JPH0632006A - Dye donor web loading device in thermal printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a dye donor web loading apparatus employing no cartridge in which a spool can be touched easily. CONSTITUTION: The dye donor web loading apparatus 10 is provided in a thermal printer along with a base 14 and a door 16. First and second guide supporting parts are fixed to the door 16 while being spaced apart by a specified distance from a donor web spool. The first guide supporting part 18 has a first element movable between lock and unlock positions and urged to the lock position. The second guide supporting part has a second element movable between lock and unlock positions and urged to the lock position. When a spool is inserted correctly, these elements engage the spool. Each element has a inclining receiving opening which facilitates engagement of the spool and guides the spool to an appropriate position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to thermal printers, and more particularly to an apparatus for loading a spool of dye donor web onto the door of a thermal printer.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a need for a thermal printer that can easily and accurately mount a dye donor ribbon. A printer that saves costs in the manufacturing process and is easy to use in practice is preferable. Disposable dye donor inside the printer
Some thermal printers are equipped with web cartridges. An example of such a printer is August 3, 1988.
It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,039 issued to No. 0 (Actagawa et al). A disposable cartridge holds the dye donor spool and is relatively easy to insert and remove. This is especially the case when the cartridge can be inserted in only one direction.

[0003]

Although convenient, cartridges are expensive and are thrown away after a single use. Attempts have been made to create reusable cartridges to conserve resources. However, this attempt has not been successful because it is difficult to rewind the dye donor around the cartridge during use.

In order to solve this problem relating to the cartridge, there is a printer having a structure in which a dye spool is mounted on a printing device without using the cartridge. An example of a printer without a cartridge is US Pat. No. 4,527,172 (Nagashima et al.), Issued July 2, 1985, 1.
It is disclosed in No. 4639739 (Tsutsumi et al.) Issued on January 27, 987 and No. 4717270 issued on January 5, 1988. Further, there is also a type of printer in which a spool is attached to the printer door without using a cartridge.

There are also problems with using spools without cartridges. Mounting space should always be considered and not always enough space to operate the spool with both hands, whether the spool is full or empty. This makes it difficult to install new donor spools and remove used spools. The user must mount one end of the spool first, push it sideways, and mount the other end, which is inconvenient because many operations are required. The spool may be incorrectly installed on the drive element, resulting in total inoperability or a printing error. Easy to use, no spool insertion error, no cartridge used,
It is desirable to provide a dye donor loading device.

A problem with spool-only devices is that they must be pushed laterally when the spool is installed, which can cause wrinkles in the new donor and false prints in the print. is there. If the spool is attached to the top of the printer or to the cover, it is difficult to insert the spool correctly. When installing the spool, drop it on the printer's internal device, or
May be dropped on the floor. Therefore, there is a great demand for a dye donor loading device without a cartridge that allows easy access to the spool.

[0007]

In one aspect of the present invention, a dye donor web mounting device for a thermal printer including a base and a door is provided with a first and a second guide supporting member provided on the door. have. The first guide support is
It has a first member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and first means for urging the first member toward the locked position. The second guide support member is attached to the door at a distance from the first guide support member.
The second guide support member has a second member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and second means for urging the second member toward the locked position.

In another aspect of the invention, the dye donor
A web loading device loads a dye donor web into a thermal printer having a base and a door pivotable about an axis between a closed position abutting the base and an open position spaced from the base. A first guide support member used in the apparatus and attached to the door; a first guide support member movable to a lock position and an unlock position; and a first guide support member urging the guide support member to the lock position. 1 means, a second guide support member that is attached to the door at a distance from the first guide support member and is movable to a lock position and an unlock position,
Second means for urging the guide support member of the third embodiment to the lock position, a third guide support member attached to the door and movable between the closed position and the open position, and a third guide support member. And a third guide support member with a space provided between the third means for urging the lever toward the lock position and the third guide support member. The fourth means is rotatable between the lock position and the unlock position. It includes a guide support member and fourth means for urging the fourth guide support member toward the lock position. The first and second guide support members cooperate to mount the web, and the third and fourth guide support portions cooperate to mount the web.

The guide support is provided with a tapered receiving opening for receiving and guiding the donor spool. To prevent incorrect insertion of the spool, the spools may be color-coded, or the web may be centered on one spool and mounted off the center of the other spool. After the spool is properly inserted, the member is closed on the spool.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 show a mounting apparatus for mounting a dye donor web 12 on a thermal printer. The printer comprises a base portion 14 and a door or cover portion 16. The door 16 is a base part 1 centered on the axis.
4 and is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door 16 is in contact with the base part,
In the open position, it is separated from the base portion 14 at an angle of 90 degrees or more. The door 16 can be rotated from the closed position to the open position in an arc of 90 degrees or more, and the new dye web 12
For easy installation and removal of the used dye web 14.

