US3673603A - Reciprocating carriage for electrographic printing - Google Patents

Reciprocating carriage for electrographic printing Download PDF

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Publication number
US3673603A
US3673603A US46674A US3673603DA US3673603A US 3673603 A US3673603 A US 3673603A US 46674 A US46674 A US 46674A US 3673603D A US3673603D A US 3673603DA US 3673603 A US3673603 A US 3673603A
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United States
Prior art keywords
base member
frame member
pivoting
pen
recording
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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
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US46674A
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English (en)
Inventor
John L Brock
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Xerox Corp
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Xerox Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of US3673603A publication Critical patent/US3673603A/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K15/00—Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers
    • G06K15/02—Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers using printers
    • G06K15/14—Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers using printers by electrographic printing, e.g. xerography; by magnetographic printing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/22—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20
    • G03G15/32—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20 in which the charge pattern is formed dotwise, e.g. by a thermal head

Definitions

  • the print heads are supported for movement on separate, spaced apart guide rails such that the pens thereof print along the same line relative to a moving recording web.
  • structure is provided for causing movement of the non-printing pen out of the path of travel of the other pen as well as disengagement from the recording medi- 13 China, 5 Drawing Figures PHENTEDJUNZY 1972 I SHEET 10F 3 fllrlnll'llliflvlliillilollll v INVENTOR. JOHN L. BROCK FIG. 1
  • RECIPROCATING CARRIAGE FOR ELECTROGRAPHIC PRINTING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION would print or record during movement, for example, from left to right across the recording medium and then be rapidly returned to the left endof the recording medium to start printing another line of information. During this return movement of carriage return, no recording takes place, therefore, such movement commonly referred to as dead-time" adversely effects the overall speed and operation of the apparatus.
  • One such system utilizes two print heads which are reciprocated along the same line. During one cycle of operation the heads are moved toward and then away from each other, one head printing while the other one is tumed off.
  • the general object of this invention is to pro vide a new and improved printing apparatus. 7
  • .It is a more particular object of this invention to provide, in a printing apparatus, new and improved electrorecording structure.
  • Another. object of this invention is to provide in printing apparatus, electrorecording structure, which makes it possible to build an apparatus which is less expensive, more efficient and less complex in construction.
  • a printing apparatus comprising a pairof print heads which are reciprocally mounted on separate guide rails.
  • the print heads are reciprocated in opposite directions and are so arranged that one head is moving from left to right and is in a print or record mode while the other head is moving in a direction from right to left and is inoperative. In other words as one head traverses the recording medium in the record mode the other head is movingtowards its start of record positron.
  • Each of the print heads is retractable from engagement with the recording medium as well as movable out of the path of movement of the other recording or print head.
  • a cam and follower arrangement is provided for each print head which causes head retraction and movement out of the path of travel of the other head.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of the printing apparatus representing the invention
  • FIG. 2' is a perspective illustration of the printing station, as viewed from the bottom, of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a print head assembly
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the path of travel of a pair of print heads incorporated in the apparatus of FIG. I;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
  • reference character 10 designates generally a recording or printing apparatus comprising housing structure 12 including a transparent viewing window 14 through which printed messages can be read during operation of the apparatus.
  • the messages or information are printed upon a recording web 16 which is moved from a supply reel 18 located adjacent the lower portion of the housing structure 12.
  • a pair of motor driven feed rollers 20 and 22 which grip the paper serve to transport the paper past a recording station 24, a developer station 26 and a fusing station 28.
  • a pair of print head assemblies generally indicated 30 and 32 are supported for reciprocatory movement at the recording station transversely of the apparatus (see FIG. 2) by apair of support or guide rails 34 and 36.
  • the assemblies 30 and 32 constitute an electrographic recording arrangement forming an important part of the invention.
