EP3696126A1 - Befestigungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Befestigungsvorrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3696126A1
EP3696126A1 EP19157315.3A EP19157315A EP3696126A1 EP 3696126 A1 EP3696126 A1 EP 3696126A1 EP 19157315 A EP19157315 A EP 19157315A EP 3696126 A1 EP3696126 A1 EP 3696126A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elongate member
attachment device
engagement
elongate
longitudinal direction
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP19157315.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Guido Peter SCHELLENBERG
Simon WIEDMER
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.)
Dover Europe SARL
Original Assignee
Dover Europe 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 Dover Europe SARL filed Critical Dover Europe SARL
Priority to EP19157315.3A priority Critical patent/EP3696126A1/de
Publication of EP3696126A1 publication Critical patent/EP3696126A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/18—Constructional details
    • B65H75/24—Constructional details adjustable in configuration, e.g. expansible
    • B65H75/242—Expansible spindles, mandrels or chucks, e.g. for securing or releasing cores, holders or packages
    • B65H75/248—Expansible spindles, mandrels or chucks, e.g. for securing or releasing cores, holders or packages expansion caused by actuator movable in axial direction
    • B65H75/2484—Expansible spindles, mandrels or chucks, e.g. for securing or releasing cores, holders or packages expansion caused by actuator movable in axial direction movable actuator including wedge-like or lobed member

