CA1243289A - Tape-ribbon cartridge - Google Patents
Tape-ribbon cartridgeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1243289A CA1243289A CA000466902A CA466902A CA1243289A CA 1243289 A CA1243289 A CA 1243289A CA 000466902 A CA000466902 A CA 000466902A CA 466902 A CA466902 A CA 466902A CA 1243289 A CA1243289 A CA 1243289A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ribbon
- cartridge
- tape
- spool
- disposed
- 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
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J32/00—Ink-ribbon cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/38—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for embossing, e.g. for making matrices for stereotypes
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A tape-ribbon supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved ribbon rewind feature driven by movement of the tape advancement means and positioned in a common plane with the ribbon supply spool.
A tape-ribbon supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved ribbon rewind feature driven by movement of the tape advancement means and positioned in a common plane with the ribbon supply spool.
Description
~3~3g Title: Tape-RibbOn Cartridge The present invention relates generally to an improved tape-ribbon cartridge for use with a lettering apparatus or type composing system, and more particularly, to a tape-ribbon cartridge for housing a supply of lettering tape and lettering ribbon and supplying the same to a lettering station in the above-mentioned apparatus. Further features of the present invention include an improved ribbon rewind feature for rewinding spent ribbon after it has been used at the lettering station of the lettering apparatus.
Typical prior art printing apparatus and type composing systems and tape-ribbon supply cartridges for use therein are described in U.5. Patent Nos. 3,834,507, 3,912,064, 4,015,700, 4,226,547, 4,243,333 and 4,402,612. Each of the machines described in these patents in~ludes a printing or lettering ltation, a raised character positionable into alignment at such station, means for providing a printing or lettering force and means associated with the cartridge for appropri~tely advancing the ~ape and r;bbon. Although the prior tape-ribbon supply cartridges function satisfactorily in many applications, the cartridge of the present invention embodies several improved features. These features include an improved means for rewinding spent ribbon within a portion of the cartridge housing and an improved cartridge construction embodying and housing the ribbon rewind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
-The tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention is adapted for use in a lettering apparatus of the general type having a lettering station, means for providing a raised character or the outline of a character in alignment 3;3~9 1 with such station and a means ~`or creating a force to transfer an image of the raised c~aracter to the tape or to cut out a character in the shape of said outline from the tape. More specifically, the cartridge of the present invention includes a housing embodying a portion containing a supply of tape and ribbon. Means are provided in the form of a shuttle assembly for advancing the t2p2 and ribbon from the supply portion of the housing to the lettering station. This shuttle assembly includes means in the form of a rocker mechanism for increasing the gripping force on the tape during advancement of the tape toward the station and means for releasing such force as the shuttle assembly is moved rearwardly. The rocker mechanism interfaces with an appropriate drive arm on the apparatus and insures a much quicker and more accurate tape advancement.
Means ate also provided for aligning the tape and ribbon and for guiding the tape and ribbon into alignment with the lettering station~ This means includes tape and ribbon guide elements which interface with appropriate portions of the machine to permit centering of the tape and ribbon with respect to the machine rather than the supply cartridge.
The cartrid~e of the present invention also includes an improved ribbon rewind feature for rewinding spent ribbon in a plane which is common with the ribbon supply. This ribbon rewind feature includes a ribbon rewind spool and a pair o~
clutch members for permitting rotation of the ribbon rewind spool in one direction only. One of these clutch members embodies a cylindrical clutch member disposed within the spool to limit relative rotational movement between the cylindrical clutch member and spool to one direction. A second clutch member is disposed between the spool and a portion of the cartridge housing. The ribbon rewind feature also includes 3~
1 means for driving the ribbon rewind spool as a result of reciprocal movement of the shuttle assembly. This means includes a toothed drive arm adapted for engagement with a toothed peripheral edge of the rewind spool mechanism.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tape ribbon supply cartridge for use with a lettering apparatus having a lettering station and means for generating a lettering force.
A further obje~t of the present ;nvention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply cartridge havin~ a ribbon rewind means which is driven by a linkage between the shuttle assemb~y and the r ibbon rewind spool.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply car~ridge having a ribbon rewind feature in which the ribbon is rewound onto a spool disposed in the same plane as the ribbon supply spool.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply cartridge having clutch means permitting the rotation of a ribbon rewind spool in one direction only.
These and other objects of the p~esent invention will become apparent with reference to the drawing, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF TE~E DRAWING
Fi~ure 1, comprised o~ ~igures 1~ and lb, is an exploded, pictorial view of the tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an elevational side view of the inside of the tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention with one side of the housing removed.
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1 Figure 3 is an elevational side viewt with portions broken away, showing the ribbon supply spool and the ratchet means for preventing free-wheeling thereof.
Figure 4 is a view, partially in section, of the ribbon supply spool and ratchet means as viewed alons the section line 4-4 of Figure 3, with the left side housing section added.
Figure 5 is an enlarged elevatisnal side view of a portion of the shuttle assembiy showing the rocker mechanism and leaf spzing in a released position.
Figure 5a is an enlarged ele~ational side view of a portion of the shuttle assembly showing the rocker mechanism and leaf spring in a gripping position.
Figure 6 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 6-6 of Figure 5, with the le~t side housing section added.
Figure 7 is a top elevational view of the rocker mechanism which forms a part of the shuttle assembly.
Figure 8 is a view, partially in section, of the tape-ribbon guide and alignment means as viewed alon~ the sectionline 8-8 of Figure 2, with the left side housing section added and ~he cartridge inserted within ~he apparatus.
Figure 9 is a view, partially in section, of the tape supply gllide and alignment means as viewed along the section line 9-g of Figure ~, with a frame member of the apparatus added.
Figure 10 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed along the section line 10-10 of Figure 2.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed along the section line 11-11 of Figure 10.
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1 Figure 12 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed along the section line 12-12 of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 13-13 of Figure 1, with parts added.
Figure 14 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 14-14 of Figure 1, with parts added.
Figure 15 is an elevational bottom view of the cartridge.
Figure 16 is a pictorial view showing the end of the lo tape supply spool.
DESCRIPTION OF_T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Pceference is first made to Figures 1 and 2 in which the tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention is shown in both an exploded (Figure 1) and an assembled (Figure
Typical prior art printing apparatus and type composing systems and tape-ribbon supply cartridges for use therein are described in U.5. Patent Nos. 3,834,507, 3,912,064, 4,015,700, 4,226,547, 4,243,333 and 4,402,612. Each of the machines described in these patents in~ludes a printing or lettering ltation, a raised character positionable into alignment at such station, means for providing a printing or lettering force and means associated with the cartridge for appropri~tely advancing the ~ape and r;bbon. Although the prior tape-ribbon supply cartridges function satisfactorily in many applications, the cartridge of the present invention embodies several improved features. These features include an improved means for rewinding spent ribbon within a portion of the cartridge housing and an improved cartridge construction embodying and housing the ribbon rewind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
-The tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention is adapted for use in a lettering apparatus of the general type having a lettering station, means for providing a raised character or the outline of a character in alignment 3;3~9 1 with such station and a means ~`or creating a force to transfer an image of the raised c~aracter to the tape or to cut out a character in the shape of said outline from the tape. More specifically, the cartridge of the present invention includes a housing embodying a portion containing a supply of tape and ribbon. Means are provided in the form of a shuttle assembly for advancing the t2p2 and ribbon from the supply portion of the housing to the lettering station. This shuttle assembly includes means in the form of a rocker mechanism for increasing the gripping force on the tape during advancement of the tape toward the station and means for releasing such force as the shuttle assembly is moved rearwardly. The rocker mechanism interfaces with an appropriate drive arm on the apparatus and insures a much quicker and more accurate tape advancement.
Means ate also provided for aligning the tape and ribbon and for guiding the tape and ribbon into alignment with the lettering station~ This means includes tape and ribbon guide elements which interface with appropriate portions of the machine to permit centering of the tape and ribbon with respect to the machine rather than the supply cartridge.
