EP1556225B1 - Modular printer - Google Patents

Modular printer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1556225B1
EP1556225B1 EP03776958A EP03776958A EP1556225B1 EP 1556225 B1 EP1556225 B1 EP 1556225B1 EP 03776958 A EP03776958 A EP 03776958A EP 03776958 A EP03776958 A EP 03776958A EP 1556225 B1 EP1556225 B1 EP 1556225B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control means
module
electronic control
printer
carrying member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03776958A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1556225A1 (en
Inventor
Denis 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
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1556225A1 publication Critical patent/EP1556225A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1556225B1 publication Critical patent/EP1556225B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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

Definitions

  • the invention is in the field of thermal printing printers. It relates to a printer composed of a plurality of modules whose assembly between them allows to decline a range of separate printers.
  • a thermal printing printer mainly comprises a reservoir of a roll-conditioned printing tape, associated with means necessary for conveying the tape and printing it by heating points.
  • the problem that the present invention seeks to solve lies in optimizing the use of all or part of the participating components of the printer.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a modular thermal printing printer whose structure makes it possible to respond to the aforementioned problems.
  • the second carrier member comprises a first support 9 equipped with cooperating means with first elementary easily reversible interlocking means equipping the first carrier member 17.
  • This first support 9 carries the control means 30,31, as well as first electronic control means 11 and means 19, 35, 36 in related relation.
  • the second carrier member comprises, not only the first support 9, but also a second support 10 arranged in appearance cover, styling in particular the third module 3 carrying the printing mechanism 4, and the first support 9 of the second module 2.
  • this aspect cover 10 advantageously comprises a peripheral shoulder 27 in the middle zone of its thickness, in particular for a configuration of the printer of the invention as a panel printer, or for the receiving a rear closure shell 26 against which the lid, in alternative configurations, adopts a plane support via its peripheral shoulder 27.
  • the second support advantageously constituted by the appearance cover 10 carries second electronic control means 12, 12 'and associated linking means 19, 34, 35, 36. It will be understood that these means 12, 12 'and 19, 34, 35, 36 are substituting electronic control means 11 and associated linking means 19, 34, 35, 36 supported by the first support 9.
  • This second support 10 is equipped with means cooperating with second easily reversible elementary fitting means fitted to the first carrier member 17.
  • These second electronic control means 12, 12 'and the associated rotating means 19, 34, 35, 36 comprise analogous means to the first electronic control means 11 and to the associated first associating means, for the purposes of said substitution, completed by associated means comprising at least one of the specific management means 14 of the source of electrical energy 20,21, specific electronic control means 15 participating general printing control means and information memory means 16 transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means 6.
  • the second electronic control means comprise electronic means 12, 12 'of alternative elementary control by substitution, which are supported by the second support 10.
  • First elementary means 12 of these second electronic control means are equipped with connection means 34 with an autonomous source 20 of electrical energy, while second elementary means 12 'of these second control means are equipped with means of control. connection 19 with the power supply network 21 in electrical energy.
  • the second support which consists mainly of the appearance cover 10, is easily reversible on the first carrier member 17.
  • an electronic card 22, 29 carrying the second means 12,12 'control electronics completed by the means 14, 15, 16 associated is preferably also reported by interlocking easily reversible to the rear face of the cover 10, and behind the first carrier member 17.
  • the autonomous source of electrical energy 20 comprises at least one battery carried by the rear face of the electronic card 29.
  • the latter 29 is further carrying the first elementary means 12 of the second electronic control means and 34,35,36 associated linking means.
  • This battery 20 is advantageously housed in a space between the shell 26 and the electronic card 29, the latter 29 forming a separating partition mechanically and electrostatically protecting the printing mechanisms 4 and control means 12.
  • the shell 26 is preferably equipped on its rear face of easily reversible interlocking means with a base 33, such as a wall or table base shown in Fig.14.
  • control means comprise for example at least one pusher 30 for implementing the driving means 7 for driving the strip, and at least one pusher 31 for setting the of the printing mechanism 4, associated with a display means 32 of the operating state of the printer
  • the knife 23 is preferably mounted in an easily reversible manner on the frame 5 of the first module 1, and that a support roller 24 of the band against the print head of the printing mechanism 4 is preferably mounted on the first carrier member 17 of the third module 3.

Abstract

The printer assembly comprises three modules. The first module (1) including a print mechanism (4) with a flexible connector (8) to an electronic control module (11,12,12'). The second module (2) is a frame which supports the printer control (30,31), the electronic module (11,12,12') and the power supply (20,21). The third module (3) is the case enclosing the other two modules.

Description

L'invention est du domaine des imprimantes à impression thermique. Elle a pour objet une imprimante composée d'une pluralité de modules dont l'assemblage entre eux permet de décliner une gamme d'imprimantes distinctes.The invention is in the field of thermal printing printers. It relates to a printer composed of a plurality of modules whose assembly between them allows to decline a range of separate printers.

On rappelle qu'une imprimante à impression thermique comprend principalement un réservoir d'une bande à imprimer conditionnée en rouleau, associé à des moyens nécessaires à l'acheminement de la bande et à son impression par points de chauffage.It will be recalled that a thermal printing printer mainly comprises a reservoir of a roll-conditioned printing tape, associated with means necessary for conveying the tape and printing it by heating points.

Les contraintes économiques dans le domaine tendent à imposer aux concepteurs une organisation de l'imprimante qui lui confère un caractère modulaire, pour permettre à partir d'une pluralité de modules interchangeables, de décliner une gamme d'imprimantes variées. Une telle approche a été abordée par le document WO01/25020 (AXIOHM TRANSACTION SOLUTIONS) par exemple.The economic constraints in the field tend to require the designers a printer organization that gives it a modular character, to allow from a plurality of interchangeable modules, to decline a range of printers varied. Such an approach has been addressed by WO01 / 25020 (AXIOHM TRANSACTION SOLUTIONS) for example.

Le problème que cherche à résoudre la présente invention réside dans l'optimisation de l'utilisation de tout ou partie des organes participant de l'imprimante.The problem that the present invention seeks to solve lies in optimizing the use of all or part of the participating components of the printer.

Dans ce cadre, une difficulté à surmonter réside dans l'adaptabilité de ces différents organes pour parvenir par modularité à l'élaboration de différentes configurations d'imprimantes. Ce problème est d'autant plus délicat à résoudre qu'il doit prendre en compte des attentes spécifiques des utilisateurs. Plus particulièrement, ces attentes peuvent correspondre non seulement à des besoins spécifiques pour une fonctionnalité donnée de l'imprimante, mais aussi à des besoins relatifs à certaines fonctionnalités en tout ou partie de l'imprimante.In this context, a difficulty to overcome lies in the adaptability of these different bodies to achieve modularity in the development of different printer configurations. This problem is all the more difficult to solve because it must take into account the specific expectations of users. More particularly, these expectations may correspond not only to specific needs for a given functionality of the printer, but also to needs relating to certain features in all or part of the printer.