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an attachment device for attaching an object to a rotatable body, and relates in particular, but not exclusively, to an attachment device for a printing apparatus.
  • Printing apparatus including transfer printers, operate by transferring marking medium onto a target substrate, for example paper, labels or other materials.
  • Some printers such as thermal transfer printers, include a ribbon which carries the marking medium to be transferred to the substrate.
  • Such ribbons are typically supplied in the form of a roll of material wound onto a core or bobbin. It is known to provide cores which are constructed principally of a cardboard material and/or a plastics material.
  • the printing apparatus typically includes a first spool, which carries the roll of unused ribbon, and may also be referred to as a supply spool, and a second spool, which receives ribbon after use, and which may also be referred to as a take up spool.
  • Either or both of the supply spool and the take up spool may be driven, for example by one or more motors, and movement of the take up and the supply spool, and hence transport of the ribbon between the spools is typically controlled by a control device.
  • Ribbon roll cores are typically secured to the respective spool to allow torque transmission from the motor or other drive apparatus. It is important that the torque transmission is adequate, since any rotary slippage of the ribbon relative to the spool upon which the ribbon is mounted can cause damage to the ribbon or affect the quality of the printing.
  • loading a new roll of ribbon into the printing machine requires a user to push the core of the roll of ribbon onto the supply spool. The user then typically pulls a free end of the roll of ribbon to release a length of ribbon, and engages the free end of the ribbon with the take-up spool.
  • One common method of securing a core to a supply spool is to locate resilient members on an outside face of the supply spool, which press against the inside face of the core, when the core is pushed on to the spool. This method requires the end user to overcome the force of each resilient member at the same time as loading or unloading the ribbon.
  • some printing apparatus typically smaller label printers, utilise a "push-fit” or “friction-fit” securing method wherein the spool may be slightly over-sized and the core is simply pushed over the spool.
  • An issue with this method is the inherent trade-off between sufficiently over-sizing the spool to provide a secure 'fit' to prevent rotary slippage of the core during operation, without requiring excessive force to load the ribbon onto the spool.
  • Spools including a rotary securing mechanism may require the user to stabilise the spool with one hand and actuate the mechanism with the other.
  • take up spools may incorporate a clamping mechanism which clamps the free end of the ribbon to the spool.
  • Some take-up spools for example the take-up spool shown in WO2015049511 , include a clamping member running along the length of the spool. The end user inserts the free end into a gap between the clamping member and the main spool body, and then typically actuates a rotary mechanism to close the gap and clamp the free end of the ribbon securely to the take up spool.
  • Label stock for printing apparatus is typically between 20mm and 175mm in width, and rolls are typically 800m long. Rolls of label stock may weigh up to approximately 30kg. Therefore label stock in common usage may be bulky and difficult to handle, therefore it is advantageous for the method of attaching such a roll, for example, to a spool, to be as straightforward and easy for a user as possible.
  • the supply spool typically holds labels on backing paper and the take-up spool holds the backing paper once the labels have been printed and removed. Any slippage between the spool and the core can lead to print distortion or, in the worst case, the backing paper can rip.
  • an attachment device for attaching an object to a rotatable body
  • the attachment device including a first elongate member which is configured to receive an object, and a second elongate member, each of the first and second elongate members having a respective substantially longitudinal axis, and the second elongate member being moveable relative to the first elongate member in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction
  • the attachment device further including at least one engagement member configured to engage a part of an object, the or each engagement member being moveable between a retracted position and an engagement position relative to at least one of the first and second elongate members
  • the second elongate member includes a non-prismatic portion to convert movement of the second elongate member in the first longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member into movement of at least one engagement member in a first lateral direction, towards its engagement position, and to convert movement of the second elongate member in the second longitudinal direction relative to the first
  • the respective substantially longitudinal axes of the first and second elongate members may be substantially coaxial.
  • the first elongate member may include at least one opening configured to enable at least a part of at least one engagement member to pass therethrough.
  • the second elongate member may include an actuation portion.
  • the actuation portion may be manually operable.
  • the attachment device may include a holding assembly configured to hold the second elongate member in a hold position relative to the first elongate member.
  • At least one engagement member may be in its retracted position.
  • the holding assembly may include a groove located on the second elongate member, a locating member located in and slidably moveable in the groove and a locating support member attached to the locating member.
  • the holding assembly may include a form-closed cam.
  • the attachment device may include a biasing member configured to urge the second elongate member to move in the first longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member.
  • the non-prismatic portion may be substantially conical or frusto-conical.
  • the at least one non-prismatic portion of the second elongate member may engage with at least one engagement member.
  • At least one engagement member may include at least one protrusion to locally deform an object.
  • the attachment device may include a third elongate member, which is positioned externally of the first elongate member, and which is configured to receive an object.
  • the third elongate member may include at least one aperture configured to enable at least one engagement member to pass therethrough.
  • Movement of the actuation portion in the second longitudinal direction may enable movement of the second elongate member into and out of the holding position, thus enabling movement of the second elongate member in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member.
