Thermal printing mechanism

Details Thermal printing mechanism Thermal printing mechanism

1999-02-24

2001-03-06

Hilten, John S. (Department: 2854)

Typewriting machines

Including interposed inking device for record-medium

Means auxiliary to ribbon mechanism

C400S207000, C400S234000, C400S248000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06196737

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a thermal printing mechanism for printing on objects, such as letters, packages and the like, with a ribbon portion formed by a ribbon which can be transported in a cassette from a first spool onto an adjacent driveable second spool, wherein the ribbon portion can be inserted between a printing head and an adjustable counter-abutment which can be driven for conveying the ribbon, and wherein the ribbon portion is at least partially supported during printing on the objects by the counter-abutment and the printing head acts on the ribbon portion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Thermal printing mechanisms are used for printing special symbols, particularly stamps, onto objects, such as letters, packages and the like, which may vary within a wide range with respect to their geometry, surface properties and other characteristic variables.
The pressure transfer ribbons used in this connection are in most cases stored on spools in cassettes. For the printing process, the cassettes are moved into a predefined position relative to the printing head of the printing mechanism, so that the ribbon is located on the printing surface.
When the cassette is inserted, the ribbon which is very thin or the ribbon portion formed between the spools is frequently injured or damaged by the printing head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to propose means which eliminate these disadvantages. Simultaneously, the time required for inserting a new cassette should be reduced.
In the following, a franking machine is proposed as a use of the printing mechanism; in the franking machine, a cassette can be easily exchanged when the ribbon is exchanged or the printing mechanism can be easily retrofitted.
The above-mentioned object is met in accordance with the present invention by providing the cassette with means for moving the ribbon portion stretched between the spools prior to the insertion thereof between the printing head and the counter-abutment into an inoperative position which is remote from the printing head and the counter-abutment. The advantage of the printing mechanism according to the invention is primarily seen in the simplicity of operation.
Before the cassette is inserted into the printing mechanism, the ribbon portion on which the stirrup or the guide rod can act must be in the inserted position.
The guide rod keeps the ribbon away from the printing position. After the cassette has been completely mounted, the guide rod is moved by the moveable stirrup into a position of rest in which the ribbon is not contacted by the guide rod and rests in the area of the ribbon portion against the printing head.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4352575 (1982-10-01), Shore
patent: 4623274 (1986-11-01), Ohsaki
patent: 4753545 (1988-06-01), Kohlhage et al.
patent: 4867589 (1989-09-01), Limberger et al.
patent: 5160205 (1992-11-01), Mistyurik
patent: 5195835 (1993-03-01), Collins
patent: 5209586 (1993-05-01), Furrow et al.
patent: 5923357 (1999-07-01), Sugimoto et al.
patent: 4139504 (1993-06-01), None
patent: 0604142 (1994-06-01), None
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 013, No. 385 (M-864), Aug. 25, 1989 & JP 01 135680 A (Fuji Kiki Kogyo KK), May 29, 1989.

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