EP1295727B1 - Accessible and lockable thermal printing device - Google Patents

Accessible and lockable thermal printing device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1295727B1
EP1295727B1 EP02292082A EP02292082A EP1295727B1 EP 1295727 B1 EP1295727 B1 EP 1295727B1 EP 02292082 A EP02292082 A EP 02292082A EP 02292082 A EP02292082 A EP 02292082A EP 1295727 B1 EP1295727 B1 EP 1295727B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roller
hook
line
frame
axle
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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
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EP02292082A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1295727A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Louis
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Axiohm SA
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Axiohm SA
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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
    • 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
    • B41J11/20—Platen adjustments for varying the strength of impression, for a varying number of papers, for wear or for alignment, or for print gap adjustment
    • 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
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • 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
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/02—Framework

Definitions

  • thermal printing devices are generally used for sections of a strip of paper, one side of which is sensitive to heat.
  • Each printed section forming a label or receipt is drawn from a blank roll of paper which is generally housed in a compartment of the apparatus. Access to this compartment for loading the roll is made through an opening closed by a movable wall which carries part of the printer, most often the support roll (and drive) of the paper under the print head, so that the loading and in particular the placement of the primer roll in the printer is facilitated.
  • a print head in the form of a ceramic plate with a line of heating points
  • a spring tending to create a return torque of the wafer around its pivot axis in the direction of the support roller (sometimes called capstan).
  • This restoring torque ensures, on the one hand, the possible erasure of the head when opening and closing the lid that carries it, and on the other hand the locking of this lid in its closed state, the plate pressing on the capstan forming an elastic restraint of the latter, so the lid to which it is attached.
  • the remedy for this drawback is provided by the present invention in that it makes it possible to ensure in a simple and inexpensive way a better relative position between the capstan and the print head, at the moment of printing, and thus of 'improve the quality of it all along the line of heating points.
  • the invention therefore relates to a thermal printing device comprising a fixed frame with a print head provided with a line of heating points and a frame movable relative to the fixed frame, carrying by the ends of an axis a support roll of the paper ribbon between a first position in which the roller is in contact by one of its generators with the line of heated points of the head and a second position in which the roller and the head are distant one of the other.
  • the print head is fixed on the fixed frame and the device comprises a mechanism for maintaining the application of the roll against the line of heating spots, in the first relative position of the frames, comprising a receiving hook of each end of the axis of the roller, slidably mounted on the fixed frame in a direction perpendicular to the line of heating points and subjected to the effect of an elastic return member directed towards the print head.
  • the roller capstan
  • the roller is pressed against the line of points by hooks independent of each other at each end of its axis, it ensures a correct and balanced application of this roller against the line of heating points unlike to known devices in which the pressure exerted by the head on the roll forces the roller into holding bearings which define the orientation of the roller independently of the orientation of the head.
  • the articulation of the cover to the fixed frame is performed with clearance which allows the hooks to compensate for the false parallelism between the line of points and the hinge of the lid.
  • each end of the axis of the roll is carried by the movable frame in a light substantially parallel to the direction of the sliding of the hook when the mobile frame is in its first position aforesaid.
  • the print head comprises a ceramic plate associated with a metal radiator
  • the fixed frame is formed by the radiator disposed as a spacer between two brackets each with a guide bracket. sliding for a hook, substantially perpendicular to the radiator.
  • This simple construction makes it possible to provide a minimum number of identical pieces to cover a whole range of different printing devices. by the width of the ribbon of paper to be printed.
  • FIG. 1 In Figure 1 are shown the main components of a thermal printer according to the invention. It is firstly a chassis 1 equipped with a print head 2 and a pair of hooks 3 and 4.
  • the frame 1 is intended to be fixed to a general frame 5 which is the structure to which is also reported a geared motor unit 6 and an element 7 belonging to a device for cutting the printed sections of the paper.
  • the printer also comprises a frame 8 which rotates a roll 9 support and drive the paper to be printed.