The cartrid~e of the present invention also includes an improved ribbon rewind feature for rewinding spent ribbon in a plane which is common with the ribbon supply. This ribbon rewind feature includes a ribbon rewind spool and a pair o~
clutch members for permitting rotation of the ribbon rewind spool in one direction only. One of these clutch members embodies a cylindrical clutch member disposed within the spool to limit relative rotational movement between the cylindrical clutch member and spool to one direction. A second clutch member is disposed between the spool and a portion of the cartridge housing. The ribbon rewind feature also includes 3~
1 means for driving the ribbon rewind spool as a result of reciprocal movement of the shuttle assembly. This means includes a toothed drive arm adapted for engagement with a toothed peripheral edge of the rewind spool mechanism.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tape ribbon supply cartridge for use with a lettering apparatus having a lettering station and means for generating a lettering force.
A further obje~t of the present ;nvention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply cartridge havin~ a ribbon rewind means which is driven by a linkage between the shuttle assemb~y and the r ibbon rewind spool.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply car~ridge having a ribbon rewind feature in which the ribbon is rewound onto a spool disposed in the same plane as the ribbon supply spool.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply cartridge having clutch means permitting the rotation of a ribbon rewind spool in one direction only.
These and other objects of the p~esent invention will become apparent with reference to the drawing, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF TE~E DRAWING
Fi~ure 1, comprised o~ ~igures 1~ and lb, is an exploded, pictorial view of the tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an elevational side view of the inside of the tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention with one side of the housing removed.
" ~Z~3;21~3~
1 Figure 3 is an elevational side viewt with portions broken away, showing the ribbon supply spool and the ratchet means for preventing free-wheeling thereof.
Figure 4 is a view, partially in section, of the ribbon supply spool and ratchet means as viewed alons the section line 4-4 of Figure 3, with the left side housing section added.
Figure 5 is an enlarged elevatisnal side view of a portion of the shuttle assembiy showing the rocker mechanism and leaf spzing in a released position.
Figure 5a is an enlarged ele~ational side view of a portion of the shuttle assembly showing the rocker mechanism and leaf spring in a gripping position.
Figure 6 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 6-6 of Figure 5, with the le~t side housing section added.
Figure 7 is a top elevational view of the rocker mechanism which forms a part of the shuttle assembly.
Figure 8 is a view, partially in section, of the tape-ribbon guide and alignment means as viewed alon~ the sectionline 8-8 of Figure 2, with the left side housing section added and ~he cartridge inserted within ~he apparatus.
Figure 9 is a view, partially in section, of the tape supply gllide and alignment means as viewed along the section line 9-g of Figure ~, with a frame member of the apparatus added.
Figure 10 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed along the section line 10-10 of Figure 2.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed along the section line 11-11 of Figure 10.
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1 Figure 12 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed along the section line 12-12 of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 13-13 of Figure 1, with parts added.
Figure 14 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 14-14 of Figure 1, with parts added.
Figure 15 is an elevational bottom view of the cartridge.
Figure 16 is a pictorial view showing the end of the lo tape supply spool.
DESCRIPTION OF_T~E PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Pceference is first made to Figures 1 and 2 in which the tape-ribbon supply cartridge of the present invention is shown in both an exploded (Figure 1) and an assembled (Figure
2) form. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing comprised of a pair of side housing sections 11 and 12. Xach of the housing sections 11 and 12 inrludes a rearwardly disposed tape and ribbon supply postion 14 for housing a supply of tape 18 and ribbon 19, a forwardly disposed ribbon rewind portion 15 for housing a ribbon rewind spool 20 and related struc~ure and a sidewall connecting portion 16 joining the tape and ribbon supply portion 14 with ~he ribbon rewind portion 15. The housing also includes a peripheral edge 13 to enclose the portions 14 and 15 when assembled.
Housed within the ca~tridge is a supply of lettering tape 18 and ribbon 19, a means in the form of the ratchet mechanism 21 to preclude free-wheeling of the ribbon supply spool 19, means in the form of a shuttle assembly 22-for advancing the tape and ribbon into alignment with th2 lettering station, means in the form of the tape and ribbon guide member 24 for guiding and properly aligning the tape and ribbon with ` ~2~32139 1 respect to the lettering station and a means for rewinding spent ribbon onto the rewind spool 20.
With continuing reference to Figures 1 and 2, each of the cartridge side housing sections 11 and 12 includes a central support post 26 for rotatably supporting the supply of tape 18. Extending generally radially outwardly from the center post 26 are a plurality of tape support vanes 28 which runction to retain the supply of tape 18 properly positioned within the cartridge. - It should be noted that the width of the vanes 28 will vary to accommodate various widths of tape 18.
Althoush not specifically illustrated, the inside of the cartridge housing section 1~ includes a central tape support post and a plurality of radially extending tape support vanes similar to those shown in the housing section 11. Disposed about a portion of the periphery of the tape supply 18 are a plurality of curved sections 29 which also function to help retain the tape supply 18 within the cartridge and to maintain the same in a relatively circular configuration. The cartridge housing section 12 includes similar portions 297 Disposed on each side of the tape supply 18 is a disc member 30 which has a tack surface on the side ~acing the ~ape supply 18. ~he primary functions of the discs 30 are to prevent the tape supply 18 from free-wheeling or unrolling due to vibrations or movements of ~he cartridge, to pro~ect the side edges of the tape and to maintain the supply of tape in a generally circular configuration.
As shown best in Figure 1, the left side housing section 12 includes a recessed cartridge alignment slot 23 to mate and interface with an indexing or alignment tab 37 (Figure 13) on the machine. A generally v-shaped entrance or lead-in ramp 27 is also provided to guide the indexing tab 37 into ~Z~3289 1 engagement with the slot 23. The relationship between the slot 23 and indexing tab 37 is illustrated best in Figure 13 which shows the tab 37 extending through an opening in the forward frame member 33 of the machine and into the slot 23.
The left side housing section 12 also includes a pair of alignment openings 17, 17 for engagement by a pair of corresponding, spring biased index elements 47a. As shown in Figure 14, the elements 47a are carried by a section 47 of the spring steel or similar material. The spring section 47 is lo secured at its upper end to a portion of a kerning slide 4~b and extends downwardly through an opening 33a in the fram~
member 33 to permit engagemen~ between the elements 47a and the openings 17, 17. As a result of such engagement and the spring 47, the cartridge is biased toward the opposite side of the cartridge receiving cavity. In the preferred embodiment, such cavity is defined by the frame members 98 (Figures 8 and 9) and .
33 (Figures 13 and 14).
The bottom of the tape supply supply portion 14 of the cartridge is providea with an access opening 43 to permit access by a tape sensing mechanism 57 as illustrated in Figure 2. The mechanism 57 includes a pair of rollers 53, 53 which ride against the tape supply 1~ The mechanism 57 is connected with a lever arm for indicating the amount of tape 18 remaining in the cartridge. As the ~ape 18 is used up, ~he mechanism 57 moves upwardly as viewed in Fi~ure 2, ~hereby causinq corresponding movement of a connection linkage to reflect remaining tape supply. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism carries a pair of metal rollers 53, S3 for engagement with the tape supply~ These rollers are connected with appropriate electrical means for causing an audio or visual signal if electrical contact is bridged between the rollers 53, ~z~3~
1 53. As shown in Figure 16, the tape 18 is supported on a spool 9. The end of the tape is provided with a metal foil layer 127. As the tape supply nears its end, the rollers 53, 53 will engage the foil 127 and result in electrical connection between the rollers 53, 53. This in turn causes. a visual-or audio signal indicating to the user that he or she only has a few inches of tape remaining.
As illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more specifically in Figures 3 and 41, the ribbon supply 19 is wound onto a support spool 31 which is integrally joined with a side flange portion 32. Also integrally joined with the spool 31 is a rearwardly disposed ratchet portion 34 having a plurality o~
ratchet teeth disposed about its periphery. A washer 3~ is adapted to be press-fit onto the opposite end of the spool 31 The spool 31 in~ludes an interior cylindrical opening which permits the ribbon supply 19 and associated supporting structure to be mounted for rotational movement on the support post 35. The post 35 is integrally formed with the housing s2ction 11. When disposed between the housin~ sections 11 and 12 as illustrated best in Figure 4, the outer end of the support post 35 mates wi~h a correspondingly located circular flange on the inside surface of the housing section 12. ~ coil spring 38 is disposed in an annular opening in the spool 31 to maintain the ribbon supply 19 in a position biased against the housing section 1~ and to assist in preventing the sibbon supply 19 from freely unwinding.
Additional means are provided for preventing the supply of ribbon 19 from unwinding in the form of the ratchet mechanism 21. As illustrated best in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the ratchet mechanism ~1 includes an elongated, rear~ardly extending ratchet arm 39 having a tooth at its outer end for ~ Z ~ 3 2 ~
1 selective engagement with the teeth in the ratchet member 34.
Extending outwardly from the forward end of the ratchet arm 39 and in a direction generally parallel to the,support post 35 is a ribbon guide member 40. The ratchet mechanism 21 also includes a spring member in the form of a rearwardly extending flexible member 44 which is positioned so that its rearwardmost end is in engag~ment with the top, inner edge of the housing section 11. The entire ratchet mechanism 21 is supported between the housing sections 11 and 1~ in rotational ]0 relationship by the post 41 which extends into small openings in the side wa~l~ o~ the housing sections 11 and 12. A roller or sleeve member 42 is disposed around the post 41 to permit the ribbon 19 to move freely through the ratchet mechanism 21.
The principal function of the ratchet mechanism 21 is to prevent the supply of ribbon 19 from free-wheeling or unwinding from the spool due to vibrations or movements of the cartridge. This s done as a result of engagement between the ratchet tooth of the rearward end of ~he ratchet arm 39 and one of the ratchet teeth in the ratchet member 34. This is shown best in Figure ~. ~he ratchet arm 39 is retained in this engaged position as a result of the spring action caused by the f~exible member 44 acting on thP inside surface of the housing section 11. The ra~che~ arm 39 is released, however, when tension is placed on the ribbon 19. As a force is exerted on th~ ribbon 19 such as by pulling it toward the left in Figure
Housed within the ca~tridge is a supply of lettering tape 18 and ribbon 19, a means in the form of the ratchet mechanism 21 to preclude free-wheeling of the ribbon supply spool 19, means in the form of a shuttle assembly 22-for advancing the tape and ribbon into alignment with th2 lettering station, means in the form of the tape and ribbon guide member 24 for guiding and properly aligning the tape and ribbon with ` ~2~32139 1 respect to the lettering station and a means for rewinding spent ribbon onto the rewind spool 20.
With continuing reference to Figures 1 and 2, each of the cartridge side housing sections 11 and 12 includes a central support post 26 for rotatably supporting the supply of tape 18. Extending generally radially outwardly from the center post 26 are a plurality of tape support vanes 28 which runction to retain the supply of tape 18 properly positioned within the cartridge. - It should be noted that the width of the vanes 28 will vary to accommodate various widths of tape 18.
Althoush not specifically illustrated, the inside of the cartridge housing section 1~ includes a central tape support post and a plurality of radially extending tape support vanes similar to those shown in the housing section 11. Disposed about a portion of the periphery of the tape supply 18 are a plurality of curved sections 29 which also function to help retain the tape supply 18 within the cartridge and to maintain the same in a relatively circular configuration. The cartridge housing section 12 includes similar portions 297 Disposed on each side of the tape supply 18 is a disc member 30 which has a tack surface on the side ~acing the ~ape supply 18. ~he primary functions of the discs 30 are to prevent the tape supply 18 from free-wheeling or unrolling due to vibrations or movements of ~he cartridge, to pro~ect the side edges of the tape and to maintain the supply of tape in a generally circular configuration.
As shown best in Figure 1, the left side housing section 12 includes a recessed cartridge alignment slot 23 to mate and interface with an indexing or alignment tab 37 (Figure 13) on the machine. A generally v-shaped entrance or lead-in ramp 27 is also provided to guide the indexing tab 37 into ~Z~3289 1 engagement with the slot 23. The relationship between the slot 23 and indexing tab 37 is illustrated best in Figure 13 which shows the tab 37 extending through an opening in the forward frame member 33 of the machine and into the slot 23.
The left side housing section 12 also includes a pair of alignment openings 17, 17 for engagement by a pair of corresponding, spring biased index elements 47a. As shown in Figure 14, the elements 47a are carried by a section 47 of the spring steel or similar material. The spring section 47 is lo secured at its upper end to a portion of a kerning slide 4~b and extends downwardly through an opening 33a in the fram~
member 33 to permit engagemen~ between the elements 47a and the openings 17, 17. As a result of such engagement and the spring 47, the cartridge is biased toward the opposite side of the cartridge receiving cavity. In the preferred embodiment, such cavity is defined by the frame members 98 (Figures 8 and 9) and .
33 (Figures 13 and 14).
The bottom of the tape supply supply portion 14 of the cartridge is providea with an access opening 43 to permit access by a tape sensing mechanism 57 as illustrated in Figure 2. The mechanism 57 includes a pair of rollers 53, 53 which ride against the tape supply 1~ The mechanism 57 is connected with a lever arm for indicating the amount of tape 18 remaining in the cartridge. As the ~ape 18 is used up, ~he mechanism 57 moves upwardly as viewed in Fi~ure 2, ~hereby causinq corresponding movement of a connection linkage to reflect remaining tape supply. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism carries a pair of metal rollers 53, S3 for engagement with the tape supply~ These rollers are connected with appropriate electrical means for causing an audio or visual signal if electrical contact is bridged between the rollers 53, ~z~3~
1 53. As shown in Figure 16, the tape 18 is supported on a spool 9. The end of the tape is provided with a metal foil layer 127. As the tape supply nears its end, the rollers 53, 53 will engage the foil 127 and result in electrical connection between the rollers 53, 53. This in turn causes. a visual-or audio signal indicating to the user that he or she only has a few inches of tape remaining.
As illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more specifically in Figures 3 and 41, the ribbon supply 19 is wound onto a support spool 31 which is integrally joined with a side flange portion 32. Also integrally joined with the spool 31 is a rearwardly disposed ratchet portion 34 having a plurality o~
ratchet teeth disposed about its periphery. A washer 3~ is adapted to be press-fit onto the opposite end of the spool 31 The spool 31 in~ludes an interior cylindrical opening which permits the ribbon supply 19 and associated supporting structure to be mounted for rotational movement on the support post 35. The post 35 is integrally formed with the housing s2ction 11. When disposed between the housin~ sections 11 and 12 as illustrated best in Figure 4, the outer end of the support post 35 mates wi~h a correspondingly located circular flange on the inside surface of the housing section 12. ~ coil spring 38 is disposed in an annular opening in the spool 31 to maintain the ribbon supply 19 in a position biased against the housing section 1~ and to assist in preventing the sibbon supply 19 from freely unwinding.
Additional means are provided for preventing the supply of ribbon 19 from unwinding in the form of the ratchet mechanism 21. As illustrated best in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the ratchet mechanism ~1 includes an elongated, rear~ardly extending ratchet arm 39 having a tooth at its outer end for ~ Z ~ 3 2 ~
1 selective engagement with the teeth in the ratchet member 34.
