EP0969970A1 - Compact printing mechanism - Google Patents

Compact printing mechanism

Info

Publication number
EP0969970A1
EP0969970A1 EP98913884A EP98913884A EP0969970A1 EP 0969970 A1 EP0969970 A1 EP 0969970A1 EP 98913884 A EP98913884 A EP 98913884A EP 98913884 A EP98913884 A EP 98913884A EP 0969970 A1 EP0969970 A1 EP 0969970A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roller
chassis
head
printing
frame
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
EP98913884A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0969970B1 (en
Inventor
Denis Claude Jean Montagutelli
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.)
Aps Engineering Sarl
APS Engineering SARL
Original Assignee
Aps Engineering Sarl
APS Engineering SARL
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 Aps Engineering Sarl, APS Engineering SARL filed Critical Aps Engineering Sarl
Publication of EP0969970A1 publication Critical patent/EP0969970A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0969970B1 publication Critical patent/EP0969970B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/02—Framework
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printing mechanism, intended to make possible the production of an ultra-compact mechanism.
  • a printing mechanism intended to make possible the production of an ultra-compact mechanism.
  • a mechanism for mounting a thermal print head comprising a frame and a roller which is rotatably mounted between the two side walls of the frame, and a print head which is mounted facing the frame, between the side walls.
  • the mechanism further includes a pressure member assembled in rotation with the frame and adapted to bring the print head into pressure contact with the roller and a pressure lever assembled in rotation with the frame. The pressure element is supported by the lever so as to compress the print head with the roller.
  • the mechanism includes a frame, a print head and a roller and a spring that presses the print head against the roller.
  • the mechanisms described in these documents essentially relate to means for bringing the roller and the print head into contact by pressure. However, we want to reduce the volume of known mechanisms. These mechanisms are such that the frame is most often made of plastic.
  • the main drawback of plastic when it comes to wanting to further reduce the volume of the mechanism is its rigidity. Indeed, the critical point of a thermal printing mechanism is to achieve a good alignment between the generator of the roller and the line of dots of the print head. However, when the thickness of the mechanism decreases, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the roller, which results in an increasingly smaller contact surface (or "flat" of the roller).
  • One of the most difficult problems to solve in the case of compact mechanisms is that of the alignment of the roller, guiding the paper, with the print head. The more compact the mechanism, the smaller the diameter of the roller. Thus, the contact surface between the roller and the print head always becomes smaller and alignment becomes more and more difficult to achieve.
  • the only solution for producing compact mechanical parts of small dimensions consists in making the printing frame in a single plastic part which carries all the elements for holding the mechanical parts (gears, head of printing, roller, motors, and sensors).
  • the problem is that the mechanical stability of this chassis is no longer sufficient when it is subjected to mechanical stresses such as the application of pressure on the print head, even when this pressure is applied symmetrically on the frame.
  • the effects of thinness and alignment problems are significantly increased.
  • the invention proposes to solve the problem of aligning the generator of the roller with the line of dots of the print head, by stiffening the print frame using a specific member.
  • the problem with aligning the roller with the head can be summed up by the fact that the plastic frame twists when stress is applied to it.
  • the invention relates to a thermal printing mechanism comprising, a chassis, a motor and gears driving a roller, a thermal printing head, a member for pressing the head on the roller, characterized in that 'It comprises a stiffening member secured at least vertically to two of the distinct sides of the chassis and at least in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to a third side of the chassis, or, at least in rotation of two of the sides of the chassis.
  • a plate of sufficient thickness (here, 1.5 mm) is installed in order to prevent the chassis from twisting.
  • the plate constitutes the final phase of assembly (before the printing test), and is only fixed with a single self-tapping screw, because an internal interlocking system, without adding a drawer in the mold, allows to block any vertical movement of the sides of the chassis relative to the bottom.
  • the rigidity thus obtained is such that the deformation when the head of the chassis is raised is zero.
  • the mechanism is such that the stiffening member is a plate which engages between two studs on each of the sides of the chassis, offset horizontally, and in that said plate is held integral in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the chassis using a fixing member which is a single screw.
  • the mechanism according to the invention is such that the fixing member passes through the mechanism right through and ensures a rotation lock relative to the two faces supporting the printing roller.
  • the mechanism is such that the stiffening member has fixing points for the printing mechanism.
  • the mechanism may also include a lever acting on only one side of the print head performing the triple function of user control, control of the position sensor, and direct control of the lifting of the head.
  • this system stiffens the entire chassis making alignment particularly easy. It is then possible to fix other mechanical elements to the chassis without risk (paper rewinder, paper roll support, etc.).
  • the stiffening member can consist of a printed circuit which is capable of stiffening the chassis while assuming an electronic function, such as controlling the printer.
  • the stiffening member makes it possible to always keep the two sides of the mechanism aligned with each other and thus eliminates any potential twisting.
