EP0013719A1 - Print disc cassette assembly - Google Patents

Print disc cassette assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0013719A1
EP0013719A1 EP79104880A EP79104880A EP0013719A1 EP 0013719 A1 EP0013719 A1 EP 0013719A1 EP 79104880 A EP79104880 A EP 79104880A EP 79104880 A EP79104880 A EP 79104880A EP 0013719 A1 EP0013719 A1 EP 0013719A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
cartridge
hub
recess
printing wheel
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP79104880A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0013719B1 (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 EP0013719A1 publication Critical patent/EP0013719A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0013719B1 publication Critical patent/EP0013719B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • 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 printers with a print wheel with radial character tabs and more particularly it relates to a particular structure of such a print wheel designed to be housed and positioned in a cartridge both during its storage and use in a printer.
  • the present invention relates to a print element or wheel of the type with radial character tabs which can be housed in a cartridge and removed from it.
  • the printing element and the cartridge form a printing assembly which can be stored, shipped, etc. and used for printing in a printer.
  • the printing element has a side struck by the hammer of the printer and a printing side and is basically composed of a central hub supporting radial tabs which bear printing characters at their free ends. When a tab of the printing member is struck by the hammer, the character mounted on the printing side of the tab is driven against a recording medium where it is printed.
  • the central hub is cup-shaped and its projecting side is on the struck side of the printing element.
  • the projecting side of the central hub has a relief element (also referred to hereinafter as "positioning element") in relief having a stabilizing surface.
  • the orientation element is intended to engage in a corresponding opening of the cartridge to maintain the printing element in a desired angular position.
  • the stabilization surface is intended to bear against a corresponding surface of a drive hub of a selection motor to stabilize the printing element.
  • the relief orientation element has a recess which has an opening radially offset from the axis of rotation of the printing element. Also found in the recess is a cylindrical crown centered on the axis of rotation of the printing element.
  • the open radially offset is provided to receive a centering finger of a drive hub and the central bore of the crown is provided to receive the drive shaft of a selection motor, passing through the drive hub .
  • the drive shaft has no play in the bore of the crown and the depth of this bore is sufficient to allow said stabilization surfaces to be in contact without the drive shaft coming into contact. contact with the bottom of the crown bore.
  • In the center of the hollow side of the central hub there is a raised part which serves both as a cam follower and as a bearing.
  • a curved flexible blade is disposed in the cartridge.
  • the drive hub rests on the printing element, the orientation element then being released from the opening receiving it, to allow rotation of said printing element.
  • the central raised part located on the hollow side of the hub rests and turns on the spring which acts as a bearing.
  • the central hub described here is in the form of a cup, the outside of which is turned on the striking side of the printing wheel.
  • This character teristics offers the following advantages: the overall printing wheel can be relatively thin while resisting warping; the print wheel being thin, the problems associated with its mass are reduced; when the print wheel is housed in a cartridge during a storage period or in use on a machine, the tabs are not in contact with the adjacent surface of the cartridge and the surface of the print wheel in contact with the cartridge, is minimized during storage.
  • the outer face of the central hub of the device of the present invention carries a projecting positioning element.
  • This positioning element as said above is intended to engage in a corresponding cutout formed in the cartridge to lock the print wheel in an angular position required by the printer.
  • the hub structure allows the stabilization of the printing wheel as mentioned above, as well as the reduction of the mass of the printing wheel thanks to the recess formed in the positioning element. .
  • FIG. 1 the cartridge is referenced 1, the printing wheel 2 and the drive hub of the selection motor 3. Only the printing element is part of the invention claimed below. During the printing operations, the printing element 2 is housed and rotated in the cartridge 1 by the drive hub 3.
  • 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 is designed so that it can be housed in and removed from a cartridge, which provides substantial assistance in solving the problems indicated above.
  • the space to be freed in the area of the printing device is no longer a critical factor since the cartridge containing the printing element is designed to be introduced vertically into a printer. .. Furthermore, since the printing element is practically 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 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 has somewhat 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 the introduction and the withdrawal of the printing element 2.
  • cut corners 13 and 14 and the corresponding cut corners. of the rear face 5 have two functions. All first 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 striking 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 it 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 housing body 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 cutout 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 guide paper 24 and aligned with the cutout 8.
  • the window 25 must be arranged so that it can be aligned with the platen of the printer and must have a sufficient width for, when performing printing operations at the stolen, allow the rebound of a print character tab without it coming into contact with one side of the window 25. While satisfying these requirements, the window 25 must be of sufficiently small dimensions to limit operator access to the printing element 2.
  • the front face 6 and the rear face 5 are close enough to limit operator access to the printing element 2 by the top or bottom of the cartridge 1. Therefore, when the printing element 2 is housed in the cartridge 1, the only part of said printing element which can 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 at which are attached to the radial tabs or petals 27 which bear at their outer ends of the 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 side impact. On 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 flange 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 constituted 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 D-shaped passage 36 passes axially through the cylinder 34 and the flange 35.
  • the passage 36 receives the drive shaft 37, corresponding form, of a selection engine.
  • 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 warping 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 slightly 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 internal 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 stud 46 placed at the center of the depression 47 of the hub 26.
  • the stud 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 stud 46 is composed of a cylindrical part 49 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 stud 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 48 must be surpassed.
  • the spherical end 50 of the stud 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 cartridge 1 is ready for use 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 may be offset from the plane of all 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 remain 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 cup 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 further 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 stud 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 in order to be able to rotate in the cartridge 1. During the rotation of the element 2 for selection and printing operations, the arm 39 and the finger 40 are arranged in the cartridge 1 and the spring 48 acts of range 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 relief element 29 and the stud 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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Abstract

