EP0013300B1 - Printing element with type-carrying wheel contained in a cartridge - Google Patents

Printing element with type-carrying wheel contained in a cartridge Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0013300B1
EP0013300B1 EP79104063A EP79104063A EP0013300B1 EP 0013300 B1 EP0013300 B1 EP 0013300B1 EP 79104063 A EP79104063 A EP 79104063A EP 79104063 A EP79104063 A EP 79104063A EP 0013300 B1 EP0013300 B1 EP 0013300B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
print
element according
print element
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP79104063A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0013300A1 (en
Inventor
Adolph Broaddus Habich
Ronald Eugene Hunt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lexmark International Inc
Original Assignee
International Business Machines Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Business Machines Corp filed Critical International Business Machines Corp
Publication of EP0013300A1 publication Critical patent/EP0013300A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0013300B1 publication Critical patent/EP0013300B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B41J1/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the mounting, arrangement or disposition of the types or dies
    • B41J1/22—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the mounting, arrangement or disposition of the types or dies with types or dies mounted on carriers rotatable for selection
    • B41J1/24—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the mounting, arrangement or disposition of the types or dies with types or dies mounted on carriers rotatable for selection the plane of the type or die face being perpendicular to the axis of rotation
    • B41J1/246—Cartridges for the carriers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the printing elements and more particularly it relates to an element consisting of a printing wheel with radial carrier tabs contained in a cartridge, whether during storage or in use in a printer.
  • the cartridge described in this patent of the prior art comprises a flexible blade which is in contact with an elevated central part of the central hub of the printing wheel.
  • the cartridge has a cutout formed in the upper part of its front face, for the passage of a printing hammer and a central opening also formed in its front face to receive the drive hub of a selection motor and a part of the central hub.
  • Locating and driving means are associated with both the central hub of the print wheel and the drive hub and the print wheel moves away from the front face of the cartridge during printing.
  • U.S. patents Our. 3,793,951, 3,805,698 show chain or belt printing elements contained in a cartridge
  • U.S. Patents Our. 3,860,248 and 3,730,602 and the U.S. model No. 229,427 discloses a cartridge for a magnetic recording disc of the type presented in the U.S. patent. No. 3 797 035, which disc can be placed in this cartridge before and after recording.
  • the U.S. Patent No. 4074798 presents a printing wheel of the type with radial character tabs comprising a substantial central hub not associated with a cartridge.
  • the U.S. Patent No. 4 124 312 describes a removable printing element for a hammer printer, comprising a wheel with radial character-carrying tabs and a cartridge which permanently and almost completely encloses the latter, said wheel being axially movable in the cartridge and pushed elastically by a spring against one of the faces of the cartridge.
  • This face of the cartridge has a frustoconical opening in which is housed the correspondingly shaped hub of the wheel.
  • the wheel is moved away from the wall of the cartridge by the pushing of a drive shaft which ensures the rotation of the wheel.
  • None of the printing elements described in the aforementioned documents have means for ensuring the positive locking of the printing wheel relative to the cartridge in a predetermined invariable angular position around its axis when printing does not take place. . Indeed, although the spring thrust, in the device of the patent of the USA. No. 4 124 312, generates friction forces between the hub and the opening in which the latter is housed during periods of non-use of the printing element, these forces cannot be considered sufficient to ensure positive locking of the wheel is mainly to ensure positive locking of the wheel in a predetermined invariable angular position around its axis of rotation.
  • the subject of the invention is a removable printing element for a hammer-type printer, of the type described in US Pat. No. 4,124,312, namely, consisting of a wheel with radial character-carrying tongues and a cartridge enclosing almost completely the wheel.
  • the latter is axially movable in the cartridge and it is pushed by a spring towards one of the faces of the cartridge.
  • the printing element according to the invention is characterized in that said face of the cartridge comprises an orientation opening of asymmetrical shape and the face of the wheel which is adjacent to it comprises a relief orientation element of complementary shape to that of said orientation opening and located opposite the latter; said raised orientation element being intended to fit into said orientation opening under the thrust of said spring and thus block the wheel inside the cartridge in a predetermined invariable angular position around its axis, when the printing element is not used for printing, said relief orientation element emerging from said orientation opening when the wheel is moved away from said face of the cartridge for printing.
  • FIG. 1 the cartridge is referenced 1, the printing wheel 2 and the drive hub of the selection motor 3.
  • the cartridge 1 and the printing wheel 2 form the printing element of the present invention.
  • the wheel 2 is housed and rotated in the cartridge 1 by the hub 3, which is part of a printer.
  • the motor Before this assembly, the motor must however be removed or tilted to leave sufficient free space in the region of the printing device, allowing the operator to change or install the printing element. Even in this case, the space freed up is not important and the operation can prove to be very messy. Even after these disassembly and reassembly operations have been carried out, the simple manipulation of the printing element which has been removed from the machine can be very messy.
  • the printing element of the present invention provides substantial assistance in solving the above problems. Not taking into account the problem specific to the removal of the motor, the space to be freed for the introduction of the cartridge is no longer a critical factor since the cartridge is designed to be introduced vertically into a printer. In addition, since the print wheel is almost entirely contained in the cartridge, changing the cartridge is no longer a messy operation.
  • the housing 4 has a front face 6 in which are formed a positioning opening 7 and a cutout 8 for the passage of a striking hammer.
  • the front face 6 is arranged opposite a printing device which comprises a selection motor and a striking hammer carried by a printer carriage.
  • the cutout 8 allows the passage of the hammer which is used in a well known manner to ensure printing.
  • the positioning opening 7 is somewhat in the shape of an arrow head and is formed approximately in the center of the face 6. The opening 7 cooperates with the printing element 2 to ensure and maintain an appropriate positioning of the printing element 2 when the cartridge is not in use, as will be described later.
  • the cartridge 1 has an open bottom used for introducing and removing the printing element 2.
  • cut corners 13 and 14 and the corresponding cut corners of the rear face 5 have two functions. First of all these cut corners reduce the weight of the cartridge which is carried by the printer carriage during printing operations. Then, they guide the cartridge in its housing in the carriage when said cartridge is introduced into the machine.
  • the upper part of the front housing 4 has two ramp sections 16 and 17 starting from the recesses 11 and 12 and converging towards the raised central part of the housing 4 in which the cutout 8 is formed which has lateral sides 18 and 19 and a lower side 20.
  • the dimensions of the cutout 8 are such that they allow the passage of a hammer during printing, but practically prevent any manual contact of the printing element 2 by the operator.
  • the ramp sections 16 and 17 protect the upper part of the printing element 2 when the latter is housed in the cartridge and ensure the best possible vision of the writing line.
  • the housing 4 carries the ribbon guide 21 which can be produced from a suitably shaped metal rod. Passing momentarily to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the body of the case 4 has supports 22 and 23 in which the ends of the ribbon guide are fixed.
  • the ribbon guide 21 guides the printing ribbon during the passages of this last towards its high or low position relative to the blank 8 during the printing operations.
  • a paper guide screen 24 is integral with the upper part of the rear face 5.
  • a printing window 25 is centered horizontally in the paper guide 24 and aligned with the cutout 8.
  • the window 25 must be arranged so as to be able to be aligned with the platen of the printer and must have a sufficient width to, when executing printing operations on the fly, allow the rebound of a print character tab without the latter does not come into contact with one side of the window 25. While satisfying these requirements, the window 25 must be of sufficiently small dimensions to limit the operator's access to the printing element 2.
  • the front face 6 and rear face 5 are sufficiently close together to limit the operator's access to the printing element 2 from the top or from the bottom of the cartridge 1. Therefore, when the printing element 2 is housed in the cartridge 1, the only part of said printing element being able to be touched by the operator during normal handling of the cartridge is the part accessible through the opening 7.
  • the printing element 2 which, as indicated above, is intended to be housed and rotated in the cartridge 1 during the printing operations. When it is rotated, the printing element 2 is placed midway between the front 6 and rear 5 sides of the cartridge 1.