  • This roller is secured to a not shown axis in the figure and fitted at one of its ends, in known manner, a gear wheel 9 has for its driving by the gear motor 6 group.
  • these devices are intended to be integrated in a more complete structure which defines in particular a housing for a heat-sensitive paper roll, an outer cowling to constitute either a portable apparatus for integrated circuit card transactions, or a means for of rescue a receipt, a statement, a label associated for example with a terminal of payment, a distributor of banknotes or with any transaction.
  • This structure generally comprises a closing wall of the access to the housing compartment of the roll of paper to be printed, which wall is movable relative to the rest of the structure and which carries the frame 8, henceforth called a moving frame.
  • the rest of the structure integrates the frame 5 with the frame 1 which is therefore the fixed frame.
  • the arrow A of the drawing of FIG. 1 represents the possible path of distance and of approaching the two frames, the wall carrying the frame 8 being for example a hinged lid on the rest of the structure around an axis not shown parallel to the print head 2.
  • the frame 1 is constituted by the metal radiator 20 of the print head 2 on which is, in known manner, a ceramic plate 21 equipped with a line of heating points 22 and electrical conductors and electronic control components and two brackets 10 and 11 attached to the radiator 20 by appropriate means 12 and 13 (solder, screw ).
  • Each bracket 10, 11 includes a tab 10, 11a for fixing the back of the radiator 20 and a cross member 10 b, 11b perpendicular to the radiator and separated from the corresponding end of the latter by a space in which is housed the hook 3, 4 corresponding.
  • Each hook as shown in Figures 2 and 3 is formed by a plate 30, 40 cut, of thickness substantially equal to the aforesaid space and having, behind the radiator 20 and overhanging thereof, a housing 31, 41 Between the bottom of the housing and open on the radiator side, a spring 33, 43 is housed whose effect tends to recall each hook to the rear of the radiator.
  • Each plate 30, 40 has a slot 34, 44 into which a finger 23, 24 integral with the radiator 20 at its end facing each crossbar 10b , 11b . The fingers and lights limit the sliding of the hooks. Their guiding along the crosspieces 10b , 11b of the brackets is formed by flanges 14, 15 forming slides.
  • each plate 30, 40 located at the front of the print head 2 is cut in the form of a hook with an opening 35, 45 defining a free end or nose 36, 46 (see Figure 3 for the hook 4) .
  • An outer surface 47 of the spout 46 and inclined with respect to the direction of sliding of the hook forms an input cam for a bearing 90 surrounding the end 91 of the capstan axis 9.
  • An inner surface 48 of the hook is also inclined relative to the sliding direction of the hook but in the other direction (it is of course the same for the hook 3).
  • the frame 8 carries the capstan 9 by partitions 81 between which, in line with the hooks 3 and 4, the axis 91 with its bearings 90 is exposed and can cooperate with the hooks 3 and 4 to penetrate the openings 35. 45.
  • the partitions 80 hold the axis 91 in slots 81, the longest dimension of which is substantially perpendicular to the print head 2 when the capstan 9 is in contact with the line of heating spots.
  • each hook is biased against the head 2 for each spring 33, 43 which has the effect on the one hand, to retain the bearing 90 at the bottom of the opening 45 and thus oppose (at least to a certain degree) to a movement of the capstan in the direction of the opening of the lid (opposite the arrow A Figure 3) and secondly, to apply the capstan against the print head 2 and more precisely against the line of points 22.
  • Each hook being independent, its action at the corresponding end of the axis 91 allows a balanced application of the capstan on the line of heating points which can take into account and correct a positional error of the print head.
  • the bearings 90 at the end of the shaft 91 facing the hooks 3, 4 have the advantage of practically not opposing any rolling resistance of the capstan 2 on the paper covering the head 2 at the closure of the lid and during operation. of the printer.
  • the effort to be developed to separate the chassis 8 from the chassis 1 depends on the shape of the opening 45 at the spout 46. If this shape is shallow, this separation can be carried out by lifting the cover, the restoring force of the hooks that can be overcome by the lifting effort.
  • the locking is positive and the hooks 3 and 4 must be maneuvered in order to release the axle 91.
  • a pusher may be provided for this purpose and in a manual operation of the hooks to move them away. of the print head, the surfaces such as 48 of Figure 3 push the bearings 90 past the spout 46 and promote the unlocking of the lid.
  • the pusher will be provided to act on both hooks at once without however, to constitute a link of these hooks in order to preserve their individual action on the capstan.
  • the axis 91 of the roller 9 is carried in bearings of the frame 8. Nevertheless, to benefit from the corrective action of the hooks on the relative orientation of the axis 91 relative to at the print head 2, and insofar as the mobile frame 8 is carried by a hinged lid to a structure that integrates the fixed frame 1, there is provision for play in this hinge whose axis is substantially parallel to the line of heating points.