Il en ressort finalement que le problème que cherche à résoudre la présente invention, au-delà des réponses à apporter aux besoins susvisés des utilisateurs, réside dans un compromis à trouver entre les contraintes techniques relatives à la structure et à la fonctionnalité des différents organes composant l'imprimante, et les potentialités relatives à leur isolement, puis à leur regroupement judicieux en modules distincts, et à leur mise en relation entre eux.It finally appears that the problem that the present invention seeks to solve, beyond the answers to be given to the users' aforementioned needs, lies in a compromise to be found between the technical constraints relating to the structure and functionality of the various components of the printer, and the potential for their isolation, and their judicious grouping into separate modules, and their linking them.

Le but de la présente invention est de proposer une imprimante à impression thermique modulaire dont la structure permette de répondre aux problèmes susvisés.The object of the present invention is to propose a modular thermal printing printer whose structure makes it possible to respond to the aforementioned problems.

L'imprimante de la présente invention est une imprimante à impression thermique globalement composée d'une pluralité de modules assemblés entre eux de manière facilement réversible pour permettre, à partir d'une combinaison de modules, de décliner une gamme d'imprimantes distinctes. Cette imprimante associe:

  1. a) une tête d'impression thermique d'une bande conditionnée en rouleau, placée sous la dépendance de moyens électroniques de contrôle de son fonctionnement. Ces moyens électroniques de contrôle sont équipés de moyens de mise en relation respectivement avec une source d'énergie électrique, avec des moyens généraux de commande d'impression et avec la tête d'impression thermique.
  2. b) des moyens d'acheminement de la bande, depuis une réserve contenant le rouleau, contre la tête d'impression thermique. Ces moyens d'acheminement comprennent des moyens moteurs d'entraînement 7 de la bande, un rouleau d'appui élastique 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression, et un couteau 23 pour la séparation d'une portion de bande imprimée.
  3. c) un premier organe porteur du rouleau de bande, dans lequel organe est ménagée la réserve 25 logeant de manière tournante le rouleau.
  4. d) un deuxième organe porteur des moyens électroniques de contrôle, équipé de moyens d'emboîtement facilement réversible avec le premier organe porteur.
The printer of the present invention is a thermal printing printer generally composed of a plurality of modules assembled together in an easily reversible manner to allow, from a combination of modules, to decline a range of distinct printers. This printer combines:
  1. a) a thermal printing head of a roll-conditioned strip, placed under the control of electronic means for controlling its operation. These electronic control means are equipped with connection means respectively with a source of electrical energy, with general print control means and with the thermal printing head.
  2. b) conveyance means of the strip, from a reserve containing the roller, against the thermal print head. These conveying means comprise motor drive means 7 of the band, an elastic support roller 24 of the band against the print head, and a knife 23 for separating a portion of the printed band.
  3. c) a first member carrying the web roll, in which member is formed the reserve 25 rotatingly housing the roll.
  4. d) a second member carrying electronic control means, equipped with interlocking means easily reversible with the first carrier member.

A partir d'une telle structure d'imprimante, la présente invention va être décrite en relation avec les figures des planches annexées qui en illustrent une forme préférée de réalisation, dans lesquelles planches :

  • La fig.1 est une vue schématique illustrant une structure préférée d'une imprimante relevant de la présente invention.
  • La fig.2 est une vue éclatée en perspective d'un premier module de l'imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1.
  • La fig.3 est une vue éclatée en perspective d'un troisième module de l'imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1.
  • Les fig.4 et fig.5 sont des vues en perspective d'un deuxième module de l'imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1, selon une première configuration de cette dernière, respectivement en vue éclatée et en vue assemblés.
  • Les fig.6 et fig.7 sont des vues en perspective d'une imprimante de base participante d'une imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1, selon une configuration du deuxième module représenté sur les fig.4 et fig.5, respectivement en vue éclatés' et en vue assemblée.
  • Les fig.8 et fig.9 sont des vues en perspective d'une imprimante de panneau participante d'une imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1, selon une deuxième configuration de cette dernière, respectivement en vue éclatée de dessus et en vue assemblée de dessous.
  • Les fig.10 et fig.11 sont des vues en perspective d'une imprimante portable participante d'une imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1, selon une troisième configuration de cette dernière, respectivement en vue éclatée et en vue assemblée de dessous.
  • Les fig.12 et fig.13 sont des vues en perspective d'une imprimante de bureau participante d'une imprimante schématisée sur la fig.1, selon une quatrième configuration de cette dernière, respectivement en vue éclatée et en vue assemblée de dessous.
  • La fig.14 est une vue en perspective d'une imprimante de bureau représentée sur les fig.12 et fig.13, équipée d'un socle.
  • Sur la fig.1, une imprimante de l'invention est principalement reconnaissable en ce qu'elle comprend :
    1. a) Un premier module 1 principalement constitué d'un mécanisme d'impression 4, qui comprend un châssis 5 porteur de la tête d'impression, de moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, et d'un connecteur souple 8 de mise en relation du mécanisme d'impression 4 avec des moyens électroniques 11, 12, 12' de contrôle. Ce premier module est plus particulièrement représenté sur la fig.2. On relèvera à ce stade de la description que le mécanisme d'impression 4 est avantageusement porteur d'un couteau 23 de séparation d'une portion de bande imprimée.
    2. b) Un deuxième module 2, principalement constitué d'un deuxième organe porteur 9,10. On relèvera à ce stade de la description que cet organe porteur est de préférence composé de deux supports 9 et 10, selon les configurations d'imprimantes obtenues grâce à l'agencement des organes composant l'imprimante de l'invention illustrée. Ce deuxième module 2 supporte en premier lieu des moyens de pilotage 30,31 du fonctionnement de l'imprimante par l'utilisateur. Ces moyens de pilotage 30,31 qui participent des moyens généraux de commande d'impression de l'imprimante, comprennent par exemple des boutons poussoirs associés à une. LED 32 de visualisation du fonctionnement de l'imprimante. Ce deuxième module 2 supporte en outre des moyens électroniques 11,12,12' de contrôle, ainsi que des moyens 19,34 ;35 ;36 dont ils sont équipés de mise en relation avec une source d'énergie électrique 20,21, avec des moyens 6 de commande distants participants des moyens généraux de commande d'impression, et avec les moyens de pilotage 30,31.
    3. c) un troisième module 3 principalement constitué d'un premier organe porteur 17, qui est pourvu de moyens généraux d'emboîtement facilement reversée d'une part du châssis 5 participant du premier module 1, et d'autre part du deuxième organe, porteur 9,10 participant du deuxième module 2.
From such a printer structure, the present invention will be described in relation to the figures of the attached plates which illustrate a preferred embodiment, in which boards:
  • Fig.1 is a schematic view illustrating a preferred structure of a printer of the present invention.
  • Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of a first module of the printer shown schematically in Fig.1.
  • Fig.3 is an exploded perspective view of a third module of the printer shown schematically in Fig.1.
  • The fig.4 and fig.5 are perspective views of a second module of the printer shown schematically in Fig.1, according to a first configuration of the latter, respectively exploded view and assembled view.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a participating printer of a printer shown schematically in FIG. 1, in a configuration of the second module shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively in FIGS. exploded view and assembled view.
  • Fig.8 and Fig.9 are perspective views of a participating panel printer of a printer shown schematically in Fig.1, according to a second configuration thereof, respectively in an exploded view from above and in an assembled view of below.
  • Fig.10 and Fig.11 are perspective views of a participating portable printer printer schematically in Fig.1, according to a third configuration of the latter, respectively exploded view and assembled view from below.
  • Fig.12 and Fig.13 are perspective views of a printer participating office of a printer schematically in Fig.1, according to a fourth configuration thereof, respectively exploded view and assembled view from below.
  • Fig.14 is a perspective view of a desktop printer shown in Fig.12 and Fig.13, equipped with a base.
  • In Fig.1, a printer of the invention is mainly recognizable in that it comprises:
    1. a) A first module 1 mainly consisting of a printing mechanism 4, which comprises a frame 5 carrying the print head, drive means 7 for driving the strip, and a flexible connector 8 for setting in relation to the printing mechanism 4 with electronic control means 11, 12, 12 '. This first module is more particularly represented in FIG. It will be noted at this stage of the description that the printing mechanism 4 is advantageously carrying a knife 23 for separating a portion of printed tape.
    2. b) A second module 2, mainly consisting of a second carrier member 9,10. It will be noted at this stage of the description that this carrier member is preferably composed of two supports 9 and 10, according to the printer configurations obtained by virtue of the arrangement of the components making up the printer of the invention illustrated. This second module 2 supports in the first place 30.31 piloting means of operation of the printer by the user. These control means 30, 31 which participate in the printer's general printing control means comprise, for example, push buttons associated with one. LED 32 to display the operation of the printer. This second module 2 also supports electronic control means 11, 12, 12 ', as well as means 19, 34, 35 and 36, of which they are equipped with a connection to a source of electrical energy 20, 21, with remote control means 6 participating in the general means of print control, and with the control means 30,31.
    3. c) a third module 3 consisting mainly of a first carrier member 17, which is provided with general interlocking means easily returned on the one hand from the chassis 5 participating in the first module 1, and on the other hand the second member, carrier 9,10 participant of the second module 2.