  • the printing element 2 consists of a central hub 26 to which are attached radial tabs or petals 27 which bear at their outer ends printing characters 28 used for printing in a well known manner.
  • the characters 28 of the tabs 27 are arranged on the printing side of the element 2.
  • the opposite side is the impact side.
  • the structure of the tongues 27 is such that it allows them to be struck by a striking hammer.
  • the central hub 26 is in the form of a circular cup having a peripheral rim 55 to which are attached the tongues 27.
  • the hub 26 has, on its convex face, a raised element 29 ensuring the correct positioning (or orientation) of the element 2.
  • This relief element 29 is therefore on the impact side of the element 2, surrounds its axis of rotation and its periphery is in the shape of an arrowhead and corresponds to the shape of the opening 7 of the cartridge 1.
  • the element in relief 29 can fit into the opening 7.
  • the asymmetrical shapes of the element in relief 29 and the opening 7 ensure the installation of the element 2 in the cartridge 1 in the appropriate angular position.
  • a circular recess 30 is formed in the relief element 29.
  • the axis of rotation of the element 2 passes through the center of this recess, the bottom of which is formed by the hub 26.
  • This recess 30 also has a radial extension 43 At the center of the recess 30, there is a ring 31 with an inner bowl 32 having a bottom 33.
  • the bowl 32 is centered on the axis of rotation of the element 2 (see FIG. 6) and is deeper than the 'depression 30.
  • the cup 32 is intended to receive the drive shaft of a selection motor which passes through the hub 3 to center and avoid the buckling of the element 2 in a manner which will be described in detail later.
  • the drive hub 3 is formed by a cylinder 34 with a flange 35.
  • a central passage 36 in the shape of a D passes axially through the cylinder 34 and the flange 35.
  • the passage 36 receives the drive shaft 37, of corresponding shape, from a selection motor.
  • the shape of the passage 36 and of the shaft 37 allows the latter to rotate the hub 3.
  • the hub 3 can be glued to the shaft 37. If the fitting of the shaft 37 in the passage 32 is sufficiently tight and sufficiently deep, the element 2 is stabilized in a radial direction perpendicular to its axis of rotation. That is to say, any risk of the element 2 becoming clouded is considerably reduced. Since the front 6 and rear 5 faces of the cartridge are very close together, any veiling of the element 2 on the shaft 37 would cause wear, breakage and braking when the said printing element rotates.
  • the flange 35 carries a radial arm 39 which itself carries at its outer end a drive finger 40 designed to be housed in the hole 41 ( Figure 2) formed in the element 2.
  • the hole 41 is formed in the end of the extension 43 of the recess 30 and passes through the element 2.
  • the finger 40 introduced into the hole 41, when the hub 36 is driven in rotation by the shaft 37, causes the drive in rotation of the element 2.
  • the finger 40 and the hole 41 are of corresponding shapes, that is to say on two straight sides connected by two parts in an arc.
  • the width of the hole 41 is only slightly greater than that of the finger 40 in order to reduce the clearance between the element 2 and the hub 3 during the driving in rotation of the element 2 by the hub 3. However, in order to compensate for variations in tolerances, the height of the hole 41 somewhat exceeds that of the finger 40.
  • the flat sides of these two elements constitute sufficient driving contact surfaces making it possible to reduce wear and indentation.
  • the rigidity of the arm 39 is increased by the rib 42.
  • the extension 43 of the depression 30 is wide enough to receive, without friction, the rib 42.
  • the outside diameter of the flange 35 is larger than the inside diameter 44 of the recess 30.
  • the surface 45 of the flange 35 bears against the surface of the raised element 29 to ensure radial alignment and stabilization of element 2 in order to further reduce the risks of warping.
  • Good contact between the surface 45 and the corresponding surface of the raised element 29 is facilitated by the spring 48 which applies the element 2 against the hub 3.
  • the function of the spring 48 will be described in more detail below.
  • the shape of the recess 30 has the effect of reducing the weight of the element 2.
  • the inner part of the collar 35 is hollowed out to reduce the weight. Any reduction in weight results in an improved response time with regard to starting and stopping the rotation of element 2.
  • FIG. 2 shows the rear face or printing face 56 of the printing element 2.
  • the rear face 56 carries a pin 46 placed at the center of the recess 47 of the hub 26.
  • the pin 46 extends slightly beyond the plane of the tongues 27 and is designed to operate in association with the spring 48 disposed in the cartridge 1 ( Figures 1 and 3).
  • the pin 46 is composed of a cylindrical part ending in a spherical section 50.
  • the spherical section 50 acts as a bearing for the element 2 against the flexible blade or spring 48 during the rotation of the element 2.
  • the spring 48 bears against the spherical section 50 and maintains the element 2 in the locked condition in the cartridge 1.
  • the spring 48 is a flexible blade with a curved central part 51 oriented towards the opening 7 and facing the latter. This curved part 51 bears against the interior surface of the front face 6 of the cartridge.
  • the rear face 5 has a rectangular recess 52 which receives and maintains the spring 48 in a desired position relative to the opening 7. That is to say that the spring 48 will remain in place and oriented correctly both when it is curved as shown in the figures and when it is loaded and deformed by the printing element contained in the cartridge 1 between the spring 48 and the front face 6.
  • the ends 57 and 58 of the spring 48 are housed in the recess 52 and are supported on the inner surface of the rear face 5.
  • the recess 52 is long enough to receive the spring 48 when the latter is loaded and deformed by the printing element and the spring 48 is sufficiently long to ensure a gradual ramp.
  • the ends 57 and 58 are retained in the recess 52 by the contact between the front face 6 of the cartridge and the curved part 51 of the spring 48.
  • the orientation and the length of the spring 48 and the extent of the part curved 51 are such that the spring 48 acts as a ramp for the spherical end 50 of the pin 46 of the element 2, in order to guide the element in relief 29 towards the opening 7 during the introduction of the element 2 in cartridge 1.
  • the force exerted by the spring 40 must be surpassed.
  • the spherical end 50 of the pin 46 moves on the curved part 51.
  • the end 57 of the spring 48 being housed in the recess 52, there will be no no attachment between the part 50 and the end 57.
  • the spring 48 pushes and guides the element 29 into the opening 7.
  • the element 29 engages in the opening 7 this causes the locking of the element 2. in the desired orientation or angular position in the cartridge 1.
  • the printing assembly formed of the element 2 and of the cartridge 1 is ready to be used on a printer or stored.
  • the width of the spring 48 is of great importance for the introduction of a printing element into an empty cartridge.
  • the width of the spring 48 must be sufficient to prevent the passage of a printing tab 27 through the opening 7 during the introduction of the element 2 into the cartridge 1. If the spring 48 is comparatively narrow with respect to at the opening 7, the tongues pourrount be offset from the plane of the assembly of the tongues To eliminate this risk, the spring 48 of the embodiment illustrated here is wider than the opening 7. This allows all the tongues adjacent to the opening 7 to stay in the same plane.
  • the orientation of the spring 48 relative to the tongues 27 is also important. Indeed, since the tongues 27 are arranged radially, there will be no attachment between them and the spring 48 if the latter is oriented parallel to the direction of introduction of the element 2 into the cartridge .
  • the cartridge 1 in which the element 2 is locked is inserted into the housing provided for this purpose in print wheel printers. Then, the drive hub 3 and the selection motor and the shaft which are connected to it are brought to the central hub 26. The shaft 37 enters the bowl 32, the finger 40 in the hole 41 and the surface 45 comes into contact with the surface of the element in relief 29. The continuation of the movement of the hub 3 in the same direction will cause the vertical extension of the ends 57 and 58 of the spring 48 by the spherical end 50 of the pin 46 of the element 2. Finally, the element in relief 29 will be released from the opening 7 and the element 2 will thus be unlocked so as to be able to rotate in the cartridge 1. During the rotation of the element 2 for selection and printing, the arm 39 and the finger 40 are arranged in the cartridge 1 and the spring 48 acts as a bearing for the spherical end 50 of the stud 46.
  • the cup-shaped structure of the central hub 26 has a number of advantages.
  • One of these advantages is due to the design of the arrangement presented here and consists in the fact that the printing element 2 taken as a whole can be relatively thin while resisting warping.
  • the thickness of the central hub 26, apart from the raised element 29 and the pin 46 can be essentially equal to the total thickness of the element 2.
  • Another advantage lies in the fact that the element relief 29 is brought closer to the positioning opening 7. This reduces the risk of interference between the rest of the printing element 2 and the cartridge 1.
  • the rest of the printing element 2 is separated from the spring 48 during the rotation of the element 2.
  • the relief element 29 is pressed with the thumb to cause the element 2 to be unlocked and a downward movement is exerted. If the lower part of the outer periphery of the element 2 is relatively close to the bottom 15 of the cartridge when the element 2 is locked in it, a very slight downward movement of the element is sufficient to provide a sufficient input area for the operator.