Landscapes

  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Common Mechanisms (AREA)
  • Handling Of Sheets (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Description

Dans le domaine de l'édition d'étiquettes ou de reçus, on utilise généralement des dispositifs d'impression thermique de tronçons d'un ruban de papier dont une face est sensible à la chaleur.In the field of the edition of labels or receipts, thermal printing devices are generally used for sections of a strip of paper, one side of which is sensitive to heat.

Chaque tronçon imprimé formant étiquette ou reçu est tiré d'un rouleau de papier vierge qui est en général logé dans un compartiment de l'appareil. L'accès à ce compartiment pour le chargement du rouleau est réalisé au travers d'une ouverture fermée par une paroi mobile qui porte une partie de l'imprimante, le plus souvent le rouleau d'appui (et d'entraînement) du papier sous la tête d'impression, de sorte que le chargement et notamment le placement de l'amorce du rouleau dans l'imprimante s'en trouve facilité.Each printed section forming a label or receipt is drawn from a blank roll of paper which is generally housed in a compartment of the apparatus. Access to this compartment for loading the roll is made through an opening closed by a movable wall which carries part of the printer, most often the support roll (and drive) of the paper under the print head, so that the loading and in particular the placement of the primer roll in the printer is facilitated.

Il existe plusieurs dispositifs qui mettent en oeuvre une imprimante ouvrante. Certains d'entre eux comportent une tête d'impression (sous forme d'une plaquette de céramique avec une ligne de points chauffants) montée de manière pivotante sur un châssis fixe et associée à un ressort tendant à créer un couple de rappel de la plaquette autour de son axe de pivotement en direction du rouleau d'appui (parfois dénommé cabestan). Ce couple de rappel assure d'une part l'effacement possible de la tête au passage à l'ouverture comme à la fermeture du couvercle qui le porte et d'autre part le verrouillage de ce couvercle dans son état fermé, la plaquette en appui sur le cabestan formant une retenue élastique de ce dernier, donc du couvercle auquel il est attaché.There are several devices that implement an opening printer. Some of them comprise a print head (in the form of a ceramic plate with a line of heating points) pivotally mounted on a fixed frame and associated with a spring tending to create a return torque of the wafer around its pivot axis in the direction of the support roller (sometimes called capstan). This restoring torque ensures, on the one hand, the possible erasure of the head when opening and closing the lid that carries it, and on the other hand the locking of this lid in its closed state, the plate pressing on the capstan forming an elastic restraint of the latter, so the lid to which it is attached.

L'inconvénient principal de ces dispositifs réside dans le non parallélisme entre l'axe de pivotement de la tête et celui du cabestan, qui tient aux tolérances constructives, à l'usure... facteurs non maîtrisables à des coûts raisonnables. Cette absence de parallélisme engendre un appui non uniforme de la tête d'impression (ligne de points) sur le papier qui se traduit par une qualité d'impression variable dans le sens de la largeur du ruban de papier sensible thermiquement.The main disadvantage of these devices lies in the non-parallelism between the pivot axis of the head and that of the capstan, which is due to constructive tolerances, wear ... factors that can not be controlled at reasonable costs. This lack of parallelism causes non-uniform support of the print head (line of dots) on the paper which results in a quality print variable in the width direction of the thermally sensitive paper ribbon.

Le remède à cet inconvénient est apporté par la présente invention en ce qu'elle permet d'assurer de manière simple et peu coûteuse une meilleure position relative entre le cabestan et la tête d'impression, au moment de l'impression, et ainsi d'améliorer la qualité de celle-ci tout au long de la ligne de points chauffants.The remedy for this drawback is provided by the present invention in that it makes it possible to ensure in a simple and inexpensive way a better relative position between the capstan and the print head, at the moment of printing, and thus of 'improve the quality of it all along the line of heating points.

A cet effet l'invention a donc pour objet un dispositif d'impression thermique comportant un châssis fixe avec une tête d'impression pourvue d'une ligne de points chauffants et un châssis mobile par rapport au châssis fixe, portant par les extrémités d'un axe un rouleau de soutien du ruban de papier entre une première position dans laquelle le rouleau est en contact par l'une de ses génératrices avec la ligne de points chauffants de la tête et une seconde position dans laquelle le rouleau et la tête sont éloignés l'un de l'autre. De manière caractéristique la tête d'impression est fixe sur le châssis fixe et le dispositif comporte un mécanisme de maintien de l'application du rouleau contre la ligne de points chauffants, dans la première position relative des châssis, comprenant un crochet de réception de chaque extrémité de l'axe du rouleau, monté coulissant sur le châssis fixe selon une direction perpendiculaire à la ligne de points chauffants et soumis à l'effet d'un organe élastique de rappel dirigé vers la tête d'impression.For this purpose the invention therefore relates to a thermal printing device comprising a fixed frame with a print head provided with a line of heating points and a frame movable relative to the fixed frame, carrying by the ends of an axis a support roll of the paper ribbon between a first position in which the roller is in contact by one of its generators with the line of heated points of the head and a second position in which the roller and the head are distant one of the other. Typically, the print head is fixed on the fixed frame and the device comprises a mechanism for maintaining the application of the roll against the line of heating spots, in the first relative position of the frames, comprising a receiving hook of each end of the axis of the roller, slidably mounted on the fixed frame in a direction perpendicular to the line of heating points and subjected to the effect of an elastic return member directed towards the print head.