Selon une première configuration de l'imprimante de l'invention, et en se reportant aussi plus particulièrement aux fig.4, fig.5, fig.6 et fig.7, le deuxième organe porteur comprend un premier support 9 équipé de moyens coopérant avec des premiers moyens élémentaires d'emboîtement facilement réversible équipant le premier organe porteur 17. Ce premier support 9 est porteur des moyens de pilotage 30,31, ainsi que de premiers moyens 11 électroniques de contrôle et des moyens 19, 35, 36 de mise en relation associés.According to a first configuration of the printer of the invention, and also referring more particularly to fig.4, fig.5, fig.6 and fig.7, the second carrier member comprises a first support 9 equipped with cooperating means with first elementary easily reversible interlocking means equipping the first carrier member 17. This first support 9 carries the control means 30,31, as well as first electronic control means 11 and means 19, 35, 36 in related relation.

Selon une deuxième configuration de l'imprimante de l'invention, et en se reportant non seulement à la fig.1, mais aussi aux fig.8 et fig.9, le deuxième organe porteur comprend, non seulement le premier support 9, mais aussi un deuxième support 10 agencé en couvercle d'aspect, coiffant notamment le troisième module 3 porteur du mécanisme d'impression 4, et le premier support 9 du deuxième module 2.According to a second configuration of the printer of the invention, and referring not only to FIG. 1, but also to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second carrier member comprises, not only the first support 9, but also a second support 10 arranged in appearance cover, styling in particular the third module 3 carrying the printing mechanism 4, and the first support 9 of the second module 2.

On relèvera à ce stade de la description que ce couvercle d'aspect 10 comporte avantageusement un épaulement périphérique 27 dans !a zone médiane de son épaisseur, pour notamment une configuration de l'imprimante de l'invention en imprimante de panneau, ou pour la réception d'une coque arrière 26 de fermeture, contre les lesquels !e couvercle, 10 prend selon des configurations alternatives un appui plan par l'intermédiaire de son épaulement périphérique 27.It will be noted at this stage of the description that this aspect cover 10 advantageously comprises a peripheral shoulder 27 in the middle zone of its thickness, in particular for a configuration of the printer of the invention as a panel printer, or for the receiving a rear closure shell 26 against which the lid, in alternative configurations, adopts a plane support via its peripheral shoulder 27.

Selon une troisième et une quatrième configurations de l'imprimante de l'invention, et en se reportant non seulement à la fig.1, mais aussi aux fig.10 et fig.11 d'une part et aux fig.12 et fig.13 d'autre part, le deuxième support avantageusement constitué du couvercle d'aspect 10 est porteur de deuxièmes moyens électroniques 12, 12' de contrôle et des moyens 19,34,35,36 de mise en relation associés. On comprendra que ces moyens 12,12' et 19,34,35,36 sont substitutifs des moyens 11 électroniques de contrôle et des moyens 19,34,35,36 de mise en relation associés supportés par le premier support 9. Ce deuxième support 10 est équipé de moyens coopérant avec des deuxièmes moyens élémentaires d'emboîtement facilement réversible équipant le premier organe porteur 17. Ces deuxièmes moyens électroniques 12,12' de contrôle et les moyens 19,34,35,36 de mise en rotation associés comprennent des moyens analogues aux premiers moyens 11 électroniques de contrôle et aux premiers moyens, de mise en relation associés, en vue de la dite substitution, complétés par des moyens associés comprenant l'un quelconque au moins de moyens de gestion 14 spécifique de la source d'énergie électrique 20,21, de moyens électroniques spécifiques 15 de commande participant des moyens généraux de commande d'impression et de moyens de mémoire d'informations 16 transmises à distance par les moyens distants 6 de commande d'impression.According to a third and a fourth configuration of the printer of the invention, and referring not only to Fig.1, but also to Fig.10 and Fig.11 on the one hand and to Fig.12 and Figs. On the other hand, the second support advantageously constituted by the appearance cover 10 carries second electronic control means 12, 12 'and associated linking means 19, 34, 35, 36. It will be understood that these means 12, 12 'and 19, 34, 35, 36 are substituting electronic control means 11 and associated linking means 19, 34, 35, 36 supported by the first support 9. This second support 10 is equipped with means cooperating with second easily reversible elementary fitting means fitted to the first carrier member 17. These second electronic control means 12, 12 'and the associated rotating means 19, 34, 35, 36 comprise analogous means to the first electronic control means 11 and to the associated first associating means, for the purposes of said substitution, completed by associated means comprising at least one of the specific management means 14 of the source of electrical energy 20,21, specific electronic control means 15 participating general printing control means and information memory means 16 transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means 6.

Plus particulièrement et selon des alternatives entre les troisième et quatrième configurations, les deuxièmes moyens électroniques de contrôle comprennent des moyens électroniques 12, 12' de contrôle élémentaires alternatifs par substitution, qui sont supportés par le deuxième support 10.More particularly and according to alternatives between the third and fourth configurations, the second electronic control means comprise electronic means 12, 12 'of alternative elementary control by substitution, which are supported by the second support 10.