Extending outwardly from the forward end of the ratchet arm 39 and in a direction generally parallel to the,support post 35 is a ribbon guide member 40. The ratchet mechanism 21 also includes a spring member in the form of a rearwardly extending flexible member 44 which is positioned so that its rearwardmost end is in engag~ment with the top, inner edge of the housing section 11. The entire ratchet mechanism 21 is supported between the housing sections 11 and 1~ in rotational ]0 relationship by the post 41 which extends into small openings in the side wa~l~ o~ the housing sections 11 and 12. A roller or sleeve member 42 is disposed around the post 41 to permit the ribbon 19 to move freely through the ratchet mechanism 21.
The principal function of the ratchet mechanism 21 is to prevent the supply of ribbon 19 from free-wheeling or unwinding from the spool due to vibrations or movements of the cartridge. This s done as a result of engagement between the ratchet tooth of the rearward end of ~he ratchet arm 39 and one of the ratchet teeth in the ratchet member 34. This is shown best in Figure ~. ~he ratchet arm 39 is retained in this engaged position as a result of the spring action caused by the f~exible member 44 acting on thP inside surface of the housing section 11. The ra~che~ arm 39 is released, however, when tension is placed on the ribbon 19. As a force is exerted on th~ ribbon 19 such as by pulling it toward the left in Figure
3, the ribbon causes upward movement of the post 40 to the position illustrated by the broken line against the force of the flexible member 44. This similarly causes upward movement of the ratchet arm 39 to the position of the broken line, thus disengaging the ratchet teeth and permitting the ribbon 19 to be fed from the ribbon spool. After leaving the ribbon supply ` :~L2~3;~:~9 I spool 31, the ribbon 19 is directed past the tape clutch post 45 (Figure 2) and through various guide openings in the shuttle assembly 22 and the tape guide means 24, After leaving the tape supply spool, the tape 18 is guided by the paper divider 50 and by various structural elements integrally ormed with the cartridge housing sections 11 and 12 to the shuttle assembly 220 Specifically, the tape 18 is directed above a guide post 46 formed in each of the housing sections 11 and 1~ and then betwe~n the bias member 51 and the means in ~he form of the clutch post 45 for resisting the force of the bias member 51. ~n the preferred embodiment, the bias member 51 is a leaf spring which is supportQd by the surface 49 and retain~d by three retaining elements 48 integrally formed on the surface 49. The clutch post 45 is integrally formed with the inside surface of the housing section 11 and extends outwardly therefrom at right angles.
The top surface of the clutch post 45 i~ generally flat to support the ribbon 19 as it is directed toward the shuttle assembly 22. It should be noted that the leaf spring 51 is prestressed toward the left as viewed in Figure 2 to permit the tape 18 to be advanced toward the left relative to the cartridge housing, but to prevent movement of the tape 18 toward the right. If an attempt is made to move the tape 18 toward the right as viewed in Figure 2, the ou~er edge of the leaf spring 51 digs into the underside of the tape 18 and precludes such movement.
The shuttle assembly 22 is illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more specifically in Figures 5, 6 and 7.
The shuttle assembly 22 includes a rearwardly disposed tape and ribbon guide portion 52 which includes means in the form of the guide slots 55 and 56 (FigurP 6) for guiding the ribbon 19 and ~Z43;~8~
1 the tape 18, respectively, along a path toward the lettering station. Means are also provided for gripping the tape 18 and advancing the same toward the lettering station and means in the form of the forwardly extending support and slide arm 54.
The arm 54 is slidably connected with the inner side wall of the housing section 11 to permit the shuttle assembly 22 to be moved reciprocally between forward and rearward positions.
With reference ~o Figure 6, an upper flange 59 i5 positioned immediately above the vertically spaced guide slots 55 ana 56. The flange 5g in~ludes edge por~ions extending laterally outwardly from the main body portion 52 for supporting and guiding the shut~le assembly 22 along ~he top edge of the housing sections 11 and 12. The left side of the portion 52 as viewed in Figure 5 includes a further guide portion in the form of the recessed area 60 which mates with a corresponding rib on the inside surface of the housing section 12. A spacing tab 58 is connected with the top surface of the member 59 and is adapted for engagement with a spacins ring 131 located on the machine font 128 ~Figure 2) in a manner kn~wn in ~he art.
~ ith reference to Figure 5, the rearward guide portion 52 also includes a bias resis~ing portion 61 and a plurality of leaf spring support members 65, 66 and 68 for supporting and prestressing a leaf spring member 75 in the position illustrated. Speciically, one side edge of the leaf spring 75 is supported by the side surface of the portion 52 while the opposite side edge of the leaf spring 75 is retained by a portion of the member 68 and an overhanging portion 63 of the rocker arm retaining post 62. It should be noted that the leaf spring 75 as viewed in ~igure 5 is prestressed toward the left. Thus, it functions to permit forward movement of the - ~2~32~9 1 tape 18 toward the left relative to the shuttle assembly and to precl~de rearward movement of the tape 18 toward the ~ight relative to the shuttle assembly.
The shuttle assemblv includes a rocker mechanism 69 which functions ~o increase the force of the leaf spring 75 against the bottom surface of the tape 18 when the shuttle is being advanced, and to release the force o~ the spring 75 from the tape 18 when the shuttle is moved rearwardly. The rocker mechanism 69 is pivotally secured with respect to the portion 52 by the pivot post 64. As shown best in Figure 7, the pivot post 64 includes a small outwardly extending flange portion 67 which locks into an opening in the portion 52 to prevent the rocker mechanism 69 from being inadvertently dislodged from its operational position. .~ second retaining pos~ 71 is connected with a side of the rocker mechanism 69 and extends through an arcuate opening 77 (Figure 5) in the portion 52. As illustrated best in Figure 7, the retaining post 71 also includes an outwardly extending tab for retaining the rocker mechanism 69 adjacent to the surface of the portion ~2.
The rocker mech~nism 69 also includes a pair of outwardly extending, forward and rearward drive surfaces or tabs 70, 70. These tabs 70, 70 are spaced apart from one another and define a drive arm receiving cavity for receiving a mating drive arm 125 from the machine into which the cartridge is inserted. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the drive arm 125 is inserted into the receiving cavity between the drive tabs 70, 70 and functions to pivot the rocker mechanism 69 about the pivot 64 and to advance and retract the entire shuttle assembly. During forward movement of the drive arm 125, the rocker mechanism 69 is first pivoted in a generally clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 5 about the pivot 640 328~
1 This initial clockwise movement will cause the post 62 to press the leaf spring 75 more tightly against the bottom surface of the tape 18, thus increasing the gripping force between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18. Following initial clockwise rotation of the rocker mechanism 69, further forward movement of the drive arm 125 results in the entire shuttle assembly being moved in a forward direction. Because of the gripping force between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18, the tape 18 will be advanced forwardly along with the shuttle assembly.
The position of the rocker mechanism 69 during this forward movement is illustrated in Figure 5. After reaching its forwardmost advancement as permitted by engagement between the stop surface 73 and the stop arm 126, and upon commencement of a lettering cycle, the drive arm 125 moves rearwardly. Initial rearward movement of the drive arm 125 results in initial counterclockwise movement of the rocker mechanism 69 about the pivot 64 to the position illustrated in Figure 5a. This movement causes the force of the leaf spring 75 acting against the tape 18 to be released as a result of engagement between the pring retaining flange 6~ and the leaf spring 75~ Upon further rearward movement of the drive arm 125, the entire shuttle assembly 22 moves rearwardly. ~owever, because of the existence of the clutch member 51 (Figure 2), the tape 18 will remain stationery with respect to the cartridge housing.
As shown best in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the shuttle assembly 22 also includes a pair of guide tabs 72, 72 which function to guide the drive arm 125 into engagement with the drive arm cavity between the drive tabs 70, 70. A guide tab 74 insures the guiding of the apparatus stop arm 126 (Figure 2) into its operative position against ~he stop surface 73 (Figures 1 and 2). The stop arm 126 functions to limit the Z~3ZI~
1 forward movement o~ the shuttle assembly and therefore defines the forwardmost advancement of the tape 18. In the p~eferred embodiment, the drive arm 125 and stop arm 126 are disposed in generally side-by-side relationship.