  • indicia to be printed such as letters,'lines, dots, pictures, etc. are first formed as invisible 'orlatent electrostatically charged surface areas of a charge-retentive recording medium such as the web I6by means of voltages impressed thereon by suitably positioned electrodes.
  • the fiber brush is constructed in the form of a cylinder mounted for rotation on a shaft 45.
  • the fibers through triboelectric action, attract the toner material thereto and thus hold the toner until it is presented to the electrostatic image on the recording web.
  • the fibers contact the recording web they become somewhat flexed due to the spacing of the brush relative to the web.
  • sistance element 48 provides means for rendering the developed image permanent.
  • Other techniques known in the electrographic as well as the xerographic arts may also be utilized, for example, subjecting the developed image to a solvent vapor or spraying the image with an overcoating.
  • the finished recording is moved through a transverse opening 50 in the top wall of the housing structure 12.
  • a tear strip or bar 52 at the opening 50 may be provided for tearing a portion of the web containing a recorded message from the web, as desired by the user.
  • the guide rails 34 and 36 are disposed in a horizontal plane subadjacent the web 16 such that the head assemblies carried thereby can be reciprocated transversely of the web in opposite directions. Movement of the assemblies is accomplished by means of a cable 52 attached thereto in a manner to be described hereinafter.
  • a reversible DC motor 54 having a pulley 56 secured to an output shaft 58 thereof imparts reciprocating movement to the cable 52 which, in turn, imparts such motion to the print head assemblies 30 and 32.
  • Motor reversing can be obtained by the provision of a pair of variable position sensors or switchers (not shown) which are set at desired positions along and adjacent to the guide rails 34 and 36. The exact positioning of the sensors depends on the desired format on the recording medium. In other words, if it were desired to print across the entire width of the paper, the sensors or switches would be located at the edges of the web 16. This would result in full width printing.
  • the assembly 32 comprises a carriage structure 59 including a base member 60 which encompasses the guide rail 36 and through a plurality of bearing structures 62 and 64 carried internally of a longitudinal bore 66 thereof rides on the guide rail 36.
  • a rod 65 carried by the base member 60 pivotally supports a frame member 68 which, as viewed from the top in FIG. 3,
  • the frame member I pivots about a generally horizontal axis and carries a pen holder 70 which is supported for pivotable movement about a generally horizontal axis by means of a pivot shaft 72.
  • the pen holder 70 has attached thereto, by means of a single fastener, herein disclosed as a screw 74, and electrorecording pen 74.
  • the pen 74 comprises a plurality of styli 78 arranged in a row which extends along the longitudinal axis of the web. In other words, the row of styli is perpendicular to the transverse dimension of the web.
  • a set of input leads 80 having a lead for each styli is attached to a connector (not shown) to which a second set of input leads (not shown) for the assembly 30 is attached.
  • Each set of leads receives, from a signal generating structure, for example, a digital computer, the exact same signals.
  • the sets of leads are hard wired both to the pens and the connector and are sufficiently long so as to permit full page recording by the recording pens and render unnecessary, complicated commutating systems.
  • the styli 78 physically contact the web 16 which passes over a backing electrode 81 disposed on the side of the web opposite from the styli.
  • a suitable difference of potential for example, 750 volts
  • suitable pulsing and pen selection circuitry applies short electrical pulses to selected styli in accordance with transmitted information. In this manner an entire line of latent electrostatic images is formed and ready for development.
  • the pen 76 In its operational or recording mode as illustrated in FIG. 3, the pen 76 is being moved by the cable 52 in a direction that is into the paper. When viewed from the top or front of the apparatus, movement is from left to right during recording and in the reverse direction during non-recording.
  • the assemblies 30 and 32 are attached to the cable 52 such that they move in opposite directions and are transversely spaced so that one is at the left side of the web in a position to start printing the other assembly is at the right edge of the web in its position to stop printing.
  • the cable 52 extends through an aperture 82 in a cylindrically-shaped rock arm or cam 84 and is secured thereto by means of a set screw 86, see FIGS. 3 and 5.
  • An end 88 of the cam 84 engages a cam follower 90 forming an integral part of the frame member 68.
  • the cam 84 which can be moved across an inclined surface 92 of the cam 84 by means of the cable 52, in so doing, has the effect of pivoting the frame member 68 against the bias of a pair of springs 94 attached at one end to the frame member 68 and at the other to the base member 60 while being wrapped around the rod 66 about which the frame member 68 pivots.
  • the pivoting of the frame member 68 is in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3.
  • the rear edge 96 of the pen holder 70 adjacent the top thereof engages an adjustable stop member 98 carried by one arm of the base member 60.
  • Such engagement coupled with further movement of the frame member 68 causes clockwise pivoting of the pen holder 70 and therefore, the pen 76 about the shaft 72, in opposition to the bias of a pair of springs 100 (only one being shown).