Des premiers moyens élémentaires 12 de ces deuxièmes moyens électroniques de contrôle sont équipés de moyens de mise en relation 34 avec une source autonome 20 d'énergie électrique, tandis que des deuxièmes moyens élémentaires 12' de ces deuxièmes moyens de contrôle sont équipés de moyens de mise en relation 19 avec le réseau d'alimentation 21 en énergie électrique.First elementary means 12 of these second electronic control means are equipped with connection means 34 with an autonomous source 20 of electrical energy, while second elementary means 12 'of these second control means are equipped with means of control. connection 19 with the power supply network 21 in electrical energy.

On remarquera sur l'exemple illustré, que le deuxième support, qui est principalement constitué du couvercle d'aspect 10, est à facilement réversible sur le premier organe porteur 17. On remarquera aussi qu'une carte électronique 22,29 porteuse des deuxièmes moyens électroniques 12,12' de contrôle complétés par les moyens 14, 15, 16 associés est préférentiellement rapportée elle aussi par emboîtement facilement réversible à la face arrière du couvercle 10, et à l'arrière du premier organe porteur 17.It will be noted in the illustrated example, that the second support, which consists mainly of the appearance cover 10, is easily reversible on the first carrier member 17. It will also be noted that an electronic card 22, 29 carrying the second means 12,12 'control electronics completed by the means 14, 15, 16 associated is preferably also reported by interlocking easily reversible to the rear face of the cover 10, and behind the first carrier member 17.

Selon la troisième configuration illustrée sur les fig.10 et fig.11 de l'imprimante de l'invention, la source autonome d'énergie électrique 20 comprend au moins une batterie portée par la face arrière de la carte électronique 29. Cette dernière 29 est en outre porteuse des premiers moyens élémentaires 12 des deuxièmes moyens électroniques de contrôle et des moyens 34,35,36 de mise en relation associés. Cette batterie 20 est avantageusement logée dans un espace ménagé entre la coque 26 et la carte électronique 29, cette dernière 29 formant une cloison séparatrice mécaniquement et électrostatiquement protectrice des mécanismes d'impression 4 et des moyens de contrôle 12. On relèvera que la coque 26 est préférentiellement équipée à sa face arrière de moyens d'emboîtement facilement réversible avec un socle 33, tel qu'un socle mural ou de table illustré sur la fig.14.According to the third configuration illustrated in fig.10 and fig.11 of the printer of the invention, the autonomous source of electrical energy 20 comprises at least one battery carried by the rear face of the electronic card 29. The latter 29 is further carrying the first elementary means 12 of the second electronic control means and 34,35,36 associated linking means. This battery 20 is advantageously housed in a space between the shell 26 and the electronic card 29, the latter 29 forming a separating partition mechanically and electrostatically protecting the printing mechanisms 4 and control means 12. It will be noted that the shell 26 is preferably equipped on its rear face of easily reversible interlocking means with a base 33, such as a wall or table base shown in Fig.14.

En revenant sur les moyens de pilotage, ceux-ci comprennent par exemple au moins un poussoir 30 de mise en oeuvre des moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, et au moins un poussoir 31 de mise en oeuvre du mécanisme d'impression 4, associés à un moyen de visualisation 32 de l'état de fonctionnement de l'imprimanteReturning to the control means, these comprise for example at least one pusher 30 for implementing the driving means 7 for driving the strip, and at least one pusher 31 for setting the of the printing mechanism 4, associated with a display means 32 of the operating state of the printer

On relèvera aussi que le couteau 23 est préférentiellement monté de manière facilement réversible sur le châssis 5 du premier module 1, et qu'un rouleau d'appui 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression du mécanisme d'impression 4 est de préférence monté sur le premier organe porteur 17 du troisième module 3.It will also be noted that the knife 23 is preferably mounted in an easily reversible manner on the frame 5 of the first module 1, and that a support roller 24 of the band against the print head of the printing mechanism 4 is preferably mounted on the first carrier member 17 of the third module 3.

En revenant aux fig.6 et fig.7, on relèvera donc une configuration d'une imprimante de l'invention à une imprimante de base, cette imprimante de base comprenant:

  1. a) un premier module 1 principalement constitué d'un mécanisme d'impression 4. comprenant un châssis 5 porteur d'une tête d'impression, de moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, d'un connecteur souple 8 de mise en relation du mécanisme d'impression 4 avec des moyens électroniques 11 de contrôle distants, et d'un couteau 23 de séparation d'une partie de bande imprimée,
  2. b) un deuxième module 2 principalement constitué d'un deuxième organe porteur 9, qui supporte de manière facilement réversible d'une part des moyens de pilotage 30,31 du fonctionnement de l'imprimante, et d'autre part les moyens électroniques 11 de contrôle équipés de moyens de mise en relation 35,19,36 avec des moyens électroniques distants 6 de commande, avec une source d'énergie électrique distante 21, et avec les moyens de pilotage 30,31,
  3. c) un troisième module 3 principalement constitué d'un premier organe porteur 17 supportant de manière facilement réversible d'une part le châssis 5 participant du premier module 1 et un rouleau d'appui 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression, et d'autre part le deuxième organe porteur 9 participant du deuxième module 2.
Returning to FIGS. 6 and 7, a configuration of a printer of the invention will thus be raised to a basic printer, this basic printer comprising:
  1. a) a first module 1 consisting mainly of a printing mechanism 4. comprising a frame 5 carrying a print head, drive means 7 for driving the strip, a flexible connector 8 for setting the relationship of the printing mechanism 4 with remote electronic control means 11, and a knife 23 for separating a part of the printed band,
  2. b) a second module 2 mainly consisting of a second carrier member 9, which easily reversibly supports firstly the control means 30, 31 of the operation of the printer, and secondly the electronic means 11 of control equipped with connection means 35,19,36 with remote electronic control means 6, with a remote electric power source 21, and with the control means 30,31,
  3. c) a third module 3 mainly consisting of a first carrier member 17 easily reversibly supporting firstly the frame 5 participating the first module 1 and a support roller 24 of the band against the print head, and on the other hand the second carrier member 9 participating in the second module 2.

