. The sockets 17 and 18 protrude slightly beyond the upper edge of the contact element holder 15.

Den beiden Gegenkontaktelementen 7 und 8 ist jeweils eine im Kontaktelemententräger 15 festgelegte Kontaktfeder 19 bzw. 20 zugeordnet, die mit einem Ende auf die untere Endfläche des jeweiligen Gegenkontaktelementes 7 bzw. 8 einwirkt. Die Kontaktfedern 19 und 20 drücken die Gegenkontaktelemente 7 bzw. 8 gegen Kontaktflächen 5a bzw. 6a an den Kontaktelementen 12 bzw. 6 der Farbbandkassette 1, wenn diese in ihre Betriebsstellung auf dem Schreibwagen 11 eingesetzt ist. In der Fig. 3 sind das Kontaktelement 6 und das Ende 5 des Kontaktelementes 12 durch strichpunktierte Linien angedeutet. Durch die Kontaktfedern 19 und 20 wird somit eine sichere Kontaktgabe zwischen den Kontaktelementen 12 und 7 einerseits sowie 6 und 8 andererseits gewährleistet.The two counter-contact elements 7 and 8 are each assigned a contact spring 19 or 20 which is fixed in the contact element carrier 15 and which acts at one end on the lower end face of the respective counter-contact element 7 or 8. The contact springs 19 and 20 press the counter-contact elements 7 and 8 against contact surfaces 5a and 6a on the contact elements 12 and 6 of the ink ribbon cassette 1 when it is inserted in its operating position on the writing carriage 11. 3, the contact element 6 and the end 5 of the contact element 12 are indicated by dash-dotted lines. The contact springs 19 and 20 thus ensure reliable contact between the contact elements 12 and 7 on the one hand and 6 and 8 on the other.

Die Kontaktfedern 19 und 20 weisen nahe ihren anderen Enden jeweils eine Öse 19a bzw. 20a auf, die zum Anschluss jeweils einer elektrischen Leitung 9 über ein Anschlusskabel 9a dienen. Die elektrischen Leitungen 9 verbinden die Kontaktfedern 19 und 20 mit der nicht dargestellten Steuerelektronik für das Schreibwerk und/oder der Funktions- und Störungsanzeige 10.The contact springs 19 and 20 each have an eyelet 19a and 20a near their other ends, which are used to connect an electrical line 9 via a connecting cable 9a. The electrical lines 9 connect the contact springs 19 and 20 to the control electronics (not shown) for the writing mechanism and / or the function and fault display 10.

Man erkennt, dass die Gegenkontaktelemente 7 und 8 die Enden eines offenen Stromkreises bilden, der durch die Kontaktelemente 12 und 6 geschlossen werden kann, wenn diese durch das Farbband 2 hindurch zur Kontaktgabe kommen. Solange das Farbband 2 unbeschädigt ist, ist der Kontakt zwischen den Kontaktelementen 12 und 6 unterbrochen. Die Funktions- und Störungsanzeige 10 gibt in diesem Falle entweder keine Anzeige oder aber eine Anzeige, dass das Farbband noch in Ordnung ist.It can be seen that the counter-contact elements 7 and 8 form the ends of an open circuit which can be closed by the contact elements 12 and 6 when they come into contact through the ink ribbon 2. As long as the ink ribbon 2 is undamaged, the contact between the contact elements 12 and 6 is interrupted. The function and fault display 10 in this case either gives no indication or indicates that the ribbon is still in order.

Treten dagegen in dem Farbband 2 Löcher oder Risse auf, die zur Kontaktgabe zwischen den Kontaktelementen 12 und 6 führen, so wird der bisher offene Stromkreis über die Kontaktelemente 12 und 6 geschlossen. Das dabei in dem Stromkreis auftretende Signal kann in der Steuerung für das Schreibwerk dazu verwendet werden, das Schreibwerk sofort stillzusetzen, und/oder zur Erzeugung eines akustischen und/oder optischen Signals in der Funktions-und Störungsanzeige 10 verwendet werden, welches der Bedienungsperson anzeigt, dass das Schreibwerk ggf. stillgesetzt und Farbbandkassette 1 ausgetauscht werden muss.If, on the other hand, 2 holes or cracks occur in the ink ribbon, which lead to contact between the contact elements 12 and 6, the previously open circuit is closed via the contact elements 12 and 6. The signal occurring in the circuit can be used in the control for the writing mechanism to stop the writing mechanism immediately and / or to generate an acoustic and / or optical signal in the function and fault display 10, which indicates the operator, that the writing mechanism may have to be stopped and ribbon cassette 1 must be replaced.