Dans l'invention, en prévoyant une tête d'impression absolument fixe dans le châssis fixe, on supprime toute incertitude de position de la tête par rapport à ce châssis fixe, incertitude qui existe par construction dans les têtes pivotantes de l'état de la technique du fait des tolérances de l'articulation à la fabrication (les châssis sont en général en matière plastique) et des jeux évoluant avec l'usure du matériel. En ayant ensuite prévu que le rouleau (cabestan) soit plaqué contre la ligne de points par des crochets indépendants l'un de l'autre à chacune des extrémités de son axe, on assure une application correcte et équilibrée de ce rouleau contre la ligne de points chauffants contrairement aux dispositifs connus dans lesquels la pression exercée par la tête sur le rouleau force le rouleau dans des paliers de maintien qui définissent l'orientation du rouleau indépendamment de l'orientation de la tête.In the invention, by providing an absolutely fixed print head in the fixed frame, it eliminates any uncertainty of position of the head relative to this fixed frame, uncertainty that exists by construction in the pivoting heads of the state of the technical due to the tolerances of the articulation to manufacture (the frames are generally made of plastic) and games evolving with the wear of the material. Having then provided that the roller (capstan) is pressed against the line of points by hooks independent of each other at each end of its axis, it ensures a correct and balanced application of this roller against the line of heating points unlike to known devices in which the pressure exerted by the head on the roll forces the roller into holding bearings which define the orientation of the roller independently of the orientation of the head.

Pour autoriser cette prise en charge sans contrainte du rouleau par les crochets, dans le cas où le rouleau est articulé au châssis mobile et dans le cas où ce châssis mobile est un couvercle articulé au châssis fixe autour d'un axe parallèle à la ligne de points chauffants, l'articulation du couvercle au châssis fixe est réalisée avec jeu ce qui permet aux crochets de compenser le faux parallélisme entre la ligne de points et l'articulation du couvercle.To allow this support without constraint of the roller by the hooks, in the case where the roller is articulated to the movable frame and in the case where the mobile frame is a hinged lid to the fixed frame around an axis parallel to the line of heating points, the articulation of the cover to the fixed frame is performed with clearance which allows the hooks to compensate for the false parallelism between the line of points and the hinge of the lid.

De manière préférée pour que le rouleau ait une liberté de position maximale par rapport au châssis mobile qui le porte, chaque extrémité de l'axe du rouleau est portée par le châssis mobile dans une lumière sensiblement parallèle à la direction du coulissement du crochet lorsque le châssis mobile est dans sa première position susdite.In a preferred manner so that the roll has a maximum freedom of position relative to the mobile frame which carries it, each end of the axis of the roll is carried by the movable frame in a light substantially parallel to the direction of the sliding of the hook when the mobile frame is in its first position aforesaid.

Un mode de réalisation avantageux du dispositif de l'invention dans lequel la tête d'impression comporte une plaque de céramique associée à un radiateur métallique, le châssis fixe est formé par le radiateur disposé comme entretoise entre deux supports en équerre comportant chacune un guide de coulissement pour un crochet, sensiblement perpendiculaire au radiateur.An advantageous embodiment of the device of the invention in which the print head comprises a ceramic plate associated with a metal radiator, the fixed frame is formed by the radiator disposed as a spacer between two brackets each with a guide bracket. sliding for a hook, substantially perpendicular to the radiator.

Cette construction simple permet de prévoir un nombre minimal de pièces, identiques, pour couvrir toute une gamme de dispositifs d'impression se différenciant par la largeur du ruban de papier à imprimer.This simple construction makes it possible to provide a minimum number of identical pieces to cover a whole range of different printing devices. by the width of the ribbon of paper to be printed.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-après d'un exemple de sa réalisation.Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description given below of an example of its embodiment.