Structure de roue d'impression du type à languettes portecaractères radiales conçue pour être logée et orientée dans une cartouche pendant son stockage et son utilisation dans une imprimante. La roue d'impression (2) comporte un moyeu (26), en forme de coupelle, muni d'un bord périphérique (55) à partir de l'extrémité duquel s'étendent des languettes radiales (27) portant des caractères (28). Le moyeu (26) présente un élément d'orientation (29), de forme asymétrique, destiné à venir se loger dans une ouverture correspondante (7) d'une cartouche (1), afin de bloquer la roue d'impression (2) dans une position angulaire prédéterminée. L'élément d'orientation (29) présente un enfoncement (30) destiné à alléger la roue d'impression (2), ainsi qu'un enfoncement (43) muni d'une ouverture pour l'entraînement en rotation de la roue d'impression (2).Printing wheel structure of the type with radial character tabs designed to be housed and oriented in a cartridge during its storage and use in a printer. The printing wheel (2) comprises a cup-shaped hub (26) provided with a peripheral edge (55) from the end of which extend radial tongues (27) bearing characters (28 ). The hub (26) has an orientation element (29), of asymmetrical shape, intended to be received in a corresponding opening (7) of a cartridge (1), in order to block the printing wheel (2). in a predetermined angular position. The orientation element (29) has a recess (30) intended to lighten the printing wheel (2), as well as a recess (43) provided with an opening for the rotary drive of the printing wheel. 'impression (2).

Description

Domaine TechniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne de façon générale les imprimantes à roue d'impression à languettes porte- caractères radiales et plus particulièrement elle concerne une structure particulière d'une telle roue d'impression conçue pour être logée et positionnée dans une cartouche à la fois pendant son stockage et son utilisation dans une imprimante.The present invention relates generally to printers with a print wheel with radial character tabs and more particularly it relates to a particular structure of such a print wheel designed to be housed and positioned in a cartridge both during its storage and use in a printer.