The forward end o~ the shuttle assembly 22 includes the support and slide arm 54. A pair of elongated guide and support slots 76 and 78 are located in the arm 54 and designed-to slide along the support and guide posts 79 and 80, respectively. The posts 79 and 80 are integrally connected with the inside surface of the housing section 11. It should be noted that the support post 80 includes a small down~ardly extending flange psrtion which functions to retain the arm 54 closely adjacent to the inside surface of the housing section 11. Disposed in a portion of the arm 54 is a recessed section 81 which is designed to mate with a portion of the tape and ribbon guide assembly 24 to insure that the shuttle assembly will remain in a forward position when the cartridge is remo~ed ~rom the machine. Extending upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end of the support and guide arm 54 is a means for driving the ribbon rewind spool 20 as a result of movement of the shuttle assembly 22. This means is in the form of a movement transfer arm 82 which includes a plurality of ra~chet teeth along its upper edge for corresponding engagement with ratchet teeth on the ribbon rewind member 84.
Re~erence is next made to Figures 1, 2~ 8 and 9 illustrating the tape and ribbon guide means 24. The means 24 includes a rearward portion 85 having a laterally extending rib 86 which is adapted to mate with corresponding tab portions 87, 87 disposed within the ribbon rewind housing portions 15 of the housing sections 11 and 12. These tabs 87, 87 in conjunction with the portion B5 and rib 86 retain the guide means 24 in a ~iLZ~3;~8~
1 fixed position with respect to the cartridge housing. The guide means 24 also includes a forwardly extending portion 88 which extends forwardly from a bottom edge of the portion 85 and is integrally joined with a tape guide element 89. The tape guide element ~9 extends downwardly from the portion 88 at generally right angles and includes a tape guide tab 92 on one side for supporting and guiding the tape 18 in proper alignment with the lettering station. An elongated, flexible member 91 having an inwardly extending portion at its lower end extends downwardly from the element 89 for supporting and guiding the other edge of the tape 18. The manner in which the elements 91 and 92 support and guide the tape 18 is illustrated best in Figures 8 and 9. It should be noted that the normal distance between the guide portion of the tab 92 and the member 91 in its unstressed position is slightly less than the width of the tape 18 which is being used in the eartridge. Thus, when the tape is fed between the guide portions 9~ and 91, a slight force is exerted by the member 91 against the side of the tape, thereby retaining the tape 18 in constant engagement with the guide portion 92. As shown in Figure 2, the bottom edge of the tab 92 is suppor~ed by a portion of ~he force genera~ing means 130 and moves upwardly and downwardly with the means 130 during a printing or lettering cycle.
Positioned forwardly of the tape guide element B9 and connected thereto is a ribbon guide member 94. As illustrated best in Figures 8 and 9, the ribbon guide member 94 includes a ribbon guide slot 96. Integrally connected with the ribbon guide member 94 is an upwardly extending ratchet drive arm 95.
The ratchet drive arm 95 is adapted for engagement with corresponding ratchet teeth on a portion of the ribhon rewind spool 20. This results in rotation of the spool ~0 as a result ~3;~
1 of upward movement of the forward end of ~he tape and ribbon guide member 24 caused by engagement between the tab 92 and a portion of the force means 130. Such rotation is necessary when narrow tapes are being used to increase the passage of ribbon 19 through the system.
The tape and ribbon guide member 24 also includes a centering tab 90 which is intesrally formed with the portion 89. In its normal, pre-stressed position, the tab 90 extends outwardly past the outer surface of the housing section 11 as shown in Figure 15. In this position, the outer edge o the dow~wardly extending guide tab 92 engages the recessed portion 81 on the inner surface of the support and slide member 54 t~
keep the shuttle assembly in its forward position when the cartridge is out of the machine. When the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the indexing or centering tab 90 contacts the rear frame member 98 as shown in Figure 8, thereby causing the tab 90 and thus the entire tape and ribbon guide means to move inwardly. This results in the tape beiny accurately positioned in lettering alignment with respect to the frame of the apparatus~
After passing through the ribbon guide portion 94, the ribbon 19 is directed upwardly into the ribbon rewind housing 15 where it is rewound onto a ribbon rewind spool 20. As illustrated best in Figures 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12, the spool 20 is mounted for rotational movement with respect to the post 99 integrally formed with the inside surface of the housing section 15 and extending perpendicular thereto. The rewind spool 20 includes a generally cylindrical portion 101 having an inner cylindrical surface o a size permitting it to rotate freely on the post 99. The spool 20 also includes an outer ~nd lower flange por~ion 100 extending about its lower p2ripheral ~ 2~3~ ~
1 edge for engagement by one end of a leaf spring member 115 (~igure 2). The leaf spring 115 is supported and retained within the housing section 15 by the spring retaining members 116 and 118. As shown, the leaf spring 115 is positioned to engage the outer flange 100 to permit it to be rotated in only a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2. Thus, the leaf spring member 115 functions as a one way clutch to permit rotation of the spool 20 only in a direction to rewind SpQnt ribbon.
Located be~ween the ribbon supporting poxtion of the spool 20 and the inner cylindrical member 101 i5 an annular space for receiving a generally cyl indrical portion of a ribbon rewind clutch member 84. The clutch member 84 includes a cylindrical port:ion 108 which is disposed.outside the cylindrical portion 101 and which extends upwardly from the gen~erally cylindrical base portion 105. The base 105 has an inner cylindrical opening which permits it to rotate freely on the post 99. The cylindrical portion 108 is disposed within the annular opening between the ribbon supporting portion 20 and the cylindrical section 101. Ins~rtion of the cylindrical portion 108 is limited as a result of engagement between the end of the section 101 and the base portion 105. The base 105 has a plurality of ratchet teeth 106 positioned about its periphery for engagement with the ribbon rewind drive arm 82.
As illustrated best in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the cylindrical section 108 is provided with a plurality of leaf spring support members 109, 110, 111 and 112 which support a leaf spring 114. The outer end of the spring 114 is adapted for engagement with an annular rib 102 formed on an inside surface of the rPwind spool 20. The leaf spring 114 is positioned to permit rotational movement of the clutch member ~43Z~3~
1 84 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the rewind spool 20 (as viewed in Figure 12), but to preclude clockwise movement of the member 84 relative to the spool 20. As a result, rotational movement of the clutch member 84 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fisures 2 and 12 results in corresponding clockwise movement of the ribbon rewind spool 20 because of engagement between the leaf spring 114 and the annular rib 102. However, counterclockwise rotation of the clutch m~mber 84 will not cause similar movement of the rewind ~pool 20 because of the direction in which ~he leaf spring 114 is positioned and because of the existence of the leaf spring 115 (Figure 2~ preventing counterclockwise rotation of the Spool 20.
Rotational movement of the member 84 is caused by engagement between the ratchet teeth on the arm 82 and the ratchet teeth 106 on the base portion 105. As the drive arm 82 moves toward the left as viewed in Figures 11 and 12, the clutch member 84 and thus the ribbon rewind spool 20 are caused to move in a clockwise direction. Movement of the drive arm 82 toward the right causes cQunterclockwise movement of the clutch member 84 but no corresponding movement of the rib~on rewind spool 20. The drive arm 82 is supported by the post 120 and the retaining tab 119.
