EP0266679B1 - Thermal printer with a document pinch and feed roller - Google Patents

Thermal printer with a document pinch and feed roller Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0266679B1
EP0266679B1 EP87115906A EP87115906A EP0266679B1 EP 0266679 B1 EP0266679 B1 EP 0266679B1 EP 87115906 A EP87115906 A EP 87115906A EP 87115906 A EP87115906 A EP 87115906A EP 0266679 B1 EP0266679 B1 EP 0266679B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roller
document
print head
printer
axis
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP87115906A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0266679A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Marc Feron
Michel Prasloix
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.)
Compagnie Generale dAutomatisme CGA HBS SA
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Compagnie Generale dAutomatisme CGA HBS SA
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Publication of EP0266679A1 publication Critical patent/EP0266679A1/en
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Publication of EP0266679B1 publication Critical patent/EP0266679B1/en
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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
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/10—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides
    • 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
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/36—Blanking or long feeds; Feeding to a particular line, e.g. by rotation of platen or feed roller
    • B41J11/42—Controlling printing material conveyance for accurate alignment of the printing material with the printhead; Print registering
    • 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
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
    • B41J25/316—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with tilting motion mechanisms relative to paper surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printer. More particularly, the invention relates to a printer with a thermal printing head intended for printing heat-sensitive pre-cut documents.
  • the prior document US-A-4 439 051 describes a printer which includes a mechanism making it possible to print at will on continuous paper placed in a roll or else on individual sheets avoiding the need to reinsert the continuous paper after an operation of printing on separate sheets.
  • the invention is particularly applicable in the case where one wishes to fill in small pre-printed forms to be completed with certain information, or to write small texts previously recorded.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a printer comprising a base, a thermal print head linked to the base, a pressure roller and carrier for a document to be printed, the geometric axis ⁇ of the roller being parallel to the active line of the print head, a channel for introducing said document guiding it towards said active line of the print head, between the latter and said roller, means for driving said roller in rotation, said roller being mounted to rotate freely between two flanges of a movable assembly articulated on two lateral uprights linked to said base, around an axis ⁇ parallel to the geometric axis of said roller, characterized in that it comprises a freewheel mechanism comprising an external crown and a internal crown, the internal crown being mounted integral in rotation with the roller and coaxial with it at one of its ends and the external crown of said freewheel mechanism being provided on the side ment of a lug which enters a recess made in a support piece integral with said base, said recess being situated, with respect to said axis ⁇ of articulation, on the other
  • the document downstream of the print head, is guided by guide means bringing, by a curved path, said document to an outlet close to its entry into said introduction channel and parallel to this entry.
  • a base 1 a thermal print head 2 linked to the base by fixing means such as 3, 4.
  • fixing means such as 3, 4.
  • To the base 1 are fixed two lateral uprights 5 and 6.
  • One piece support 7 is also fixed to the base 1 on the side of the lateral upright 6, next to this upright.
  • a recess 8 is made at the upper end of this support piece, the role of which will be explained later.
  • the above assembly forms the fixed part of the printer to which a mobile assembly is articulated comprising two flanges 9 and 10 between which is mounted free in rotation a roller 11 which is used for driving a document to be printed 12 and pressing it against the thermal printing head 2.
  • the geometric axis ⁇ of the roller 11 is parallel to the upper plane of the printing head 2 and to its active line 13 located just below the lower generatrix of the roller 11.
  • the flanges 9 and 10 of the mobile assembly are braced by a beam 14 playing the role of stop for the document to be printed 12 at a given moment in the operation of the printer as will be explained below.