  • a first possible organization is the use of a stiffening plate, integral with each of the two lateral sides, and therefore in the event of misalignment on the two sides, a rotation of the plate occurs. It is then no longer perpendicular with the sides, in particular with the background. It has an angle in the horizontal plane with the background. The principle then consists in keeping it firmly (according to three support points) flat with a plane perpendicular to the bottom of the mechanism, which immobilizes any potential rotation of the plate.
  • the plate according to the invention represents the final phase of the assembly of the mechanism, it only requires a single self-tapping screw making its attachment particularly easy, it is moreover the only screw of the mechanism. It is inserted between studs located inside the chassis and offset which allows easy release of the part, easy insertion of said plate, and a single fixing screw.
  • the plate is wide and takes up a lot on the sides of the mechanism, presenting a large lever arm and therefore an even higher torsional resistance. As it is assembled during the final assembly phase, it does not interfere with the previous phases, in particular the assembly of the motor (lateral and interior, nor that of the print head (insertion inside and rotation).
  • this lever is applied directly against the head support consisting of a metal plate, configuration could not be more simple, and also realizes the pressure on the high position detection switch.
  • the invention further relates to a pinion for locking the roller in its housing, for locking itself on the roller (clipping) and performs a bearing function between the roller and the chassis of the printer.
  • roller performs the bearing function makes it possible to increase its length, which makes it possible to house a clipping without increasing the volume.
  • This innovation increases the number of parts to perform these functions from three to one: it generally requires a separate bearing from the gear, a gear and a locking clip. Moreover, assembly is done by simple manual insertion of the gear in the roller after positioning of the latter in its housing. The noise of the clipping acting as verification of correct insertion.
  • Figure 1 is a top view of the mechanism according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a view of a stiffening plate according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pinion according to the invention.
  • the mechanism according to the invention comprises a printing frame 1 which has two longitudinal sides 2, 3 and two transverse sides 4, 5, a motor 6 and gears driving a roller 7.
  • the mechanism comprises, in known manner, a head printing (8), for example thermal.
  • the mechanism comprises a pressure member 9 on the roller 7.
  • the plate 8 is kept in pressure against the roller 7 by means of a spring 9.
  • the mechanism comprises a stiffening member 10.
  • this stiffening member 10 is a plate, for example of metal or of hard synthetic material. This plate 10 is such that it is secured at least vertically to two of the separate sides of the chassis and at least in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to a third side of the chassis or at least in rotation on both sides of the chassis.
  • the plate 10 is fixed by means of a screw 13.
  • This screw 13 passes through the mechanism from side to side and ensures a rotation lock relative to the two faces supporting the printing roller 7.
  • the lever 14 which acts on the print head 8.
  • This lever is integral with one end of the roller 7.
  • This lever 14 operates in the following manner: the separation of the head 8 from the roller 7 is done by pushing the lever down. It also presses switch 15.
  • FIG 3 there is shown the pinion 16 which allows to lock the roller 7 which passes through a hole made in the lateral side 2 of the frame.
  • the axis of the roller has a groove 17 for clipping the roller.
  • the roller further comprises a bearing 18 between the roller and the lateral side 2 of the chassis.
  • the mechanism according to the invention has many advantages: It can keep its compactness when it is desired to increase the printing width. It allows very flat mechanisms to be produced by the use of a small diameter roller. It allows to keep a simple assembly in spite of its compactness and it allows to realize a large printing width mechanism while keeping the same thickness.

Abstract

The invention concerns a printing mechanism designed for producing an ultra-compact mechanism. The thermal printing mechanism comprises a frame, a motor and a gear assembly driving a roller (7), a thermal printing head (8), a member pressing (9) the head (8) on the roller (7), characterized in that it comprises a member providing at least vertical rigidity (1) to two separate sides of the frame and at least rotational resistance along an axis substantially perpendicular to a third side of the frame, or, at least rotational resistance to two sides of the frame. The invention is useful for printing mechanisms of electronic payment terminals.

Description

MECANISME D'IMPRESSION COMPACTCOMPACT PRINTING MECHANISM
La présente invention concerne un mécanisme d'impression, destiné à rendre possible la réalisation d'un mécanisme ultra-compact. II existe actuellement sur le marché des mécanismes compacts d'une épaisseur de 20mm. Ces mécanismes sont réalisés à l'aide d'un châssis en plastique qui maintient tous les éléments constitutifs du mécanisme, en particulier, le moteur et les organes de transmission associés (pignons), la tête d'impression et son éventuel support (qui peut être une partie de la-dite tête) le rouleau d'entraînement du papier, l'organe de pression de la tête d'impression sur le rouleau entre lequel vient le papier.The present invention relates to a printing mechanism, intended to make possible the production of an ultra-compact mechanism. There are currently compact mechanisms on the market with a thickness of 20mm. These mechanisms are produced using a plastic chassis which holds all the constituent elements of the mechanism, in particular, the motor and the associated transmission members (pinions), the print head and its possible support (which can be a part of the said head) the paper drive roller, the member for pressing the print head on the roller between which the paper comes.