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Description

Domaine TechniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne de façon générale les éléments d'impression et plus particulièrement elle concerne un élément constitué par une roue d'impression à languettes porte-caractères radiales contenue dans une cartouche, que ce soit pendant le stockage ou en utilisation dans une imprimante.The present invention relates generally to the printing elements and more particularly it relates to an element consisting of a printing wheel with radial carrier tabs contained in a cartridge, whether during storage or in use in a printer.

Etat de la Technique Antérieure Dans la demande de brevet français No. 78 03694 publiée le 8 septembre 1978 sous le No. 2 380 139 on décrit un élément d'impression pour imprimante constitué par une cartouche et une roue d'impression, du type à languettes porte-caractères radiales, logée dans cette cartouche.STATE OF THE PRIOR ART In the French patent application No. 78 03694 published on September 8, 1978 under No. 2,380,139 a printing element for printer consisting of a cartridge and a printing wheel, of the type to be described, is described. radial character tabs, housed in this cartridge.

La cartouche décrite dans ce brevet de l'art antérieur comporte une lame flexible qui est en contact avec une partie centrale surélevée du moyeu central de la roue d'impression. La cartouche présente une découpe ménagée dans la partie supérieure de sa face avant, pour le passage d'un marteau d'impression et une ouverture centrale également ménagée dans sa face avant pour recevoir le moyeu d'entraînement d'un moteur de sélection et une partie du moyeu central. Des moyens de localisation et d'entraînement sont associés à la fois au moyeu central de la roue d'impression et au moyeu d'entraînement et la roue d'impression s'éloigne de la face avant de la cartouche pendant l'impression.The cartridge described in this patent of the prior art comprises a flexible blade which is in contact with an elevated central part of the central hub of the printing wheel. The cartridge has a cutout formed in the upper part of its front face, for the passage of a printing hammer and a central opening also formed in its front face to receive the drive hub of a selection motor and a part of the central hub. Locating and driving means are associated with both the central hub of the print wheel and the drive hub and the print wheel moves away from the front face of the cartridge during printing.

Les brevets des E.U.A. Nos. 3 793 951, 3 805 698 présentent des éléments d'impression à chaîne ou à courroie contenue dans une cartouche, les brevets des E.U.A. Nos. 3 860 248 et 3 730 602 et le modèle des E.U.A. No. 229 427 présentent une cartouche pour un disque d'enregistrement magnétique du type présenté dans le brevet des E.U.A. No. 3 797 035, lequel disque peut être logé dans cette cartouche avant et après enregistrement. Le brevet des E.U.A. No. 4074798 présente une roue d'impression du type à languettes porte-caractères radiales comportant un moyeu central substantiel non associé à une cartouche. Il existe également des disques magnétiques qui restent logés en permanence dans une enveloppe que ce soit pendant leur stockage ou leur utilisation sur un enregis- treur/lecteur.U.S. patents Our. 3,793,951, 3,805,698 show chain or belt printing elements contained in a cartridge, U.S. Patents Our. 3,860,248 and 3,730,602 and the U.S. model No. 229,427 discloses a cartridge for a magnetic recording disc of the type presented in the U.S. patent. No. 3 797 035, which disc can be placed in this cartridge before and after recording. The U.S. Patent No. 4074798 presents a printing wheel of the type with radial character tabs comprising a substantial central hub not associated with a cartridge. There are also magnetic discs which remain permanently housed in an envelope, whether during storage or use on a recorder / player.

Le brevet des E.U.A. No. 4 124 312 décrit un élément d'impression amovible, pour imprimante à marteau de frappe, comprenant une roue à languettes porte-caractères radiales et une cartouche enfermant celle-ci en permanence et presque complètement, ladite roue étant mobile axialement dans la cartouche et repoussée élastiquement par un ressort contre l'une des faces de la cartouche. Cette face de la cartouche comporte une ouverture tronconique dans laquelle vient se loger le moyeu de forme correspondante de la roue. Lors des opérations d'impression, la roue est éloignée de la paroi de la cartouche par la poussée d'un arbre d'entraînement qui assure la rotation de la roue.The U.S. Patent No. 4 124 312 describes a removable printing element for a hammer printer, comprising a wheel with radial character-carrying tabs and a cartridge which permanently and almost completely encloses the latter, said wheel being axially movable in the cartridge and pushed elastically by a spring against one of the faces of the cartridge. This face of the cartridge has a frustoconical opening in which is housed the correspondingly shaped hub of the wheel. During printing operations, the wheel is moved away from the wall of the cartridge by the pushing of a drive shaft which ensures the rotation of the wheel.

Aucun des éléments d'impression décrits dans les documents précités ne comporte de moyens pour assurer le blocage positif de la roue d'impression par rapport à la cartouche dans une position angulaire prédéterminée invariable autour de son axe lorsque l'impression n'a pas lieu. En effet, bien que la poussée du ressort, dans le dispositif du brevet des E.U.A. No. 4 124 312, engendre des forces de friction entre le moyeu et l'ouverture dans laquelle ce dernier est logé en périodes de non utilisation de l'élément d'impression, ces forces ne sauraient être considérées comme suffisantes pour assurer un verrouillage positif de la roue est surtout pour assurer un verrouillage positif de la roue dans une position angulaire invariable prédéterminée autour de son axe de rotation.None of the printing elements described in the aforementioned documents have means for ensuring the positive locking of the printing wheel relative to the cartridge in a predetermined invariable angular position around its axis when printing does not take place. . Indeed, although the spring thrust, in the device of the patent of the USA. No. 4 124 312, generates friction forces between the hub and the opening in which the latter is housed during periods of non-use of the printing element, these forces cannot be considered sufficient to ensure positive locking of the wheel is mainly to ensure positive locking of the wheel in a predetermined invariable angular position around its axis of rotation.

L'utilité d'un tel verrouillage apparaîtra immédiatement à l'homme de métier, car en définissant une position connue invariable de la roue par rapport à la cartouche et donc par rapport à l'imprimante, il élimine le besoin d'avoir à remettre à zéro, à chaque introduction de l'élément d'impression dans l'imprimante, les divers mécanismes et circuits de cette dernière associés à la sélection des caractères.The usefulness of such a locking will immediately appear to the skilled person, because by defining a known invariable position of the wheel relative to the cartridge and therefore relative to the printer, it eliminates the need to have to put back at zero, at each introduction of the printing element into the printer, the various mechanisms and circuits of the latter associated with the selection of characters.

Exposé de l'InventionStatement of the Invention

L'invention a pour objet un élément d'impression amovible pour imprimante à marteau de frappe, du type décrit dans le brevet des E.U.A. No. 4 124 312, à savoir, constitué par une roue à languettes porte-caractères radiales et une cartouche enfermant presque complètement la roue. Cette dernière est axialement mobile dans la cartouche et elle est repoussée par un ressort vers l'une des faces de la cartouche. L'élément d'impression selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que ladite face de la cartouche comporte une ouverture d'orientation de forme asymétrique et la face de la roue qui lui est adjacente comporte un élément d'orientation en relief de forme complémentaire à celle de ladite ouverture d'orientation et situé en regard de cette dernière; ledit élément d'orientation en relief étant destiné à s'emboîter dans ladite ouverture d'orientation sous la poussée dudit ressort et bloquer ainsi la roue à l'intérieur de la cartouche dans une position angulaire invariable prédéterminée autour de son axe, lorsque l'élément d'impression n'est pas utilisé pour l'impression, ledit élément d'orientation en relief se dégageant de ladite ouverture d'orientation lorsque la roue est écartée de ladite face de la cartouche pour l'impression.The subject of the invention is a removable printing element for a hammer-type printer, of the type described in US Pat. No. 4,124,312, namely, consisting of a wheel with radial character-carrying tongues and a cartridge enclosing almost completely the wheel. The latter is axially movable in the cartridge and it is pushed by a spring towards one of the faces of the cartridge. The printing element according to the invention is characterized in that said face of the cartridge comprises an orientation opening of asymmetrical shape and the face of the wheel which is adjacent to it comprises a relief orientation element of complementary shape to that of said orientation opening and located opposite the latter; said raised orientation element being intended to fit into said orientation opening under the thrust of said spring and thus block the wheel inside the cartridge in a predetermined invariable angular position around its axis, when the printing element is not used for printing, said relief orientation element emerging from said orientation opening when the wheel is moved away from said face of the cartridge for printing.

Comme cela a déjà été dit ci-dessus, le verrouillage de la roue dans une position angulaire autour de son axe de rotation, élimine le besoin d'avoir à remettre à zéro, à chaque introduction de l'élément d'impression dans l'imprimante, les divers mécanismes de circuits associés à la sélection des caractères. Une telle remise à zéro serait nécessaire si la roue n'était pas verrouillée angulairement autour de son axe dans une position invariable, comme c'est le cas pour la roue du brevet des E.U.A. No. 4 124 312.As already mentioned above, locking the wheel in an angular position around its axis of rotation eliminates the need to have to reset, each time the printing element is inserted into the printer, the various circuit mechanisms associated with the selection of characters. Such a reset would be necessary if the wheel was not locked angularly about its axis in an invariable position, as is the case for the wheel of the patent of the USA. No. 4,124,312.