  • a bodywork comprising walls 15 and 16 delimiting a channel 17 for introducing and guiding the document to be printed 12 towards the active line 13 of the print head, between this line and the roller 11 , and also walls 18 and 19 constituting means for guiding the document 12 downstream of the print head 2 bringing the document by a curved path towards an outlet 20 close to the inlet 21 in the introduction channel 17 and disposed parallel to this inlet 21.
  • a motor 22 for driving the roller 11 in rotation.
  • a belt 23 passing over pulleys 24 and 25 enables the rotation of the motor 22 to be transmitted to the roller 11.
  • This moving part is articulated on the fixed part of the printer, at the level of the uprights 5 and 6 as far as the fixed part is concerned and at the level of the flanges 9 and 10 as regards the moving part, around an axis ⁇ parallel to the geometric axis ⁇ of the roller 11, by means of pins 26 and 27.
  • the roller 11 On the side where the support piece 7 is located, the roller 11 is provided with a freewheel mechanism comprising an internal ring 28 and an external ring 29.
  • the internal ring 28 is mounted integral in rotation with the roller 11 and coaxially with it on its pin axis 30 in the flange 10.
  • the external ring 29 laterally carries a lug 31 which penetrates into the recess 8 of the support piece 7 .
  • the recess 8 and therefore also the lug 31 are located on the other side of the axis ⁇ of rotation of the roller with respect to the axis of articulation ⁇ and roughly in the same plane as the two axes ⁇ and ⁇ .
  • Figure 3 or on the contrary moved apart, Figure 5, the recess 8 and the lug 31 are located a little above or a little below the alignment of ⁇ and ⁇ .
  • a return spring 32 operating in traction is connected on the one hand to the abutment beam 14 of the movable assembly by a flexible wire 33 and on the other hand to the base 1 by a screw 34 and a nut 35 allowing the adjustment of the tensile force.
  • a first electro-optical detector 36-37 enables the presence of a document 12 to be detected in the introduction channel 17 and a second electro-optical detector 38-39 detects the document at the stop 14 (see figure 5).
  • the thermal print head 2, the motor 22 and the electro-optical detectors 36-37 and 38-39 are connected to a set of power supply and control electronics well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the printer works as follows: At rest, the assembly is in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the document 12 not being introduced and the roller 11 being stationary, the movable assembly is returned by the return spring 32 so that the roller 11 is pressed on the print head 2, which does not allow the document to be inserted to be inserted between the print head and the roller.
  • the printer user initializes the program by acting on the power supply and control electronics assembly.
  • the rotation of the roller is only a few degrees because the direction of rotation corresponding to that indicated by arrow 40 is that where the crown external 29 of the freewheel mechanism is driven in this rotation and as this external ring 29 carries a lug 31, the latter bears against the wall of the recess 8 of the fixed support part 7 causing, by reaction , and against the return spring 32, the rotation of the movable assembly around the articulation axis ⁇ , spreading the roller 11 from the print head 2 and bringing the abutment beam 14 on the document path one shortly after the print head.
  • Figure 5 shows this position. In this position, the rear of the movable assembly abuts against the base 1.
  • the document 12 is pushed by the user to the stop 14.
  • the second electro-optical detector 38-39 thus detects the document against the stop and controls the emission of an audible signal for one second.
  • the motor 22 is driven in the opposite direction, corresponding for the roller to the direction of the arrow 41, FIG. 1, and which corresponds to the direction where the external crown 29 of the free wheel is not driven; it follows that the lug 31 no longer rests on the bottom of the recess 8 and that the return spring 32 brings the roller in abutment against the document 12 and the print head 2.
  • the roller is then normally driven in rotation and the print head 2 is simultaneously supplied for printing the document according to the established program.
  • the document is driven by the roller, the stop 14 having disappeared.
  • FIG. 5 shows in thin dashed lines the document 12 in abutment against the abutment 14 and FIG. 1 shows the assembly during printing: abutment 14 cleared, roller 11 pressed against the document 12 and the head 2.
  • the document downstream of the head 2 is guided by the wall 18.
  • an audible signal occurs, the user can extract the document which leads to exit 20.
  • the optical barrier of the electro-optical sensor 38-39 is cleared and the printer can receive a new document for a new printing cycle.