Il existe également des mécanismes constitués d'éléments métalliques qui sont généralement fixés entre eux à l'aide de vis et taraudages dans la tôle, mais dans ce cas, la complexité du mécanisme rend son encombrement important, réduit sa fiabilité et rend le coût prohibitif. De plus, l'impossibilité de réaliser dans ce type de matière des formes complexes (bossages, trous multiples,...) rend difficilie la tenue de tolérances serrées. La technique antérieure la plus pertinente dans le cas d'un mécanisme compact est une base plastique sur laquelle vient donc se fixer les éléments constitutifs du mécanisme.There are also mechanisms made up of metallic elements which are generally fixed to each other using screws and internal threads in the sheet metal, but in this case, the complexity of the mechanism makes it large, reduces its reliability and makes the cost prohibitive. . In addition, the impossibility of producing complex shapes in this type of material (bosses, multiple holes, etc.) makes it difficult to maintain tight tolerances. The most relevant prior art in the case of a compact mechanism is a plastic base on which therefore the constituent elements of the mechanism are fixed.
On a décrit dans la Demande de Brevet Eurpéen No. 0 718 1 10, un mécanisme pour le montage d'une tête d'impression thermique comprenant un cadre et un rouleau qui est monté en rotation entre les deux parois latérales du cadre, et une tête d'impression qui est montée face au cadre, entre les parois latérales. Le mécanisme comprend en outre un élément de pression assemblé en rotation avec le cadre et adapté pour amener la tête d'impression en contact avec pression sur le rouleau et un levier de pression assemblé en rotation avec le cadre. L'élément de pression est supporté par le levier de façon à compresser la tête d'impression avec le rouleau.There has been described in European Patent Application No. 0 718 1 10, a mechanism for mounting a thermal print head comprising a frame and a roller which is rotatably mounted between the two side walls of the frame, and a print head which is mounted facing the frame, between the side walls. The mechanism further includes a pressure member assembled in rotation with the frame and adapted to bring the print head into pressure contact with the roller and a pressure lever assembled in rotation with the frame. The pressure element is supported by the lever so as to compress the print head with the roller.
On a décrit dans la Demande de Brevet Européen No. 0 738 606 un mécanisme pour uniformiser une tête d 'impression pressée contre un rouleau. Le mécanisme comprend un cadre, une tête d'impression et un rouleau et un ressort qui presse la tête d'impression contre le rouleau.In European Patent Application No. 0 738 606, a mechanism has been described for standardizing a print head pressed against a roller. The mechanism includes a frame, a print head and a roller and a spring that presses the print head against the roller.
On a décrit dans la Demande de Brevet Européen No. 0 659 574 un mécanisme d'impression qui comprend une tête d'impression et un rouleau sur lequel elle est comprimée. Le mécanisme est tel que le nombre de ses pièces est diminué. Ce mécanisme comprend un levier qui permet de mettre en contact ou non la tête d'impression et le rouleau.There has been described in European Patent Application No. 0 659 574 a printing mechanism which comprises a printing head and a roller on which it is compressed. The mechanism is such that the number of its parts is reduced. This mechanism includes a lever which makes it possible to bring the print head and the roller into contact or not.
Les mécanismes décrits dans ces documents concernent essentiellement des moyens pour faire entrer en contact par pression le rouleau et la tête d'impression. Or, on souhaite diminuer le volume des mécanismes connus. Ces mécanismes sont tels que le cadre est le plus souvent en matière plastique.The mechanisms described in these documents essentially relate to means for bringing the roller and the print head into contact by pressure. However, we want to reduce the volume of known mechanisms. These mechanisms are such that the frame is most often made of plastic.