Etat de la Technique AntérieureState of the Prior Art

Dans la demande de brevet français No. 78 03694 publiée le 8 septembre 1978 sous le No. 2 380 139, on décrit une roue d'impression à languettes porte-caractères radiales destinée à être logée dans une cartouche, laquelle est installée sur le chariot d'une imprimante avec une intervention minimale de l'opérateur. Cette roue d'impression comporte un moyeu central et des languettes radiales partant de ce moyeu central, une portée centrale surélevée sur le côté impression dudit moyeu central, une ouverture d'entraînement radialement décalée par rapport à l'axe de rotation de la roue et un prolongement annulaire centré sur l'axe de rotation et disposé sur le côté de la roue d'impression frappé par le marteau.In French patent application No. 78 03694 published on September 8, 1978 under No. 2,380,139, there is described a printing wheel with radial character tabs intended to be housed in a cartridge, which is installed on the carriage. a printer with minimal operator intervention. This printing wheel comprises a central hub and radial tongues extending from this central hub, a raised central bearing surface on the printing side of said central hub, a drive opening radially offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel and an annular extension centered on the axis of rotation and disposed on the side of the printing wheel struck by the hammer.

Exposé de l'InventionStatement of the Invention

La présente invention, a pour objet un élément ou roue d'impression du type à languettes porte-caractères radiales pouvant être logé dans une cartouche et retirée de celle-ci. L'élément d'impression et la cartouche forment un ensemble d'impression qui peut être stocké, expédié, etc. et utilisé pour l'impression dans une imprimante. L'élément d'impression présente un côté frappe par le marteau de l'imprimante et un côté impression et est composé fondamentalement d'un moyeu central supportant des languettes radiales lesquelles portent des caractères d'impression à leurs extrémités libres. Lorsqu'une languette de l'élément d'impression est frappée par le marteau, le caractère monté sur le côté d'impression de la languette est entraîné contre un milieu d'enregistrement où il est imprimé. Le moyeu central est en forme de coupelle et son côté en saillie est du côté frappé de l'élément d'impression. Le côté en saillie du moyeu central comporte un élément d'orientation (dit aussi ci-après "élément de positionnement") en relief présentant une surface de stabilisation. L'élément d'orientation est destiné à s'engager dans une ouverture correspondante de la cartouche pour maintenir l'élément d'impression dans une position angulaire désirée. La surface de stabilisation est destinée à porter contre une surface correspondante d'un moyeu d'entraînement d'un moteur de sélection pour stabiliser l'élément d'impression. L'élément'd'orientation en relief comporte un enfoncement qui présente une ouverture radialement décalée par rapport à l'axe de rotation de l'élément d'impression. On trouve également dans l'enfoncement, une couronne cylindrique centrée sur l'axe de rotation de l'élément d'impression. L'ouverture radialement décalée est prévue pour recevoir un doigt d'entralnement d'un moyeu d'entraînement et l'alésage central de la couronne est prévu pour recevoir l'arbre d'entraînement d'un moteur de sélection, traversant le moyeu d'entraînement. L'arbre d'entrai- nement n'a pas de jeu dans l'alésage de la couronne et la profondeur de cet alésage est suffisante pour permettre auxdites surfaces de stabilisation d'être en contact sans que l'arbre d'entraînement vienne en contact avec le fond de l'alésage de la couronne. On trouve au centre du côté creux du moyeu central, une partie en relief qui sert à la fois de suiveur de came et de portée. Une lame flexible incurvée est disposée dans la cartouche. Lors de l'introduction de l'élément d'impression dans la cartouche, le ressort sollicite la portée centrale du moyeu pour guider l'élément d'orientation dans l'ouverture correspondante de la cartouche afin de verrouiller l'élément d'impression dans la position angulaire désirée. Pendant l'impression, le moyeu d'entraînement s'appuie sur l'élément d'impression, l'élément d'orientation étant alors dégagé de l'ouverture le recevant, pour permettre la rotation dudit élément d'impression. Pendant la rotation de celui-ci, la partie centrale en relief située du côté creux du moyeu s'appuie et tourne sur le ressort qui fait fonction de portée.The present invention relates to a print element or wheel of the type with radial character tabs which can be housed in a cartridge and removed from it. The printing element and the cartridge form a printing assembly which can be stored, shipped, etc. and used for printing in a printer. The printing element has a side struck by the hammer of the printer and a printing side and is basically composed of a central hub supporting radial tabs which bear printing characters at their free ends. When a tab of the printing member is struck by the hammer, the character mounted on the printing side of the tab is driven against a recording medium where it is printed. The central hub is cup-shaped and its projecting side is on the struck side of the printing element. The projecting side of the central hub has a relief element (also referred to hereinafter as "positioning element") in relief having a stabilizing surface. The orientation element is intended to engage in a corresponding opening of the cartridge to maintain the printing element in a desired angular position. The stabilization surface is intended to bear against a corresponding surface of a drive hub of a selection motor to stabilize the printing element. The relief orientation element has a recess which has an opening radially offset from the axis of rotation of the printing element. Also found in the recess is a cylindrical crown centered on the axis of rotation of the printing element. The open radially offset is provided to receive a centering finger of a drive hub and the central bore of the crown is provided to receive the drive shaft of a selection motor, passing through the drive hub . The drive shaft has no play in the bore of the crown and the depth of this bore is sufficient to allow said stabilization surfaces to be in contact without the drive shaft coming into contact. contact with the bottom of the crown bore. In the center of the hollow side of the central hub, there is a raised part which serves both as a cam follower and as a bearing. A curved flexible blade is disposed in the cartridge. When the printing element is introduced into the cartridge, the spring biases the central bearing of the hub to guide the orientation element in the corresponding opening of the cartridge in order to lock the printing element in the desired angular position. During printing, the drive hub rests on the printing element, the orientation element then being released from the opening receiving it, to allow rotation of said printing element. During the rotation of the latter, the central raised part located on the hollow side of the hub rests and turns on the spring which acts as a bearing.