~ aving described the structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, the operation can be understood as follows. When the cartridge is out of the machine, the shuttle assembly 22 is in its forward position and retained there as a result of engagement between an outer portion of the tape guide tab 92 and the recessed portion 81 of the arm 54. In this position, the tab 90 of the tape and ribbon guide means 24 extends outwardly beyond the side wall o~
~ Z ~ 2 ~ 9 1 the housing section 11. As the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the shuttle drive arm 125 is guided between the rocker drive tabs 70, 70 and into the drive arm cavity by the guide members 72, 72. At the same time, the positioning tab 3i is guided into the slot 23 by the guide surfaces 27 (Figure 13) and the locating portions 47a snap into the openings 17 (Figure 14). This biases the cartridge toward the rear panel 98 of the machine (Figure 8). Also, as the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the tap~ guide alignment tab 90 engages the rear fr~me member 98 of the machine, thus forcing the tape guide member 89 inwardly to center the tape 18 with respect to the machine. Insertion of the cartridge also results in the tape sensing mechanism 57 being inserted through the opening 43 in ~he bottom of the cartridge and into engagement with the ~ape 18 and positioning of the stop arm 126 in a position forward of the stop surface 73.
As a lettering cycle is initiated, the shut~le assembly is in its forwardmost position as shown in Figure 5a with the forward wall portion 73 in contact with the stop arm 126. As the cycle begins, the print bar 130 moves upwardly toward the force resisting means 129. During this upward mov~ment, a portion of the print bar 130 tFi~ure 2) engages the tape guide tab 92 and moves the same upwardly. 5uch upward movement also causes the ratchet arm 95 to engage the teeth on the rewind spool 20, thus causing a slight rotation of the spoolO Continued upward movement of the print bar 130 creates a force between the print bar 130 and the character on the periphery of the font 128. This causes an imaye of the character to be transferred from the ribbon 19 to the tape 18 or a character to be cut from a layer of the tape. During the above described lettering step, the shuttle drive arm 125 will 32~9 1 begin its rearward movement. Initial rearward movement will cause the rocker assembly 69 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot 64, thereby releasing the gripping force of the leaf spring 75 with respect to the tape 18.
Further rearward movement of the drive arm 125 will result in rearward movement of the entire shuttle assembly 22. Because of the existence of the leaf spring 51, the tape 18 will remain stationery. The rearward movement of the shuttle assembly 22 will be limited as a result of engagement between the index tab 58 and an index or spacing ring 131 on the inside surface of the font~ The drive arm 12~ will then reverse directions, thereby moving in a forward direction to advance the tape 18 toward the lettering sta~ion. During initial forward movement of the drive arm 125, the rocker assembly 69 pivots in a cloc:kwise direction about the pivot 64, thereby causing increased gripping engagement between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18. Further forward movement of the drive arm 12~
result-~ in the entire shuttle assembly and therefore tape 18 being advanced to a point which is limited by engagement of the surf~ce 73 with the stop arm 126. During this forward movement of the shuttle, the ribbon rewind drive arm 82 moves in a forward direction as well, thereby causing generally clockwise rotational movement of the cylindrical clutch 84 and corresponding clockwise rotation of the ribbon rewind spool 20. This rotation of the spool 20 pulls printed ribbon 19 from the ribbon supply spool.
Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is contemplated that various changes could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended cIaims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment~
The top surface of the clutch post 45 i~ generally flat to support the ribbon 19 as it is directed toward the shuttle assembly 22. It should be noted that the leaf spring 51 is prestressed toward the left as viewed in Figure 2 to permit the tape 18 to be advanced toward the left relative to the cartridge housing, but to prevent movement of the tape 18 toward the right. If an attempt is made to move the tape 18 toward the right as viewed in Figure 2, the ou~er edge of the leaf spring 51 digs into the underside of the tape 18 and precludes such movement.
The shuttle assembly 22 is illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more specifically in Figures 5, 6 and 7.
The shuttle assembly 22 includes a rearwardly disposed tape and ribbon guide portion 52 which includes means in the form of the guide slots 55 and 56 (FigurP 6) for guiding the ribbon 19 and ~Z43;~8~
1 the tape 18, respectively, along a path toward the lettering station. Means are also provided for gripping the tape 18 and advancing the same toward the lettering station and means in the form of the forwardly extending support and slide arm 54.
The arm 54 is slidably connected with the inner side wall of the housing section 11 to permit the shuttle assembly 22 to be moved reciprocally between forward and rearward positions.
With reference ~o Figure 6, an upper flange 59 i5 positioned immediately above the vertically spaced guide slots 55 ana 56. The flange 5g in~ludes edge por~ions extending laterally outwardly from the main body portion 52 for supporting and guiding the shut~le assembly 22 along ~he top edge of the housing sections 11 and 12. The left side of the portion 52 as viewed in Figure 5 includes a further guide portion in the form of the recessed area 60 which mates with a corresponding rib on the inside surface of the housing section 12. A spacing tab 58 is connected with the top surface of the member 59 and is adapted for engagement with a spacins ring 131 located on the machine font 128 ~Figure 2) in a manner kn~wn in ~he art.
~ ith reference to Figure 5, the rearward guide portion 52 also includes a bias resis~ing portion 61 and a plurality of leaf spring support members 65, 66 and 68 for supporting and prestressing a leaf spring member 75 in the position illustrated. Speciically, one side edge of the leaf spring 75 is supported by the side surface of the portion 52 while the opposite side edge of the leaf spring 75 is retained by a portion of the member 68 and an overhanging portion 63 of the rocker arm retaining post 62. It should be noted that the leaf spring 75 as viewed in ~igure 5 is prestressed toward the left. Thus, it functions to permit forward movement of the - ~2~32~9 1 tape 18 toward the left relative to the shuttle assembly and to precl~de rearward movement of the tape 18 toward the ~ight relative to the shuttle assembly.
The shuttle assemblv includes a rocker mechanism 69 which functions ~o increase the force of the leaf spring 75 against the bottom surface of the tape 18 when the shuttle is being advanced, and to release the force o~ the spring 75 from the tape 18 when the shuttle is moved rearwardly. The rocker mechanism 69 is pivotally secured with respect to the portion 52 by the pivot post 64. As shown best in Figure 7, the pivot post 64 includes a small outwardly extending flange portion 67 which locks into an opening in the portion 52 to prevent the rocker mechanism 69 from being inadvertently dislodged from its operational position. .~ second retaining pos~ 71 is connected with a side of the rocker mechanism 69 and extends through an arcuate opening 77 (Figure 5) in the portion 52. As illustrated best in Figure 7, the retaining post 71 also includes an outwardly extending tab for retaining the rocker mechanism 69 adjacent to the surface of the portion ~2.
The rocker mech~nism 69 also includes a pair of outwardly extending, forward and rearward drive surfaces or tabs 70, 70. These tabs 70, 70 are spaced apart from one another and define a drive arm receiving cavity for receiving a mating drive arm 125 from the machine into which the cartridge is inserted. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the drive arm 125 is inserted into the receiving cavity between the drive tabs 70, 70 and functions to pivot the rocker mechanism 69 about the pivot 64 and to advance and retract the entire shuttle assembly. During forward movement of the drive arm 125, the rocker mechanism 69 is first pivoted in a generally clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 5 about the pivot 640 328~
1 This initial clockwise movement will cause the post 62 to press the leaf spring 75 more tightly against the bottom surface of the tape 18, thus increasing the gripping force between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18. Following initial clockwise rotation of the rocker mechanism 69, further forward movement of the drive arm 125 results in the entire shuttle assembly being moved in a forward direction. Because of the gripping force between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18, the tape 18 will be advanced forwardly along with the shuttle assembly.
The position of the rocker mechanism 69 during this forward movement is illustrated in Figure 5. After reaching its forwardmost advancement as permitted by engagement between the stop surface 73 and the stop arm 126, and upon commencement of a lettering cycle, the drive arm 125 moves rearwardly. Initial rearward movement of the drive arm 125 results in initial counterclockwise movement of the rocker mechanism 69 about the pivot 64 to the position illustrated in Figure 5a. This movement causes the force of the leaf spring 75 acting against the tape 18 to be released as a result of engagement between the pring retaining flange 6~ and the leaf spring 75~ Upon further rearward movement of the drive arm 125, the entire shuttle assembly 22 moves rearwardly. ~owever, because of the existence of the clutch member 51 (Figure 2), the tape 18 will remain stationery with respect to the cartridge housing.