  • an attachment device for attaching an object to a rotatable body, the attachment device including a first elongate member which is configured to receive an object, and a second elongate member, each of the first and second elongate members having a respective substantially longitudinal axis, and the second elongate member being moveable relative to the first elongate member in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction, the attachment device further including at least one engagement member configured to engage a part of an object, the or each engagement member being moveable between a retracted position and an engagement position relative to at least one of the first and second elongate members, wherein the second elongate member includes a non-prismatic portion to convert movement of the second elongate member in the first longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member into movement of at least one engagement member in a first rotational direction, towards its engagement position, and to convert movement of the second elongate member in the second longitudinal direction relative to the
  • the attachment device may include any features as set out above in relation to embodiments of the invention.
  • an attachment device 10 The purpose of the attachment device 10 is to attach an object, for example a roll of ribbon or roll of labels attached to a backing web, to a rotatable body, for example a spool of a printing apparatus.
  • the attachment device 10 has a first end and a second end 10b.
  • the attachment device 10 has a longitudinal axis A.
  • the attachment device 10 includes a first elongate member 11, shown in figures 1 and 2 , for example, having a first end 11a and a second end 11b.
  • the attachment device 10 may be connected to a drive source, for example an electric motor.
  • the drive source may include a coupling member, for example a large disc or flange coupling, with which the attachment device 10 may connectable and/or engageable.
  • the first elongate member 11 includes a bore 111, which extends from the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11 to the second end 11b of the first elongate member 11.
  • the bore 111 may extend along or parallel with the longitudinal axis A.
  • the bore 111 may be located centrally in the first elongate member 11.
  • the first elongate member 11 may be substantially circular in cross-section.
  • the first elongate member 11 also includes at least one opening 112 located in an exterior surface of the first elongate member 11.
  • the or each opening 112 may extend substantially longitudinally along a part of the length of the first elongate member 11.
  • the first elongate member 11 may include a plurality of openings spaced longitudinally along and/or circumferentially around the exterior surface of the first longitudinal member 11.
  • the first elongate member 11 may include a set of openings 112 which are spaced circumferentially around a part of the exterior surface of the elongate member 11.
  • the first elongate member 11 may include a plurality of sets of openings 112, each set being longitudinally spaced from an adjacent set of openings.
  • Each set of openings 112 may include three or four openings 112 spaced substantially circumferentially, for example.
  • Each set of openings 112 may include any number of openings 112, as appropriate.
  • the first elongate member 11 may include two sets of openings 112 spaced longitudinally, for example. It will be understood that any appropriate number of longitudinally spaced sets of openings 112 may be provided.
  • the openings 112 may be aligned with one another or offset circumferentially, for example.
  • the first elongate member 11 may include at least one shoulder portion 113, the exterior surface of which is of a greater diameter than adjacent portions of the exterior surface of the first elongate member 11.
  • the shoulder portion 113 may be positioned towards the second end 11b of the first elongate member 11.
  • the attachment device 10 also includes a second elongate member 12 having a first end 12a and a second end 12b.
  • the second elongate member 12 has a second longitudinal axis B.
  • the second longitudinal axis B may be substantially parallel, for example coaxial, with the longitudinal axis A of the first elongate member 11.
  • the second longitudinal member is located at least partially within the first elongate member 11 and is generally moveable long the second longitudinal axis B, within the bore 111 of the first elongate member 11.
  • the second elongate member 12 is able to move in a first longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member 11, i.e.
  • the second elongate member 12 includes at least one non-prismatic portion 121.
  • the second elongate member includes a first non-prismatic portion 121a and a second non-prismatic portion 121b.
  • the or each non-prismatic portion 121 may be substantially conical or frusto-conical in shape, although other shapes are possible.
  • the or each non-prismatic portion 121 may have a cone-angle of between approximately 1° and approximately 5°, and may advantageously be approximately 3°. It will be appreciated that cone angles falling outside of this range may be advantageous.
  • the cone angle of the or each non-prismatic portion 121 may be larger, for example up to approximately 30°.
  • the or each prismatic portion 121 may be provided with a coating, for example a tribological coating, for example CresaCoat (RTM) C307, or may be anodised.
  • the entire second longitudinal member 12 may be anodised or coated.
  • the second elongate member 12 may also include one or more shoulder portions 123.
  • the or each shoulder portion 123 may be positioned adjacent or substantially adjacent a respective non-prismatic portion 121.
  • the attachment device 10 further includes at least one engagement member 13, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 , for example.
  • the attachment device 10 preferably includes an engagement member 13 to correspond with each opening 112 in the first elongate member 11.
  • Each engagement member 13 may extend through a corresponding opening 112.
  • the position and/or arrangement of the or each engagement member 13 may correspond with the position and/or arrangement of the or each opening 112.
  • the at least one engagement member 13 has a first end 13a, a second end 13b, a first long side 13c and a second long side 13d.
  • the height of the first end 13a may be different from the height of the second end 13b, i.e. the distance between the first and second long sides 13c, 13d may vary along the length of the engagement member 13, although this is not essential.
  • the first long side13c of the engagement member 13 may be configured to conform substantially to the shape of an associated one of the or each non-prismatic portion 123 of the second elongate member 12. At least a part of the first long side 13c of the or each engagement member 13 may be in contact with a surface of the non-prismatic portion 12c.
  • the second long side 13d of the or each engagement member 13 may include an engagement formation, for example at least one protrusion which may engage with, for example be substantially in contact with, a surface of the non-prismatic portion 121.
  • the or each engagement member 13 may be manufactured from stainless steel, or any other suitable material. A combination of stainless steel engagement members 13 and a tribological coating of the non-prismatic portion(s) 121 has been found to be particularly advantageous.
  • the or each engagement member 13 may include an engagement formation 13e, provided on the second long side 13d.
  • the engagement formation 13e may include one or more protrusions, for example a tooth formation. If the at least one engagement member 13 includes a plurality of protrusions 13e, they may be uniformly distributed along a surface 13d of the engagement member 13, or they may be non-uniformly distributed along a surface 13d of the engagement member 13 to accommodate a variety of sizes of object.