En revenant aux fig.8 et fig.9, on relèvera donc une configuration d'une imprimante de l'invention à une imprimante de panneau, cette imprimante de panneau comprenant :

  1. a) un premier module 1 principalement constitué d'un mécanisme d'impression 4 comprenant un châssis 5 porteur d'une tête d'impression, de moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, d'un connecteur souple 8 de mise en relation du mécanisme d'impression 4 avec des moyens électroniques 11 de contrôle distants, et d'un couteau 23 de séparation d'une partie de bande imprimée,
  2. b) un deuxième module 2 principalement constitué d'un deuxième organe porteur 9, qui supporte de manière facilement réversible d'une part des moyens de pilotage 30,31 du fonctionnement de l'imprimante par l'opérateur et d'autre part les moyens électroniques 11 de contrôle équipés de moyens de mise en relation 35,19,36 avec des moyens électroniques distants 6 de commande, avec une source d'énergie électrique distante 21, et avec les moyens de pilotage 30,31,
  3. c) un troisième module 3 principalement constitué d'un premier organe porteur 17 supportant de manière facilement réversible d'une part le châssis 5 participant du premier module 1 et un rouleau d'appui 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression, et d'autre part le deuxième organe porteur 9 participant du deuxième module 2,
  4. d) un couvercle d'aspect 10 à emboîtement facilement réversible sur le premier organe porteur 17, qui comporte en zone médiane de son épaisseur un épaulement périphérique 27 d'appui plan contre un panneau.
Returning to FIGS. 8 and 9, a configuration of a printer of the invention will thus be raised to a panel printer, this panel printer comprising:
  1. a) a first module 1 consisting mainly of a printing mechanism 4 comprising a frame 5 carrying a print head, drive means 7 for driving the strip, a flexible connection connector 8 of printing mechanism 4 with remote electronic control means 11, and a knife 23 for separating a portion of printed tape,
  2. b) a second module 2 mainly consisting of a second carrier member 9, which easily reversibly supports, on the one hand, control means 30, 31 of the operation of the printer by the operator and, on the other hand, the means electronic control 11 equipped with connection means 35,19,36 with remote electronic control means 6, with a remote electric power source 21, and with the control means 30,31,
  3. c) a third module 3 mainly consisting of a first carrier member 17 easily reversibly supporting firstly the frame 5 participating the first module 1 and a support roller 24 of the band against the print head, and secondly, the second carrier member 9 participating in the second module 2,
  4. d) an appearance cover 10 interlocking easily reversible on the first carrier member 17, which comprises in the middle region of its thickness a peripheral shoulder 27 flat support against a panel.

On relèvera que selon une autre configuration d'une imprimante de l'invention à une imprimante de panneau, non représentée sur les figures, cette imprimante comprend :

  1. a) un premier module 1 principalement constitué d'un mécanisme d'impression 4 comprenant un châssis 5 porteur d'une tête d'impression, de moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, d'un connecteur souple 8 de mise en relation du mécanisme d'impression 4 avec des moyens électroniques 12,12' de contrôle distants, et d'un couteau 23 de séparation d'une partie de bande imprimée,
  2. b) un deuxième module 2 principalement constitué d'un deuxième organe porteur 9, qui supporte de manière facilement réversible d'une part des moyens de pilotage 30,31 du fonctionnement de l'imprimante par l'opérateur et d'autre part les moyens électroniques 12,12' de contrôle équipés de moyens de mise en relation 35,34,19,36 avec des moyens électroniques distants 6 de commande d'impression, avec une source d'énergie électrique 20,21, et avec les moyens de pilotage 30,31, ces moyens électroniques 12,12' de contrôle étant complétés par l'un quelconque au moins de moyens de gestion 14 spécifique de la source d'énergie électrique 20,21, de moyens électroniques intégrés 15 de commande et de moyens de mémoire d'informations 16 transmises à distance par les moyens distants 6 de commande d'impression,
  3. c) un troisième module 3 principalement constitué d'un premier organe porteur 17 supportant de manière facilement réversible d'une part le châssis 5 participant du premier module 1 et un rouleau d'appui 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression, et d'autre part le deuxième organe porteur 9 participant du deuxième module 2,
  4. d) un couvercle d'aspect 10 à emboîtement facilement réversible sur le premier organe porteur 17, qui comporte en zone médiane de son épaisseur un épaulement périphérique 27 d'appui plan contre un panneau.
It will be noted that according to another configuration of a printer of the invention to a panel printer, not shown in the figures, this printer comprises:
  1. a) a first module 1 consisting mainly of a printing mechanism 4 comprising a frame 5 carrying a print head, drive means 7 for driving the strip, a flexible connection connector 8 the printing mechanism 4 with remote electronic control means 12, 12 ', and a knife 23 for separating a part of the printed band,
  2. b) a second module 2 mainly consisting of a second carrier member 9, which easily reversibly supports, on the one hand, control means 30, 31 of the operation of the printer by the operator and, on the other hand, the means control electronics 12, 12 'equipped with connection means 35,34,19,36 with remote electronic printing control means 6, with a source of electrical energy 20,21, and with the control means 30,31, these electronic control means 12,12 'being completed by at least one of the specific management means 14 of the electric power source 20,21, integrated electronic control means and information memory means 16 transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means 6,
  3. c) a third module 3 mainly consisting of a first carrier member 17 easily reversibly supporting firstly the frame 5 participating the first module 1 and a support roller 24 of the band against the print head, and secondly, the second carrier member 9 participating in the second module 2,
  4. d) an appearance cover 10 interlocking easily reversible on the first carrier member 17, which comprises in the middle region of its thickness a peripheral shoulder 27 flat support against a panel.

En revenant aux fig.10 et fig.11, on relèvera donc une configuration d'une imprimante de l'invention à une imprimante portable, cette imprimante portable comprenant:

  1. a) un premier module 1 principalement constitué d'un mécanisme d'impression 4 comprenant un châssis- 5 porteur d'une- tête d'impression, de moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, d'un connecteur souple 8 de mise en relation du mécanisme d'impression 4 avec les moyens électroniques 12 de contrôle distants, et d'un couteau 23 de séparation d'une partie de bande imprimée,
  2. b) un deuxième module 2 principalement constitué d'un deuxième organe porteur composé d'un premier support 9 et d'un deuxième support 10, le premier support 9 étant porteur de moyens de pilotage 30,31 du fonctionnement de l'imprimante par l'utilisateur, le deuxième support 10 étant agencé en couvercle d'aspect et supportant de manière facilement réversible d'une part une batterie 20 constituant la source d'énergie électrique, et d'autre part les moyens électroniques 12 de contrôle équipés de- moyens 35,34,36 de- mise en relation avec des moyens électroniques distants 6 de commande, avec une source d'énergie électrique 20, et avec les moyens de pilotage 30,31, ces moyens électroniques 12 de contrôle étant complétés par l'un quelconque au moins de moyens de gestion spécifique 14 de la source d'énergie électrique 20, de moyens électroniques intégrés 15 de commande et de moyens de mémoire d'informations 16 transmises à distance par les moyens distants 6 de commande d'impression,
  3. c) un troisième module 3 principalement constitué d'un premier organe porteur 17 supportant de manière facilement réversible d'une part le châssis 5 participant du premier module 1 et un rouleau d'appui 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression, et d'autre part le premier support 9 et le deuxième support 10 composant le deuxième organe porteur,
  4. d) une coque 26 de fermeture arrière rapportable de manière facilement réversible sur le deuxième support 10, cette coque 26 ménageant un espace de réception de la batterie 20 entre la face arrière de l'imprimante et une carte porteuse 29 des moyens électroniques 12,14,15,16 du deuxième module 2 et de la batterie 20, cette carte 29 constituant une cloison séparatrice mécaniquement et électrostatiquement isolante.
Returning to FIGS. 10 and 11, a configuration of a printer of the invention will thus be made to a portable printer, this portable printer comprising:
  1. a) a first module 1 consisting mainly of a printing mechanism 4 comprising a frame-carrier of a print head, drive means 7 for driving the strip, a flexible connector 8 for setting in relation to the printing mechanism 4 with the remote electronic control means 12, and a knife 23 for separating a part of the printed strip,
  2. b) a second module 2 consisting mainly of a second carrier member composed of a first support 9 and a second support 10, the first support 9 carrying 30.31 driving means of the operation of the printer by the the user, the second support 10 being arranged in an appearance cover and easily reversibly supporting, on the one hand, a battery 20 constituting the source of electrical energy, and, on the other hand, the electronic control means 12 equipped with means 35,34,36 of communication with remote electronic control means 6, with a source of electrical energy 20, and with the control means 30,31, these electronic control means 12 being completed by one at least one of the specific management means 14 of the electrical energy source 20, integrated electronic control means 15 and information memory means 16 transmitted remotely by the remote means 6 of FIG. print command,
  3. c) a third module 3 mainly consisting of a first carrier member 17 easily reversible on the one hand the chassis 5 participating the first module 1 and a support roller 24 of the band against the print head, and secondly the first support 9 and the second support 10 constituting the second carrier member,
  4. d) a rear closure shell 26 which is easily reversible on the second support 10, this shell 26 providing a space for receiving the battery 20 between the rear face of the printer and a carrier card 29 of the electronic means 12, 14 15,16 of the second module 2 and the battery 20, this card 29 constituting a separating partition mechanically and electrostatically insulating.