Nous allons maintenant indiquer plusieurs des différences les plus importantes existant entre le dispositif décrit dans l'art antérieur précité et celui selon la présente invention, ainsi que les avantages apportés par ce dernier. Tout d'abord, le moyeu central décrit ici est en forme de coupelle dont l'extérieur est tourné du côté frappe de la roue d'impression. Cette caractéristique offre les avantages suivants: la roue d'impression hors tout peut être relativement mince tout en résistant au gauchissement; la roue d'impression étant mince, les problèmes associés à sa masse sont réduits; lorsque la roue d'impression est logée dans une cartouche pendant une période de stockage ou en utilisation sur une machine, les languettes ne sont pas en contact avec la surface adjacente de la cartouche et la surface de la roue d'impression en contact avec la cartouche, est réduite au minimum pendant le stockage. Une autre différence est que la face extérieure du moyeu central du dispositif de la présente invention, porte un élément de positionnement en saillie. Cet élément de positionnement, comme on l'a dit plus haut est destiné à s'engager dans une découpe correspondante ménagée dans la cartouche pour bloquer la roue d'impression dans une position angulaire requise par l'imprimante. De plus, la structure du moyeu permet la stabilisation de la roue d'impression comme on l'a dit plus haut, ainsi que la réduction de la masse de la roue d'impression grâce à l'enfoncement ménagé dans l'élément de positionnement.We will now indicate several of the most important differences existing between the device described in the aforementioned prior art and that according to the present invention, as well as the advantages brought by the latter. First of all, the central hub described here is in the form of a cup, the outside of which is turned on the striking side of the printing wheel. This character teristics offers the following advantages: the overall printing wheel can be relatively thin while resisting warping; the print wheel being thin, the problems associated with its mass are reduced; when the print wheel is housed in a cartridge during a storage period or in use on a machine, the tabs are not in contact with the adjacent surface of the cartridge and the surface of the print wheel in contact with the cartridge, is minimized during storage. Another difference is that the outer face of the central hub of the device of the present invention carries a projecting positioning element. This positioning element, as said above is intended to engage in a corresponding cutout formed in the cartridge to lock the print wheel in an angular position required by the printer. In addition, the hub structure allows the stabilization of the printing wheel as mentioned above, as well as the reduction of the mass of the printing wheel thanks to the recess formed in the positioning element. .

Brève Description des Figures des DessinsBrief Description of the Figures of the Drawings

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de l'avant de l'ensemble d'impression comprenant une cartouche et l'élément d'impression selon la présente invention, lequel a été retiré de la cartouche. Est également représenté dans cette figure, le moyeu d'entrainement du moteur de sélection qui entraîne l'élément d'impression en rotation.Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front of the printing assembly comprising a cartridge and the printing element according to the present invention, which has been removed from the cartridge. Also shown in this figure is the drive hub of the selection motor which drives the printing element in rotation.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective de l'arrière de l'élément d'impression de la figure 1.Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the printing element of Figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une vue en perspective de l'arrière de la cartouche de la figure 1.FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the cartridge of FIG. 1.
  • La figure 4 est une vue de côté du moyeu d'entraînement de la figure 1.Figure 4 is a side view of the drive hub of Figure 1.
  • La figure 5 est une vue de face du moyeu d'entraînement de la figure 1.FIG. 5 is a front view of the drive hub of FIG. 1.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe, prise verticalement, de l'élément d'impression des figures 1 et 2.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. Seul l'élément d'impression fait partie de l'invention revendiquée ci-après. Pendant les opérations d'impression, l'élément d'impression 2 est logé et entraîné en rotation dans la cartouche 1 par le moyeu d'entraînement 3.For a detailed description of the present invention, reference will first 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. Only the printing element is part of the invention claimed below. During the printing operations, the printing element 2 is housed and rotated in the cartridge 1 by the drive hub 3.

Avant de poursuivre la description de l'élément d'impression 2 et de ses relations avec la cartouche 1 et le moyeu d'entraînement 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 requièrt 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 l'élément 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 angulaire- ment, puis à le monter à force sur l'arbre d'entraînement.Before continuing the description of the printing element 2 and its relations with the cartridge 1 and the drive hub 3, a few fundamental points will be made. First of all, in a printer with a print wheel, mounting the print wheel on the drive hub of the selection motor requires numerous manipulations on the part of the operator. Of moreover, 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 element 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 forcing it onto the drive shaft.

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 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 est conçu de façon à pouvoir être logé dans une cartouche et retiré de celle-ci, ce qui apporte une aide substantielle à la résolution des problèmes indiqués ci-dessus.The printing element of the present invention is designed so that it can be housed in and removed from a cartridge, which provides substantial assistance in solving the problems indicated above.

Compte non tenu du problème propre au retrait du moteur, l'espace à libérer dans la zone du dispositif d'impression n'est plus un facteur critique car la cartouche contenant l'élément d'impression est conçue pour être introduite verticalement dans une imprimante.. En outre, étant donné que l'élément d'impression est pratiquement entièrement contenu dans la cartouche, le changement de cartouche ne constitue plus une opération salissante.Not taking into account the problem specific to the removal of the motor, the space to be freed in the area of the printing device is no longer a critical factor since the cartridge containing the printing element is designed to be introduced vertically into a printer. .. Furthermore, since the printing element is practically 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 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.Referring again to Figure 1 and more particularly to the cartridge 1 formed mainly of a housing 4 and 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 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 has somewhat 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 the introduction and the withdrawal of 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. All first 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 dans 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 striking 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 it 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 boîtier 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 housing body 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 cutout 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 guide paper 24 and aligned with the cutout 8. The window 25 must be arranged so that it can be aligned with the platen of the printer and must have a sufficient width for, when performing printing operations at the stolen, allow the rebound of a print character tab without it coming into contact with one side of the window 25. While satisfying these requirements, the window 25 must be of sufficiently small dimensions to limit operator access to the printing element 2. In addition, the front face 6 and the rear face 5 are close enough to limit operator access to the printing element 2 by the top or bottom of the cartridge 1. Therefore, when the printing element 2 is housed in the cartridge 1, the only part of said printing element which can 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 mi- chemin 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 at which are attached to the radial tabs or petals 27 which bear at their outer ends of the 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 side impact. 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 flange 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 d'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 constituted 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'entrainement 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.We will now refer 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 D-shaped passage 36 passes axially through the cylinder 34 and the flange 35. The passage 36 receives the drive shaft 37, corresponding form, of a selection engine. 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 warping 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 variations de tolérances, la hauteur du trou 4l 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 la 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 slightly 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 manière 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 internal 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 téton 46 disposé au centre de l'enfoncement 47 du moyeu 26. Le téton 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 téton 46 est composé d'une partie cylindrique 49 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 stud 46 placed at the center of the depression 47 of the hub 26. The stud 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 stud 46 is composed of a cylindrical part 49 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 the element 2 is in the cartridge 1 and that 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.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.