The dye donor web mounting apparatus 10 includes a door 1
6 has a first guide support member 18 which is attached to 6 and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The guide support member 18 has a slot sized to receive the end 22 of the dye donor web spool 24.
20 are provided. It is preferable that the end of the spool 24 is slightly tapered. The dye donor web loading apparatus 10 also includes first means 28 for biasing the first support member 18 to the locked position. First means 28
Preferably has a coil spring 30 abutting against the first member 18 for biasing the first support member 18 towards the locked position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the device 10 includes a bracket 32. This bracket 32
Is rotatably connected to a first guide support member 18 about an axis and is fixed to a door 16 of the thermal printer. The bracket 32 is the first guide support member 1
8 to regulate the movement of the first support member 18 to the lock position.

Further, referring to FIGS. 1-4, the web mounting apparatus 10 has means 34 for detecting when the first guide support member 18 is in the locked position. Means 34
It may have a micro switch 36 or other device for detecting the position of the guide support member 18.

The dye-donor web loading device 10 comprises a first
The second guide support member 38 is attached to the door 16 at a distance from the guide support member. The second guide support member 38 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and cooperates with the first guide support member 18 to receive the dye donor web spool 24. Like the first guide support member 18, the second guide support member 38 is biased toward the lock position by the biasing means.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the first and second guide supports 18 and 38 form a pair of members which cooperate to mount the web 12. Similarly, the third and fourth guide support members 42 and 44 also operate. The third and fourth support members 42 and 44 have the same structure as the first and second support members 18 and 38, including the biasing means 46 and 48. The first pair of support members 18 and 38 receives one spool 24a and the second pair of support members 42 and 44 receives the other spool 24b. As a result, the dye donor web 12 moves from one spool 24a to another spool 24a.
Thermal printing is done by being wrapped around b and traversing the path in the printer.

A thermal printer having a base 14 and a door that is movable between a closed position in contact with the base 14 and an open position that passes away from the base and passes through a vertical position is used in a thermal printer. An example in which the dye web mounting device of the invention is applied has been described above. The first guide support member 18 is attached to the door 16 and is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, but is biased toward the locked position by the coil spring 30. The second guide support member 38 is
It is provided at a distance from the first guide support member 18. This distance is equal to the length of the spool mounted between the first and second support members. The support member 38 is the door 1
6 is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, but is biased toward the locked position. The third guide support member 42 is attached to the door 16 and is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, but is biased toward the locked position. The fourth guide support member 44 is attached to the door 16 at a distance from the third guide support member 42. The support member 44 is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, but is biased toward the locked position. The third and fourth support members 42 and 44 cooperate to mount the other end of the web.

The first and second guide support members 18 and 38 are spaced apart from the third and fourth guide support members 42 and 44 to accommodate different length feeds and take-up spools. They may be placed apart. Supply spool 24a that is longer or shorter than the take-up spool 24b
By using, it is possible to prevent insertion error due to replacement of the spool. The use of different length spools allows the web 14 to be centered on one spool rather than the other, preventing replacement or misinsertion within the thermal printer.

The guide support is biased toward the closed position or the locked position. Thus, when the spool is inserted in the correct position, these guide supports close to hold the spool in the correct position and the thermal printer can operate correctly. These guide support portions 18, 3
It is also possible to color-code 8, 42 and 44 to visually display the correct insertion direction.

Each guide support is provided with a receptacle sized to receive the dye donor web spool. In order to receive spools having different diameters and cross sections, the size of the receptacles of the first and second guide supports may differ from the size of the receptacles of the third and fourth guide supports. These receptacles are preferably angled to facilitate spool insertion.

Each bracket is fixed to the door by being connected to the corresponding guide support part about its axis. Each bracket is engaged with each guide support portion and regulates the movement of the support portion to the lock position. A microswitch attached to the door is activated by the guide support to detect when the guide support is in the unlocked position and prevent printing before the web is properly loaded.

The operation of the device of the present invention will be apparent from the above description, but will be supplemented a little more. First, the door opens beyond the vertical position, making it easier to adjust inside the (printer). Next, the new donor webs are placed in two receiving openings in one guide assembly facing each other to receive spools,
One spool is inserted together. The appropriate guide receptacle is selected according to the symbol or color code, noting the alignment of the donor web on the spool or the length of the spool. If colors or symbols are used, match them. If the spools have different lengths, only one spool will fit snugly for each pair of guide supports. If the donor web is off center, you will not be able to insert both spools unless you insert them properly. The aligned spool is pushed into the opposing receiving port and the guide is unlocked or moved against the biasing spring. As the spool is pushed further in, the guide bounces and locks the spool in its position. Other spools are also inserted in the guide portion in the same manner. The sloped end of the spool is
It acts as an automatic centripetal member and assists in alignment (to the central portion). The beveled end further assists in removing the used spool. The used spool can be pulled straight up. If desired, one guide support may be pressed against one to facilitate removal. However, pressing is not necessary.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to particular embodiments, various modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed.