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  • Common Mechanisms (AREA)
  • Handling Of Sheets (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une imprimante. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne une imprimante à tête d'impression thermique destinée à imprimer des documents pré-découpés thermosensibles.The present invention relates to a printer. More particularly, the invention relates to a printer with a thermal printing head intended for printing heat-sensitive pre-cut documents.

Le document antérieur US-A-4 439 051 décrit une imprimante qui comprend un mécanisme permettant d'imprimer à volonté sur du papier continu disposé en rouleau ou bien sur des feuilles individuelles en évitant la nécessité de réinsérer le papier continu après une opération d'impression sur des feuilles séparées.The prior document US-A-4 439 051 describes a printer which includes a mechanism making it possible to print at will on continuous paper placed in a roll or else on individual sheets avoiding the need to reinsert the continuous paper after an operation of printing on separate sheets.

L'invention s'applique particulièrement dans le cas où l'on souhaite remplir de petits formulaires pré-imprimés à compléter par certains renseignements, ou pour écrire de petits textes préalablement enregistrés.The invention is particularly applicable in the case where one wishes to fill in small pre-printed forms to be completed with certain information, or to write small texts previously recorded.

L'invention a ainsi pour objet une imprimante comportant un socle, une tête d'impression thermique liée au socle, un rouleau presseur et entraîneur d'un document à imprimer, l'axe géométrique Δ du rouleau étant parallèle à la ligne active de la tête d'impression, un canal d'introduction dudit document le guidant vers ladite ligne active de la tête d'impression, entre celle-ci et ledit rouleau, des moyens d'entraînement en rotation dudit rouleau, ledit rouleau étant monté libre en rotation entre deux flasques d'un équipage mobile articulé sur deux montants latéraux liés audit socle, autour d'un axe γ parallèle à l'axe géométrique dudit rouleau, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un mécanisme de roue libre comprenant une couronne externe et une couronne interne, la couronne interne étant montée solidaire en rotation du rouleau et coaxialement à celui-ci à l'une de ses extrémités et la couronne externe dudit mécanisme de roue libre étant munie latéralement d'un ergot qui pénètre dans un évidement réalisé dans une pièce d'appui solidaire dudit socle, ledit évidement étant situé, par rapport audit axe γ d'articulation, de l'autre côté dudit axe Δ dudit rouleau et dans le même plan que ces axes ou dans un plan voisin, en ce qu'elle comporte en outre des moyens de détection de la présence d'un document dans ledit canal d'introduction, la détection d'un document commandant la rotation dudit rouleau dans le sens inverse de celui correspondant à son entraînement le long de la tête d'impression, ce dit sens correspondant à celui où le mécanisme de roue libre entraîne ladite couronne externe, provoquant l'appui dudit ergot contre ledit évidement et, par réaction, l'éloignement du rouleau, de la tête d'impression, par rotation dudit équipage mobile autour dudit axe d'articulation, contre l'effort de moyens de rappel, ladite rotation de l'équipage mobile amenant une butée, liée à l'équipage mobile, sur le trajet dudit document, peu en aval de la ligne active de ladite tête d'impression, des moyens de détection dudit document contre ladite butée déclenchant la commande de rotation dudit rouleau dans le sens entraînant le document et la commande de l'alimentation de la tête d'impression.The subject of the invention is therefore a printer comprising a base, a thermal print head linked to the base, a pressure roller and carrier for a document to be printed, the geometric axis Δ of the roller being parallel to the active line of the print head, a channel for introducing said document guiding it towards said active line of the print head, between the latter and said roller, means for driving said roller in rotation, said roller being mounted to rotate freely between two flanges of a movable assembly articulated on two lateral uprights linked to said base, around an axis γ parallel to the geometric axis of said roller, characterized in that it comprises a freewheel mechanism comprising an external crown and a internal crown, the internal crown being mounted integral in rotation with the roller and coaxial with it at one of its ends and the external crown of said freewheel mechanism being provided on the side ment of a lug which enters a recess made in a support piece integral with said base, said recess being situated, with respect to said axis γ of articulation, on the other side of said axis Δ of said roller and in the same plane that these axes or in a neighboring plane, in that it further comprises means for detecting the presence of a document in said introduction channel, the detection of a document controlling the rotation of said roller in the opposite direction to that corresponding to its drive along the print head, said direction corresponding to that in which the freewheel mechanism drives said outer ring, causing said lug to press against said recess and, by reaction, the distance of the roller, the print head, by rotation of said movable element around said articulation axis, against the effort of return means, said rotation of the movable element bringing a stop, linked to the movable element, on the path of said document , slightly downstream from the active line of said print head, means for detecting said document against said stop triggering the control of rotation of said roller in the direction driving the document and control of the supply of power to the print head .