Il sera fait référence aux dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique éclatée des différents constituants d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 illustre le dispositif de l'invention par une coupe schématique horizontale du châssis fixe au niveau des crochets ;
  • la figure 3 est un schéma illustrant la coopération des châssis fixe et mobile au voisinage de leur première position relative.
Reference will be made to the appended drawings among which:
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic view of the various constituents of a device according to the invention,
  • Figure 2 illustrates the device of the invention by a schematic horizontal section of the fixed frame at the hooks;
  • Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the cooperation of the fixed and movable frame in the vicinity of their first relative position.

A la figure 1 sont représentés les principaux constituants d'une imprimante thermique selon l'invention. Il s'agit tout d'abord d'un châssis 1 équipé d'une tête d'impression 2 et d'une paire de crochets 3 et 4. Le châssis 1 est destiné à être fixé à un bâti général 5 qui est la structure à laquelle est également rapporté un groupe moto-réducteur 6 et un élément 7 appartenant à un dispositif de découpe des tronçons imprimés du papier.In Figure 1 are shown the main components of a thermal printer according to the invention. It is firstly a chassis 1 equipped with a print head 2 and a pair of hooks 3 and 4. The frame 1 is intended to be fixed to a general frame 5 which is the structure to which is also reported a geared motor unit 6 and an element 7 belonging to a device for cutting the printed sections of the paper.

L'imprimante comporte également un châssis 8 qui porte à rotation un rouleau 9 d'appui et d'entraînement du papier à imprimer. Ce rouleau est solidaire d'un axe non visible sur la figure et équipé à l'une de ses extrémités, de manière connue, d'une roue dentée 9a pour son entraînement par le groupe moto-réducteur 6.The printer also comprises a frame 8 which rotates a roll 9 support and drive the paper to be printed. This roller is secured to a not shown axis in the figure and fitted at one of its ends, in known manner, a gear wheel 9 has for its driving by the gear motor 6 group.

De manière connue ces équipements sont destinés à être intégrés dans une structure plus complète qui définit notamment un logement pour un rouleau de papier sensible thermiquement, un capotage extérieur pour constituer, soit un appareil portatif destiné aux transactions par carte à circuits intégrés, soit un moyen de délivrance d'un reçu, d'un relevé, d'une étiquette associée par exemple à une borne de paiement, un distributeur de billets de banque ou à toute transaction.As is known, these devices are intended to be integrated in a more complete structure which defines in particular a housing for a heat-sensitive paper roll, an outer cowling to constitute either a portable apparatus for integrated circuit card transactions, or a means for of rescue a receipt, a statement, a label associated for example with a terminal of payment, a distributor of banknotes or with any transaction.

Cette structure comporte en général une paroi de fermeture de l'accès au compartiment de logement du rouleau de papier à imprimer, paroi qui est mobile par rapport au reste de la structure et qui porte le châssis 8 nommé dès lors châssis mobile. Le reste de la structure intègre le bâti 5 avec le châssis 1 qui est donc le châssis fixe. La flèche A du dessin de la figure 1 représente le trajet possible d'éloignement et de rapprochement des deux châssis, la paroi portant le châssis 8 étant par exemple un couvercle articulé sur le reste de la structure autour d'un axe non représenté parallèle à la tête d'impression 2.This structure generally comprises a closing wall of the access to the housing compartment of the roll of paper to be printed, which wall is movable relative to the rest of the structure and which carries the frame 8, henceforth called a moving frame. The rest of the structure integrates the frame 5 with the frame 1 which is therefore the fixed frame. The arrow A of the drawing of FIG. 1 represents the possible path of distance and of approaching the two frames, the wall carrying the frame 8 being for example a hinged lid on the rest of the structure around an axis not shown parallel to the print head 2.

De manière plus détaillée et en référence également aux figures 2 et 3, le châssis 1 est constitué par le radiateur métallique 20 de la tête d'impression 2 sur lequel est, de manière connue, rapportée une plaquette de céramique 21 équipée d'une ligne de points chauffants 22 et des conducteurs électriques et composants électroniques de commande et par deux équerres 10 et 11 fixées à ce radiateur 20 par des moyens appropriés 12 et 13 (soudure, vis...).In more detail and with reference also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 1 is constituted by the metal radiator 20 of the print head 2 on which is, in known manner, a ceramic plate 21 equipped with a line of heating points 22 and electrical conductors and electronic control components and two brackets 10 and 11 attached to the radiator 20 by appropriate means 12 and 13 (solder, screw ...).

Chaque équerre 10, 11 comporte une patte 10a, 11a pour sa fixation au dos du radiateur 20 et une traverse 10b, 11b perpendiculaire au radiateur et séparée de l'extrémité correspondante de ce dernier par un espace dans lequel est logé le crochet 3, 4 correspondant. Chaque crochet, comme représenté aux figures 2 et 3 est formé par une plaque 30, 40 découpée, d'épaisseur sensiblement égale à l'espace susdit et comportant, derrière le radiateur 20 et en surplomb de celui-ci, un logement 31, 41. Entre le fond du logement et ouvert du côté du radiateur, un ressort 33, 43 est logé dont l'effet tend à rappeler chaque crochet vers l'arrière du radiateur. Chaque plaque 30, 40 comporte une lumière 34, 44 dans laquelle pénètre un doigt 23, 24 solidaire du radiateur 20 à son extrémité en regard de chaque traverse 10b, 11 b. Les doigts et lumières limitent le coulissement des crochets. Leur guidage le long des traverses 10b, 11b des équerres est réalisé par des rebords 14, 15 formant glissières.Each bracket 10, 11 includes a tab 10, 11a for fixing the back of the radiator 20 and a cross member 10 b, 11b perpendicular to the radiator and separated from the corresponding end of the latter by a space in which is housed the hook 3, 4 corresponding. Each hook, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 is formed by a plate 30, 40 cut, of thickness substantially equal to the aforesaid space and having, behind the radiator 20 and overhanging thereof, a housing 31, 41 Between the bottom of the housing and open on the radiator side, a spring 33, 43 is housed whose effect tends to recall each hook to the rear of the radiator. Each plate 30, 40 has a slot 34, 44 into which a finger 23, 24 integral with the radiator 20 at its end facing each crossbar 10b , 11b . The fingers and lights limit the sliding of the hooks. Their guiding along the crosspieces 10b , 11b of the brackets is formed by flanges 14, 15 forming slides.

La partie de chaque plaque 30, 40 située à l'avant de la tête d'impression 2 est découpée en forme de crochet avec une ouverture 35, 45 définissant une extrémité libre ou bec 36, 46 (voir figure 3 pour le crochet 4). Une surface 47 extérieure du bec 46 et inclinée par rapport à la direction de coulissement du crochet forme une came d'entrée pour un palier 90 entourant l'extrémité 91 de l'axe du cabestan 9. Une surface intérieure 48 du crochet est également inclinée par rapport à la direction de coulissement du crochet mais dans l'autre sens (il en est bien entendu de même pour le crochet 3).The portion of each plate 30, 40 located at the front of the print head 2 is cut in the form of a hook with an opening 35, 45 defining a free end or nose 36, 46 (see Figure 3 for the hook 4) . An outer surface 47 of the spout 46 and inclined with respect to the direction of sliding of the hook forms an input cam for a bearing 90 surrounding the end 91 of the capstan axis 9. An inner surface 48 of the hook is also inclined relative to the sliding direction of the hook but in the other direction (it is of course the same for the hook 3).

On notera que le châssis 8 porte le cabestan 9 par des cloisons 81 entre lesquelles, au droit des crochets 3 et 4, l'axe 91 avec ses paliers 90 est découvert et peut coopérer avec les crochets 3 et 4 pour pénétrer dans les ouvertures 35, 45. En outre, les cloisons 80 retiennent l'axe 91 dans des lumières 81 dont la dimension la plus longue est sensiblement perpendiculaire à la tête d'impression 2 lorsque le cabestan 9 est au contact de la ligne de points chauffants.It will be noted that the frame 8 carries the capstan 9 by partitions 81 between which, in line with the hooks 3 and 4, the axis 91 with its bearings 90 is exposed and can cooperate with the hooks 3 and 4 to penetrate the openings 35. 45. In addition, the partitions 80 hold the axis 91 in slots 81, the longest dimension of which is substantially perpendicular to the print head 2 when the capstan 9 is in contact with the line of heating spots.