Brève Description des Figures des Dessins

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de l'élément d'impression selon l'invention, dans laquelle la roue d'impression est représentée sortie de la cartouche. Est également représenté dans cette figure, le moyeu d'entraînement du moteur de sélection que entraîne la roue d'impression en rotation.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective de l'arrière de la roue d'impression de la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une vue en perspective de l'arrière de la cartouche de la figure 1.
  • La figure 4 est une vue de côté du moyeu d'entraînement de la figure 1.
  • La figure 5 est une vue de face du moyeu d'entraînement de la figure 1.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe, prise verticalement, de l'élément d'impression des figures 1 et 2.
Brief Description of the Figures of the Drawings
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printing element according to the invention, in which the printing wheel is shown out of the cartridge. Also shown in this figure is the drive hub of the selection motor which the rotating print wheel drives.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the print wheel of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the cartridge of FIG. 1.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the drive hub of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a front view of the drive hub of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view, taken vertically, of the printing element of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Description d'un Mode de Réalisation de l'InventionDescription of an embodiment of the invention

Pour une description détaillée de la présente invention, on' se reportera tout d'abord à la figure 1. Dans cette figure, la cartouche est référencée 1, la roue d'impression 2 et le moyeu d'entraînement du moteur de sélection 3. La cartouche 1 et la roue d'impression 2 forment l'élément d'impression de la présente invention. Pendant les opérations d'impression, la roue 2 est logée et entraînée en rotation dans la cartouche 1 par le moyeu 3, lequel fait partie d'une imprimante.For a detailed description of the present invention, reference will firstly be made to FIG. 1. In this figure, the cartridge is referenced 1, the printing wheel 2 and the drive hub of the selection motor 3. The cartridge 1 and the printing wheel 2 form the printing element of the present invention. During the printing operations, the wheel 2 is housed and rotated in the cartridge 1 by the hub 3, which is part of a printer.

Avant de poursuivre la description de chacun des éléments 1 à 3, on précisera quelques points fondamentaux. Tout d'abord, dans une imprimante à roue d'impression, le montage de la roue d'impression sur le moyeu d'entraînement du moteur de sélection requiert de nombreuses manipulations de la part de l'opérateur. De plus, le système de montage est souvent compliqué. Par exemple, dans une réalisation courante, un bouton est prévu au centre du côté impression de la roue d'impression pour permettre la saisie de celui-ci par l'opérateur. On a ménagé une ouverture dans le côté opposé de l'élément d'impression pour recevoir l'arbre ou moyeu d'entraînement du moteur de sélection. Le processus consiste pour l'opérateur à saisir l'élément d'impression par son bouton, à l'orienter angulairement, puis à le monter à force sur l'arbre d'entraînement. Le montage en force de l'arbre d'entraînement dans l'ouverture de l'élément d'impression est nécessaire car il ne doit pas y avoir de jeu entre ces deux éléments. Avant ce montage, le moteur doit cependant être retiré ou basculé pour laisser un espace libre suffisant dans la région du dispositif d'impression, permettant à l'opérateur de changer ou d'installer l'élément d'impression. Même dans ce cas, l'espace libéré n'est pas important et l'opération peut se révéler très salissante. Même après que ces opérations de démontage et de remontage aient été effectuées, la simple manipulation de l'élément d'impression qui a été retiré de la machine, peut être très salissante.Before continuing the description of each of elements 1 to 3, we will clarify a few fundamental points. First of all, in a print wheel printer, mounting the print wheel on the drive hub of the selection motor requires numerous manipulations on the part of the operator. In addition, the mounting system is often complicated. For example, in a current embodiment, a button is provided in the center of the printing side of the printing wheel to allow entry by the operator. An opening has been made in the opposite side of the printing element to receive the drive motor shaft or hub. The process consists of the operator gripping the print element with his button, orienting it angularly, then forcibly mounting it on the drive shaft. Force mounting of the drive shaft in the opening of the printing element is necessary because there must be no play between these two elements. Before this assembly, the motor must however be removed or tilted to leave sufficient free space in the region of the printing device, allowing the operator to change or install the printing element. Even in this case, the space freed up is not important and the operation can prove to be very messy. Even after these disassembly and reassembly operations have been carried out, the simple manipulation of the printing element which has been removed from the machine can be very messy.

L'élément d'impression de la présente invention apporte une aide substantielle à la résolution des problèmes indiqués ci-dessus. Compte non tenu du problème propre au retrait du moteur, l'espace à libérer pour l'introduction de la cartouche n'est plus un facteur critique car la cartouche est conçue pour être introduite verticalement dans une imprimante. En outre, étant donné que la roue d'impression est pratiquement entièrement contenue dans la cartouche, le changement de cartouche ne constitue plus une opération salissante.The printing element of the present invention provides substantial assistance in solving the above problems. Not taking into account the problem specific to the removal of the motor, the space to be freed for the introduction of the cartridge is no longer a critical factor since the cartridge is designed to be introduced vertically into a printer. In addition, since the print wheel is almost entirely contained in the cartridge, changing the cartridge is no longer a messy operation.

On se reportera de nouveau à la figure 1 et plus particulièrement à la cartouche 1 formée principalement d'un boîtier avant 4 et d'une face arrière 5. Le boîtier 4 présente une face avant 6 dans laquelle sont ménagées une ouverture de positionnement 7 et une découpe 8 pour le passage d'un marteau de frappe. La face avant 6 est disposée en regard d'un dispositif d'impression qui comprend un moteur de sélection et un marteau de frappe portés par un chariot d'imprimante. La découpe 8 permet le passage du marteau de frappe qui est utilisé d'une manière bien connue pour assurer l'impression. L'ouverture de positionnement 7 a quelque peu la forme d'une tête de flèche et est ménagée approximativement au centre de la face 6. L'ouverture 7 coopère avec l'élément d'impression 2 pour assurer et maintenir un positionnement approprié de l'élément d'impression 2 lorsque la cartouche n'est pas en utilisation, comme on le décrira plus tard. On trouve solidaires de la face avant 6, des côtés 9 et 10 qui présentent des enfoncements 11 et 12 facilitant la saisie de la cartouche 1 par l'opérateur. La partie inférieure de la face avant 6 présente des coins coupés 13 et 14 et une arête 15. Le boîtier 4 ne comporte pas de parois latérales le long des coins coupés 13 et 14 et de l'arête 15. Ainsi, lorsque le boîtier 4 et la face arrière 5 sont assemblés, la cartouche 1 présente un fond ouvert utilisé pour l'introduction et le retrait de l'élément d'impression 2.Reference will again be made to FIG. 1 and more particularly to the cartridge 1 formed mainly of a front housing 4 and of a rear face 5. The housing 4 has a front face 6 in which are formed a positioning opening 7 and a cutout 8 for the passage of a striking hammer. The front face 6 is arranged opposite a printing device which comprises a selection motor and a striking hammer carried by a printer carriage. The cutout 8 allows the passage of the hammer which is used in a well known manner to ensure printing. The positioning opening 7 is somewhat in the shape of an arrow head and is formed approximately in the center of the face 6. The opening 7 cooperates with the printing element 2 to ensure and maintain an appropriate positioning of the printing element 2 when the cartridge is not in use, as will be described later. We find integral with the front face 6, sides 9 and 10 which have recesses 11 and 12 facilitating the entry of the cartridge 1 by the operator. The lower part of the front face 6 has cut corners 13 and 14 and an edge 15. The housing 4 does not have side walls along the cut corners 13 and 14 and the edge 15. Thus, when the housing 4 and the rear face 5 are assembled, the cartridge 1 has an open bottom used for introducing and removing the printing element 2.

Les coins coupés 13 et 14 et les coins coupés correspondants de la face arrière 5 ont deux fonctions. Tout d'abord ces coins coupés réduisent le poids de la cartouche qui est porté par le chariot de l'imprimante pendant les opérations d'impression. Ensuite, ils assurent le guidage de la cartouche dans son logement dans le chariot lorsque ladite cartouche est introduite dans la machine.The cut corners 13 and 14 and the corresponding cut corners of the rear face 5 have two functions. First of all these cut corners reduce the weight of the cartridge which is carried by the printer carriage during printing operations. Then, they guide the cartridge in its housing in the carriage when said cartridge is introduced into the machine.