Le principal inconvénient du plastique quand on vient à vouloir diminuer encore le volume du mécanisme est sa rigidité. En effet, le point critique d'un mécanisme d'impression thermique est de réaliser un bon alignement entre la génératrice du rouleau et la ligne de points de la tête d'impression. Or, quand l'épaisseur du mécanisme diminue, il est nécessaire de diminuer le diamètre du rouleau, ce qui entraîne une surface de contact (ou "plat" du rouleau) de plus en plus petite. Un des problèmes les plus délicats à régler dans le cas de mécanismes compacts est celui de l'alignement du rouleau, guidant le papier, avec la tête d'impression. En effet, plus le mécanisme est compact plus le diamiètre du rouleau est faible. Ainsi, la surface de contact entre le rouleau et le tête d'impression devient toujours plus faible et l'alignement devient de plus en plus délicat à réaliser. De plus, dans de tels cas, le seule solution pour réaliser des pièces mécaniques compactes et de petites dimensions, notamment des petits axes, et trous, consiste à réaliser le châssis d'impression en une seule pièce en plastique qui porte tous les éléments de maintien des pièces mécaniques (engrenages, tête d'impression, rouleau, moteurs, et capteurs). Le problème est que la stabilité mécanique de ce châssis n'est plus suffisante quand il est soumis à des contraintes mécaniques telle que l'application de la pression sur la tête d'impression, même quand cette pression s'effectue de façon symétrique sur le châssis. De plus, quand la largeur d'impression augmente, les effets de la faible épaisseur et les problèmes d'alignement s'en trouvent notablement augmentés.The main drawback of plastic when it comes to wanting to further reduce the volume of the mechanism is its rigidity. Indeed, the critical point of a thermal printing mechanism is to achieve a good alignment between the generator of the roller and the line of dots of the print head. However, when the thickness of the mechanism decreases, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the roller, which results in an increasingly smaller contact surface (or "flat" of the roller). One of the most difficult problems to solve in the case of compact mechanisms is that of the alignment of the roller, guiding the paper, with the print head. The more compact the mechanism, the smaller the diameter of the roller. Thus, the contact surface between the roller and the print head always becomes smaller and alignment becomes more and more difficult to achieve. In addition, in such cases, the the only solution for producing compact mechanical parts of small dimensions, in particular small axes and holes, consists in making the printing frame in a single plastic part which carries all the elements for holding the mechanical parts (gears, head of printing, roller, motors, and sensors). The problem is that the mechanical stability of this chassis is no longer sufficient when it is subjected to mechanical stresses such as the application of pressure on the print head, even when this pressure is applied symmetrically on the frame. In addition, as the print width increases, the effects of thinness and alignment problems are significantly increased.
Pire encore, quand le relevage se fait d'un seul côté, comme c'est le cas sur ce mécanisme, et dans tous les mécanismes avec ces contraintes (compte-tenu de la difficulté de réaliser un organe de prise des deux côtés du châssis sans sortir du volume imposé), le châssis se tord et il est quasiment impossible de décoller la tête du rouleau du côté opposé au levier de relevage.Worse, when the lifting is done on one side, as is the case on this mechanism, and in all mechanisms with these constraints (given the difficulty of making a gripping member on both sides of the chassis without leaving the imposed volume), the chassis twists and it is almost impossible to take off the head of the roller on the side opposite to the lifting lever.
Pour remédier au problème d'alignement, on peut augmenter le poids sur la tête d'impression ou diminuer la dureté du rouleau. Ces deux facteurs jouent en faveur de l'élargissement de la tolérance de contact du rouleau et de la tête d'impression mais est défavorable, pour l'augmentation du poids, à la limitation des efforts internes au châssis (rigidité du châssis en plastique), et pour la diminution de la dureté du rouleau, à la friction du rouleau sur la tête en l'absence de papier. Ce cas est à considérer quand on souhaite réaliser un chargement du papier sans procéder à un relevage de la tête d'impression, ce qui est souvent le cas afin d'optimiser l'ergonomie d'utilisation du mécanisme.To remedy the alignment problem, you can increase the weight on the print head or decrease the hardness of the roller. These two factors work in favor of widening the contact tolerance of the roller and the print head but are unfavorable, for the increase in weight, in limiting the internal forces to the chassis (rigidity of the plastic chassis). , and for the reduction of the hardness of the roller, the friction of the roller on the head in the absence of paper. This case should be considered when you want to load the paper without lifting the print head, which is often the case in order to optimize the ergonomics of the mechanism.
Une autre façon de gérer le problème consisite à nervurer le châssis en plastique, ce qui le rigidifie mais présente le désavantage d'utitliser un volume précieux lorsque la compacité est recherchée et d'empêcher un montage facile des divers éléments car, la plupart du temps, une nervure centrale obstrue l'intérieur du mécanisme. En particulier, la points de pression et d'appuis des organes de pression devant être placés symétriquement sur la tête, il en résulte une grande difficulté de réalisation tout en conservant un procédé d'assemblage aisé. L'invention se propose de résoudre le problème de l'alignement de la génératrice du rouleau avec la ligne de points de la tête d'impression, en rigidifiant le bâti d'impression à l'aide d'un organe spécifique. Le problème posé par l'alignement du rouleau avec la tête peut se résumer au fait que le châssis plastique se vrille quand une contrainte lui est appliquée. En effet, c'est ce type de déformation qui provoque un soulèvement d'un des deux côtés de la tête par rapport au rouleau. Ce type de problème apparaît dans au moins les trois cas suivants: • contrainte effectuée sur la base du châssis quand celui-ci est fixé sur support non plat (hyper-staticité)Another way to deal with the problem is to ribbing the plastic frame, which stiffens it but has the disadvantage to use a precious volume when compactness is sought and to prevent easy assembly of the various elements because, most of the time, a central rib obstructs the interior of the mechanism. In particular, the pressure and support points of the pressure members having to be placed symmetrically on the head, this results in a great difficulty of production while retaining an easy assembly process. The invention proposes to solve the problem of aligning the generator of the roller with the line of dots of the print head, by stiffening the print frame using a specific member. The problem with aligning the roller with the head can be summed up by the fact that the plastic frame twists when stress is applied to it. Indeed, it is this type of deformation which causes a lifting of one of the two sides of the head relative to the roller. This type of problem appears in at least the following three cases: • stress applied to the base of the chassis when it is fixed on a non-flat support (hyper-static)
• Appui ou application de l'organe de pression non-symétrique par rapport au châssis• Support or application of the pressure member that is not symmetrical with respect to the chassis
• Relevage de la tête, quand l'organe de pression s'exerce sur un seul des côtés de la tête.• Head lift, when the pressure member is exerted on only one of the sides of the head.