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le document, en aval de la tête d'impression, est guidé par des moyens de guidage ramenant, par un chemin courbe, ledit document vers une sortie voisine de son entrée dans ledit canal d'introduction et parallèle à cette entrée.According to another characteristic of the invention, the document, downstream of the print head, is guided by guide means bringing, by a curved path, said document to an outlet close to its entry into said introduction channel and parallel to this entry.

On va maintenant donner la description d'un exemple particulier de mise en oeuvre de l'invention faite ci-après en référence au dessin annexé dans lequel :

  • La figure 1 montre une élévation en coupe partielle, selon la figure I-I de la figure 2, d'une imprimante selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 2 est une vue de dessus de l'imprimante, dans laquelle on a ôté certains organes de façon à mieux voir le système d'articulation de l'équipage mobile par rapport au socle ;
  • Les figures 3 et 4 montrent selon deux vues un détail de l'imprimante relatif au mécanisme à roue libre et à sa fonction d'écartement du rouleau de la tête d'impression. La figure 3 est vue dans le sens de la flèche III de la figure 2 et la figure 4 dans le sens des flèches IV des figures 2 et 3 ;
  • La figure 5 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3 mais où le rouleau est écarté de la tête d'impression.
We will now give the description of a particular example of implementation of the invention made below with reference to the appended drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 shows an elevation in partial section, according to Figure II of Figure 2, of a printer according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a top view of the printer, in which some parts have been removed so as to better see the articulation system of the movable assembly relative to the base;
  • Figures 3 and 4 show in two views a detail of the printer relating to the freewheel mechanism and its function of spacing the roller from the print head. Figure 3 is seen in the direction of arrow III of Figure 2 and Figure 4 in the direction of arrows IV of Figures 2 and 3;
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 but where the roller is spaced from the print head.

En se référant aux figures 1 à 4, on voit un socle 1, une tête d'impression thermique 2 liée au socle par des moyens de fixation tels que 3, 4. Au socle 1 sont fixés deux montants latéraux 5 et 6. Une pièce d'appui 7 est en outre fixée au socle 1 du côté du montant latéral 6, à côté de ce montant. Un évidement 8 est réalisé à l'extrémité supérieure de cette pièce d'appui dont le rôle sera expliqué ultérieurement.Referring to Figures 1 to 4, we see a base 1, a thermal print head 2 linked to the base by fixing means such as 3, 4. To the base 1 are fixed two lateral uprights 5 and 6. One piece support 7 is also fixed to the base 1 on the side of the lateral upright 6, next to this upright. A recess 8 is made at the upper end of this support piece, the role of which will be explained later.

L'ensemble ci-dessus forme la partie fixe de l'imprimante à laquelle est articulé un équipage mobile comprenant deux flasques 9 et 10 entre lesquels est monté libre en rotation un rouleau 11 qui sert à l'entraînement d'un document à imprimer 12 et à le presser contre la tête d'impression thermique 2. L'axe géométrique Δ du rouleau 11 est parallèle au plan supérieur de la tête d'impression 2 et à sa ligne active 13 située juste sous la génératrice inférieure du rouleau 11. Les flasques 9 et 10 de l'équipage mobile sont entretoisés par une poutre 14 jouant le rôle de butée pour le document à imprimer 12 à un moment donné du fonctionnement de l'imprimante comme il sera expliqué plus loin.The above assembly forms the fixed part of the printer to which a mobile assembly is articulated comprising two flanges 9 and 10 between which is mounted free in rotation a roller 11 which is used for driving a document to be printed 12 and pressing it against the thermal printing head 2. The geometric axis Δ of the roller 11 is parallel to the upper plane of the printing head 2 and to its active line 13 located just below the lower generatrix of the roller 11. The flanges 9 and 10 of the mobile assembly are braced by a beam 14 playing the role of stop for the document to be printed 12 at a given moment in the operation of the printer as will be explained below.

