Method and apparatus for thermal management in a thermal printer having plural printing stations
US6744455B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/377
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for recording image information on a moving receiver media at a thermal print station features a ribbon cassette assembly that stores a thermal ribbon having dye, the thermal ribbon being supported as a supply role and take-up role on the ribbon cassette assembly, the ribbon cassette assembly including a wall structure defining a plenum chamber. Air under pressure is provided to the plenum chamber. An elongated thermal print head is positioned in engagement with the thermal ribbon; and recording elements on the thermal print head are directed along a main scan direction. The print head has associated therewith a heat sink that includes a series of parallel fins arranged along the length of the print head and the fins are oriented at least generally perpendicular to the main scan direction of printing. Cooling air flows from the wall structure, which structure extends in the direction of elongation of the print head. The wall structure has one or more openings along the direction of elongation, the cooling air being directed generally to sweep in the direction of the fins so that the cooling air advances generally in a direction generally parallel to the advan…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.