As shown best in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the shuttle assembly 22 also includes a pair of guide tabs 72, 72 which function to guide the drive arm 125 into engagement with the drive arm cavity between the drive tabs 70, 70. A guide tab 74 insures the guiding of the apparatus stop arm 126 (Figure 2) into its operative position against ~he stop surface 73 (Figures 1 and 2). The stop arm 126 functions to limit the Z~3ZI~
1 forward movement o~ the shuttle assembly and therefore defines the forwardmost advancement of the tape 18. In the p~eferred embodiment, the drive arm 125 and stop arm 126 are disposed in generally side-by-side relationship.
The forward end o~ the shuttle assembly 22 includes the support and slide arm 54. A pair of elongated guide and support slots 76 and 78 are located in the arm 54 and designed-to slide along the support and guide posts 79 and 80, respectively. The posts 79 and 80 are integrally connected with the inside surface of the housing section 11. It should be noted that the support post 80 includes a small down~ardly extending flange psrtion which functions to retain the arm 54 closely adjacent to the inside surface of the housing section 11. Disposed in a portion of the arm 54 is a recessed section 81 which is designed to mate with a portion of the tape and ribbon guide assembly 24 to insure that the shuttle assembly will remain in a forward position when the cartridge is remo~ed ~rom the machine. Extending upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end of the support and guide arm 54 is a means for driving the ribbon rewind spool 20 as a result of movement of the shuttle assembly 22. This means is in the form of a movement transfer arm 82 which includes a plurality of ra~chet teeth along its upper edge for corresponding engagement with ratchet teeth on the ribbon rewind member 84.
Re~erence is next made to Figures 1, 2~ 8 and 9 illustrating the tape and ribbon guide means 24. The means 24 includes a rearward portion 85 having a laterally extending rib 86 which is adapted to mate with corresponding tab portions 87, 87 disposed within the ribbon rewind housing portions 15 of the housing sections 11 and 12. These tabs 87, 87 in conjunction with the portion B5 and rib 86 retain the guide means 24 in a ~iLZ~3;~8~
1 fixed position with respect to the cartridge housing. The guide means 24 also includes a forwardly extending portion 88 which extends forwardly from a bottom edge of the portion 85 and is integrally joined with a tape guide element 89. The tape guide element ~9 extends downwardly from the portion 88 at generally right angles and includes a tape guide tab 92 on one side for supporting and guiding the tape 18 in proper alignment with the lettering station. An elongated, flexible member 91 having an inwardly extending portion at its lower end extends downwardly from the element 89 for supporting and guiding the other edge of the tape 18. The manner in which the elements 91 and 92 support and guide the tape 18 is illustrated best in Figures 8 and 9. It should be noted that the normal distance between the guide portion of the tab 92 and the member 91 in its unstressed position is slightly less than the width of the tape 18 which is being used in the eartridge. Thus, when the tape is fed between the guide portions 9~ and 91, a slight force is exerted by the member 91 against the side of the tape, thereby retaining the tape 18 in constant engagement with the guide portion 92. As shown in Figure 2, the bottom edge of the tab 92 is suppor~ed by a portion of ~he force genera~ing means 130 and moves upwardly and downwardly with the means 130 during a printing or lettering cycle.
Positioned forwardly of the tape guide element B9 and connected thereto is a ribbon guide member 94. As illustrated best in Figures 8 and 9, the ribbon guide member 94 includes a ribbon guide slot 96. Integrally connected with the ribbon guide member 94 is an upwardly extending ratchet drive arm 95.
The ratchet drive arm 95 is adapted for engagement with corresponding ratchet teeth on a portion of the ribhon rewind spool 20. This results in rotation of the spool ~0 as a result ~3;~
1 of upward movement of the forward end of ~he tape and ribbon guide member 24 caused by engagement between the tab 92 and a portion of the force means 130. Such rotation is necessary when narrow tapes are being used to increase the passage of ribbon 19 through the system.
The tape and ribbon guide member 24 also includes a centering tab 90 which is intesrally formed with the portion 89. In its normal, pre-stressed position, the tab 90 extends outwardly past the outer surface of the housing section 11 as shown in Figure 15. In this position, the outer edge o the dow~wardly extending guide tab 92 engages the recessed portion 81 on the inner surface of the support and slide member 54 t~
keep the shuttle assembly in its forward position when the cartridge is out of the machine. When the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the indexing or centering tab 90 contacts the rear frame member 98 as shown in Figure 8, thereby causing the tab 90 and thus the entire tape and ribbon guide means to move inwardly. This results in the tape beiny accurately positioned in lettering alignment with respect to the frame of the apparatus~
After passing through the ribbon guide portion 94, the ribbon 19 is directed upwardly into the ribbon rewind housing 15 where it is rewound onto a ribbon rewind spool 20. As illustrated best in Figures 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12, the spool 20 is mounted for rotational movement with respect to the post 99 integrally formed with the inside surface of the housing section 15 and extending perpendicular thereto. The rewind spool 20 includes a generally cylindrical portion 101 having an inner cylindrical surface o a size permitting it to rotate freely on the post 99. The spool 20 also includes an outer ~nd lower flange por~ion 100 extending about its lower p2ripheral ~ 2~3~ ~
1 edge for engagement by one end of a leaf spring member 115 (~igure 2). The leaf spring 115 is supported and retained within the housing section 15 by the spring retaining members 116 and 118. As shown, the leaf spring 115 is positioned to engage the outer flange 100 to permit it to be rotated in only a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2. Thus, the leaf spring member 115 functions as a one way clutch to permit rotation of the spool 20 only in a direction to rewind SpQnt ribbon.
Located be~ween the ribbon supporting poxtion of the spool 20 and the inner cylindrical member 101 i5 an annular space for receiving a generally cyl indrical portion of a ribbon rewind clutch member 84. The clutch member 84 includes a cylindrical port:ion 108 which is disposed.outside the cylindrical portion 101 and which extends upwardly from the gen~erally cylindrical base portion 105. The base 105 has an inner cylindrical opening which permits it to rotate freely on the post 99. The cylindrical portion 108 is disposed within the annular opening between the ribbon supporting portion 20 and the cylindrical section 101. Ins~rtion of the cylindrical portion 108 is limited as a result of engagement between the end of the section 101 and the base portion 105. The base 105 has a plurality of ratchet teeth 106 positioned about its periphery for engagement with the ribbon rewind drive arm 82.
As illustrated best in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the cylindrical section 108 is provided with a plurality of leaf spring support members 109, 110, 111 and 112 which support a leaf spring 114. The outer end of the spring 114 is adapted for engagement with an annular rib 102 formed on an inside surface of the rPwind spool 20. The leaf spring 114 is positioned to permit rotational movement of the clutch member ~43Z~3~
1 84 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the rewind spool 20 (as viewed in Figure 12), but to preclude clockwise movement of the member 84 relative to the spool 20. As a result, rotational movement of the clutch member 84 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fisures 2 and 12 results in corresponding clockwise movement of the ribbon rewind spool 20 because of engagement between the leaf spring 114 and the annular rib 102. However, counterclockwise rotation of the clutch m~mber 84 will not cause similar movement of the rewind ~pool 20 because of the direction in which ~he leaf spring 114 is positioned and because of the existence of the leaf spring 115 (Figure 2~ preventing counterclockwise rotation of the Spool 20.
Rotational movement of the member 84 is caused by engagement between the ratchet teeth on the arm 82 and the ratchet teeth 106 on the base portion 105. As the drive arm 82 moves toward the left as viewed in Figures 11 and 12, the clutch member 84 and thus the ribbon rewind spool 20 are caused to move in a clockwise direction. Movement of the drive arm 82 toward the right causes cQunterclockwise movement of the clutch member 84 but no corresponding movement of the rib~on rewind spool 20. The drive arm 82 is supported by the post 120 and the retaining tab 119.