Lorsque le couvercle portant le châssis 8 est rabattu pour fermer le compartiment du rouleau de papier, à la fin du mouvement (flèche A figure 3), le cabestan 9 vient au contact de la tête d'impression et roule sur celle-ci. Dans la lumière 81, l'axe 91 ne peut plus se déplacer vers la gauche de la figure 3. Le palier 90 parvient donc au contact de la surface de came 47 (et 37 pour le crochet 3) inclinée et la poursuite de la fermeture entraîne un déplacement des crochets 3 et 4 vers la droite de la figure 3 (flèche B) permettant alors au palier 90 du cabestan de pénétrer dans l'ouverture 45. Le palier ayant passé le bec 46, chaque crochet est rappelé contre la tête 2 pour chaque ressort 33, 43 ce qui a pour effet d'une part, de retenir le palier 90 au fond de l'ouverture 45 et ainsi s'opposer (au moins jusqu'à un certain degré) à un mouvement du cabestan dans le sens de l'ouverture du couvercle (opposé à la flèche A figure 3) et d'autre part, à appliquer le cabestan contre la tête d'impression 2 et plus précisément contre la ligne de points 22. Chaque crochet étant indépendant, son action à l'extrémité correspondante de l'axe 91 permet une application équilibrée du cabestan sur la ligne de points chauffants qui peut prendre en compte et corriger un défaut de position de la tête d'impression. On notera que les paliers 90 en extrémité d'arbre 91 en regard des crochets 3, 4 ont pour intérêt de n'opposer pratiquement aucune résistance au roulement du cabestan 2 sur le papier recouvrant la tête 2 à la fermeture du couvercle et pendant le fonctionnement de l'imprimante.When the cover carrying the frame 8 is folded down to close the paper roll compartment, at the end of the movement (arrow A Figure 3), the capstan 9 comes into contact with the print head and rolls on it. In the light 81, the axis 91 can no longer move to the left of FIG. 3. The bearing 90 thus comes into contact with the cam surface 47 (and 37 for the hook 3) inclined and the continuation of the closure causes a displacement of the hooks 3 and 4 to the right of Figure 3 (arrow B) then allowing the bearing 90 of the capstan to enter the opening 45. The bearing having passed the spout 46, each hook is biased against the head 2 for each spring 33, 43 which has the effect on the one hand, to retain the bearing 90 at the bottom of the opening 45 and thus oppose (at least to a certain degree) to a movement of the capstan in the direction of the opening of the lid (opposite the arrow A Figure 3) and secondly, to apply the capstan against the print head 2 and more precisely against the line of points 22. Each hook being independent, its action at the corresponding end of the axis 91 allows a balanced application of the capstan on the line of heating points which can take into account and correct a positional error of the print head. It will be noted that the bearings 90 at the end of the shaft 91 facing the hooks 3, 4 have the advantage of practically not opposing any rolling resistance of the capstan 2 on the paper covering the head 2 at the closure of the lid and during operation. of the printer.

L'effort à développer pour séparer le châssis 8 du châssis 1 dépend de la forme de l'ouverture 45 au niveau du bec 46. Si cette forme est peu profonde on peut procéder à cette séparation en soulevant le couvercle, la force de rappel des crochets pouvant être vaincue par l'effort de soulèvement. En revanche dans une ouverture en forme d'encoche profonde, le verrouillage est positif et il faut manoeuvrer les crochets 3 et 4 pour libérer l'axe 91. Un poussoir peut être prévu à cet effet et dans une manoeuvre manuelle des crochets pour les éloigner de la tête d'impression, les surfaces telles que 48 de la figure 3 repoussent les paliers 90 au-delà du bec 46 et favorisent le déverrouillage du couvercle. Le poussoir sera prévu pour agir sur les deux crochets à la fois sans pour autant constituer une liaison de ces crochets afin de préserver leur action individuelle sur le cabestan.The effort to be developed to separate the chassis 8 from the chassis 1 depends on the shape of the opening 45 at the spout 46. If this shape is shallow, this separation can be carried out by lifting the cover, the restoring force of the hooks that can be overcome by the lifting effort. On the other hand, in an opening in the form of a deep notch, the locking is positive and the hooks 3 and 4 must be maneuvered in order to release the axle 91. A pusher may be provided for this purpose and in a manual operation of the hooks to move them away. of the print head, the surfaces such as 48 of Figure 3 push the bearings 90 past the spout 46 and promote the unlocking of the lid. The pusher will be provided to act on both hooks at once without however, to constitute a link of these hooks in order to preserve their individual action on the capstan.