A cet équipage mobile est en outre liée une carrosserie comprenant des parois 15 et 16 délimitant un canal 17 d'introduction et de guidage du document à imprimer 12 vers la ligne active 13 de la tête d'impression, entre cette ligne et le rouleau 11, et aussi des parois 18 et 19 constituant des moyens de guidage du document 12 en aval de la tête d'impression 2 ramenant le document par un chemin courbe vers une sortie 20 voisine de l'entrée 21 dans le canal d'introduction 17 et disposée parallèlement à cette entrée 21. A l'équipage mobile est également lié un moteur 22 d'entraînement en rotation du rouleau 11. Une courroie 23 passant sur des poulies 24 et 25 permet la transmission de la rotation du moteur 22 au rouleau 11.To this movable assembly is also linked a bodywork comprising walls 15 and 16 delimiting a channel 17 for introducing and guiding the document to be printed 12 towards the active line 13 of the print head, between this line and the roller 11 , and also walls 18 and 19 constituting means for guiding the document 12 downstream of the print head 2 bringing the document by a curved path towards an outlet 20 close to the inlet 21 in the introduction channel 17 and disposed parallel to this inlet 21. To the movable assembly is also linked a motor 22 for driving the roller 11 in rotation. A belt 23 passing over pulleys 24 and 25 enables the rotation of the motor 22 to be transmitted to the roller 11.

Cet équipage mobile est articulé sur la partie fixe de l'imprimante, au niveau des montants 5 et 6 en ce que concerne la partie fixe et au niveau des flasques 9 et 10 en ce qui concerne l'équipage mobile, autour d'un axe γ parallèle à l'axe géométrique Δ du rouleau 11, par le moyen de tourillons 26 et 27.This moving part is articulated on the fixed part of the printer, at the level of the uprights 5 and 6 as far as the fixed part is concerned and at the level of the flanges 9 and 10 as regards the moving part, around an axis γ parallel to the geometric axis Δ of the roller 11, by means of pins 26 and 27.

Du côté où est située la pièce d'appui 7, le rouleau 11 est muni d'un mécanisme de roue libre comprenant une couronne interne 28 et une couronne externe 29.On the side where the support piece 7 is located, the roller 11 is provided with a freewheel mechanism comprising an internal ring 28 and an external ring 29.

La couronne interne 28 est montée solidaire en rotation du rouleau 11 et coaxialement à lui sur son axe de tourillon 30 dans le flasque 10. Le couronne externe 29 porte latéralement un ergot 31 qui pénètre dans l'évidement 8 de la pièce d'appui 7.The internal ring 28 is mounted integral in rotation with the roller 11 and coaxially with it on its pin axis 30 in the flange 10. The external ring 29 laterally carries a lug 31 which penetrates into the recess 8 of the support piece 7 .

Comme on le voit sur les figures 1, 3 et 5, l'évidement 8 et donc aussi l'ergot 31 sont situés de l'autre côté de l'axe Δ de rotation du rouleau par rapport à l'axe d'articulation γ et à peu près dans le même plan que des deux axes Δ et γ. Selon la position du rouleau, pressé contre la tête d'impression, figure 3, ou au contraire écartée, figure 5, l'évidement 8 et l'ergot 31 sont situés un peu au-dessus ou un peu au-dessous de l'alignement de Δ et γ.As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the recess 8 and therefore also the lug 31 are located on the other side of the axis Δ of rotation of the roller with respect to the axis of articulation γ and roughly in the same plane as the two axes Δ and γ. Depending on the position of the roller, pressed against the print head, Figure 3, or on the contrary moved apart, Figure 5, the recess 8 and the lug 31 are located a little above or a little below the alignment of Δ and γ.