  • the purpose of the or each protrusion 13e is to engage, for example locally penetrate, an object that is intended to be held by the attachment device 10.
  • the or each protrusion may have a small area at its distal end, for example the size of the distal end of the or each protrusion may be 0.3mm x 0.3mm. It will be appreciated that the most appropriate size of the distal end of the or each protrusion may be selected. The most appropriate size of the distal end of the or each protrusion may be selected in accordance with one or more of the following factors: the material of the object to be held by the attachment device 10, the number of engagement members 13, the number of protrusions per engagement member. A small area enables a large surface pressure to be generated by the or each engagement formation 13e. It will be appreciated that not all of the protrusions need have the same size.
  • the at least one engagement member 13 may further include at least one retaining member 13f, for example a tab, located on a side wall of the engagement member 13.
  • the purpose of the or each retaining member 13f is to prevent the engagement member 13 from extending right through, i.e. falling out of, the corresponding opening 112 in the first elongate member 11.
  • the or each engagement member 13 may be movable between a retracted position and an engaging position relative to the first elongate member 11.
  • the or each engagement member 13 is moveable in a first direction which is substantially transverse or lateral to at least one of the longitudinal axis A of the first elongate member 11 and the longitudinal axis B of the second elongate member 12, for example substantially radially outwardly relative to the second longitudinal axis B. Movement of the or each engagement member in the first lateral direction places the or each engagement member in its engaging position.
  • the or each engagement member 13 may also be movable in a second direction which is substantially transverse or lateral to at least one of the longitudinal axis A of the first elongate member 11 and the longitudinal axis B of the second elongate member 12, for example substantially radially inwardly relative to the second longitudinal axis B. Movement of the or each engagement member 13 in the second lateral direction places the or each engagement member 13 in its retracted position.
  • a retaining device 14 may be provided to retain the or each engagement member 13 in a desired longitudinal position relative to the first elongate member 11.
  • the retaining device 14 may be, for example, a split ring or slotted ring, which may be located in a corresponding undercut groove 114 in the exterior surface of the first elongate member 11.
  • the or each engagement member 13 may be inserted into the corresponding opening 112 so that the or each retaining member 13f passes through a corresponding part 112a of the opening 112.
  • the or each corresponding part 112a of the opening 112 may be provided in the undercut groove 114.
  • the engagement member 13 may then be slid towards the first end 11a of the first longitudinal member 11 until further movement of the engagement member 13 is inhibited by a wall of the opening 112.
  • the retaining device 14 may be slid over the first elongate member 11 until it is located in the undercut groove 114, and may at least partially cover at least one corresponding part 112a of the opening 112. Movement of the at least one engagement member 13 is substantially inhibited in the first and second longitudinal directions relative to the first elongate member 11 by the presence of the retaining device 14.
  • a single retaining device 14 may inhibit movement of a plurality of engagement members 13.
  • Movement of the at least one engagement member 13 in at least one of the first and second substantially radial directions may be effected by the movement of the second elongate member 12.
  • movement of the second longitudinal member 12 in the first longitudinal direction relative to the first longitudinal member 11, i.e. towards the first end 11a of the first longitudinal member 11, may effect movement of one or more (or a sub-set) of the or each engagement member 13 in the first (outward) substantially radial direction.
  • the or each non-prismatic portion 121 of the second elongate member 12 is able to 'push' against the first long side 13c of the or each corresponding engagement member 13, to urge the engagement member 13 in the first transverse or lateral direction (i.e.
  • the engagement formation 13e is configured to at least partially extend past the exterior surface of the first elongate member 11 to enable the protrusion 13e to locally press against an object (for example the inner face of a core) when sufficiently urged in the first lateral direction.
  • the attachment device 10 may include a biasing device for biasing the or each engagement member 13 in the second longitudinal direction, although it is not necessary for the operation of attachment device 10.
  • the purpose of the at least one engagement member 13 is to hold or retain an object relative to attachment device 10 to enable attachment device 10 to transmit torque from a driven spool to the object.
  • the object may be a printer ribbon which is wound around a cardboard or plastic core.
  • the attachment device 10 may also be capable of holding other objects.
  • the attachment device 10 may further include a biasing member 15, for example a resilient biasing member, located between an interior surface of the first elongate member 11 and a shoulder portion 123 of the second elongate member 12.
  • the biasing member 15 may be a coil spring.
  • the resilient biasing member 15 may be operable to urge the second elongate member 12 in the first longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member 11, i.e. towards the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11.
  • the resilient biasing member 15 may be operable to exert a force generally in the first longitudinal direction which is transmitted to the at least one engagement member 13 due to contact between the non-prismatic portion 12c of the second elongate member 12 and at least one engagement member 13.
  • the longitudinal movement of the second elongate member 12 relative to the first elongate member 11 is converted into substantially transverse or lateral movement of the or each engagement member 13.
  • the longitudinal movement of the second elongate member 12 relative to the first elongate member 11 may be converted into substantially transverse or lateral movement of a subset of the elongate members 13.
  • the attachment device 10 may include an actuation portion 124 to effect longitudinal movement of the second elongate member 12 relative to the first elongate member 11.
  • the actuation portion 124 may be a part of or carried by the second elongate member 12.
  • the actuation portion 124 may extend out of an opening in the first end 11a the first elongate member 11.
  • the actuation portion 124 may extend out of the bore 111.
  • the actuation portion 124 may be configured to be manually operable, enabling the user to effect movement of the second elongate member 12 in the second longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member 11.
  • the actuation portion 124 may be a push button.
  • embodiments of the attachment device 10 may further include a holding assembly 16.
  • the holding assembly 16 may comprise a groove 17, a locating member 18 and a locating member support 19.
  • the groove 17 may be located towards the second end 12b of the second longitudinal member 12.
  • the locating member 18 may be located within the groove 17 and movable within the groove 17, and the combination of the groove 17 and locating member 18 may be in the form of a form-closed cam and follower, wherein the groove 17 is the form-closed cam and the follower comprises the locating member 18.
  • a locating member support 19 may also be provided.
  • the groove 17 may be cut partially through the second elongate member 12, or it may be cut all the way through.
  • the groove 17 may include a first portion 171 and a second portion 172.
  • the first portion 171 may be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the second elongate member 12 and is configured to allow movement of the locating member 18 relative to the second elongate member 12 in the first and second longitudinal directions.
  • the second portion 172 may include a holding formation, to inhibit or prevent movement of the locating member 18 relative to the second elongate member 12.
  • the second portion 172 may include a path that encircles a guide formation 20 which is configured to guide the locating member 18 around the path in a predetermined or controlled direction which may be dependent upon the direction of movement of the second elongate member 12 relative to the first elongate member 11.
  • the second portion 172 may comprise a first guide portion 172a, a holding portion 172b and a second guide portion 172c.
  • the first, second and third guide portions 172a-c may be provided by the shape and/or configuration of the guide formation 20 in combination with the shape and/or configuration of the groove 17.
  • the guide formation 20 and/or the second portion 172 of the groove 17 may be substantially heart-shaped.
  • the groove 17 may have walls which provide corresponding guide portions, for example a first wall 20a which is configured to guide the locating member 18 towards the second portion 172 of the groove 17 when the second longitudinal member 12 is moved in the second longitudinal direction.
  • the holding portion 172b of the groove 17 may be provided by a recess 20b in the guide formation 20 which is defined by a first lip 20c and a second lip 20d.
  • the holding portion 172b may also include a first lip 173 which is provided in a wall of the groove 17, and which faces the recess 20b of the guide formation 20.
  • the locating member 18 may comprise a pin which may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the locating member support 19, for example with screws or similar fixings, or may be integral with the locating member support 19.
  • the locating member support 19 may comprise a resiliently deformable device, for example a leaf spring, and may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the first elongate member 11, for example with screws or similar fixings, or may be integral with the first elongate member 11.
  • the locating member support may be biased towards the centre of the groove 171, and deformation of locating member support 19 may enable substantially lateral movement of the locating member 18 relative to the longitudinal axis of the second elongate member 12
  • the purpose of the holding assembly 16 (when the pin 18 is held in the recess 20b by the resilient biasing member 15) is to hold the second elongate member 12 in a desired or predetermined position relative to the first elongate member 11, towards the second end 11b thereof. Whilst in this predetermined position, the second elongate member 12 does not urge the or each engagement member 13 in the first lateral direction, and thus does not exert a force onto the at least one engagement member 13 which would cause it to locally penetrate an object.
  • the or each engagement member 13 is preferably mostly or completely housed within the first longitudinal member 11.
  • a user is able to remove an object from the attachment device 10 and replace the object with another object without needing to overcome forces exerted by the resilient biasing member 15 on the or each engagement member 13.
  • the second elongate member 12 When the attachment device 10 is in an unloaded state (i.e. without an object attached), the second elongate member 12 is urged in the first longitudinal direction (towards the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11) by the resilient biasing member 15. In this state, the or each engagement member 13 may be urged away from the longitudinal axes A, B of the first and second elongate members 11, 12. In this state, the locating member 18 is located within the first portion 171 of the groove 17 and movement of the second longitudinal member 12 does not cause movement of the locating member 18 in a substantially lateral direction, only in a substantially longitudinal direction.
  • the groove 17 moves relative to the locating member 18.
  • the locating member 18 is eventually located within the second portion 172 of the groove 17 and may engage with the first wall 20a of the guide formation 20.
  • the first wall 20a of the guide formation 20 may be directed at an angle in the range of 15° to 75° relative to the longitudinal axis of the second elongate member 12.
  • the first wall 20a may be directed at an angle of approximately 65° relative to the longitudinal axis of the second elongate member 12.
  • the engagement of the locating member 18 with the first wall 20a of the guide formation 20 displaces the locating member 18 in a substantially lateral direction, guided by the first wall 20a, and the locating member support 19 may be elastically deformed as the locating member 18 travels within the first guide portion 172a.
  • the elongate member 12 cannot travel any further towards the second end 11b of the first elongate member 11.
  • the resilient biasing member 15 urges the second elongate member 12 back towards the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11 and the locating member 18 may enter the holding portion 172b of the second portion of the groove 172.
  • the elastically deformed locating member support 19 attempts to return to a non-deformed state and effects movement of the locating member 18 in a substantially lateral direction until it reaches a wall of the guide formation 20 and/or a wall of the groove 17.
  • the configuration of the holding portion 172b and the lips 20c, 20d of the guide formation 20 hold the locating member 18 in the recess 20b. Whilst the locating member 18 is held in the recess 20b, the second elongate member 11 is held relative to the first elongate member 11 and the locating member support 19 may still be elastically deformed.
  • the resilient biasing member 15 Whilst the locating member 18 is in this holding position, the resilient biasing member 15 is in a compressed state and urges the second elongate member 12 in the first longitudinal direction towards the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11, but movement is inhibited by the locating member 18. It is in this position that the second elongate member 12 is held relative to the first elongate member 11. As a result, the or each engagement member 13 is in its retracted position which enables the user to place an object on the attachment device 10 with minimal force. The object may be slid over the first elongate member 11 in the second longitudinal direction.
  • the user may wish to effect engagement of the at least one engagement member 13 with the object.