Man erkennt, dass sowohl die Kontaktelemente 12 und 6 an der Farbbandkassette als auch das Kontaktwerk auf dem Schreibwagen 11 nachträglich noch eingebaut werden können. Bei letzterem ist noch zu erwähnen, dass neben den Ansätzen 16 auch ein an einer Längsseite des rahmenförmigen Kontaktelemententrägers 15 angeordnetes Auge 21 eine Zentrierung und Ausrichtung des Kontaktelemententrägers gegenüber der Farbbandkassette 1 ermöglicht. Das an dem Kontaktelemententräger 15 angeformte Auge 21 greift dabei über einen der Zentrierstifte 22 des Schreibwagens, wodurch der Kontaktelemententräger 15 genau ausgerichtet und in seiner Lage festgehalten wird.It can be seen that both the contact elements 12 and 6 on the ink ribbon cassette and the contact mechanism on the writing carriage 11 can still be installed subsequently. In the latter, it should also be mentioned that in addition to the lugs 16, an eye 21 arranged on a longitudinal side of the frame-shaped contact element carrier 15 also enables centering and alignment of the contact element carrier with respect to the ink ribbon cassette 1. The eye 21 formed on the contact element carrier 15 extends over one of the centering pins 22 of the writing carriage, as a result of which the contact element carrier 15 is precisely aligned and held in its position.

Claims (9)

1. An assembly for controlling the function of the ribbon (2) of electronic typing or printing mechanisms, wherein the surface of the ribbon (2) is sensed by contact elements (12; 6), characterized in that contact elements (12; 6) for controlling the wear of the ribbon (2) within a ribbon cassette (1) are provided on said ribbon cassette along both sides of the path of movement (4) on said ribbon to abut against said ribbon (2), and further characterized in that the typing mechanism (11) comprises countercontact elements (7; 8) which are in operative connection with said contact elements (12; 6) when a ribbon cassette (1) is inserted and which are electrically connected with a typing mechanism control means and/or a function of fault indicator (10).
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said contact elements (12; 6) are located at a distance beside the typing section of the path of ribbon movement (4) of the ribbpn cassette (1) and have contact faces (5a; 6a) each facing the same cassette side and abutting against said countercontact elements (7; 8).
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2, characterized in that a first contact element (12) of said ribbon cassette (1) comprises an angularly bent leaf spring, the end portion of the one spring leg carrying said contact face (5a) being fixed to a web (13) of the cassette housing and the other spring leg (12a) defining a section of a ribbon guide means (4) and abutting with its end portion opposite said other contact element (6) against said ribbon (2).
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that said contact face (5b) of said first contact element (12) abutting against said ribbon (2) is approximately punctiform.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said second contact element (6) of said ribbon cassette (1) is formed by a contact strip bent around an outer web (14) of said cassette housing.
6. An assembly as set forth in any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said countercontact elements (7; 8) are provided on a contact element carrier (15) which is releasably connectable with said typing mechanism (11).
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that said countercontact elements (7; 8) are mounted within said contact element carrier (15) such that they are displaceable towards said contact elements (12; 6) on said ribbon cassette (1).
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that said countercontact elements (7; 8) are formed by contact pins which are displaceably guided within said contact element carrier (15) and which are biased by contact springs (19; 20) towards said contact elements (12; 6) of said ribbon cassette (1).
9. An assembly as set forth in any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said contact element carrier (15) is formed by a one-piece, frame-like plastic piece which has hook-shaped ears (16) snapping into recesses of said typing mechanism (11) and which has on one frame side a centering bush (21) which can be slipped onto a centering pin (22) of said typing mechanism (11).
EP82101241A 1981-03-27 1982-02-18 Device for controlling the working condition of an ink ribbon of a cartridge Expired EP0061577B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT82101241T ATE10920T1 (en) 1981-03-27 1982-02-18 ARRANGEMENT FOR FUNCTIONAL MONITORING OF THE RIBBON OF A RIBBON CARTRIDGE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19818108981U DE8108981U1 (en) 1981-03-27 1981-03-27 "DEVICE FOR CHECKING THE FUNCTION OF THE RIBBON OF A RIBBON CASSETTE"
DE8108981U 1981-03-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0061577A1 EP0061577A1 (en) 1982-10-06
EP0061577B1 true EP0061577B1 (en) 1984-12-27

Family

ID=6726132

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82101241A Expired EP0061577B1 (en) 1981-03-27 1982-02-18 Device for controlling the working condition of an ink ribbon of a cartridge

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4407593A (en)
EP (1) EP0061577B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS57170785A (en)
AT (1) ATE10920T1 (en)
DE (1) DE8108981U1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS57170785A (en) 1982-10-21
DE8108981U1 (en) 1981-08-27
US4407593A (en) 1983-10-04
ATE10920T1 (en) 1985-01-15
EP0061577A1 (en) 1982-10-06
JPS6363393B2 (en) 1988-12-07

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