  • the springs 100 are attached at one end to a stud 102 integral with the holder 70 and at its other end to the frame member 68 as indicated at 104.
  • the foregoing arrangement accomplishes two things, first, it effects pen retraction from the recording medium and, second, it moves the pen to a position which prevents interference with the movement of the other print head assembly.
  • each pen and its associated styli have a curvilinear configuration compatible with the two directional movement of the pins, as hereinabove described.
  • the rocker arm or cam 84 is pivotally attached to the base member 60 by means of a yoke 106 and a rod 108, the latter of which extends through a leg 110 of the base member 60.
  • a notch 112 (FIG. 3) is provided in the cam follower 90 which holds the rocker arm in the pen retracting position while the print assembly moves from left to right in the machine. Movement of the rocker arm into and out of the notch is accomplished as a result of the cable force opposing the carriage inertia when the motor 54 reverses.
  • the assembly 30 is identical to the assembly 32 except for its pen 70 and cam follower 90 which are mirror images of the pen 70 and the follower 90 so that the assemblies are operationally compatible. That is to say, that since the assemblies move in opposite directions and since one pen is in the recording position while the other is retracted, the interaction of the cam and cam follower of one assembly must give the opposite result of the other assembly at any given moment. While one assembly, for example, the assembly 32, is in the recording mode as viewed in FIG. 3 and 4 the relationship of the cam 84 to the cam follower 90 is as illustrated. At this time, the cam 84 and cam follower 90 are such as to have the end 88 disposed in its associated notch. This results, as illustrated schematically (see FIGS.
  • the structure 122 comprises the guide rails 34 and 36 which are hexagonal in cross-section.
  • the structure 122 further comprises bearing structures 62 and 64, the former of which are rigidly supported within the base member 60 and the latter of which are movably supported therein to allow for wear. While various means for movably supporting the bearing structure 64, of which there are two (one at each end of the base member), a pair of resilient members 126, (only one being shown) are compressed by set screws 128 against a bearing shaft 130, the shaft being'eccentric with respect to the bearing structures 64.
  • the sides of the guide rail are of unequal length, therefore, the sides contacted by the bearing structures are longer than the sides not contacted by the bearing structures.
  • This configuration yields greater bearing surface than other possible configurations.
  • the particular configuration will be dictated to a large degree by the operation desired and product cost limitations.
  • Print head structure comprising:
  • a base member adapted for reciprocating movement on a guide rail
  • cam structure pivotably secured to said base member
  • said second member comprising a cam follower cooperating with said cam structure to effect pivoting of said first member when said cam is acted on by a force external to said print head structure;
  • spring means for urging said members in directions opposite to that caused by the interaction of said cam and cam follower to thereby maintain said cam in a recording position when said cam and'cam follower are not interacting.
  • Printing head structure comprising:
  • Structure according to claim 2 including means for normally urging said carriage member and said pen-attaching means in directions opposing the directions of motion imparted by said means carried by said base member.
  • each print head structure comprises,
  • a base member encompassing one of said spaced apart means
  • a pen holder pivotably carried by said frame member, and;
  • Electrographic printing apparatus comprising:
  • At least one print head structure including a pen having a plurality of styli
  • rocker arm movably carried by said base member for movement therewith and engaging said frame member for effecting pivoting thereof;
  • Structure as specified in claim 5 including means for .pivotally mounting said pen holder to said frame member for movement in a first direction when said frame member pivots, pivoting of said frame member being in a different direction from said first direction; and
  • Printing apparatus comprising:
  • a pair of printhead structures including recording pens
  • spaced apart means supporting said printhead structures for reciprocating movement transverse of said web
  • each printing head structure comprises:
  • a base member encompassing one of said spaced apart means
  • a pen holder pivotably carried by said frame member, and;
  • said means for positioning said other of said pens in contact with said recording medium comprises a plurality of bias springs normally urging said frame member and said pen holder in opposition to the direction of movement caused by said means for positioning said one of said pens out of contact from said recording medium.
  • each printhead structure comprises a rocker arm and a cable attached thereto, said rocker arm serving to cam said frame member to effect pivoting thereof.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Common Mechanisms (AREA)
US46674A 1970-06-15 1970-06-15 Reciprocating carriage for electrographic printing Expired - Lifetime US3673603A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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US4667470A 1970-06-15 1970-06-15

