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EP0409073A1 - Print head for thermal printer and thermal transfer printer - Google Patents

Print head for thermal printer and thermal transfer printer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0409073A1
EP0409073A1 EP90113302A EP90113302A EP0409073A1 EP 0409073 A1 EP0409073 A1 EP 0409073A1 EP 90113302 A EP90113302 A EP 90113302A EP 90113302 A EP90113302 A EP 90113302A EP 0409073 A1 EP0409073 A1 EP 0409073A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thermal
print head
pressure
bearing
dispensing tongue
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP90113302A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0409073B1 (en
Inventor
Eberhard Strassburg
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0409073A1 publication Critical patent/EP0409073A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0409073B1 publication Critical patent/EP0409073B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a printhead for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing processes according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a printhead is known for example from DE-GM 87 14 648.
  • the known print head has a soft rubber roller, which rests against the thermal print bar during the printing process.
  • the disadvantage was that there was a large gap between the rubber roller and the edge of the dispenser tongue, which could not be used for printing.
  • the previously known printhead was relatively bulky in construction and had a high weight.
  • the maintenance effort was considerable because the rubber roller had to be completely replaced after printing errors.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of improving the previously known printhead in such a way that it has a lighter structure with smaller dimensions and is at the same time easy to maintain. Another object of the invention is to reduce the distance between the edge of the dispensing tongue and the thermal pressure bar and to ensure a perfect compensation of the counter pressure to the thermal pressure bar.
  • the printhead characterized in claim 1.
  • the rubber roller previously used could be replaced by a redesign of the donor tongue.
  • a resilient, sheet-shaped counter-pressure element was created for this purpose, which can be inserted laterally into the dovetail-shaped milled tongue. This can be easily replaced and, due to its small size, enables printing directly at the beginning of the label and at the same time clings to the entire width of the print head.
  • the counterpressure element advantageously consists of a thin steel sheet. However, other materials are also suitable.
  • the pressure of the counter pressure element is made possible by resilient pressure elements.
  • the back pressure of the thermal bar is resiliently adjustable, the bearing between the dispensing tongue and pressure element allowing a rocking function for the printhead for lifting off the thermal pressure bar. This optimizes the transport of the transfer film, i.e. there is a saving of transfer film and a high dispensing speed.
  • the printhead according to the invention is generally designated 10.
  • the functioning of such a print head used in a labeling machine is described in more detail in the previously known utility model according to G 87 14 648, to which reference is hereby made.
  • the print head 10 In its foremost area on the left side, the print head 10 according to the invention has a dispensing tongue K which represents an elongated, practically rectangular rail.
  • This rail is milled on the underside in such a way that it has a dovetail-like structure, into which a thin sheet of steel is inserted from the side under tension and curvature.
  • This steel sheet is the so-called counter-pressure element X, which bears against the thermal pressure bar N during the printing process.
  • the labels, not shown, to be printed run at high speed between the counter-pressure element X and the thermal print bar N.
  • the thermal print bar N At its rear end, the thermal print bar N has an electrical connection A, which is surrounded by a plastic insulation I, which is fastened to the print head with the fastening screw B.
  • Behind the dispensing tongue is the bearing P for the printhead 10 with its fastening webs E. Behind the bearing P there is an acting on the thermal print bar N on each side Pressure element Y and Z provided. These practically act as a counter-bearing to the resilient counter-pressure element X of the dispensing tongue K, so that the strength of the counter-pressure of the thermal bar can be set.
  • the bearing point P thus represents the center of a rocker, whereby not only the strength of the pressure of the counter element X but also the lifting of the thermal pressure bar N is controlled.
  • the print head according to the invention is particularly compact and easy to maintain, so that high label dispensing speeds can be achieved with it.

Landscapes

  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Common Mechanisms (AREA)
  • Labeling Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a print head for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing processes, comprising a thermal print group (N) with thermal elements which are attached to a dispensing tongue (K) in order to directly print on a multiplicity of labels arranged one behind the other on a tape, and a connection for a control device, the thermal print strip being mounted so as to pivot backwards and forwards about a bearing (P) by means of attachment webs (E). Due to a large spacing between the rubber roller and dispensing tongue edge, space was wasted which could not be printed on. In addition, the heavy weight and large space requirements of the print head were noticeable disadvantages. The invention remedies this by improving the previously known print head by virtue of the fact that the dispensing tongue (K) is countersunk in a dovetail shape and a resilient, leaf-shaped counterpressure element (X) is received therein, which element rests against the thermal strip (N) during the printing process. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Druckkopf für Thermodruck- und Thermotransferdruckverfahren nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a printhead for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing processes according to the preamble of claim 1.