  • the user may perform this by pushing the actuating portion 124 of the second elongate member 12 in the second longitudinal direction towards the second end 11b of the first elongate member 11.
  • the locating member 18 disengages from the holding portion 172b of the groove 17 and is displaced in a substantially lateral direction by the first lip 173 and the locating support member 19 and may exit the holding portion 172b of the groove 17.
  • the locating member 18 reaches the second lip 20d, further movement of the second elongate member 12 towards the second end 11b of the first elongate member 11 is inhibited.
  • the second elongate member 12 When the user releases pressure on the actuator 124, the second elongate member 12 is allowed to travel towards the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11, urged by the resilient biasing member 15.
  • the longitudinal movement of the second elongate member 12 and the lateral movement caused by the locating member support 19 enables the locating member 18 to move past the lip 20d and enter the second guide portion 172c of the groove 17.
  • the second guide portion 172c allows movement of the second elongate member 12 in the first longitudinal direction relative to the first elongate member 11, which may be enabled by the compressed resilient biasing member 15.
  • the locating member 18 may exit the second guide portion 172c of the groove 17 and re-enter the first portion 171 of the groove 17. Whilst the locating member 18 is located in the first portion 171 of the groove 17, the or each engagement member 13 is urged into its engagement position, i.e. into engagement with the object.
  • the at least one engagement member 13 As the at least one engagement member 13 is urged in the first lateral direction, i.e. towards is engagement position, it exerts a force against an object.
  • this enables the or each engagement formation 13e to create local high pressure points on a surface of an object to be held, which may result in local deformation of the surface.
  • This deformation may be temporary, allowing an object to return to an undeformed condition after disengagement of the or each engagement formation 13e.
  • the deformation may be plastic, i.e. permanent.
  • Such local deformation of the object may enhance torque transmission between a drive source and the object and minimises rotary slippage of the object relative to the attachment device 10.
  • the retention of the object due to the local deformation of the object by the or each engagement member 13 minimises rotary slippage of the object relative to the attachment device 10 when the attachment device 10 is rotated by a drive source.
  • the engagement formation 13e, i.e the toothed formation, of the or each engagement member 13 provides a considerable increase in the transmittable torque to an object.
  • this may provide a more consistent tension of the ribbon throughout the machine leading to better quality printing and also minimises the instances of maintenance required when a ribbon 'jams the machine'.
  • the small area of the distal ends of the protrusions 13e enables a large surface pressure to be generated by the or each engagement formation 13e.
  • the surface pressure generated may be higher than the limit of elasticity of the object to be attached to the attachment device, for example plastics materials in the case of printer ribbon cores.
  • the configuration of the attachment device 10 enables a user to perform engagement and disengagement of an object with attachment device 10 by only moving the actuating portion of the second elongate member 12 in the second longitudinal direction, enabling a 'push-push' functionality of attachment device 10. Successive movements of the actuation portion 124 in the same direction effectively "toggle" the position of the or each engagement member 13 between its retracted position and its engagement position.
  • the attachment device 10 thus has a bi-stable configuration.
  • the 'push-push' functionality of the attachment device 10 advantageously enables a user to both engage and disengage an object using a simple uni-directional motion that is also in the same direction as the action of loading the object. The user is able to completely remove and replace an object with one hand, as the user is not required to twist part of the spool or secure the spool by hand, for example.
  • the attachment device 10 is compact, and is simple to construct.
  • the locating member support 19 may be fixed to the first elongate member 11 from the second end 11b.
  • the resilient biasing member 15 may be inserted from the first end 10a.
  • the second elongate member 12 may be inserted into the bore 111 from the first end 11a of the first elongate member 11, and pushed against the resilient biasing member 15 until the locating member support 19 engages with the groove 17.
  • the or each engagement member 13 may be inserted through the external surface of the first elongate member 13, and slid towards the first end to be held in place.
  • the or each retaining device 14 may then be slid over the first elongate member 11, and snap into its respective groove 114.
  • the attachment device may be particularly advantageous for rolls of material having cores with internal diameters of approximately 25mm.
  • cores are typically manufactured from cardboard or plastics materials.
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the attachment device 10'.
  • the attachment device 10' which are similar to those of the attachment device 10 are denoted with similar reference numerals, with a ' suffix.
  • embodiments may further include a third elongate member 30.
  • the third elongate member 30 may have a larger diameter than first and second elongate members 11', 12' to enable larger diameter objects, for example larger diameter cores, to be held.
  • the third elongate member 30 has a third longitudinal axis C which may be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis A' of the first elongate member 11' and/or second elongate member 12'.
  • the device 10' when incorporating the third elongate member 130, operates under the same principles as discussed above in relation to the attachment device 10, and provides the same advantages.
  • the third elongate member 30 may include at least one opening 12' located in an exterior surface of the third elongate member 30.
  • the at least one transverse opening 12' may be configured to enable a corresponding engagement member 13' to extend therethrough.
  • the or each engagement member 13' of the attachment device 10' is similar to the or each engagement member 13 of the attachment device 10, and has a first end 13a', a second end 13b', a first long side 13c' and a second long side 13d', but has a greater width, i.e. the distance between the first long side 13c' and the second long side 13d' may be greater than the corresponding distance in the engagement member 13.
  • the or each engagement member 13' may also be longer than the or each engagement member 13 of the attachment device 10.
  • the attachment device 10' may include three engagement members 13'. It will be appreciated that any appropriate number of engagement members 13' may be provided.
  • the engagement formation 13e' may include protrusions which are unevenly longitudinally spaced. For example, the distance between adjacent protrusions may get smaller towards the second end 13b' of the engagement member 13'.