En revenant aux fig.12 et fig.13, on relèvera donc une configuration d'une imprimante de l'invention à une imprimante de bureau, cette imprimante de bureau comprenant :

  1. a) un premier module 1 principalement constitué d'un mécanisme d'impression 4 comprenant un châssis 5 porteur d'une tête d'impression, de moyens moteurs 7 d'entraînement de la bande, d'un connecteur souple 8 de mise en relation du mécanisme d'impression 4 avec les moyens électroniques 12' de contrôle distants, et d'un couteau 23 de séparation d'une partie de bande imprimée,
  2. b) un deuxième module 2 principalement constitué d'un deuxième organe porteur composé d'un premier support 9 et d'un deuxième support 10, le premier support 9 étant porteur de moyens de pilotage 30,31 du fonctionnement de l'imprimante par l'utilisateur, le deuxième support 10 étant agencé en couvercle d'aspect et supportant de manière facilement réversible les moyens électroniques 12' de contrôle- équipés- de moyens de mise en relation 35,19,36 avec des moyens électroniques distants 6 de commande d'impression, avec une source d'énergie électrique 21, et avec les moyens de pilotage, 30,31, ces moyens électroniques 12' de contrôle étant complétés par l'un quelconque au moins de moyens de gestion spécifique 14 de la source d'énergie électrique 21, de moyens électroniques intégrés 15 de commande et de moyens de mémoire d'informations 16 transmises à distance par les moyens distants 6 de commande d'impression, la source d'énergie électrique 21 étant une source distante,
  3. c) un troisième module 3 principalement constitué d'un premier organe porteur 17 supportant de manière facilement réversible d'une part le châssis 5 participant du premier module 1 et un rouleau d'appui 24 de la bande contre la tête d'impression, et d'autre part le premier support 9 et le deuxième support 10 composant le deuxième organe porteur,
  4. d) une coque 26 de fermeture arrière rapportable de manière facilement réversible sur le deuxième support 10.
Returning to FIGS. 12 and 13, there will be a configuration of a printer of the invention to a desktop printer, this desktop printer comprising:
  1. a) a first module 1 consisting mainly of a printing mechanism 4 comprising a frame 5 carrying a print head, drive means 7 for driving the strip, a flexible connection connector 8 of the printing mechanism 4 with the remote electronic control means 12 ', and a knife 23 for separating a portion of the printed band,
  2. b) a second module 2 consisting mainly of a second carrier member composed of a first support 9 and a second support 10, the first support 9 carrying 30.31 driving means of the operation of the printer by the the user, the second support 10 being arranged in an appearance cover and easily reversibly supporting the electronic control means 12 'equipped with connection means 35, 19, 36 with remote electronic control means 6 printing, with a source of electrical energy 21, and with the control means, 30,31, these electronic means 12 'of control being completed by any one or more means of specific management 14 of the source of electrical energy 21, integrated electronic control means 15 and information memory means 16 transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means 6, the electric power source 21 being a penny distant,
  3. c) a third module 3 mainly consisting of a first carrier member 17 easily reversible on the one hand the chassis 5 participating the first module 1 and a support roller 24 of the band against the print head, and secondly the first support 9 and the second support 10 constituting the second carrier member,
  4. d) a rear closure shell 26 which is easily reversible on the second support 10.

Claims (17)