~ aving described the structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, the operation can be understood as follows. When the cartridge is out of the machine, the shuttle assembly 22 is in its forward position and retained there as a result of engagement between an outer portion of the tape guide tab 92 and the recessed portion 81 of the arm 54. In this position, the tab 90 of the tape and ribbon guide means 24 extends outwardly beyond the side wall o~
~ Z ~ 2 ~ 9 1 the housing section 11. As the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the shuttle drive arm 125 is guided between the rocker drive tabs 70, 70 and into the drive arm cavity by the guide members 72, 72. At the same time, the positioning tab 3i is guided into the slot 23 by the guide surfaces 27 (Figure 13) and the locating portions 47a snap into the openings 17 (Figure 14). This biases the cartridge toward the rear panel 98 of the machine (Figure 8). Also, as the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the tap~ guide alignment tab 90 engages the rear fr~me member 98 of the machine, thus forcing the tape guide member 89 inwardly to center the tape 18 with respect to the machine. Insertion of the cartridge also results in the tape sensing mechanism 57 being inserted through the opening 43 in ~he bottom of the cartridge and into engagement with the ~ape 18 and positioning of the stop arm 126 in a position forward of the stop surface 73.
As a lettering cycle is initiated, the shut~le assembly is in its forwardmost position as shown in Figure 5a with the forward wall portion 73 in contact with the stop arm 126. As the cycle begins, the print bar 130 moves upwardly toward the force resisting means 129. During this upward mov~ment, a portion of the print bar 130 tFi~ure 2) engages the tape guide tab 92 and moves the same upwardly. 5uch upward movement also causes the ratchet arm 95 to engage the teeth on the rewind spool 20, thus causing a slight rotation of the spoolO Continued upward movement of the print bar 130 creates a force between the print bar 130 and the character on the periphery of the font 128. This causes an imaye of the character to be transferred from the ribbon 19 to the tape 18 or a character to be cut from a layer of the tape. During the above described lettering step, the shuttle drive arm 125 will 32~9 1 begin its rearward movement. Initial rearward movement will cause the rocker assembly 69 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot 64, thereby releasing the gripping force of the leaf spring 75 with respect to the tape 18.
Further rearward movement of the drive arm 125 will result in rearward movement of the entire shuttle assembly 22. Because of the existence of the leaf spring 51, the tape 18 will remain stationery. The rearward movement of the shuttle assembly 22 will be limited as a result of engagement between the index tab 58 and an index or spacing ring 131 on the inside surface of the font~ The drive arm 12~ will then reverse directions, thereby moving in a forward direction to advance the tape 18 toward the lettering sta~ion. During initial forward movement of the drive arm 125, the rocker assembly 69 pivots in a cloc:kwise direction about the pivot 64, thereby causing increased gripping engagement between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18. Further forward movement of the drive arm 12~
result-~ in the entire shuttle assembly and therefore tape 18 being advanced to a point which is limited by engagement of the surf~ce 73 with the stop arm 126. During this forward movement of the shuttle, the ribbon rewind drive arm 82 moves in a forward direction as well, thereby causing generally clockwise rotational movement of the cylindrical clutch 84 and corresponding clockwise rotation of the ribbon rewind spool 20. This rotation of the spool 20 pulls printed ribbon 19 from the ribbon supply spool.
Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is contemplated that various changes could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended cIaims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment~
Claims (11)
- Claim 1 continued....
directions except for changes of direction within said common plane and said second housing portion being spaced from said first housing portion and joined thereto by connection means; and means for causing rotation of said ribbon rewind spool in response to reciprocal movement of said tape advancement assembly including means transferring the reciprocal movement of said tape advancement assembly to said rotatable ribbon rewind spool. - 2. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein said tape advancement assembly includes a reciprocally movable shuttle assembly.
- 3. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein said cartridge includes a pair of parallel side walls and said cartridge includes a ribbon supply spool.
- 4. The cartridge of claim 3 wherein said ribbon supply spool and said ribbon rewind spool are disposed in a common plane and are mounted on generally parallel axes.
- 5. The cartridge of claim 4 including ribbon rewind clutch means for permitting rotation of said ribbon rewind spool in a first direction and preventing rotation of said ribbon spool in a second direction.
- 6. The cartridge of claim 5 wherein said ribbon rewind clutch means includes a force transfer clutch cylinder disposed partially within said ribbon rewind spool and having a plurality of ratchet teeth on a peripheral edge.
- 7. The cartridge of claim 6 wherein said tape advancement assembly includes a reciprocally movable shuttle assembly and said cartridge includes an elongated ribbon rewind drive arm movable with said shuttle assembly and having a plurality of ratchet teeth for engagement with the ratchet teeth on said force transfer clutch cylinder.
- 8. The cartridge of claim 7 wherein said ribbon rewind clutch means includes a pair of leaf springs.
- 9. The cartridge of claim 8 wherein one of said leaf springs is disposed between said force transfer clutch cylinder and said ribbon rewind spool and the other of said leaf springs is disposed between said ribbon rewind spool and a portion of said housing.
- 10. The cartridge of claim 2 wherein said ribbon rewind spool is disposed forwardly of and above said shuttle assembly.
- 11. The cartridge of claim 7 wherein said ribbon rewind drive arm includes a first portion extending forward from said shuttle assembly, a second portion extending upwardly from the forward end of said first portion and a third portion extending rearwardly from said second portion in spaced relationship to said first portion, said third portion including a plurality of ratchet teeth.
1. A cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus of the type having a lettering station, a font having a plurality of characters positionable in printing alignment with said lettering station and means for transferring an image of said character from said ribbon to said tape, said cartridge comprising:
a cartridge housing including a pair of parallel side walls and forward and rearward ends and having first and second housing portions;
a lettering station disposed near the forward end of said cartridge, said lettering station being generally perpendicular to said side walls;
a supply of tape and ribbon disposed within said first housing portion, said supply of ribbon disposed between said side walls so that said ribbon is disposed at generally right angles relative to said side walls;
advancement means for advancing said tape and ribbon toward said lettering station and into lettering alignment with said apparatus including a reciprocally movable advancement assembly;
ribbon rewind means including a ribbon rewind spool rotatably mounted within said second housing portion, said ribbon rewind spool being disposed in a common plane with said supply of ribbon so that said ribbon does not change
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US54948683A | 1983-11-04 | 1983-11-04 | |
| US549,486 | 1983-11-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1243289A true CA1243289A (en) | 1988-10-18 |
Family
ID=24193214
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000466902A Expired CA1243289A (en) | 1983-11-04 | 1984-11-02 | Tape-ribbon cartridge |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0142108A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS60166481A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU3496984A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1243289A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4966476A (en) * | 1987-12-29 | 1990-10-30 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Tape printer |
| JP2763263B2 (en) * | 1992-12-31 | 1998-06-11 | 第一合纖株式會社 | Optical recording medium |
| JP2976823B2 (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 1999-11-10 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Cassette case and tape case for making printing tape |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4391539A (en) * | 1980-05-23 | 1983-07-05 | Kroy Inc. | Tape-ribbon printing cartridge |
| US4402619A (en) * | 1981-03-30 | 1983-09-06 | Kroy, Inc. | Printing apparatus and printing cartridge therefor |
-
1984
- 1984-11-02 EP EP84113219A patent/EP0142108A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1984-11-02 AU AU34969/84A patent/AU3496984A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1984-11-02 CA CA000466902A patent/CA1243289A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-11-05 JP JP23301984A patent/JPS60166481A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0142108A2 (en) | 1985-05-22 |
| AU3496984A (en) | 1985-05-16 |
| JPS60166481A (en) | 1985-08-29 |
| EP0142108A3 (en) | 1988-01-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |