Printer apparatus
US6004053A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J32/00
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A miniature printer is provided with a printer mechanism in a housing. A thermal printhead is fixedly mounted in the mechanism. The mechanism and the housing define a compartment for a roll of paper which is loosely disposed in the housing and is extended over the thermal printhead. The compartment is closed by a cover hinged to the housing at one end thereof. A platen roller is located in the cover in an opening larger than the shaft of the roller, which opening and cover provides a floating mount for the platen roller. A driven gear which rotates the platen roller is mounted on the shaft near one end thereof. A pair of hairpin springs have ends which are located in the path which the platen roller takes as the cover is closed and moves into engagement with the platen roller. These springs are deflected backwardly away from the printhead as the platen roller passes over the springs and then toward the printhead so as to reseat a portion of the springs to the platen roller shaft, and specifically to bushings on opposite sides of the platen roller on the shaft. The springs align the platen roller with the printing elements on the printhead and bias the platen roller into engagement …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.