Ein derartiger Druckkopf ist beispielsweise aus dem DE-GM 87 14 648 bekannt geworden.Such a printhead is known for example from DE-GM 87 14 648.

Der bekannte Druckkopf weist eine weiche Gummiwalze auf, die gegen die Thermodruckleiste beim Druckvorgang anliegt. Nachteilig machte sich hierdurch ein großer Abstand zwischen Gummiwalze und Spendezungenkante bemerkbar, auf dem nicht gedruckt werden konnte. Außerdem war der vorbekannte Druckkopf in seinem Aufbau relativ voluminös und besaß ein hohes Gewicht. Zudem war der Wartungsaufwand erheblich, da die Gummiwalze nach Druckfehlern vollständig ausgewechselt werden musste.The known print head has a soft rubber roller, which rests against the thermal print bar during the printing process. The disadvantage was that there was a large gap between the rubber roller and the edge of the dispenser tongue, which could not be used for printing. In addition, the previously known printhead was relatively bulky in construction and had a high weight. In addition, the maintenance effort was considerable because the rubber roller had to be completely replaced after printing errors.

Der Erfindung liegt deshalb die Aufgabe zugrunde, den vorbekannten Druckkopf derart zu verbessern, daß er bei kleineren Abmessungen einen leichteren Aufbau aufweist und gleichzeitig wartungsfreundlich ist. Ein weiteres Ziel der Erfindung ist es, den Abstand von Spendezungenkante und Thermodruckleiste zu verringern und einen einwandfreien Ausgleich des Gegendrucks zur Thermodruckleiste zu gewährleisten.The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the previously known printhead in such a way that it has a lighter structure with smaller dimensions and is at the same time easy to maintain. Another object of the invention is to reduce the distance between the edge of the dispensing tongue and the thermal pressure bar and to ensure a perfect compensation of the counter pressure to the thermal pressure bar.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch den im Anspruch 1 gekennzeichneten Druckkopf gelost.
Überraschenderweise konnte die bisher eingesetzte Gummiwalze durch eine Neugestaltung der Spendezunge ersetzt werden. Es wurde ein federndes, blattformiges Gegendruckelement hierzu geschaffen, das in die schwalbenschwanzförmig aus­gefräste Spendezunge seitlich eingeschoben werden kann. Dieses kann einfach ausgetauscht werden und ermöglicht aufgrund seines geringen Baumasses den Druck unmittelbar am Anfang des Etiketts und schmiegt sich zugleich auf der gesamten Breite des Druckkopfes an. Vorteilhafterweise besteht das Gegendruckelement aus einem dünnen Stahlblech. Andere Werkstoffe sind jedoch auch geeignet.This object is achieved by the printhead characterized in claim 1.
Surprisingly, the rubber roller previously used could be replaced by a redesign of the donor tongue. A resilient, sheet-shaped counter-pressure element was created for this purpose, which can be inserted laterally into the dovetail-shaped milled tongue. This can be easily replaced and, due to its small size, enables printing directly at the beginning of the label and at the same time clings to the entire width of the print head. The counterpressure element advantageously consists of a thin steel sheet. However, other materials are also suitable.

Der Andruck des Gegendruckelementes wird durch federnde Andruckelemente ermöglicht. Hierdurch wird der Gegendruck der Thermoleiste federnd einstellbar, wobei das Lager zwischen Spendezunge und Andruckelement eine Wippfunktion für den Druckkopf zum Abheben von der Thermodruckleiste ermöglicht. Hierdurch wird der Transport der Transferfolie optimiert, d.h. es wird eine Einsparung von Transferfolie und eine hohe Spendegeschwindigkeit erreicht.The pressure of the counter pressure element is made possible by resilient pressure elements. As a result, the back pressure of the thermal bar is resiliently adjustable, the bearing between the dispensing tongue and pressure element allowing a rocking function for the printhead for lifting off the thermal pressure bar. This optimizes the transport of the transfer film, i.e. there is a saving of transfer film and a high dispensing speed.

Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale gehen aus den vorstehenden Unteransprüchen hervor.Further advantages and features emerge from the preceding subclaims.