  1. A thermal printer composed globally of a plurality of modules assembled together in an easy reversible manner to enable, from a combination of modules, to provide a range of distinct printers, said printer associating :
    a) a thermal printing head of a band conditioned into a roll, slaved to electronic means for controlling the operation thereof, which are fitted with associating means respectively with a source of electric energy, with general printing control means and with the thermal printing head,
    b) means for conveying the band from a magazine holding the roll against the thermal printing head, said conveying means comprising motorised means (7) for driving the band, a resilient back-up roll (24) of the band against the printing head, and a cutter (23) for the separation of a portion of printed band,
    c) a first member carrying the band roll, in which member is provided the magazine (25) rotatably housing the roll,
    d) a second member carrying electronic control means, fitted with nesting means easily reversible with the first carrying member,
    characterised in that it comprises :
    a) a first module (1) formed mainly of a printing mechanism (4) comprising a chassis (5) carrying the printing head, motorised means (7) for driving the band, and of a flexible connector (8) for associating the printing mechanism (4) with the electronic control means (11, 12, 12'),
    b) a second module (2) mainly composed of the second carrying member (9,10), which supports on the one hand means (30, 31) for controlling the operation of the printer by the acting operator of the general printing control means, and on the other hand the electronic control means (11, 12, 12') as well as the means (19, 34; 35; 36) wherewith they are fitted for association with the source of electric energy (20, 21 with acting remote control means (6) of the general printing control means, and with the driving means (30, 31),
    c) a third module (3) mainly composed of the first carrying member (17), the latter being provided with general nesting means easily reversible on the one hand of the acting chassis (5) of the first module (1) and on the other hand of the second acting carrying member (9,10) of the second module (2).
  2. A printer according to claim 1, characterised :
    in that the second carrying member comprises a first support (9) fitted with means co-operating with easily reversible first elementary nesting means installed on the first carrying member (17), said first support (9) carrying the driving means (30, 31) as well as first electronic control means (11) and related associating means (19, 35, 36).
  3. A printer according to claim 2, characterised :
    in that the second carrying member comprises moreover a second support (10) carrying second electronic control means (12, 12') and related associating means (19, 34; 35, 36), substitutive of electronic control means (11) and related associating means (19, 34, 35, 36), said second support (10) being fitted with means co-operating with easily reversible second elementary nesting means installed on the first carrying member (17), said second electronic control means (12,12') and the related associating means (19, 34, 35, 36) comprising means analogous to the first electronic control means (11) and to the first related associating means, complemented by any at least management means (14) specific to the source of electric energy (20, 21), of acting specific electronic control means (15) of the general printing control means and of means for storing information (16) transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means (6)
  4. A printer according to claim 3, characterised :
    in that the second electronic control means comprise substitution alternative elementary electronic control means (12, 12'), which are supported by the second support (10), first elementary means (12) of said second electronic control means being fitted with associating means (34) with a stand-alone source of electric energy (20), while second elementary means (12') of these second control means are fitted with associating means (19) with the electric energy supply mains (21).
  5. A printer according to claim 3, characterised:
    in that the second support is mainly composed of a nesting dummy cover (10) easily reversible on the first carrying member (17), at the rear face of which cover (10) and at the rear of the first carrying member (17), is added by easily reversible nesting an electronic board (22,29) carrying the second electronic control means (12, 12') complemented by the related means (14, 15, 16).
  6. A printer according to claim 5, characterised :
    in that the cover (10) comprises in the middle zone of its thickness a peripheral shoulder (27) bearing flat against a panel.
  7. A printer according to claim 6, characterised :
    in that it comprises a rear closing shell (26) against which rests the cover (10) via its peripheral shoulder (27).
  8. A printer according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 7, characterised :
    in that the stand-alone source of electric energy (20) comprises at least one battery carried by the rear face of the electronic board (29) which moreover carries first elementary means (12) of the second electronic control means and of the related associating means (34, 35, 36), said battery (20) being housed in a space provided between the shell (26) and the electronic board (29), the latter (29) forming a separation wall for mechanic and electrostatic protection of the printing mechanisms (4) and of the control means (12).
  9. A printer according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterised :
    in that the shell (26) is fitted at its rear face with easily reversible nesting means with a base (33).
  10. A printer according to any one of the previous claims, characterised:
    in that the driving means (30, 31) comprise at least one pusher (30) for implementing the motorised means (7) for driving the band, and at least one pusher (31) for implementing the printing mechanism (4), related to a means (32) for visualising the operating state of the printer.
  11. A printer according to any one of the previous claims, characterised:
    in that the cutter (23) is mounted in an easily reversible manner on the chassis (5) of the first module (1).
  12. A printer according to any one of the previous claims, characterised :
    in that the back-up roll (24) is mounted on the first carrying member (17) of the third module (3).
  13. An application of a printer according to claim 1 to a basic printer,
    characterised :
    in that it comprises:
    a) a first module (1) formed mainly of a printing mechanism (4) comprising a chassis (5) carrying a printing head, motorised means (7) for driving the band, of a flexible connector (8) for associating the printing mechanism (4) with remote electronic control means (11), and of a cutter (23) for separating a portion of printed band,
    b) a second module (2) mainly composed of a second carrying member (9), which supports in an easily reversible manner on the one hand means (30, 31) for controlling the operation of the printer, and on the other hand the electronic control means (11) fitted with associating means (35, 19, 36) with remote electronic control means (6), with a remote source of electric energy (21 and with the driving means (30, 31),
    c) a third module (3) mainly composed of a first carrying member (17) supporting in an easily reversible manner on the one hand the acting chassis (5) of the first module (1) and a back-up roll (24) of the band against the printing head, and on the other hand the second acting carrying member (9) of the second module (2).
  14. An application of a printer according to claim 1 to a panel printer,
    characterised :
    in that it comprises :
    a) a first module (1) formed mainly of a printing mechanism (4) comprising a chassis (5) carrying a printing head, motorised means (7) for driving the band, of a flexible connector (8) for associating the printing mechanism (4) with remote electronic control means (11), and of a cutter (23) for separating a portion of printed band.
    b) a second module (2) mainly composed of a second carrying member (9), which supports in an easily reversible manner on the one hand means (30, 31) for controlling the operation of the printer by the operator and on the other hand the electronic control means (11) fitted with associating means (35, 19, 36) with remote electronic control means (6), with a remote source of electric energy (21) and with the driving means (30, 31),
    c) a third module (3) mainly composed of a first carrying member (17) supporting in an easily reversible manner on the one hand the acting chassis (5) of the first module (1) and a back-up roll (24) of the band against the printing head, and on the other hand the second acting carrying member (9) of the second module (2),
    d) a nesting dummy cover (10) easily reversible on the first carrying member (17), which comprises in the middle zone of its thickness a peripheral shoulder (27) bearing flat against a panel.
  15. An application of a printer according to claim 1 to a panel printer,
    characterised :
    in that it comprises :
    a) a first module (1) formed mainly of a printing mechanism (4) comprising a chassis (5) carrying a printing head, motorised means (7) for driving the band, of a flexible connector (8) for associating the printing mechanism (4) with remote electronic control means (12, 12'), and of a cutter (23) for separating a portion of printed band,
    b) a second module (2) mainly composed of a second carrying member (9), which supports in an easily reversible manner on the one hand means (30, 31) for controlling the operation of the printer by the operator and on the other hand the electronic control means (12, 12') fitted with associating means (35, 19, 34, 36) with remote electronic printing control means (6), with a source of electric energy (20, 21), and with the driving means (30, 31), said electronic control means (12, 12') being complemented by any at least management means (14) specific to the source of electric energy (20, 21), integrated electronic control means (15) and means for storing information (16) transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means (6),
    c) a third module (3) mainly composed of a first carrying member (17) supporting in an easily reversible manner on the one hand the acting chassis (5) of the first module (1) and a back-up roll (24) of the band against the printing head, and on the other hand the second acting carrying member (9) of the second module (2),
    d) a nesting dummy cover (10) easily reversible on the first carrying member (17), which comprises in the middle zone of its thickness a peripheral shoulder (27) bearing flat against a panel.
  16. An application of a printer according to claim 1 to a portable printer,
    characterised :
    in that it comprises :
    a) a first module (1) formed mainly of a printing mechanism (4) comprising a chassis (5) carrying a printing head, motorised means (7) for driving the band, of a flexible connector (8) for associating the printing mechanism (4) with the remote electronic control means (12), and of a cutter (23) for separating a portion of printed band,
    b) a second module (2) mainly composed of a second carrying member formed of a first support (9) and of a second support (10), the first support (9) carrying driving means (30, 31) for operating the printer by the user, the second support (10) being arranged as a dummy cover and supporting in an easily reversible manner on the one hand a battery (20) providing a source of electric energy, and on the other hand the electronic control means (12) fitted with means (35, 34, 36) for association with remote electronic control means (6), with a source of electric energy (20), and with the driving means (30, 31), said electronic control means (12) being complemented by any at least management means specific (14) of the source of electric energy (20), integrated electronic control means (15) and means for storing information (16) transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means (6),
    c) a third module (3) mainly composed of a first carrying member (17) supporting in an easily reversible manner on the one hand the acting chassis (5) of the first module (1) and a back-up roll (24) of the band against the printing head, and on the other hand the first support (9) and the second support (10) forming the second carrying member,
    d) a rear closing shell (26) which can be added in an easily reversible manner on the second support (10), said shell (26) providing a space for accommodating the battery (20) between the rear face of the printer and a board (29) carrying the electronic means (12, 14, 15, 16) of the second module (2) and of the battery (20), said board (29) forming a separation wall with mechanical and electrostatical insulation.
  17. An application of a printer according to claim 1 to an office printer,
    characterised :
    in that it comprises:
    a) a first module (1) formed mainly of a printing mechanism (4) comprising a chassis (5) carrying a printing sheet motorised means (7) for driving the band, of a flexible connector (8) for associating the printing mechanism (4) with the remote electronic control means (12'), and of a cutter (23) for separating a portion of printed band,
    b) a second module (2) mainly composed of a second carrying member formed of a first support (9) and of a second support (10), the first support (9) carrying driving means (30, 31) for operating the printer by the user, the second support (10) being arranged as a dummy cover and supporting in an easily reversible manner the electronic control means (12') fitted with associating means (35, 19, 36) with remote electronic printing control means (6), with a source of electric energy (21), and with the driving means (30, 31), said electronic control means (12') being complemented by any at least of management means specific (14) of the source of electric energy (21), of integrated electronic control means (15) and of means for storing information (16) transmitted remotely by the remote printing control means (6), the source of electric energy (21) being a remote source.
    c) a third module (3) mainly composed of a first carrying member (17) supporting in an easily reversible manner on the one hand the acting chassis (5) of the first module (1) and a back-up roll (24) of the band against the printing head, and on the other hand the first support (9) and the second support (10) forming the second carrying member,
    d) a rear closing shell (26) which can be added in an easily reversible manner on the second support (10).
EP03776958A 2002-10-19 2003-10-07 Modular printer Expired - Lifetime EP1556225B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0213289A FR2845943B1 (en) 2002-10-19 2002-10-19 MODULAR PRINTER FOR A BASIC PRINTER, COMPOSING OFFICE PRINTER, AND / OR PANEL AND / OR PORTABLE
FR0213289 2002-10-19
PCT/FR2003/002933 WO2004037544A1 (en) 2002-10-19 2003-10-07 Modular printer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1556225A1 EP1556225A1 (en) 2005-07-27
EP1556225B1 true EP1556225B1 (en) 2007-05-02