La partie supérieure du boîtier avant 4 présente deux sections en rampe 16 et 17 partant des enfoncements 11 et 12 et convergeant vers la partie centrale surélevée du boîtier 4 dans laquelle est ménagée la découpe 8 qui présente des côtés latéraux 18 et 19 et un côté inférieur 20. Les dimensions de la découpe 8 .sont telles qu'elles permettent le passage d'un marteau de frappe pendant l'impression, mais empêchent pratiquement tout contact manuel de l'élément d'impression 2 par l'opérateur. Les sections en rampe 16 et 17 protègent la partie supérieure de l'élément d'impression 2 lorsque celui-ci est logé la cartouche et assurent la meilleure vision possible de la ligne d'écriture.The upper part of the front housing 4 has two ramp sections 16 and 17 starting from the recesses 11 and 12 and converging towards the raised central part of the housing 4 in which the cutout 8 is formed which has lateral sides 18 and 19 and a lower side 20. The dimensions of the cutout 8 are such that they allow the passage of a hammer during printing, but practically prevent any manual contact of the printing element 2 by the operator. The ramp sections 16 and 17 protect the upper part of the printing element 2 when the latter is housed in the cartridge and ensure the best possible vision of the writing line.

Le boîtier 4 porte le guide ruban 21 qui peut être réalisé à partir d'une tige métallique convenablement conformée. En passant momentanément à la figure 3, on voit que le corps du boîter 4 présente des supports 22 et 23 dans lesquels sont fixées les extrémités du guide ruban 21. Le guide ruban 21 assure le guidage du ruban d'impression lors des passages de ce dernier vers sa position haute ou basse par rapport à la découpe 8 pendant les opérations d'impression.The housing 4 carries the ribbon guide 21 which can be produced from a suitably shaped metal rod. Passing momentarily to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the body of the case 4 has supports 22 and 23 in which the ends of the ribbon guide are fixed. The ribbon guide 21 guides the printing ribbon during the passages of this last towards its high or low position relative to the blank 8 during the printing operations.

Un écran guide-papier 24 est solidaire de la partie supérieure de la face arrière 5. Une fenêtre d'impression 25 est centrée horizontalement dans le guide-papier 24 et alignée avec la découpe 8. La fenêtre 25 doit être disposée de façon à pouvoir être alignée avec la platine de l'imprimante et doit présenter une largeur suffisante pour, lors de l'exécution d'opérations d'impression à la volée, permettre le rebond d'une languette porte-caractères d'impression sans que celle-ci n'entre en contact avec un côté de la fenêtre 25. Tout en satisfaisant ces exigences, la fenêtre 25 doit être de dimensions suffisamment réduites pour limiter l'accès de l'opérateur à l'élément d'impression 2. De plus, la face avant 6 et la face arrière 5 sont suffisamment rapprochées pour limiter l'accès de l'opérateur à l'élément d'impression 2 par le haut ou par le fond de la cartouche 1. Donc, lorsque l'élément d'impression 2 est logé dans la cartouche 1, la seule partie dudit élément d'impression pouvant être touchée par l'opérateur pendant la manipulation normale de la cartouche est la partie accessible au travers de l'ouverture 7.A paper guide screen 24 is integral with the upper part of the rear face 5. A printing window 25 is centered horizontally in the paper guide 24 and aligned with the cutout 8. The window 25 must be arranged so as to be able to be aligned with the platen of the printer and must have a sufficient width to, when executing printing operations on the fly, allow the rebound of a print character tab without the latter does not come into contact with one side of the window 25. While satisfying these requirements, the window 25 must be of sufficiently small dimensions to limit the operator's access to the printing element 2. In addition, the front face 6 and rear face 5 are sufficiently close together to limit the operator's access to the printing element 2 from the top or from the bottom of the cartridge 1. Therefore, when the printing element 2 is housed in the cartridge 1, the only part of said printing element being able to be touched by the operator during normal handling of the cartridge is the part accessible through the opening 7.

On se reportera encore à la figure 1 et on considérera plus particulièrement l'élément d'impression 2 qui, comme indiqué ci-dessus, est destiné à être logé et entraîné en rotation dans la cartouche 1 pendant les opérations d'impression. Lorsqu'il est entraîné en rotation, l'élément d'impression 2 est placé à michemin entre les faces avant 6 et arrière 5 de la cartouche 1. L'élément d'impression 2 se compose d'un moyeu central 26 auquel sont rattachées des languettes radiales ou pétales 27 qui portent à leurs extrémités extérieures des caractères d'impression 28 utilisés pour l'impression d'une manière bien connue. Les caractères 28 des languettes 27 sont disposés sur le côté impression de l'élément 2. Le côté opposé est le côté impact. Du côté impact, la structure des languettes 27 est telle qu'elle permet la frappe de celles-ci par un marteau de frappe. En se reportant aux figures 2 et 6, on voit que le moyeu central 26 est en forme de coupelle circulaire présentant un rebord périphérique 55 auquel sont rattachées les languettes 27. Le moyeu 26 comporte, sur sa face convexe, un élément en relief 29 assurant le positionnement (ou orientation) correct de l'élément 2. Cet élément en relief 29 est donc du côté impact de l'élément 2, entoure son axe de rotation et sa périphérie est en forme de tête de flèche et correspond à la forme de l'ouverture 7 de la cartouche 1. En d'autres termes, l'élément en relief 29 peut s'emboiter dans l'ouverture 7. Les formes asymétriques de l'élément en relief 29 et de l'ouverture 7 assurent l'installation de l'élément 2 dans la cartouche 1 dans la position angulaire appropriée.Reference will also be made to FIG. 1 and a particular consideration will be given to the printing element 2 which, as indicated above, is intended to be housed and rotated in the cartridge 1 during the printing operations. When it is rotated, the printing element 2 is placed midway between the front 6 and rear 5 sides of the cartridge 1. The printing element 2 consists of a central hub 26 to which are attached radial tabs or petals 27 which bear at their outer ends printing characters 28 used for printing in a well known manner. The characters 28 of the tabs 27 are arranged on the printing side of the element 2. The opposite side is the impact side. On the impact side, the structure of the tongues 27 is such that it allows them to be struck by a striking hammer. Referring to Figures 2 and 6, we see that the central hub 26 is in the form of a circular cup having a peripheral rim 55 to which are attached the tongues 27. The hub 26 has, on its convex face, a raised element 29 ensuring the correct positioning (or orientation) of the element 2. This relief element 29 is therefore on the impact side of the element 2, surrounds its axis of rotation and its periphery is in the shape of an arrowhead and corresponds to the shape of the opening 7 of the cartridge 1. In other words, the element in relief 29 can fit into the opening 7. The asymmetrical shapes of the element in relief 29 and the opening 7 ensure the installation of the element 2 in the cartridge 1 in the appropriate angular position.

Un enfoncement circulaire 30 est ménagé dans l'élément en relief 29. L'axe de rotation de l'élément 2 passe par le centre de cet enfoncement dont le fond est constitué par le moyeu 26. Cet enfoncement 30 présente également Une extension radiale 43. Au centre de l'enfoncement 30, on trouve une couronne 31 à cuvette intérieure 32 présentant un fond 33. La cuvette 32 est centrée sur l'axe de rotation de l'élément 2 (voir figure 6) et est plus profonde que l'enfoncement 30. La cuvette 32 est destinée à recevoir l'arbre entraînement d'un moteur de sélection qui passe au travers du moyeu 3 pour centrer et éviter le voilage de l'élément 2 d'une manière qui sera décrite en détail ultérieurement.A circular recess 30 is formed in the relief element 29. The axis of rotation of the element 2 passes through the center of this recess, the bottom of which is formed by the hub 26. This recess 30 also has a radial extension 43 At the center of the recess 30, there is a ring 31 with an inner bowl 32 having a bottom 33. The bowl 32 is centered on the axis of rotation of the element 2 (see FIG. 6) and is deeper than the 'depression 30. The cup 32 is intended to receive the drive shaft of a selection motor which passes through the hub 3 to center and avoid the buckling of the element 2 in a manner which will be described in detail later.

On se reportera maintenant plus particulièrement au moyeu d'entraînement 3 représenté aux figures 1, 4 et 5. Le moyeu d'entraînement 3 est formé d'un cylindre 34 à collerette 35. Un passage central 36 en forme de D traverse axialement le cylindre 34 et la collerette 35. Le passage 36 reçoit l'arbre d'entraînement 37, de forme correspondante, d'un moteur de sélection. La forme du passage 36 et de l'arbre 37 permet à ce dernier d'entraîner en rotation le moyeu 3. Le moyeu 3 peut être collé sur l'arbre 37. Si l'emmanchement de l'arbre 37 dans le passage 32 est suffisamment serré et suffisamment profond, l'élément 2 est stabilisé dans une direction radiale perpendiculaire à son axe de rotation. C'est-à-dire que tout risque de voilage de l'élément 2 se trouve considérablement réduit. Etant donné que les faces avant 6 et arrière 5 de la cartouche sont très rapprochées, tout voilage de l'élément 2 sur l'arbre 37 serait cause d'usure, de rupture et de freinage à la rotation dudit élément d'impression.Reference will now be made more particularly to the drive hub 3 shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. The drive hub 3 is formed by a cylinder 34 with a flange 35. A central passage 36 in the shape of a D passes axially through the cylinder 34 and the flange 35. The passage 36 receives the drive shaft 37, of corresponding shape, from a selection motor. The shape of the passage 36 and of the shaft 37 allows the latter to rotate the hub 3. The hub 3 can be glued to the shaft 37. If the fitting of the shaft 37 in the passage 32 is sufficiently tight and sufficiently deep, the element 2 is stabilized in a radial direction perpendicular to its axis of rotation. That is to say, any risk of the element 2 becoming clouded is considerably reduced. Since the front 6 and rear 5 faces of the cartridge are very close together, any veiling of the element 2 on the shaft 37 would cause wear, breakage and braking when the said printing element rotates.