  • An advantage of narrower spacing between protrusions towards the second end 13b' is that at least two protrusions engage with any object which is intended to be held by the attachment member 10'.
  • the or each engagement member 13' may include retraction formations 32 for receiving a retracting device, such as a spring, to bias the or each engagement member 13' into its retracted position relative to the first elongate member 11'.
  • the or each retraction formation 32 may be provided in the form of a hook.
  • a retraction formation 32 may be provided in one or both of the first and second end 13a', 13b' of the or each engagement member 13'.
  • the third elongate member 30 may be attached directly to the first elongate member 11'.
  • the third elongate member 30 may attach to the first elongate member 11' by a flange 31 positioned towards a first end 11a' and/or second end 11b' of the first elongate member 11'.
  • the or each flange 31 may be provided in lieu of the or each retaining member 14 as provided in the attachment device 10.
  • the actuating portion 124' of the second elongate member 112 may extend out of an opening in the first elongate member 11' and the third elongate member 30.
  • a configuration of device 10' which includes the third elongate member 30 enables similar or identical components to be used within the remainder of the device 10', for example but not limited to the resilient biasing member 15, the second elongate member 12 and the holding assembly 16.
  • This enables similar or identical bearing sizes to be used between both configurations, and the first elongate member may be attached to the drive source in the same way.
  • the attachment device 10' may be particularly advantageous for rolls of material, example printer ribbon, having cores with internal diameters of approximately 76mm.
  • FIGS 6 to 8 show an embodiment of an attachment device 10".
  • Features of the attachment device 10" which are similar to those of the attachment device 10 and attachment device 10' are denoted with similar reference numerals, with a " suffix.
  • the attachment device 10" may also be required to hold a free end of a windable material, for example the free end of a roll of thermal transfer ribbon or a web carrying labels.
  • the attachment device 10" may be particularly advantageous for rolls of material provided without an inner core.
  • the same internal components for example the resilient biasing member 15, holding assembly 16, etc., for enabling relative movement and holding of a second elongate member 12" relative to a first elongate member 11", as described in relation to either or both of the embodiments of the attachment devices 10 and 10', may be used.
  • the attachment device 10" may include at least one engagement member 50.
  • the engagement member 50 may be a clamping device.
  • At least a part, for example a first part 50a of the engagement member 50 may be rotatable about an axis D.
  • the axis D is substantially longitudinal.
  • the axis D may be located substantially on an external wall of the first elongate member 11".
  • movement of second elongate member 12" in a substantially longitudinal direction effects movement of the first part of the engagement member 50 in a substantially lateral direction.
  • movement of the second elongate member 12" relative to the first elongate member 11" in a substantially longitudinal direction may effect rotational movement of the engagement member 50, or a part 50a thereof.
  • the engagement member 50 may include an engagement formation 50b.
  • the engagement formation 50b may be in the form of a striated, toothed or ridged portion, for example, or may be provided in the form of one or more high-friction inlays, for example rubber inlays.
  • the attachment device 10" may further include a fourth elongate member 51.
  • the fourth elongate member 51 may be of a substantially similar length to the engagement member 51.
  • the fourth elongate member 51 may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to a flange 31", for example with screws or similar fixings, or may be integral with the flange 31".
  • the or each engagement member 50 pivots about axis D, causing substantially rotational movement of the engagement member 50 relative to the axis D.
  • the engagement formation 50b of the engagement member 50 contacts the fourth elongate member 51, and movement of the or each engagement member 50 is inhibited as the engagement formation 50b of the engagement member 50 engages with a surface of the fourth elongate member 51.
  • the attachment device 10" may further include a second resilient biasing member 60 located within the engagement member 50.
  • the second resilient biasing member 60 which is configured to urge the or each engagement member 50 in a substantially lateral direction away from the fourth elongate member 51.
  • the second elongate member 12" When the device 10" is in an unloaded state (i.e. without an object attached), the second elongate member 12" is urged in the first longitudinal direction by the first resilient biasing member 15".
  • the configuration of the engagement member 50 and its engagement with the second longitudinal member 12" means that the longitudinal movement of the second longitudinal member 12" converts longitudinal movement of the second longitudinal member 12" into rotational movement of the engagement member 50.
  • the movement of the second elongate member 12" effects rotational movement of the engagement member 50 until movement is prevented by engagement of the engagement formation 50b with the fourth elongate member 51. In this state, the second elongate member 12" can no longer move and is held in position.
  • the user may push the actuator portion 124" of the second elongate member 12" in the second longitudinal direction.
  • the engagement member 50 is urged in the second rotational direction, into its retraction position by the second resilient biasing member 60 i.e. the engagement formation 50a moves away from the fourth longitudinal member 51.
  • the holding assembly 16" will hold the second elongate member 12" in position, in a similar manner as discussed above.
  • the user may insert a free end of an object, e.g. a ribbon or web, in a gap defined by the distance between a surface of the fourth elongate member 51 and the engagement member 50.
  • the user may push the actuator portion 124" of the second elongate member 12" to disengage the holding assembly 16".
  • the second elongate member 12" may now be urged in the first longitudinal direction by the first resilient biasing member 15".
  • the or each engagement member 50 is urged towards the fourth elongate member 51 and a surface of the object to be held.
  • the force exerted by the first resilient biasing member 15" is transmitted by the second elongate member 12" to the or each engagement member 50, which holds a part of the object between the engagement member 50 and a surface of the fourth elongate member 51.
  • the attachment device 10" may be rotated to enable the object to be wound around the exterior surfaces of the attachment device 10".
  • the shape and configuration of the engagement member 50 and/or the position of the rotation axis D may be selected such that when the engagement member 50 is in its retracted position, the effective diameter of the engagement member 50 in a location near to the fourth elongate member 51 is reduced. This is advantageous when a user is removing an object from the device as the inner diameter of the object is larger than diameter of the attachment device 10" and may be removed with ease.