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US (1) US3673603A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CA (1) CA937629A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2129400A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1346647A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3886563A (en) * 1971-08-16 1975-05-27 Zellweger Uster Ag Electrostatic printer with movable style
US4046472A (en) * 1975-04-18 1977-09-06 Xerox Corporation Electrostatic imaging apparatus
US4103995A (en) * 1975-04-18 1978-08-01 Xerox Corporation Imaging apparatus
US4276829A (en) * 1978-01-31 1981-07-07 Wu Chen Mechano-electrostatic charge-imaging method and apparatus
US6467605B1 (en) 1971-04-16 2002-10-22 Texas Instruments Incorporated Process of manufacturing
US20120081490A1 (en) * 2010-10-04 2012-04-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Recording Apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2311803A (en) * 1940-11-15 1943-02-23 Western Union Telegraph Co Reciprocating facsimile apparatus
US2587145A (en) * 1947-11-28 1952-02-26 Boris F Grib Continuous facsimile scanner
US2622001A (en) * 1949-01-27 1952-12-16 Times Facsimile Corp Stylus reset mechanism for facsimile machines
US3518699A (en) * 1967-10-23 1970-06-30 Hewlett Packard Co Scanning apparatus for driving an electrostatic recording structure

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2311803A (en) * 1940-11-15 1943-02-23 Western Union Telegraph Co Reciprocating facsimile apparatus
US2587145A (en) * 1947-11-28 1952-02-26 Boris F Grib Continuous facsimile scanner
US2622001A (en) * 1949-01-27 1952-12-16 Times Facsimile Corp Stylus reset mechanism for facsimile machines
US3518699A (en) * 1967-10-23 1970-06-30 Hewlett Packard Co Scanning apparatus for driving an electrostatic recording structure

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6467605B1 (en) 1971-04-16 2002-10-22 Texas Instruments Incorporated Process of manufacturing
US3886563A (en) * 1971-08-16 1975-05-27 Zellweger Uster Ag Electrostatic printer with movable style
US4046472A (en) * 1975-04-18 1977-09-06 Xerox Corporation Electrostatic imaging apparatus
US4103995A (en) * 1975-04-18 1978-08-01 Xerox Corporation Imaging apparatus
US4276829A (en) * 1978-01-31 1981-07-07 Wu Chen Mechano-electrostatic charge-imaging method and apparatus
US20120081490A1 (en) * 2010-10-04 2012-04-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Recording Apparatus
US8449107B2 (en) * 2010-10-04 2013-05-28 Seiko Epson Corporation Recording apparatus

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GB1346647A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-02-13
DE2129400A1 (de) 1971-12-23
CA937629A (en) 1973-11-27

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