Im folgenden wird eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform anhand der Zeichnung näher beschrieben.A preferred embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

Es zeigt:

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht durch einen erfindungsgemäßen Druckkopf; und
  • Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht auf den in Fig. 1 gezeigten Druckkopf, wobei die Linie A-A in Fig. 2 die Querschnittsansicht der Fig. 1 darstellt.
It shows:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a printhead according to the invention. and
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of the print head shown in Fig. 1, the line AA in Fig. 2 being the cross-sectional view of Fig. 1.

In Fig. 1 ist der erfindungsgemäße Druckkopf allgemein mit 10 bezeichnet. Die Funktionsweise eines solchen bei einer Etikettiermaschine eingesetzten Druckkopfes ist näher in dem vorbekannten Gebrauchsmuster gemäß G 87 14 648 beschrieben, worauf hiermit Bezug genommen wird.In Fig. 1, the printhead according to the invention is generally designated 10. The functioning of such a print head used in a labeling machine is described in more detail in the previously known utility model according to G 87 14 648, to which reference is hereby made.

In seinem vordersten Bereich auf der linken Seite weist der erfindungsgemäße Druckkopf 10 eine Spendezunge K auf, die eine längliche, praktisch rechteckige Schiene darstellt. Diese Schiene ist auf der Unterseite derart ausgefräst, daß sie eine schwalbenschwanzartige Struktur besitzt, in die von der Seite her ein dünnes Stahlblech unter Vorspannung und Wölbung nach außen eingeschoben wird. Dieses Stahlblech ist das sog. Gegendruckelement X, das wahrend des Druckvorganges an der Thermodruckleiste N anliegt. Die nicht gezeigten, zu bedruckenden Etiketten laufen mit hoher Geschwindigkeit zwischen dem Gegendruckelement X und der Thermodruckleiste N hindurch. An ihrem hinteren Ende weist die Thermodruckleiste N einen elektrischen Anschluß A auf, der von einer Kunststoffisolierung I umgeben ist, welche am Druckkopf mit der Befestigungsschraube B befestigt ist. Hinter der Spendezunge befindet sich das Lager P für den Druckkopf 10 mit seinen Befestigungsstegen E. Hinter dem Lager P sind auf jeder Seite ein auf die Thermodruckleiste N einwirkendes Andruckelement Y und Z vorgesehen. Diese wirken praktisch als Gegenlager zum federnden Gegendruckelement X der Spendezunge K, so daß hierdurch die Stärke des Gegendrucks der Thermoleiste eingestellt werden kann. Der Lagerpunkt P stellt insofern das Zentrum einer Wippe dar, wodurch nicht nur die Stärke des Andrucks des Gegenelementes X sondern auch das Abheben der Thermodruckleiste N gesteuert wird.In its foremost area on the left side, the print head 10 according to the invention has a dispensing tongue K which represents an elongated, practically rectangular rail. This rail is milled on the underside in such a way that it has a dovetail-like structure, into which a thin sheet of steel is inserted from the side under tension and curvature. This steel sheet is the so-called counter-pressure element X, which bears against the thermal pressure bar N during the printing process. The labels, not shown, to be printed run at high speed between the counter-pressure element X and the thermal print bar N. At its rear end, the thermal print bar N has an electrical connection A, which is surrounded by a plastic insulation I, which is fastened to the print head with the fastening screw B. Behind the dispensing tongue is the bearing P for the printhead 10 with its fastening webs E. Behind the bearing P there is an acting on the thermal print bar N on each side Pressure element Y and Z provided. These practically act as a counter-bearing to the resilient counter-pressure element X of the dispensing tongue K, so that the strength of the counter-pressure of the thermal bar can be set. The bearing point P thus represents the center of a rocker, whereby not only the strength of the pressure of the counter element X but also the lifting of the thermal pressure bar N is controlled.

Es dürfte einleuchten, daß der erfindungsgemäße Druckkopf besonders kompakt und wartungsfreundlich aufgebaut ist, so daß mit ihm hohe Etikettenspendegeschwindigkeiten erreicht werden.It should be clear that the print head according to the invention is particularly compact and easy to maintain, so that high label dispensing speeds can be achieved with it.