La collerette 35 porte un bras radial 39 qui porte lui-même à son extrémité extérieure un doigt d'entraînement 40 conçu pour se loger dans le trou 41 (figure 2) ménagé dans l'élément 2. Le trou 41 est ménagé dans l'extrémité de l'expension 43 de l'enfoncement 30 et traverse l'élément 2. Le doigt 40 introduit dans le trou 41, lorsque le moyeu 36 est entraîné en rotation par l'arbre 37, provoque l'entraînement en rotation de l'élément 2. Le doigt 40 et le trou 41 sont de formes correspondantes, c'est-à-dire à deux côtés droits reliés par deux parties en arc de cercle.The flange 35 carries a radial arm 39 which itself carries at its outer end a drive finger 40 designed to be housed in the hole 41 (Figure 2) formed in the element 2. The hole 41 is formed in the end of the extension 43 of the recess 30 and passes through the element 2. The finger 40 introduced into the hole 41, when the hub 36 is driven in rotation by the shaft 37, causes the drive in rotation of the element 2. The finger 40 and the hole 41 are of corresponding shapes, that is to say on two straight sides connected by two parts in an arc.

La largeur du trou 41 n'est que légèrement plus importante que celle du doigt 40 afin de réduire le jeu entre l'élément 2 et le moyeu 3 pendant l'entraînement en rotation de l'élément 2 par le moyeu 3. Toutefois, afin de compenser les variation de tolérances, la hauteur du trou 41 excède quelque peu celle du doigt 40. Les côtés plats de ces deux éléments constituent des surfaces de contact d'entraînement suffisantes permettant de réduire l'usure et l'indentation. La rigidité du bras 39 est accrue par le nervure 42. L'extension 43 de l'enfoncement 30 est suffisamment large pour recevoir, sans frottement, la nervure 42.The width of the hole 41 is only slightly greater than that of the finger 40 in order to reduce the clearance between the element 2 and the hub 3 during the driving in rotation of the element 2 by the hub 3. However, in order to compensate for variations in tolerances, the height of the hole 41 somewhat exceeds that of the finger 40. The flat sides of these two elements constitute sufficient driving contact surfaces making it possible to reduce wear and indentation. The rigidity of the arm 39 is increased by the rib 42. The extension 43 of the depression 30 is wide enough to receive, without friction, the rib 42.

Le diamètre extérieur de la collerette 35 est plus grand que le diamètre intérieur 44 de l'enfoncement 30. Ainsi, la surface 45 de la collerette 35 porte contre la surface de l'élément en relief 29 pour assurer l'alignement radial et la stabilisation de l'élément 2 afin d'en réduire encore les risques de voilage. Un bon contact entre la surface 45 et la surface correspondante de l'élément en relief 29 est facilité par le ressort 48 qui applique l'élément 2 contre le moyeu 3. La fonction du ressort 48 sera décrite plus en détail par la suite. Dès maintenant, il est important de noter qu'il ne faut pas que le moyeu 3 soit emmanché plus avant sur l'arbre 37 depuis l'extrémité 38 de celui-ci, et ce, afin d'éviter que ladite extrémité 38 soit en contact avec le fond de la cuvette 32 de l'élément 2. S'il n'en était ainsi, le contact intégral de la surface 45 et de la surface correspondante de l'élément en relief 29 ne pourrait avoir lieu. De plus, bien que le diamètre extérieur de la collerette 35 soit plus grand que le diamètre intérieur 44 de l'enfoncement 30, la collerette 35 est encore suffisamment petite pour que le moyeu 3 puisse passer librement au travers de l'ouverture 7 de la cartouche 1 lorsqu'il est correctement positionné par rapport à l'élément d'impression 2.The outside diameter of the flange 35 is larger than the inside diameter 44 of the recess 30. Thus, the surface 45 of the flange 35 bears against the surface of the raised element 29 to ensure radial alignment and stabilization of element 2 in order to further reduce the risks of warping. Good contact between the surface 45 and the corresponding surface of the raised element 29 is facilitated by the spring 48 which applies the element 2 against the hub 3. The function of the spring 48 will be described in more detail below. As of now, it is important to note that the hub 3 must not be fitted further onto the shaft 37 from the end 38 of the latter, in order to prevent said end 38 from being in contact with the bottom of the bowl 32 of the element 2. If this were not the case, full contact of the surface 45 and of the corresponding surface of the element in relief 29 could not take place. In addition, although the outside diameter of the flange 35 is larger than the inside diameter 44 of the recess 30, the flange 35 is still small enough that the hub 3 can pass freely through the opening 7 of the cartridge 1 when it is correctly positioned in relation to the printing element 2.

La forme de l'enfoncement 30 a pour effet de réduire le poids de l'élément 2. D'une mainère similaire, la partie intérieure de la collerette 35 est évidée pour en réduire le poids. Toute réduction de poids entraîne un temps de réponse amélioré en ce qui concerne la mise en route et l'arrêt de la rotation de l'élément 2.The shape of the recess 30 has the effect of reducing the weight of the element 2. In a similar manner, the inner part of the collar 35 is hollowed out to reduce the weight. Any reduction in weight results in an improved response time with regard to starting and stopping the rotation of element 2.

On se reportera maintenant aux figures 2 et 6. La figure 2 présente la face arrière ou face impression 56 de l'élément d'impression 2. La face arrière 56 porte un têton 46 disposé au centre de l'enfoncement 47 du moyeu 26. Le têton 46 s'étend légèrement au delà du plan des languettes 27 et est conçu pour fonctionner en association avec le ressort 48 disposé dans la cartouche 1 (figures 1 et 3). Le têton 46 est composé d'une partie cylindrique se terminant par une section sphérique 50. La section sphérique 50 fait fonction de portée pour l'élément 2 contre la lame flexible ou ressort 48 pendant la rotation de l'élément 2. Lorsque l'élément 2 est dans la cartouche 1 et que l'ensemble n'est pas utilisé pour une opération d'impression, le ressort 48 porte contre la section sphérique 50 et maintient l'élément 2 en condition verrouillée dans la cartouche 1.Reference will now be made to FIGS. 2 and 6. FIG. 2 shows the rear face or printing face 56 of the printing element 2. The rear face 56 carries a pin 46 placed at the center of the recess 47 of the hub 26. The pin 46 extends slightly beyond the plane of the tongues 27 and is designed to operate in association with the spring 48 disposed in the cartridge 1 (Figures 1 and 3). The pin 46 is composed of a cylindrical part ending in a spherical section 50. The spherical section 50 acts as a bearing for the element 2 against the flexible blade or spring 48 during the rotation of the element 2. When the element 2 is in the cartridge 1 and the assembly is not used for a printing operation, the spring 48 bears against the spherical section 50 and maintains the element 2 in the locked condition in the cartridge 1.