Family

ID=32050663

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03776958A Expired - Lifetime EP1556225B1 (en) 2002-10-19 2003-10-07 Modular printer

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US20060104694A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1556225B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE361201T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003286217A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60313647T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2286482T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2845943B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004037544A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BRPI0600439B1 (en) 2006-03-06 2019-01-22 Bematech S A thermal printer and its drive method
BRPI0600440B1 (en) 2006-03-06 2018-10-09 Bematech Ind E Comercio De Equipamentos Eletronicos S/A printer with modular cartridge
FR2974030B1 (en) * 2011-04-12 2021-03-05 Evolis PLASTIC CARD PRINTER

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4549825A (en) * 1983-02-08 1985-10-29 Post Technologies, Inc. Thermal printer for a low cost electronic mail terminal
DE199201T1 (en) * 1985-04-26 1987-02-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Sato, Tokio/Tokyo, Jp THERMAL LABEL PRINTER.
US4881839A (en) * 1988-06-14 1989-11-21 Texas Instruments Incorporated Portable electronic data handling/data entry system
US5180232A (en) * 1988-07-08 1993-01-19 Norand Corporation Modular printer system
DE3943567A1 (en) * 1989-10-16 1991-06-20 Mannesmann Ag PRINTER, IN PARTICULAR MATRIX NEEDLE PRINTER.
US5347115A (en) * 1990-01-12 1994-09-13 Norand Corporation Portable modular work station including printer and portable data collection terminal
US5110226A (en) * 1990-10-19 1992-05-05 Norand Corporation Battery operated data entry terminal device and printer attachment
US5276527A (en) * 1991-02-14 1994-01-04 Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd. Compact portable recording apparatus with thin, flat case, and which receives recording paper on an upper surface thereof
US5483624A (en) * 1992-03-27 1996-01-09 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. Programmable hand held labeler
DE69719607T2 (en) * 1996-06-18 2004-02-12 Scitex Digital Printing, Inc., Dayton Continuous color jet print head
CA2269061A1 (en) * 1996-10-18 1998-04-30 Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc. Printing apparatus
US6241407B1 (en) * 1999-09-16 2001-06-05 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. Portable printer
US6203221B1 (en) * 1999-10-07 2001-03-20 Axiohm Transaction Solution, Inc. Modular printer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1556225A1 (en) 2005-07-27
ATE361201T1 (en) 2007-05-15
AU2003286217A1 (en) 2004-05-13
US20060104694A1 (en) 2006-05-18
WO2004037544A1 (en) 2004-05-06
DE60313647D1 (en) 2007-06-14
ES2286482T3 (en) 2007-12-01
FR2845943A1 (en) 2004-04-23
FR2845943B1 (en) 2005-02-11
DE60313647T2 (en) 2008-01-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN103827770B (en) Electronic equipment with roll-up display
WO1999040500A3 (en) Thermally efficient portable computer incorporating deploying cpu module
WO1995024008A1 (en) Peripheral keyboard and screen device for computers
EP1556225B1 (en) Modular printer
WO2016110921A1 (en) Printing device
CN1315654C (en) Band printer
JPH11254788A (en) Image recording apparatus
JP5360563B2 (en) Print label production device
US20070253152A1 (en) Computer DC power source output device
JP4576401B2 (en) Portable printer device
USD403662S (en) Uninterruptible power supply
CN206633618U (en) Bar code printer
USD494585S1 (en) Keypad and keypad housing
USD433380S (en) Battery cover for hand held apparatus such as an optical scanner
USD484897S1 (en) Portable electric furnace
RU2249240C2 (en) Printing camera for printing on gummed paper
USD406100S (en) Enclosure for an uninterruptible power supply
USD396845S (en) Uninterruptible power supply control and display module
USD403201S (en) Toaster oven
CN216748849U (en) Lottery ticket betting machine
JP6893833B2 (en) Printer
CN219467376U (en) Protective ink jet device
US8934230B2 (en) Portable computer with easy assembly
WO1988005940A1 (en) Support for the combination of a microcomputer and a printer
FR2915130A1 (en) CONTROL MEANS, ELECTRONIC ELEMENT AND CONTROL CARD FOR OPERATING A THERMAL PRINTING MECHANISM.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050519

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60313647

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20070614

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070802

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20070813

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2286482

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071002

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070802

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: APS ENGINEERING

RIN2 Information on inventor provided after grant (corrected)

Inventor name: DENIS MONTAGUTELLI

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20080205

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: MONTAGUTELLI, DENIS

Effective date: 20071031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070803

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071031

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071007

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070502

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071103

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20090918

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20090918

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20090922

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20091021

Year of fee payment: 7

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20101007

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101102

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20110630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101007

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60313647

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110502

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20090928

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20111118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101007

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101008

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110502