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 longueur 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 téton 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.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 stud 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 48 doit être surpassée. Pendant l'introduction de l'élément 2 dans la cartouche 1, l'extrémité sphérique 50 du téton 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 48 must be surpassed. During the introduction of the element 2 into the cartridge 1, the spherical end 50 of the stud 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 relief element 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 cartridge 1 is ready for use 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 pourront 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 may be offset from the plane of all 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 remain 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 téton 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 la 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 cup 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 further 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 stud 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 in order to be able to rotate in the cartridge 1. During the rotation of the element 2 for selection and printing operations, the arm 39 and the finger 40 are arranged in the cartridge 1 and the spring 48 acts of range 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 dù à 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 téton 46, peut être essentiellement égale à l'épaisseur totale de l'élément 2. Un autre avantage réside 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 téton 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 relief element 29 and the stud 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 stud 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 (8)

1. Roue d'impression du type comprenant un moyeu à partir de la périphérie duquel s'étendent radialement des languettes portant des caractères sur l'une de leur face et dont la face opposée est destinée à être frappée par un marteau, ladite roue d'impression étant caractérisée en ce que ledit moyeu est en forme de coupelle dont l'extérieur est du même côté que les faces des languettes frappées par le marteau en ce que lesdites languettes sont fixées au bord périphérique de ladite coupelle, et en ce que l'extérieur de ladite coupelle présente un élément d'orientation, en relief, servant à définir une position angulaire désirée de la roue.1. A printing wheel of the type comprising a hub from the periphery of which extend radially tongues bearing characters on one of their faces and the opposite face of which is intended to be struck by a hammer, said wheel d impression being characterized in that said hub is cup-shaped, the outside of which is on the same side as the faces of the tongues struck by the hammer, in that said tongues are fixed to the peripheral edge of said cup, and in that the the exterior of said cup has an orientation element, in relief, used to define a desired angular position of the wheel. 2.- Roue d'impression selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément d'orientation comporte une surface de stabilisation de la rotation de la roue, ladite surface étant destinée à venir en contact avec une surface de stabilisation correspondante d'un moyeu d'entraînement.2. A printing wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that said orientation element comprises a surface for stabilizing the rotation of the wheel, said surface being intended to come into contact with a corresponding stabilization surface of a drive hub. 3. Roue d'impression selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément d'orientation comporte un enfoncement dans lequel se situe l'axe de rotation de la roue, ledit enfoncement présentant une ouverture d'entraînement décentrée par rapport audit axe.3. Printing wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that said orientation element comprises a recess in which is located the axis of rotation of the wheel, said recess having a drive opening offset from said axis. 4. Roue d'impression selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément d'orientation comporte une couronne située dans ledit enfoncement et centrée sur ledit axe de rotation, ladite couronne étant destinée à recevoir l'extrémité d'un arbre d'entraînement auquel est couplé ledit moyeu d'entraînement et qui dépasse de ce dernier.4. Printing wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that said orientation element comprises a crown located in said recess and centered on said axis of rotation, said ring being intended to receive the end of a drive shaft to which said drive hub is coupled and which projects from the latter. 5. Roue d'impression selon la revendication 4 caractérisée en ce que la profondeur du creux central de ladite couronne est supérieure à la profondeur dudit enfoncement.5. A printing wheel according to claim 4 characterized in that the depth of the central hollow of said crown is greater than the depth of said recess. 6. Roue d'impression selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que l'intérieur de ladite coupelle présente une partie en relief, centrée sur l'axe de rotation de la roue, et faisant office de portée pour la roue en rotation.6. Printing wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the interior of said cup has a raised portion, centered on the axis of rotation of the wheel, and acting as a bearing for the spinning wheel. 7. Roue d'impression selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6 caractérisée en ce que la forme dudit élément d'orientation, pris dans son ensemble, est asymétrique.7. A printing wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the shape of said orientation element, taken as a whole, is asymmetrical. 8. Roue d'impression selon la revendication 3 ou 4 caractérisée en ce que la forme dudit enfoncement est asymétrique.8. Printing wheel according to claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the shape of said recess is asymmetrical.
EP79104880A 1978-12-11 1979-12-04 Print disc cassette assembly Expired EP0013719B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US05/968,322 US4245916A (en) 1978-12-11 1978-12-11 Daisy wheel print element structured for use in a cartridge
US968322 1978-12-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0013719A1 true EP0013719A1 (en) 1980-08-06
EP0013719B1 EP0013719B1 (en) 1981-11-25