Si on peut s'accomoder des deux premiers points, il est en revanche quasiment impossible de s'affranchir du dernier. En effet, dans le cadre de la réalisation d'un mécanisme très plat, il est nécessaire de réaliser la fonction de relevage d'un seul coté du mécanisme afin d'éviter que des éléments mécaniques ne traversent le mécanisme, pénalisant de fait son épaisseur.If we can accommodate the first two points, it is however almost impossible to get rid of the last. Indeed, in the context of the realization of a very flat mechanism, it is necessary to carry out the lifting function on one side of the mechanism in order to prevent mechanical elements from passing through the mechanism, thereby penalizing its thickness .
Mais ce faisant on se retrouve avec toute la pression de l'organe de pression sur un seul côté du mécanisme, créant ainsi une contrainte de vrillage maximale sur la châssis. La plupart des mécanismes sur le marché sont réalisés avec des éléments traversant la tête ou agissant symétriquement sur la tête ou l'organe de pression afin d'éliminer cette contrainte unilatérale.But in doing so we are left with all the pressure of the pressure member on one side of the mechanism, thus creating a maximum twist stress on the chassis. Most mechanisms on the market are made with elements passing through the head or acting symmetrically on the head or the pressure member in order to eliminate this unilateral constraint.
A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme d'impression thermique comprenant, un châssis, un moteur et des engrenages entraînant un rouleau , une tête d'impression thermique, un organe de pression de la tête sur le rouleau, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une organe de rigidification solidaire au moins verticalement de deux des côtés distincts du châssis et au moins en rotation selon un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à un troisième côté du châssis, ou, au moins en rotation de deux des côtés du châssis.To this end, the invention relates to a thermal printing mechanism comprising, a chassis, a motor and gears driving a roller, a thermal printing head, a member for pressing the head on the roller, characterized in that 'It comprises a stiffening member secured at least vertically to two of the distinct sides of the chassis and at least in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to a third side of the chassis, or, at least in rotation of two of the sides of the chassis.
Ainsi, selon l'invention, on installe une plaque d'épaisseur suffisante (ici, 1 ,5 mm) afin, d'empêcher le châssis de se tordre. La plaque consitue la phase finale de l'assemblage (avant le test d'impression), et n'est fixée que par une seule vis auto-taraudeuse, car un système d'emboîtement intérieur, sans adjonction de tiroir dans le moule, permet de bloquer tout mouvement vertical des côtés du châssis par rapport au fond. La rigidité ainsi obtenue est telle que la déformation lors du relevage de la tête du châssis est nulle. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le mécanisme est tel que l'organe de rigidification est une plaque qui s'engage entre deux plots de chacun des côtes du châssis, décalés horizontalement, et en ce que ladite plaque est maintenue solidaire en rotation selon un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire au fond du châssis à l'aide d'un organe de fixation qui est une seule vis.Thus, according to the invention, a plate of sufficient thickness (here, 1.5 mm) is installed in order to prevent the chassis from twisting. The plate constitutes the final phase of assembly (before the printing test), and is only fixed with a single self-tapping screw, because an internal interlocking system, without adding a drawer in the mold, allows to block any vertical movement of the sides of the chassis relative to the bottom. The rigidity thus obtained is such that the deformation when the head of the chassis is raised is zero. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism is such that the stiffening member is a plate which engages between two studs on each of the sides of the chassis, offset horizontally, and in that said plate is held integral in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the chassis using a fixing member which is a single screw.
Le mécanisme selon l'invention est tel que l'organe de fixation traverse le mécanisme de part en part et assure un blocage en rotation relativement aux deux faces supportant le rouleau d'impression.The mechanism according to the invention is such that the fixing member passes through the mechanism right through and ensures a rotation lock relative to the two faces supporting the printing roller.