Un ressort de rappel 32 fonctionnant en traction est relié d'une part à la poutre-butée 14 de l'équipage mobile par un fil souple 33 et d'autre part au socle 1 par une vis 34 et un écrou 35 permettant le réglage de l'effort de traction.A return spring 32 operating in traction is connected on the one hand to the abutment beam 14 of the movable assembly by a flexible wire 33 and on the other hand to the base 1 by a screw 34 and a nut 35 allowing the adjustment of the tensile force.

Enfin, un premier détecteur électro-optique 36-37 permet de détecteur la présence d'un document 12 dans le canal d'introduction 17 et un second détecteur électro-optique 38-39 détecte le document au niveau de la butée 14 (voir figure 5).Finally, a first electro-optical detector 36-37 enables the presence of a document 12 to be detected in the introduction channel 17 and a second electro-optical detector 38-39 detects the document at the stop 14 (see figure 5).

La tête d'impression thermique 2, le moteur 22 ainsi que les détecteurs électro-optiques 36-37 et 38-39 sont reliés à un ensemble d'alimention et d'électronique de commande bien connus de l'homme de l'art.The thermal print head 2, the motor 22 and the electro-optical detectors 36-37 and 38-39 are connected to a set of power supply and control electronics well known to those skilled in the art.

Le fonctionnement de l'imprimante est le suivant :
Au repos, el'ensemble est dans la position représentée figures 1 et 3, le document 12 n'étant pas introduit et le rouleau 11 étant immobile, l'équipage mobile est rappelé par le ressort de rappel 32 de telle sorte que le rouleau 11 est appuyé sur la tête d'impression 2, ce qui ne permet pas d'introduire le document à imprimer entre la tête d'impression et le rouleau.The printer works as follows:
At rest, the assembly is in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the document 12 not being introduced and the roller 11 being stationary, the movable assembly is returned by the return spring 32 so that the roller 11 is pressed on the print head 2, which does not allow the document to be inserted to be inserted between the print head and the roller.

L'utilisateur de l'imprimante initialise le programme en agissant sur l'ensemble d'alimentation et d'électronique de commande.The printer user initializes the program by acting on the power supply and control electronics assembly.

Il introduit le document 12 dans le canal d'introduction 17. Dès que le document traverse le premier détecteur électro-optique 36-37, le moteur 22 est mis en route dans le sens correspondant pour le rouleau 11 à celui indiqué par la flèche 40 figure 5, c'est-à-dire dans le sens inverse de celui de l'entraînement du document 2. La rotation du rouleau n'est que de quelques degrés car le sens de rotation correspondant à celui indiqué par la flèche 40 est celui où la couronne externe 29 du mécanisme de roue libre est entraînée dans cette rotation et comme cette couronne externe 29 porte un ergot 31, celui-ci vient s'appuyer contre la paroi de l'évidement 8 de la pièce d'appui fixe 7 provoquant, par réaction, et contre le ressort de rappel 32, la rotation de l'équipage mobile autour de l'axe d'articulation γ, écartant le rouleau 11 de la tête d'impression 2 et amenant la poutre-butée 14 sur le chemin du document un peu en aval de la tête d'impression.It introduces the document 12 into the introduction channel 17. As soon as the document passes through the first electro-optical detector 36-37, the motor 22 is started in the direction corresponding for the roller 11 to that indicated by the arrow 40 Figure 5, that is to say in the opposite direction to that of the drive of document 2. The rotation of the roller is only a few degrees because the direction of rotation corresponding to that indicated by arrow 40 is that where the crown external 29 of the freewheel mechanism is driven in this rotation and as this external ring 29 carries a lug 31, the latter bears against the wall of the recess 8 of the fixed support part 7 causing, by reaction , and against the return spring 32, the rotation of the movable assembly around the articulation axis γ, spreading the roller 11 from the print head 2 and bringing the abutment beam 14 on the document path one shortly after the print head.

La figure 5 montre cette position. Dans cette position, l'arrière de l'équipage mobile vient en butée contre le socle 1.Figure 5 shows this position. In this position, the rear of the movable assembly abuts against the base 1.