Avant d'aller plus avant dans la description des rapports existant entre l'élément d'impression 2 et le ressort 48, plusieurs détails particuliers concernant le ressort 48 et la cartouche 1 seront expliqués. Tout d'abord, en se reportant à la figure 3, on voit que le ressort 48 est une lame flexible à partie centrale incurvée 51 orientée vers l'ouverture 7 et en regard de celle-ci. Cette partie incurvée 51 porte contre la surface intérieure de la face avant 6 de la cartouche. La face arrière 5 présente un enfoncement rectangulaire 52 qui reçoit et maintient le ressort 48 dans une position désirée par rapport à l'ouverture 7. C'est-à-dire que le ressort 48 demeurera en place et orienté correctement à la fois lorsqu'il est incurvé comme montré dans les figures et lorsqu'il est chargé et déformé par l'élément d'impression contenu dans la cartouche 1 entre le ressort 48 et la face avant 6. Les extrémités 57 et 58 du ressort 48 sont logées dans l'enfoncement 52 et s'appuient sur la surface intérieure de la face arrière 5. L'enfoncement 52 est suffisamment long pour recevoir le ressort 48 lorsque celui-ci est chargé et déformé par l'élément d'impression et le ressort 48 est suffisamment long pour assurer une rampe graduelle. Les extrémités 57 et 58 sont retenues dans l'enfoncement 52 par le contact entre la face avant 6 de la cartouche et la partie incurvée 51 du ressort 48. Ainsi, l'orientation et la longeur du ressort 48 et l'étendue de la partie incurvée 51 sont telles que le ressort 48 fait fonction de rampe pour l'extrémité sphérique 50 du têton 46 de l'élément 2, afin de guider l'élément en relief 29 vers l'ouverture 7 pendant l'introduction de l'élément 2 dans la cartouche 1.Before going further in the description of the relationships between the printing element 2 and the spring 48, several specific details concerning the spring 48 and the cartridge 1 will be explained. First of all, with reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the spring 48 is a flexible blade with a curved central part 51 oriented towards the opening 7 and facing the latter. This curved part 51 bears against the interior surface of the front face 6 of the cartridge. The rear face 5 has a rectangular recess 52 which receives and maintains the spring 48 in a desired position relative to the opening 7. That is to say that the spring 48 will remain in place and oriented correctly both when it is curved as shown in the figures and when it is loaded and deformed by the printing element contained in the cartridge 1 between the spring 48 and the front face 6. The ends 57 and 58 of the spring 48 are housed in the recess 52 and are supported on the inner surface of the rear face 5. The recess 52 is long enough to receive the spring 48 when the latter is loaded and deformed by the printing element and the spring 48 is sufficiently long to ensure a gradual ramp. The ends 57 and 58 are retained in the recess 52 by the contact between the front face 6 of the cartridge and the curved part 51 of the spring 48. Thus, the orientation and the length of the spring 48 and the extent of the part curved 51 are such that the spring 48 acts as a ramp for the spherical end 50 of the pin 46 of the element 2, in order to guide the element in relief 29 towards the opening 7 during the introduction of the element 2 in cartridge 1.

Lorsque l'élément 2 est introduit dans la cartouche par le fond de celle-ci, la force exercée par le ressort 40 doit être surpassée. Pendant l'introduction de l'élément 2 dans la cartouche 1, l'extrémité sphérique 50 du têton 46 se déplace sur la partie incurvée 51. L'extrémité 57 du ressort 48 étant logée dans l'enfoncement 52, il n'y aura pas d'accrochage entre la partie 50 et l'extrémité 57. Lorsque l'élément en relief 29 et l'ouverture 7 sont alignés, le ressort 48 pousse et guide l'élément 29 dans l'ouverture 7. Lorsque l'élément 29 s'engage dans l'ouverture 7, cela provoque le verrouillage de l'élément 2. dans l'orientation ou position angulaire désirée dans la cartouche 1. A cet instant, l'ensemble d'impression formé de l'élément 2 et de la cartouche 1 est prêt à être utilisé sur une imprimante ou stocké.When the element 2 is introduced into the cartridge through the bottom thereof, the force exerted by the spring 40 must be surpassed. During the introduction of the element 2 into the cartridge 1, the spherical end 50 of the pin 46 moves on the curved part 51. The end 57 of the spring 48 being housed in the recess 52, there will be no no attachment between the part 50 and the end 57. When the element in relief 29 and the opening 7 are aligned, the spring 48 pushes and guides the element 29 into the opening 7. When the element 29 engages in the opening 7, this causes the locking of the element 2. in the desired orientation or angular position in the cartridge 1. At this instant, the printing assembly formed of the element 2 and of the cartridge 1 is ready to be used on a printer or stored.

En considérant à nouveau la relation existant entre le ressort 48 et l'élément 2, on notera que la largeur du ressort 48 est d'une grande importance pour l'introduction d'un élément d'impression dans une cartouche vide. La largeur du ressort 48 doit être suffisante pour interdire le passage d'une languette d'impression 27 au travers de l'ouverture 7 pendant l'introduction de l'élément 2 dans la cartouche 1. Si le ressort 48 est comparativement étroit par rapport à l'ouverture 7, des languettes pourrount être décalées du plan de l'ensemble des languettes Pour éliminer ce risque, le ressort 48 de la réalisation illustrée ici est plus large que l'ouverture 7. Ceci permet à toutes les languettes adjacentes à l'ouverture 7 de rester dans le même plan. L'orientation du ressort 48 par rapport aux languettes 27 est également importante. En effet, étant donné que les languettes 27 sont disposées radialement, il n'y aura pas d'accrochage entre elles et le ressort 48 si celui-ci est orienté parallèlement à la direction de l'introduction de l'élément 2 dans la cartouche.Considering again the relationship between the spring 48 and the element 2, it will be noted that the width of the spring 48 is of great importance for the introduction of a printing element into an empty cartridge. The width of the spring 48 must be sufficient to prevent the passage of a printing tab 27 through the opening 7 during the introduction of the element 2 into the cartridge 1. If the spring 48 is comparatively narrow with respect to at the opening 7, the tongues pourrount be offset from the plane of the assembly of the tongues To eliminate this risk, the spring 48 of the embodiment illustrated here is wider than the opening 7. This allows all the tongues adjacent to the opening 7 to stay in the same plane. The orientation of the spring 48 relative to the tongues 27 is also important. Indeed, since the tongues 27 are arranged radially, there will be no attachment between them and the spring 48 if the latter is oriented parallel to the direction of introduction of the element 2 into the cartridge .

Lorsque l'élément d'impression 2 doit être utilisé pour une opération d'impression, la cartouche 1 dans laquelle est verrouillé l'élément 2, est introduite dans le logement prévu à cet effet dans les imprimantes à roue d'impression. Puis, le moyeu d'entraînement 3 et le moteur de sélection et l'arbre qui lui sont raccordés sont amenés vers le moyeu central 26. L'arbre 37 pénètre dans la cuvette 32, le doigt 40 dans le trou 41 et la surface 45 entre en contact avec la surface de l'élément en relief 29. La poursuite du mouvement du moyeu 3 dans la même direction provoquera l'extension verticale des extrémités 57 et 58 du ressort 48 par l'extrémité sphérique 50 du têton 46 de l'élément 2. Finalement, l'élément en relief 29 sera dégagé de l'ouverture 7 et l'élément 2 sera ainsi déverrouillé pour pouvoir tourner dans la cartouche 1. Pendant la rotation de l'élément 2 pour des opérations de sélection et d'impression, le bras 39 et le doigt 40 sont disposés dans le cartouche 1 et le ressort 48 fait fonction de portée pour l'extrémité sphérique 50 du téton 46.When the printing element 2 is to be used for a printing operation, the cartridge 1 in which the element 2 is locked, is inserted into the housing provided for this purpose in print wheel printers. Then, the drive hub 3 and the selection motor and the shaft which are connected to it are brought to the central hub 26. The shaft 37 enters the bowl 32, the finger 40 in the hole 41 and the surface 45 comes into contact with the surface of the element in relief 29. The continuation of the movement of the hub 3 in the same direction will cause the vertical extension of the ends 57 and 58 of the spring 48 by the spherical end 50 of the pin 46 of the element 2. Finally, the element in relief 29 will be released from the opening 7 and the element 2 will thus be unlocked so as to be able to rotate in the cartridge 1. During the rotation of the element 2 for selection and printing, the arm 39 and the finger 40 are arranged in the cartridge 1 and the spring 48 acts as a bearing for the spherical end 50 of the stud 46.

En se reportant à nouveau à l'élément d'impression 2 représenté dans les figures 1, 2 et 6, on notera que la structure en forme de coupelle du moyeu central 26 présente un certain nombre d'avantages. L'un de ces avantages est dû la conception de l'agencement présenté ici et consiste dans le fait que l'élément d'impression 2 pris dans son ensemble peut être relativement mince tout en résistant au voilage. En fait, l'épaisseur du moyeu central 26, hormis l'élément en relief 29 et le têton 46, peut être essentiellement égale à l'épaisseur totale de l'élément 2. Un autre avantage résidue dans le fait que l'élément en relief 29 est amené plus près de l'ouverture de positionnement 7. Ceci réduit les risques d'interférence entre le reste de l'élément d'impression 2 et la cartouche 1. En outre, en raison de la relation existant entre la partie incurvée 51 de la lame flexible 48 et le têton 46, le reste de l'élément d'impression 2 est séparé du ressort 48 pendant la rotation de l'élément 2.Referring again to the printing element 2 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6, it will be noted that the cup-shaped structure of the central hub 26 has a number of advantages. One of these advantages is due to the design of the arrangement presented here and consists in the fact that the printing element 2 taken as a whole can be relatively thin while resisting warping. In fact, the thickness of the central hub 26, apart from the raised element 29 and the pin 46, can be essentially equal to the total thickness of the element 2. Another advantage lies in the fact that the element relief 29 is brought closer to the positioning opening 7. This reduces the risk of interference between the rest of the printing element 2 and the cartridge 1. In addition, due to the relationship existing between the curved part 51 of the flexible blade 48 and the pin 46, the rest of the printing element 2 is separated from the spring 48 during the rotation of the element 2.