Family

ID=25514072

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79104880A Expired EP0013719B1 (en) 1978-12-11 1979-12-04 Print disc cassette assembly

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US (1) US4245916A (en)
EP (1) EP0013719B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5579160A (en)
AU (1) AU523780B2 (en)
DE (1) DE2961473D1 (en)
ES (1) ES486228A1 (en)
IT (1) IT1172401B (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6054186B2 (en) * 1978-09-18 1985-11-29 株式会社リコー printing device
US4389129A (en) * 1980-06-30 1983-06-21 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Type wheel printer
US4410288A (en) * 1981-12-14 1983-10-18 Holmes Lawrence Jr Vertical replacement daisy wheel element
NL8105753A (en) * 1981-12-21 1983-07-18 Business Systems Inc Bv TEXT PROCESSING DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH INTERCHANGEABLE DISK WITH FLEXIBLE SYMBOL ARMS.
GB2135246B (en) * 1983-02-23 1987-05-13 Ricoh Kk Daisy wheel supporting structure
JPH01137231U (en) * 1988-03-05 1989-09-20
US5098208A (en) * 1990-01-12 1992-03-24 Smith Corona Corporation Ribbon cassette with integral paper guide
US5074689A (en) * 1990-01-12 1991-12-24 Smith Corona Corporation Ribbon cassette with integral paper guide
US20060204153A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Honeywell International Inc. Compact resilient anisotropic support for bearing

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US3986593A (en) * 1975-05-14 1976-10-19 Pitney-Bowes, Inc. Snap-action fastener assembly
FR2380139A1 (en) * 1977-02-10 1978-09-08 Xerox Corp IMPACT PRINTER WITH CARTRIDGE PRINTING WHEEL
US4124312A (en) * 1977-02-10 1978-11-07 Xerox Corporation Impact printer with print wheel cartridge

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4209262A (en) * 1978-11-15 1980-06-24 Xerox Corporation Print wheel loading apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* 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
FR2380139A1 (en) * 1977-02-10 1978-09-08 Xerox Corp IMPACT PRINTER WITH CARTRIDGE PRINTING WHEEL
US4124312A (en) * 1977-02-10 1978-11-07 Xerox Corporation Impact printer with print wheel cartridge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2961473D1 (en) 1982-01-28
IT1172401B (en) 1987-06-18
JPS5579160A (en) 1980-06-14
AU5254879A (en) 1980-06-19
AU523780B2 (en) 1982-08-12
ES486228A1 (en) 1980-05-16
JPS647870B2 (en) 1989-02-10
US4245916A (en) 1981-01-20
IT7927736A0 (en) 1979-11-30
EP0013719B1 (en) 1981-11-25

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