It is preferable that the donor spool, the bracket and the supporting portion for the guide are made of synthetic resin.
It is also possible to use metal.

[0024]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION The dye donor web can be easily mounted without using a cartridge, and mistakes in spool insertion can be prevented. It can be easily attached to the spool for easy insertion and removal.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a thermal printer with a cover open so that a guide support for mounting a dye donor web according to the present invention can be seen.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state in which a spool is inserted in the guide support portion of FIG. 1, which is slightly enlarged, and some portions are not shown.

3 is a side view of a support similar to the guide support shown in FIG. 2, but with the guide support in a locked position.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the guide support portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the alignment of the spool-bearing portion and the spool.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing a preferred embodiment for inserting spools of different lengths in the correct position.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, showing a preferred embodiment in which the dye donor web is offset from the center of one spool.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Dye Donor Web Mounting Device 12 Dye Donor Web 14 Base 16 Door 18 First Supporting Member for Guide

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for mounting a dye donor web on a thermal printer having a base and a door rotatable about an axis between a closed position in contact with the base and an open position separated from the base. Which is a first guide support attached to the door,
A first guide support member movable to a lock position and an unlocked position; a first guide support member having a first means for urging the guide support member toward the lock position; A second guide support member which is attached to the door at a distance from the first guide support member, and which is movable to a lock position and an unlock position, and the second guide support member. The door includes a second guide support portion having a second means for urging the guide support member toward the lock position, and the door is rotatable between the closed position and the open position in an arc of 90 degrees or more. Dye donor web loading device for a thermal printer, characterized in that 2. In the lock position of the first and second guide support members, the first and second guide support members are separated from each other by a first predetermined distance, and in the unlocked position, the The dye donor web loading apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second guide support members are separated from each other by a second predetermined distance. 3. The dye-donor web loading device of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined spacing is less than the second predetermined spacing. 4. The dye donor web is wrapped around an elongated spool having an end with a predetermined diameter, and the guide support member is provided with an elongated receiving opening sized to receive the end of the spool. The dye-donor web mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The dye donor web loading apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elongated receiving port has a beveled portion to guide the end of the spool. 6. A bracket fixed to the door and engaging with the first guide support member to limit movement of the first guide support member to the locked position. The dye-donor web mounting apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The dye donor web mounting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the bracket and the first guide supporting member are connected by a shaft. 8. A dye donor web loading apparatus comprising means for detecting when the guide support member is in the locked position. 9. An apparatus for mounting a dye donor web on a thermal printer having a base and a door rotatable about an axis between a closed position in contact with the base and an open position separated from the base. And a first guide support member attached to the door, which is movable to a lock position and a non-lock position, and the guide support member is biased to the lock position. And a second means that is attached to the door at a distance from the first guide support member and is movable to a locked position and an unlocked position.
Guide supporting member, second means for urging the second guide supporting member toward the lock position, and a third means attached to the door and movable between a closed position and an open position. The guide support member, the third means for urging the third guide support member to the lock position, and the third guide support member are attached to the door at a distance, and the lock is provided. A fourth guide support member rotatable between a position and an unlocked position; and a fourth means for urging the fourth guide support member toward the locked position. A second dye support donor for a thermal printer, characterized in that the guide support members cooperate to mount the web, and the third and fourth guide support members cooperate to mount the web. Web loading device. 10. The gap between the first and second guide support members is different from the gap between the third and fourth guide support members. Dye donor web loading device. 11. The first and second guide support members are separated from each other by a first predetermined distance in the locked position of the first and second guide support members, and are in the unlocked position in the unlocked position. 10. The dye donor web loading apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second guide support members are separated from each other by a second predetermined distance. 12. The dye-donor web loading device of claim 9, wherein the first predetermined spacing is less than the second predetermined spacing. 13. The first, second, third and fourth guide support members each have an elongated receiving opening sized to receive an end of a dye donor web spool. 9. Dye donor web loading apparatus according to item 9. 14. The elongated receiving ports of the first and second guide support members have different sizes from the elongated receiving ports of the third and fourth guide support members. The dye donor according to claim 13,
Web loading device. 15. The dye donor web loading apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of said elongated receiving ports has a ramp. 16. The position of the dye web is aligned with the centers of the first and second guide support members, but is not aligned with the centers of the third and fourth guide support members. 10. A dye donor web loading device according to claim 9 wherein: 17. The first guide support member rotatably connected to the first guide support member, further fixed to the door, and engaged with the first guide support portion. 10. The dye-donor web loading device of claim 9, including a bracket to limit movement of the dye donor web to the locked position. 18. A means for detecting that the first guide support member is in the lock position and having a microswitch attached to the door, the means being activated by the first guide support member. 10. The dye donor web loading device of claim 9, comprising: 19. The dye donor web loading apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth guide support members are color-coded. 20. The door rotates in an arc of 90 degrees or more between the closed position and the open position.
The dye-donor web mounting device according to 1.