Pour retirer l'élément d'impression 2 de la cartouche 1, on enfonce l'élément en relief 29 avec le pouce pour provoquer le déverrouillage de l'élément 2 et on exerce un mouvement vers le bas. Si la partie inférieure de la périphérie extérieure de l'élément 2 est relativement proche du bas 15 de la cartouche lorsque l'élément 2 est verrouillé dans celle-ci, un très faible mouvement vers le bas de l'élément est suffisant pour offrir une zone de saisie suffisante à l'opérateur.To remove the printing element 2 from the cartridge 1, the relief element 29 is pressed with the thumb to cause the element 2 to be unlocked and a downward movement is exerted. If the lower part of the outer periphery of the element 2 is relatively close to the bottom 15 of the cartridge when the element 2 is locked in it, a very slight downward movement of the element is sufficient to provide a sufficient input area for the operator.

Bien que l'on ait décrit dans ce qui précède et représenté sur les dessins les caractéristiques essentielles de l'invention appliquées à un mode de réalisation préféré de celle-ci, il est évident que l'homme de l'art peut y apporter toutes modifications de forme ou de détail qu'il juge utiles, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de ladite invention.Although the essential characteristics of the invention applied to a preferred embodiment of the invention have been described in the foregoing and represented in the drawings, it is obvious that a person skilled in the art can provide all of them. modifications of form or detail which he judges useful, without departing from the scope of said invention.

Claims (28)

1. A detachable print element for a print hammer printer, of the type comprised of a print wheel (2) with radially-extended type petals (27) and a cartridge (1) enclosing almost completely the print wheel (2), the latter being axially mobile in cartridge (1) and being flexibly urged by a spring (48) to one (6) of the sides of cartridge (1), said print element being characterized in that:
said side (6) of the cartridge (1) has an asymmetrically-shaped orientation opening (7) and the side of print wheel (2) adjacent thereto includes an orientation protrusion (29) of a shape complementary to that of said orientation opening (7) and facing the latter, said orientation protrusion (29) being intended to come into engagement with said orientation opening (7) under the influence of said spring (48), thereby latching print wheel (2) inside the cartridge (1) into a predetermined invariable angular position about its axis when the print element is not used for printing, said orientation protrusion (29) being released from said orientation opening (7) when the print wheel (2) is withdrawn from said side (6) of the cartridge for printing.
2. A print element according to claim 1, characterized in that said print wheel (2) includes a central dish-shaped hub (26) with which said orientation protrusion (29) is integral.
3. A print element according to claim 2, characterized in that said orientation protrusion (29) is on the convex side of the central hub (26).
4. A print element according to claim 3, characterized in that the types (28) carried by said petals (27) are positioned on the free extremities of the latter, on the concave side of the central hub (26).
5. A print element according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said central hub (26) has, on its concave side, a stud (46) centred about the axis of rotation of the print wheel (2).
6. A print element according to claim 5, characterized in that the height of said stud (46) is greater than the depth of the hollow of hub (26) and in that the head (50) of said stud (46) is spherical.
7. A print element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said orientation protrusion (29) has a depression (30).
8. A print element according to claim 7, characterized in that a cylindrical protrusion (31) centred about the axis of rotation of print member (2), extends from the bottom of said depression (30).
9. A print element according to claim 8, characterized in that the central hollow (32) of said cylindrical protrusion (31) is of a depth greater than that of said depression (30).
10. A print element according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that an opening (41), eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the print wheel (2), is made in said depression (30).
11. A print element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said side (6) of the cartridge (1) is the front when the cartridge is set on a printer, said front being connected to a back (5) by two sides (9, 10), one (13, 14, 15) of the edges of the cartridge (1) remaining open for the introduction and removal of the print wheel (2).
12. A print element according to claim 11, characterized in that said open edge (13, 14, 15) corresponds to the bottom of cartridge (1) when the latter is set on a printer.
13. A print element according to claim 12, characterized in that said front (6) has an opening (8) for accommodating the print hammer of the printer.
14. A print element according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a cardholder (24) is integral with said back (5) of the cartridge (1).
15. A print element according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it includes a ribbon-guide (21) adjacent the upper portion of said front (6).
16. A print element according to claim 15, characterized in that said front (6) and said sides (9, 10) form together a housing (4) which has internal support elements for supporting said ribbon-guide (21).
17. A print hammer according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the lower edges (13, 14) of said front (6) and back (5), adjacent said open side, are tapered.
18. A print element according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that said cardholder (24) has an opening (25) for accommodating the ends of the type petals (27), which opening (25) faces the opening (8) which accommodates the print hammer.
19. The print element according to claim 18, characterized in that the upper portion of the front (6) of the cartridge (1) has two ramps (16, 17) each of which starts near a side (9, 10) and terminates at the opening (8) accommodating the print hammer.
20. A print element according to claim 19, characterized in that said front (6), back (5) and sides (9, 10) of cartridge (1) are such that the only zone of the print wheel (2) accessible to the operator is the one that faces said orientation opening (7).
21. A print element according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that the back (5) of the cartridge (1) has retention means (52) for retaining said spring (48) in a predetermined position with respect to the orientation opening (7).
22. A print element according to claim 21, characterized in that said front (6) and back (5) are spaced from each other so that said spring (48) is urged against the front (6) of the cartridge (1) when the latter has no print member (2), said front (6), then being effective to retain the spring (48) in said retention means (52).
23. A print element according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that said retention means (52) are constituted by a depression in said back (5).
24. A print element according to claim 23, characterized in that said depression (52) faces the orientation opening (7).
25. A print element according to claim 24, characterized in that the spring (48) is a leaf spring with a central bow (51) extending towards said opening (7), the ends (57, 58) of which are located in the depression (52) in the back (5) of the cartridge (1).
26. A print element according to claim 25, characterized in that said spring (48) extends in a direction parallel to that for the introduction or removal of the print wheel (2) into or from the cartridge (1).
27. A print element according to claim 26, characterized in that the width of said spring (48), at least in its portion facing the orientation opening (7), is greater than that of said opening (7).
28. A print element according to claim 6 and to any one of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that said stud (46) bears against said opening (48), the latter, therefore, acting as a bearing surface for the rotation of the print wheel (2) during printing operations.
EP79104063A 1978-12-11 1979-10-19 Printing element with type-carrying wheel contained in a cartridge Expired EP0013300B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US96832078A 1978-12-11 1978-12-11
US968320 1978-12-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0013300A1 EP0013300A1 (en) 1980-07-23
EP0013300B1 true EP0013300B1 (en) 1982-05-05

Family

ID=25514067

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79104063A Expired EP0013300B1 (en) 1978-12-11 1979-10-19 Printing element with type-carrying wheel contained in a cartridge

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0013300B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5579158A (en)
AU (1) AU526345B2 (en)
BR (1) BR7908070A (en)
CA (1) CA1128449A (en)
DE (1) DE2962729D1 (en)
ES (1) ES486711A1 (en)
IT (1) IT1165390B (en)
MA (1) MA18622A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH627687A5 (en) * 1978-12-20 1982-01-29 Hermes Precisa International DEVICE FOR SETTING UP AND FIXING A PRINTING DISC.

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3986593A (en) * 1975-05-14 1976-10-19 Pitney-Bowes, Inc. Snap-action fastener assembly
DE2639872C2 (en) * 1976-09-04 1978-09-21 Olympia Werke Ag, 2940 Wilhelmshaven Writing mechanism with a type disc
US4124312A (en) * 1977-02-10 1978-11-07 Xerox Corporation Impact printer with print wheel cartridge
US4127335A (en) * 1977-02-10 1978-11-28 Xerox Corporation Impact printer with cartridge print wheel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0013300A1 (en) 1980-07-23
ES486711A1 (en) 1980-06-16
IT1165390B (en) 1987-04-22
JPH0151345B2 (en) 1989-11-02
BR7908070A (en) 1980-07-22
MA18622A1 (en) 1980-07-01
CA1128449A (en) 1982-07-27
DE2962729D1 (en) 1982-06-24
AU526345B2 (en) 1983-01-06
IT7927737A0 (en) 1979-11-30
JPS5579158A (en) 1980-06-14
AU5303379A (en) 1980-06-19

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