Le mécanisme est tel que l'organe de rigidification comporte des points de fixation du mécanisme d'impression. Le mécanisme peut encore comporter un levier agissant sur un seul côté de la tête d'impression réalisant la triple fonction de commande utilisateur, commande du capteur de position, et commande directe du relevage de la tête. Dans le cas d'une largeur d'impression importante (80 mm à 110 mm), ce système rigidifie l'ensemble du châssis rendant l'alignement particulièrement aisé. On peut alors fixer au châssis d'autres éléments mécaniques sans risque (enrouleur de papier, support de rouleau de papier, etc.). Enfin, l'organe rigidifiant peut être constitué d'un circuit imprimé qui est de nature à rigidifier le châssis tout en assumant une fonction électronique, comme le pilotage de l'imprimante.The mechanism is such that the stiffening member has fixing points for the printing mechanism. The mechanism may also include a lever acting on only one side of the print head performing the triple function of user control, control of the position sensor, and direct control of the lifting of the head. In the case of a large printing width (80 mm to 110 mm), this system stiffens the entire chassis making alignment particularly easy. It is then possible to fix other mechanical elements to the chassis without risk (paper rewinder, paper roll support, etc.). Finally, the stiffening member can consist of a printed circuit which is capable of stiffening the chassis while assuming an electronic function, such as controlling the printer.
Selon l'invention, l'organe rigidifiant permet de conserver toujours les deux côtés du mécanisme alignés l'un avec l'autre et élimine ainsi tout vrillage potentiel.According to the invention, the stiffening member makes it possible to always keep the two sides of the mechanism aligned with each other and thus eliminates any potential twisting.
Une première organisation possible est l'utilisation d'une plaque rigidificatrice, solidaire de chacun des deux côtés latéraux, et donc en cas de désalignement des deux côtés, se produit une rotation de la plaque. Elle n'est alors plus perpendiculaire avec les cotés en particulier avec le fond. Elle présente un angle dans le plan horizontal avec le fond. Le principe consiste alors à la maintenir fermement (selon trois points d'appui) à plat avec un plan perpendiculaire avec le fond du mécanisme, ce qui immobilise toute rotation potentielle de la plaque.A first possible organization is the use of a stiffening plate, integral with each of the two lateral sides, and therefore in the event of misalignment on the two sides, a rotation of the plate occurs. It is then no longer perpendicular with the sides, in particular with the background. It has an angle in the horizontal plane with the background. The principle then consists in keeping it firmly (according to three support points) flat with a plane perpendicular to the bottom of the mechanism, which immobilizes any potential rotation of the plate.
La plaque selon l'invention représente la phase finale de l'assemblage du mécanisme, elle ne nécessite qu'une seule vis auto- taraudeuse rendant sa fixation particulièrement aisée, il s'agit d'ailleurs de la seule vis du mécanisme. Elle s'insère entre des plots situés à l'intérieur du châssis et décalés ce qui permet un démoulage de la pièce aisé, une insertion facile de ladite plaque, et une seule vis de fixation. La plaque est large et prend amplement sur les côtés du mécanisme, présentant un bras de levier important et donc une résistance aux torsions encore plus élevée. Comme elle est montée lors de la phase finale d'assemblage, elle ne gène pas les phases précédentes, en particulier le montage du moteur (latéral et intérieur, ni celui de la tête d'impression (insertion à l'intérieur et rotation).The plate according to the invention represents the final phase of the assembly of the mechanism, it only requires a single self-tapping screw making its attachment particularly easy, it is moreover the only screw of the mechanism. It is inserted between studs located inside the chassis and offset which allows easy release of the part, easy insertion of said plate, and a single fixing screw. The plate is wide and takes up a lot on the sides of the mechanism, presenting a large lever arm and therefore an even higher torsional resistance. As it is assembled during the final assembly phase, it does not interfere with the previous phases, in particular the assembly of the motor (lateral and interior, nor that of the print head (insertion inside and rotation).
Il est possible d'utiliser un organe assurant une impossibilité de rotation relative entre les deux flancs du châssis supportant le rouleau ou la tête d'impression. Ceci pourra être réalisé par exemple avec un profil en "T" traversant le châssis et venant se bloquer dans l'autre côté. Ainsi, il est possible d'utiliser un levier extrêmement simple: Le levier de relevage de tête fonctionne à l'inverse des leviers classiques: la séparation de la tête du rouleau s'effectue en poussant le levier vers le bas et non vers le haut. C'est la raison pour laquelle celui-ci est en forme de bascule, ce qui permet sans sortir du volume en position "tête baissée" de relever la tête dans ce sens, sans quoi la préhension du-dit levier s'en trouve fortement compliquée.It is possible to use a member ensuring an impossibility of relative rotation between the two sides of the frame supporting the roller or the print head. This could be achieved for example with a "T" profile crossing the frame and coming to lock in the other side. Thus, it is possible to use an extremely simple lever: The head lifting lever works unlike conventional levers: the separation of the roller head is done by pushing the lever down and not up . This is the reason why it is in the form of a rocker, which allows without leaving the volume in the "head down" position to raise the head in this direction, otherwise the grip of said lever is strongly complicated.
De plus, ce levier s'applique directement contre le support de tête constitué d'une plaque métallique, configuration on ne peut plus simple, et réalise également la pression sur le switch de détection de position haute.In addition, this lever is applied directly against the head support consisting of a metal plate, configuration could not be more simple, and also realizes the pressure on the high position detection switch.