La document 12 est poussé par l'utilisateur jusqu'à la butée 14. Le second détecteur électro-optique 38-39 détecte ainsi le document contre la butée et commande l'émission d'un signal sonore pendant une seconde. A la fin du signal, le moteur 22 est entraîné en sens inverse, correspondant pour le rouleau au sens de la flèche 41, figure 1, et qui correspond au sens où la couronne externe 29 de roue libre n'est pas entraînée; il s'ensuit que l'ergot 31 ne s'appuie plus sur le fond de l'évidement 8 et que le ressort de rappel 32 ramène le rouleau en appui contre le document 12 et la tête d'impression 2. Le rouleau est alors normalement entraîné en rotation et la tête d'impression 2 est simultanément alimentée pour l'impression du document selon le programme établi. Le document est entraîné par le rouleau, la butée 14 s'étant effacée.The document 12 is pushed by the user to the stop 14. The second electro-optical detector 38-39 thus detects the document against the stop and controls the emission of an audible signal for one second. At the end of the signal, the motor 22 is driven in the opposite direction, corresponding for the roller to the direction of the arrow 41, FIG. 1, and which corresponds to the direction where the external crown 29 of the free wheel is not driven; it follows that the lug 31 no longer rests on the bottom of the recess 8 and that the return spring 32 brings the roller in abutment against the document 12 and the print head 2. The roller is then normally driven in rotation and the print head 2 is simultaneously supplied for printing the document according to the established program. The document is driven by the roller, the stop 14 having disappeared.

La figure 5 montre en traits fins mixtes le document 12 en butée contre la butée 14 et la figure 1 montre l'ensemble au cours de l'impression : butée 14 effacée, rouleau 11 appuyé contre le document 12 et la tête 2. Le document, en aval de la tète 2 est guidé par la paroi 18.FIG. 5 shows in thin dashed lines the document 12 in abutment against the abutment 14 and FIG. 1 shows the assembly during printing: abutment 14 cleared, roller 11 pressed against the document 12 and the head 2. The document , downstream of the head 2 is guided by the wall 18.

A la fin du cycle d'impression se produit l'émission d'un signal sonore, l'utilisateur peut extraire le document qui débouche à la sortie 20. La barrière optique du capteur électro-optique 38-39 est désoccultée et l'imprimante peut recevoir un nouveau document pour un nouveau cycle d'impression.At the end of the printing cycle, an audible signal occurs, the user can extract the document which leads to exit 20. The optical barrier of the electro-optical sensor 38-39 is cleared and the printer can receive a new document for a new printing cycle.

Claims (2)

  1. A printer comprising a base (1), a thermal print head (2) connected to the base, a roller (11) for pressing against and driving a document (12) to be printed, the geometrical axis Δ of the roller lying parallel to the active line (13) of the print head, an insertion channel (17) for said document to guide it towards said active line of the print head between the print head and said roller, drive means (22 to 25) for rotating said roller, said roller being mounted to rotate freely between two side plates (9-10) of a moving equipment which is pivotly linked up with two lateral risers (5-6) connected to said base and adapted to rotate about an axis γ parallel to the geometrical axis of the roller, characterized in that the printer includes a freewheel mechanism comprising an outer ring (29) and an inner ring (28), the inner ring (28) being fixedly and coaxially mounted to the roller at one of its ends, and the outer ring (29) of said freewheel mechanism being provided with a lateral peg (31) which penetrates into a recess (8) made in an abutment member (7) fixed to said base, said recess being situated on the opposite side of said roller axis Δ relative to said pivot axis γ and in the same plane as said axes or in a neighbouring plane, and in that the printer further includes detection means (36-37) for detecting the presence of a document in said channel, with the detection of a document triggering said roller to rotate in the reverse direction to the direction for driving the document along the print head, said direction corresponding to the direction in which the freewheel mechanism drives the outer ring (29), thereby causing said peg to abut against said recess and to move by reaction the roller away from the print head by rotating said moving equipment about said pivot axis γ against the force of return means, said rotation of the moving equipment bringing an abutment beam (14) connected to the moving equipment into the path of said document a little way downstream from the active line of said print head (2), means (38-39) for detecting the abutment of said document against said abutment beam triggering the rotation control for rotating said roller in the document drive direction as well as the feed control of the print head.
  2. A printer according to claim 1, characterized in that the document is guided downstream from the print head by guide means (18-19) returning it via a curved path towards an outlet (20) adjacent to the inlet (21) of said insertion channel and lying parallel to said inlet.
EP87115906A 1986-11-04 1987-10-29 Thermal printer with a document pinch and feed roller Expired - Lifetime EP0266679B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8615353 1986-11-04
FR8615353A FR2605932B1 (en) 1986-11-04 1986-11-04 PRINTER WITH THERMAL PRINTHEAD COMPRISING A PRESSING AND DRIVING ROLL OF A PRINTED DOCUMENT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0266679A1 EP0266679A1 (en) 1988-05-11
EP0266679B1 true EP0266679B1 (en) 1991-10-16

