Pinch roller control in a printer
US5152618A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1991 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J13/076
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printing mechanism such as a thermal printer includes a rotatable cylindrical platen having a circumference which is smaller than the printing length of a complete image to be reproduced on a print medium, and at least one pinch roller. The platen has a width which is wider than a width of the print medium. The platen includes a rigid central longitudinally-disposed shaft, a cylindrical elastomeric layer formed around a central logitudinal section of the shaft, and first and second opposing cyclindrical registration members. The first and second registration members are fixedly coupled to the shaft and engage a first and a second end of the elastomeric layer, respectively, so that the shaft, layer, and members rotate together. Each pinch roller is formed of a rigid material and is disposed longitudinally to the platen. Each pinch roller is forced radially towards the platen by a suitable forcing means to engage (a) the registration members in the absence of a print medium between the pinch roller and the elastomeric layer, and (b) just engage the surface of the print medium opposite the elastomeric layer during a printing process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.