L'invention concerne en outre un pignon permettant de verrouiller le rouleau dans son logement, de se verrouiller lui-même sur le rouleau (clipsage) et réalise une fonction de palier entre le rouleau et le châssis de l'imprimante.The invention further relates to a pinion for locking the roller in its housing, for locking itself on the roller (clipping) and performs a bearing function between the roller and the chassis of the printer.
Le fait que le rouleau réalise la fonction de palier, permet d'augmenter sa longueur ce qui permet de loger un clipsage sans augmenter le volume. Cette innovation fait passer le nombre de pièces pour réaliser ces fonctions de trois à une: il faut généralement un palier distinct de l'engrenage, un engrenage et un clip de vérouillage. De plus, l'assemblage se fait par simple insertion manuelle de l'engrenage dans le rouleau après positionnement de ce dernier dans son logement. Le bruit du clipsage faisant office de vérification de bonne insertion.The fact that the roller performs the bearing function makes it possible to increase its length, which makes it possible to house a clipping without increasing the volume. This innovation increases the number of parts to perform these functions from three to one: it generally requires a separate bearing from the gear, a gear and a locking clip. Moreover, assembly is done by simple manual insertion of the gear in the roller after positioning of the latter in its housing. The noise of the clipping acting as verification of correct insertion.
La description, en regard des dessins annexés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, permettra de comprendre comment l'invention peut être mise en pratique.The description, with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of nonlimiting examples, will make it possible to understand how the invention can be put into practice.
La Figure 1 est une vue de dessus du mécanisme selon la présente invention.Figure 1 is a top view of the mechanism according to the present invention.
La Figure 2 est une vue d'une plaque de rigidification selon l'invention.Figure 2 is a view of a stiffening plate according to the invention.
La Figure 3 est une vue en éclaté du pignon selon l'invention.Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pinion according to the invention.
Sur la Figure 1 , on a représenté un mécanisme selon l'invention.In Figure 1, there is shown a mechanism according to the invention.
Le mécanisme selon l'invention comprend un châssis 1 d'impression qui comporte deux côtés longitudinaux 2, 3 et deux côtés transversaux 4, 5, un moteur 6 et des engrenages entraînant un rouleau 7. Le mécanisme comporte, de manière connue, une tête d'impression (8), par exemple thermique. Le mécanisme comporte un organe de pression 9 sur le rouleau 7. La plaque 8 est maintenue en pression contre le rouleau 7 au moyen d'un ressort 9. Selon l'invention, le mécanisme comporte un organe de rigidification 10. De préférence, cet organe de rigidification 10 est une plaque, par exemple en métal ou en matière syntétique dure. Cette plaque 10 est telle qu'elle est solidaire au moins verticalement de deux des côtés distincts du châssis et au moins en rotation selon un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à un troisième côté du châssis ou au moins, en rotation des deux côtés du châssis.The mechanism according to the invention comprises a printing frame 1 which has two longitudinal sides 2, 3 and two transverse sides 4, 5, a motor 6 and gears driving a roller 7. The mechanism comprises, in known manner, a head printing (8), for example thermal. The mechanism comprises a pressure member 9 on the roller 7. The plate 8 is kept in pressure against the roller 7 by means of a spring 9. According to the invention, the mechanism comprises a stiffening member 10. Preferably, this stiffening member 10 is a plate, for example of metal or of hard synthetic material. This plate 10 is such that it is secured at least vertically to two of the separate sides of the chassis and at least in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to a third side of the chassis or at least in rotation on both sides of the chassis.
La plaque 10 est fixée au moyen d'une vis 13. Cette vis 13 traverse le mécanisme de part en part et assure un blocage en rotation relativement aux deux faces supportant le rouleau 7 d'impression. Sur la Figure 1 , on voit le levier 14 qui agit sur la tête d'impression 8. Ce levier est solidaire d'une extrémité du rouleau 7. Ce levier 14 fonctionne de la manière suivante : le séparation de la tête 8 du rouleau 7 se fait en poussant le levier vers le bas. Il réalise également la pression sur le switch 15.The plate 10 is fixed by means of a screw 13. This screw 13 passes through the mechanism from side to side and ensures a rotation lock relative to the two faces supporting the printing roller 7. In Figure 1, we see the lever 14 which acts on the print head 8. This lever is integral with one end of the roller 7. This lever 14 operates in the following manner: the separation of the head 8 from the roller 7 is done by pushing the lever down. It also presses switch 15.
Sur la Figure 3, on a représenté le pignon 16 qui permet de verrouiller le rouleau 7 qui passe dans un trou réalisé dans le côté latéral 2 du châssis. L'axe du rouleau comporte une rainure 17 pour le clipsage du rouleau. Le rouleau comporte en outre un palier 18 entre le rouleau et le côté latéral 2 du châssis.In Figure 3, there is shown the pinion 16 which allows to lock the roller 7 which passes through a hole made in the lateral side 2 of the frame. The axis of the roller has a groove 17 for clipping the roller. The roller further comprises a bearing 18 between the roller and the lateral side 2 of the chassis.
