Spur gear ratchet mechanism for thermal transfer printer
US5601373A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19637
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spur gear ratchet mechanism is provided to enable simplified replacement of a ribbon roll for a thermal transfer printer. The spur gear ratchet mechanism is intended for use with a printer comprising a fixed base portion and a pivotal cage portion in which the cage portion can be selectively moved between a closed operational position and an open non-operational position. A transporting mechanism controls the movement of the thermal transfer ribbon, and is attached to the pivotal cage portion so that it moves in association therewith. The transporting mechanism comprises at least one rotatable hub that is driven by an associated drive gear. When the cage portion moves from the closed operational position to the open non-operational position, the drive gear disengages from the pinion of a drive motor that is fixed within the base portion of the printer. Concurrently, the spur gear ratchet mechanism engages the drive gear and impedes undesirable rotation of the hub. With the hub held in a substantially non-rotating state by the spur gear ratchet mechanism, an operator can readily orient the ribbon roll so that it seats properly onto the supply hub.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.