Claims (5)

1. Druckkopf für Thermodruck- und Thermotransferdruck­verfahren, umfassend eine Thermodruckleiste (N) mit Thermo­elementen, die an einer Spendezunge (K) zum direkten Be­drucken einer Vielzahl auf einem Band hintereinander an­geordneter Etiketten befestigt sind, und einen Anschluß für eine Steuervorrichtung, wobei die Thermodruckleiste über Befestigungsstege (E) auf- und abschwenkbar um ein Lager (P) gelagert ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Spendezunge (K) schwalbenschwanzförmig ausgefräst ist, und daß darin ein federndes, blattförmiges Gegendruckelement (X) aufgenommen ist, das während des Druckvorganges an der Thermoleiste (N) anliegt.1. printhead for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing methods, comprising a thermal print bar (N) with thermocouples, which are attached to a dispensing tongue (K) for direct printing on a plurality of labels arranged one behind the other on a tape, and a connection for a control device, the thermal print bar via Fastening webs (E) can be pivoted up and down about a bearing (P), characterized in that the dispensing tongue (K) is milled out in a dovetail shape, and in that a resilient, leaf-shaped counterpressure element (X) is accommodated, which during the printing process on the Thermal bar (N) is present. 2. Druckkopf nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gegendruckelement (X) nach außen gewölbt unter Vorspannung in der Spendezunge (K) eingesetzt ist.2. Printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter-pressure element (X) arched outward under tension in the dispensing tongue (K) is used. 3. Druckkopf nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß die Spendezunge (K) und das Gegendruckelement (X) aus Metall und/oder Kunststoff bestehen.3. Printhead according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the dispensing tongue (K) and the counter-pressure element (X) consist of metal and / or plastic. 4. Druckkopf nach Anspruch 1 und 3, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß das Gegendruckelement (X) ein dünnes Stahl­blech ist.4. Printhead according to claim 1 and 3, characterized in that the counter-pressure element (X) is a thin steel sheet. 5. Druckkopf nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehen­den Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Lager (P) und ein oder mehrere dahinter angeordnete federnde Andruckelemente (Y, Z) vorgesehen sind, durch die der Gegendruck der Thermodruckleiste (N) federnd einstellbar ist, wobei das Lager (P) einen Lagerpunkt in Form einer Wippe zum Abheben der Thermodruckleiste (N) aufweist.5. Printhead according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bearing (P) and one or more resilient arranged behind it Pressure elements (Y, Z) are provided, by means of which the counterpressure of the thermal pressure bar (N) can be adjusted resiliently, the bearing (P) having a bearing point in the form of a rocker for lifting the thermal pressure bar (N).
EP90113302A 1989-07-21 1990-07-12 Print head for thermal printer and thermal transfer printer Expired - Lifetime EP0409073B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8908865U DE8908865U1 (en) 1989-07-21 1989-07-21 Print head for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing
DE8908865U 1989-07-21

Publications (2)

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EP0409073A1 true EP0409073A1 (en) 1991-01-23
EP0409073B1 EP0409073B1 (en) 1993-05-12

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EP90113302A Expired - Lifetime EP0409073B1 (en) 1989-07-21 1990-07-12 Print head for thermal printer and thermal transfer printer

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EP (1) EP0409073B1 (en)
DE (2) DE8908865U1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998028138A1 (en) * 1996-12-20 1998-07-02 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag Method of controlling a document-printing arrangement and corresponding document-printing arrangement

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2908946A1 (en) * 1978-03-08 1979-09-13 Canon Kk PRINTER
DE3609789A1 (en) * 1986-03-22 1987-10-01 Espera Werke Gmbh THERMAL PRINTER FOR DETACHABLE LABELS ON A CARRIER STRIP AND FOR STRIP MATERIAL
DE8714648U1 (en) * 1987-11-04 1987-12-17 Straßburg, Eberhard, 2110 Buchholz Print head for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing
US4820064A (en) * 1986-06-10 1989-04-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Sato Electronic hand labeler

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2908946A1 (en) * 1978-03-08 1979-09-13 Canon Kk PRINTER
DE3609789A1 (en) * 1986-03-22 1987-10-01 Espera Werke Gmbh THERMAL PRINTER FOR DETACHABLE LABELS ON A CARRIER STRIP AND FOR STRIP MATERIAL
US4820064A (en) * 1986-06-10 1989-04-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Sato Electronic hand labeler
DE8714648U1 (en) * 1987-11-04 1987-12-17 Straßburg, Eberhard, 2110 Buchholz Print head for thermal printing and thermal transfer printing

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998028138A1 (en) * 1996-12-20 1998-07-02 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag Method of controlling a document-printing arrangement and corresponding document-printing arrangement
US6123475A (en) * 1996-12-20 2000-09-26 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag Method of controlling a document-printing arrangement and corresponding document printing arrangement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0409073B1 (en) 1993-05-12
DE8908865U1 (en) 1989-08-31
DE59001419D1 (en) 1993-06-17

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