Le mécanisme selon l'invention présente de nombreux avantages : Il peut garder sa compacité quand on souhaite augmenter la largeur d'impression. Il permet de réaliser des mécanismes très plats par l'utilisation d'un rouleau de faible diamètre. Il permet de conserver un assemblage simple malgré sa compacité et il permet de réaliser un mécanisme de grande largeur d'impression tous en gardant la même épaisseur. The mechanism according to the invention has many advantages: It can keep its compactness when it is desired to increase the printing width. It allows very flat mechanisms to be produced by the use of a small diameter roller. It allows to keep a simple assembly in spite of its compactness and it allows to realize a large printing width mechanism while keeping the same thickness.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Mécanisme d'impression thermique comprenant un châssis, un moteur et des engrenages entraînant un rouleau (7), une tête d'impression thermique (8), un organe de pression (9) de la tête (8) sur le rouleau (7), caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un organe de rigidification (10) solidaire au moins verticalement de deux des côtés distincts du châssis et au moins en rotation selon un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à un troisième côté du châssis, ou, au moins en rotation des deux côtés du châssis.1. A thermal printing mechanism comprising a chassis, a motor and gears driving a roller (7), a thermal printing head (8), a member (9) for pressing the head (8) on the roller ( 7), characterized in that it comprises a stiffening member (10) secured at least vertically to two of the distinct sides of the chassis and at least in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to a third side of the chassis, or, at least in rotation on both sides of the chassis.
2. Mécanisme selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que l'organe de rigidification est une plaque (10) qui s'engage entre deux plots (11 , 12) de chacun des côtés du châssis, et en ce que ladite plaque (10) est maintenant solidaire en rotation selon un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire au fond du châssis à l'aide d'un organe de fixation qui est une seul vis (13).2. Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffening member is a plate (10) which engages between two studs (11, 12) on each side of the frame, and in that said plate (10 ) is now secured in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the chassis using a fixing member which is a single screw (13).
3. Mécanisme selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de fixation traverse le mécanisme de part en part et assure un blocage en rotation relativement aux deux faces supportant le rouleau d'impression.3. Mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing member passes through the mechanism right through and ensures a rotation lock relative to the two faces supporting the printing roller.
4. Mécanisme selon les revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de rigidification comporte des points de fixation du mécanisme d'impression.4. Mechanism according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stiffening member comprises fixing points of the printing mechanism.
5. Mécanisme selon les revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un levier agissant sur un seul côté de la tête d'impression réalisant la triple fonction de commande utilisateur, commande du capteur de position, et commande directe du relevage de la tête. 5. Mechanism according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a lever acting on one side of the print head performing the triple function of user control, control of the position sensor, and direct control of the lifting of the head.
6. Mécanisme selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la plaque est constituée d'un circuit imprimé, d'une épaisseur suffisante pour rigidifier le châssis tout en assurant une fonction électronique comme le pilotage de l'impression. 6. Mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate consists of a printed circuit, of sufficient thickness to stiffen the chassis while ensuring an electronic function such as controlling the printing.
EP98913884A 1997-03-11 1998-03-11 Compact printing mechanism Expired - Lifetime EP0969970B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9702861A FR2760684B1 (en) 1997-03-11 1997-03-11 COMPACT PRINTING MECHANISM
FR9702861 1997-03-11
PCT/FR1998/000487 WO1998040221A1 (en) 1997-03-11 1998-03-11 Compact printing mechanism

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0969970A1 true EP0969970A1 (en) 2000-01-12
EP0969970B1 EP0969970B1 (en) 2001-10-10

Family

ID=9504600

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98913884A Expired - Lifetime EP0969970B1 (en) 1997-03-11 1998-03-11 Compact printing mechanism

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US6338584B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0969970B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE206663T1 (en)
AU (1) AU6841698A (en)
DE (1) DE69801986T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0969970T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2166158T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2760684B1 (en)
PT (1) PT969970E (en)
WO (1) WO1998040221A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2837423A1 (en) 2002-03-21 2003-09-26 A P S Engineering Thermal printing mechanism, e.g. for a payment terminal, has a support frame with a rigid metallic plate to which the drive motor is welded and which also forms a support for a print head pressure spring and acts as a heat sink
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PT969970E (en) 2002-03-28
FR2760684B1 (en) 1999-05-07
DK0969970T3 (en) 2002-02-11
DE69801986D1 (en) 2001-11-15
DE69801986T2 (en) 2002-06-27
ATE206663T1 (en) 2001-10-15
EP0969970B1 (en) 2001-10-10
AU6841698A (en) 1998-09-29
US6338584B1 (en) 2002-01-15
ES2166158T3 (en) 2002-04-01
FR2760684A1 (en) 1998-09-18
WO1998040221A1 (en) 1998-09-17

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