Dans une variante de réalisation non représentée de l'invention, l'axe 91 du rouleau 9 est porté dans des paliers du châssis 8. Pour néanmoins bénéficier de l'action correctrice des crochets sur l'orientation relative de l'axe 91 par rapport à la tête d'impression 2, et dans la mesure où le châssis mobile 8 est porté par un couvercle articulé à une structure qui intègre le châssis fixe 1, il est prévu du jeu dans cette articulation dont l'axe est sensiblement parallèle à la ligne de points chauffants.In a not shown embodiment of the invention, the axis 91 of the roller 9 is carried in bearings of the frame 8. Nevertheless, to benefit from the corrective action of the hooks on the relative orientation of the axis 91 relative to at the print head 2, and insofar as the mobile frame 8 is carried by a hinged lid to a structure that integrates the fixed frame 1, there is provision for play in this hinge whose axis is substantially parallel to the line of heating points.

Claims (6)

  1. An opening thermal printer device comprising a stationary frame (1) having a print head (2) provided with a line of heater points (22) and a moving frame (8) that carries a backing roller (9) for paper strip via the ends of an axle (90, 91), and that moves relative to the stationary frame (1) between a first relative position in which the roller (9) has one of its generator lines in contact with the line of heater points (22) of the head (2), and a second relative position in which the roller (9) and the head (2) are spaced apart from each other, the device being characterized in that the print head (2) is fixed to the stationary frame (1) and in that it includes a holding mechanism for pressing the roller (9) against the line of heater points (22) when the frames are in the first relative position, the mechanism comprising respective hooks (3, 4) for receiving each of the ends of the axle (90, 91) of the roller (9), the hooks being slidably mounted on the stationary frame (1) to move in a direction perpendicular to the line of heater points (22) and being subject to the action of respective resilient return members (33, 43) directed towards the print head (2).
  2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving frame (8) is hinged to the stationary frame (1) about an axis that is substantially parallel to the line of heater points (22), with play.
  3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that each end of the axle (90, 91) of the roller (9) is carried by the moving frame (8) in a slot (81) substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the hooks (3, 4) when the moving frame (8) is in its above-mentioned first relative position.
  4. A device according to any preceding claim in which the print head (2) comprises a ceramic plate (21) associated with a metal radiator (20), the device being characterized in that the stationary frame (1) is formed by the radiator (20) disposed as a spacer between two bracket supports (10, 11) each having a sliding guide (14, 15) for one of the hooks (3, 4) extending substantially perpendicular to the radiator (20).
  5. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the free end (46) of each hook carries on its outside an inlet cam surface (47) for the axle (90, 91) of the roller (9) so as to move the hook (3, 4) away from the radiator (20) while the axle of the roller is going past during the movement (A) of the moving frame (8) from its second relative position towards its first relative position.
  6. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that each hook (3, 4) possesses an inside cam surface (48) for forcing the axle (90, 91) of the roller (9) to become disengaged from the hook when the hook is moved against the force of the return member.
EP02292082A 2001-09-21 2002-08-22 Accessible and lockable thermal printing device Expired - Lifetime EP1295727B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0112200A FR2829964B1 (en) 2001-09-21 2001-09-21 OPENABLE AND LOCKABLE THERMAL PRINTING DEVICE
FR0112200 2001-09-21

Publications (2)

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EP1295727A1 EP1295727A1 (en) 2003-03-26
EP1295727B1 true EP1295727B1 (en) 2006-08-02

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EP02292082A Expired - Lifetime EP1295727B1 (en) 2001-09-21 2002-08-22 Accessible and lockable thermal printing device

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US (1) US6567113B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1295727B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2003136768A (en)
DE (1) DE60213533T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2829964B1 (en)

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JP4273110B2 (en) * 2005-09-14 2009-06-03 Ｎｅｃインフロンティア株式会社 Frame open mechanism and thermal printer
JP5196719B2 (en) * 2005-10-25 2013-05-15 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 Thermal printer
JP4761465B2 (en) * 2006-09-15 2011-08-31 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Thermal printer
JP2008179087A (en) * 2007-01-25 2008-08-07 Seiko Instruments Inc Platen retaining mechanism and recording unit
JP4827035B2 (en) * 2007-01-25 2011-11-30 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Platen holding mechanism and recording apparatus
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US20090148217A1 (en) * 2007-12-06 2009-06-11 Tsuyoshi Sanada Thermal printer
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2829964B1 (en) 2003-12-05
FR2829964A1 (en) 2003-03-28
JP2003136768A (en) 2003-05-14
US6567113B2 (en) 2003-05-20
DE60213533D1 (en) 2006-09-14
DE60213533T2 (en) 2007-04-12
EP1295727A1 (en) 2003-03-26
US20030058327A1 (en) 2003-03-27

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