Landscapes

  • Unwinding Webs (AREA)
EP19157315.3A 2019-02-14 2019-02-14 Befestigungsvorrichtung Pending EP3696126A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19157315.3A EP3696126A1 (de) 2019-02-14 2019-02-14 Befestigungsvorrichtung

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19157315.3A EP3696126A1 (de) 2019-02-14 2019-02-14 Befestigungsvorrichtung

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3696126A1 true EP3696126A1 (de) 2020-08-19

Family

ID=65440932

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19157315.3A Pending EP3696126A1 (de) 2019-02-14 2019-02-14 Befestigungsvorrichtung

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3696126A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2624373A (en) * 2022-11-08 2024-05-22 Dover Europe Sarl Tape transport apparatus

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2280370A (en) * 1940-10-14 1942-04-21 Franklin P Bennett Expansible chuck
US2345246A (en) * 1943-02-11 1944-03-28 Paul P Elka Expansible mandrel
US3276715A (en) * 1962-06-29 1966-10-04 Yawata Iron & Steel Co Strip coiler
EP0067481A2 (de) * 1981-06-11 1982-12-22 Tevopharm Schiedam B.V. Achse zum Festhalten einer Spule, Materialrolle oder dergleichen
US4492346A (en) * 1983-02-28 1985-01-08 Double E Company Inc. Positive retracting mechanical expansible shaft
WO2008052565A1 (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-08 Roblon A/S Expanding spindle
WO2012151181A2 (en) 2011-05-02 2012-11-08 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Expandable chuck for thermal printing ribbon reel
WO2015049511A1 (en) 2013-10-03 2015-04-09 Videojet Technologies Inc. Spool support

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2280370A (en) * 1940-10-14 1942-04-21 Franklin P Bennett Expansible chuck
US2345246A (en) * 1943-02-11 1944-03-28 Paul P Elka Expansible mandrel
US3276715A (en) * 1962-06-29 1966-10-04 Yawata Iron & Steel Co Strip coiler
EP0067481A2 (de) * 1981-06-11 1982-12-22 Tevopharm Schiedam B.V. Achse zum Festhalten einer Spule, Materialrolle oder dergleichen
US4492346A (en) * 1983-02-28 1985-01-08 Double E Company Inc. Positive retracting mechanical expansible shaft
WO2008052565A1 (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-08 Roblon A/S Expanding spindle
WO2012151181A2 (en) 2011-05-02 2012-11-08 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Expandable chuck for thermal printing ribbon reel
WO2015049511A1 (en) 2013-10-03 2015-04-09 Videojet Technologies Inc. Spool support

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2624373A (en) * 2022-11-08 2024-05-22 Dover Europe Sarl Tape transport apparatus

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8568046B2 (en) Mounting assembly and method of loading and/or unloading rolls
KR100547499B1 (ko) 기록지 롤 홀더 장치
EP2231480B1 (de) Etikettkasette und etikettendruckvorrichtung
US4211375A (en) Chuck for webs of material wound onto spools
KR101893514B1 (ko) 슬리터용 프릭션 샤프트
EP3696126A1 (de) Befestigungsvorrichtung
EP1000763A1 (de) Vorrichtung zum Spannen einer Rolle
WO2007037173A1 (ja) ロール体保持装置および記録装置とロール体保持方法
JPS58215391A (ja) ラベルオ−バプリンタを通してラベル帯状体を駆動しかつ巻取る装置
KR101949863B1 (ko) 슬리터용 프릭션 샤프트
JP5471424B2 (ja) 帯状体の巻取り機構
JP5626527B2 (ja) 巻取カラー
US5673623A (en) Device for holding a printing master without slippage on an outer cylindrical surface
JPH0724843U (ja) 帯状体の巻取機構
EP0143256B1 (de) Papiertransportmechanismus
US6817795B2 (en) Device for imprinting a strip or labels adhering to said strip
MXPA04011047A (es) Cartucho o rollo de cinta termica con retraccion de aflojamiento de cinta.
EP3374190B1 (de) Bandzufuhraufnahme
JP2010036989A (ja) ロール紙保持装置
US3022879A (en) Attachment for typewriter ribbon
EP3412472B1 (de) Medienaustauschprozess für thermodrucker
JP4706963B2 (ja) 巻芯支持軸
US6587134B2 (en) Cassette for thermal transfer ribbon for setting images on printing plates
US20060131460A1 (en) Self-regulating media holder
GB2137590A (en) Reel support

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210219

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

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

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20221110

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230530