Family

ID=9340512

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87115906A Expired - Lifetime EP0266679B1 (en) 1986-11-04 1987-10-29 Thermal printer with a document pinch and feed roller

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US4844631A (en)
EP (1) EP0266679B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3773837D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2026882T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2605932B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5139351A (en) * 1987-10-22 1992-08-18 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Thermal recording apparatus having a movable platen roller
US4978973A (en) * 1988-12-13 1990-12-18 Kanzaki Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd. Thermal printer
JPH04301474A (en) * 1991-03-29 1992-10-26 Kanzaki Paper Mfg Co Ltd Thermal transfer printer
US5492061A (en) * 1993-09-28 1996-02-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Thermal printing method
JP3600634B2 (en) * 1994-05-18 2004-12-15 ペンタックス株式会社 Thermal printer
SG68612A1 (en) 1996-03-14 1999-11-16 Seiko Epson Corp Printer and control method therefor

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4000393A (en) * 1974-08-29 1976-12-28 Texas Instruments Incorporated Thermal printhead assembly
US4234261A (en) * 1977-04-04 1980-11-18 Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft Printer
JPS6316531Y2 (en) * 1981-06-19 1988-05-11
FR2523036A1 (en) * 1982-03-15 1983-09-16 Realisations Etudes Electro COMPACT PRINTER
US4422782A (en) * 1982-06-28 1983-12-27 Ncr Corporation Record member feed and support mechanism
DE3264044D1 (en) * 1982-07-29 1985-07-11 Mannesmann Ag Apparatus for feeding record carriers to printers, in particular matrix printers
US4439051A (en) * 1982-09-24 1984-03-27 Ncr Corporation Single printing station, multiple record member feeding mechanism
JPS6073889A (en) * 1983-09-30 1985-04-26 Toshiba Corp Printer
JPS6085979A (en) * 1983-10-17 1985-05-15 Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd Paper-supplying method
JPS60201979A (en) * 1984-03-27 1985-10-12 Sato :Kk Opening and closing mechanism for printing head in printer
EP0157735A3 (en) * 1984-04-02 1988-09-14 Kurt Rünzi Device for feeding sheets to the platen of an office machine
US4583873A (en) * 1984-06-06 1986-04-22 International Business Machines Corporation Printer with integral paper handling apparatus
JPS618369A (en) * 1984-06-22 1986-01-16 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Printer
US4744687A (en) * 1984-09-29 1988-05-17 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Paper feed roller drive system for a printer
JPS61154961A (en) * 1984-12-28 1986-07-14 エヌ・シ−・ア−ル・コ−ポレ−シヨン Dot matrix printer
US4725858A (en) * 1986-08-26 1988-02-16 Miltope Corporation Roller pressure unloading means for a thermal printing mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0266679A1 (en) 1988-05-11
US4844631A (en) 1989-07-04
FR2605932A1 (en) 1988-05-06
ES2026882T3 (en) 1992-05-16
DE3773837D1 (en) 1991-11-21
FR2605932B1 (en) 1988-12-02

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