Daisy wheel printer

Abstract

 A daisy wheel printer having a platen (70), a translatable carriage (200, 300), a pair of parallel support rods (33, 40) for the carriage, a pressure roller control mechanism (72, 122), and electro-mechanical drive mechanisms (57, 90), for the carriage (200,300) and the platen (70) has a unitary cast base member (21) incorporating all of the support members (31, 32, 41, 65, 77, 78, 101) required for these elements. The unitary base member (21) also integrally incorporates a support platform (26) for the electrical power components, a separate integral chamber for the electronic control components, and a thermally conductive heat sink (20) for conducting away heat generated by the electrical components.
The unitary base member (21) also provides electromagnetic radiation shielding and static discharge protection without the need for additional shielding or ground components.
The carriage assembly (200, 300) for the printing element includes a one piece die cast lower support brace (201, 202), and an upper carriage assembly (300) incorporating the detachable ribbon cartridge drive mechanism and a simple one piece ribbon latching device.
The printer further features an easily removable paper deflector (110) and an improved pressure roller assembly (140...143).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to electromechanical printers of the type having a rotary print wheel mounted on a translatable carriage, commonly known as "daisy wheel printers".

[0002] Printing devices are known which employ a rotary print wheel mounted on a carriage for translation across the width of the print throat area for character printing. The carriage is typically mounted for sliding movement along a pair of spaced guide rods arranged in parallel fashion to the axis of a rotatable platen, and the print wheel is typically removably carried by the output shaft of a motor mounted to the carriage for translation therewith. A print hammer assembly is typically mounted above the print wheel motor, along with a support plate and driving mechanism for a removable ribbon cartridge. The removable ribbon cartridge typically contains either an endless ribbon or a ribbon mounted on a pair of reels. These mechanical mechanisms are typically contained within a printer housing, along with a carriage drive motor, motion translation mechanisms such as belts or cables and pulleys mechanically coupled between the carriage drive motor and the carriage, a platen stepper motor, a motion translating mechanism coupled between the platen stepper motor and the platen for providing paper feed around the platen, a paper deflector and pressure rollers, a mechanism for operating the platen pressure rollers, various switches and the electronic circuitry required to operate the mechanical components of the printer.

[0003] In the past, a typical printer construction consisted of a base plate and several individual support plate members for providing the necessary stationary and rotary support for the various mechanical elements of the printer. Due to the close mechanical tolerances required in such a construction to provide high quality printing, a major cost component of known printers has been the individual mechanical support elements employed. This has added unnecessary cost to the manufacturing process. In addition, the assembly time required for a myriad of support pieces has further increased the cost of manufacturing such printers. Moreover, due to the fact that such printers are designed for maximum use at relatively high speed, mechanical vibrations attendant upon such operation, when combined with a relatively large number of individual mounting support and interconnect parts connected together by means of threaded fasteners, exhibits a tendency to cause the mechanical elements to lose their firm, close tolerance mechanical interconnections, with a resulting deterioration in performance and the requirement for frequent service intervals.

[0004] Another problem associated with "daisy wheel printers" lies in the requirement for electromagnetic radiation shielding, shielding from static discharges and provision for a thermal mass capable of conducting away from the interior of the printer housing substantial quantities of heat generated by the electrical power components required to operate the system. The requirement for electromagnetic shielding is legally imposed by governmental agencies to protect users from excessive amounts of electromagnetic radiation generated by the electrical and electronic components housed within the printer. In addition, some of the electronic components themselves must be shielded against stray radiation from other components in order to function properly. The same is true for the requirement of shielding against static electricity: many digital electronic components malfunction when excess static electrical charges accumulate in the vicinity of such components. In addition, many of the same components are highly sensitive in their periormance to elevated temperatures and will malfunction unless the heat generated by operation of the power components, such as the AC power transformer, is conducted away.

[0005] In the past, the electromagnetic radiation and static discharge problems have been addressed by providing discreet electrically conductive shields carefully arrayed about the electronic components of the printer system. Similarly, the problem of heat generation has been addressed by providing one or more individual discreet thermally conductive masses fastened to appropriate portions of the printer support elements and the heat generating electrical power components have been attached to such devices, all of which adds additional mechanical components to the printer with the attendant cost of parts and installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention comprises an approved electromechanical printer of the daisy wheel variety in which the major electrical and electromechanical operating elements are all mechanically supported in an exceedingly simple fashion which substantially reduces the mechanical parts count, and which incorporates electromagnetic shielding, electrostatic charge protection and thermal heat protection at substantially no additional cost.

[0007] In a first aspect, the invention comprises the use of a unitary base member in which the mechanical support function for the major elements is integrally incorporated into the base. More particularly, for a printing device having a platen and a translatable printing element support carriage mounted on one or a pair of support rods for parallel motion with respect to the platen, the unitary base member has first means integrally formed therein for supporting the support rods and second means integrally formed therein for supporting the platen. In addition, for a printer which incorporates a pressure roller assembly having a control rod extending substantially parallel to the axis of the platen and mounted rearwardly adjacent to the platen, the unitary base member integrally incorporates a support means for the control rod. For applications to printers employing an electro- mechanical platen drive mechanism, the unitary base member further includes means integrally formed therein for supporting the platen drive mechanism and, similarly, for printers including an electromechanical carriage drive mechanism, the unitary base member further includes means integrally formed therein for supporting the carriage drive mechanism.

[0008] The unitary base member further incorporates a thermally conductive heat transfer portion integrally formed therein and adjacent the rear wall and a support platform for electrical components also integrally formed in the base member adjacent the thermally conductive heat transfer portion so that heat generated by the electrical components is conducted away from the interior of the printer. In addition, the unitary base member further includes a bottom compartment also integrally formed therein for housing electronic components and shielding same from both electromagnetic radiation and static electricity.

[0009] In addition to the unitary base member aspect of the invention, the invention further includes an improved carriage assembly having upper and lower carriage means requiring only a small number of mechanical parts. The lower carriage means supports the upper carriage means and comprises a unitary member having a pair of laterally spaced arm members each provided with a pivot portion and a support ramp portion, a rear tube portion joining the arm members at the rear, and a front cross brace joining the arm members in the front. The rear tube portion is dimensioned to accommodate a first carriage support rod, and the front cross brace supports a front bearing means dimensioned to accommodate a second carriage support rod. The upper carriage means includes a pair of laterally opposed support studs, each received in a different one of the pivot portions and a pair of laterally opposed guide members, each located rearwardly of the respective one of the support studs, the guide members normally engaging corresponding support ramp portions when the carriage assembly is in a first operative position. Spring means are coupled between the upper and lower carriage means in the region adjacent the pivot portions, the spring means being arranged for over center travel to provide a spring detent for the upper carriage means with respect to the lower carriage means in the first operative position and in a second inoperative position. In the preferred embodiment, the guide members are adjustable eccentric washers.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention further includes an improved pressure roller assembly including a first relatively small roller assembly, a second relatively large roller assembly, a plurality of rocker arms secured to the control rod at spaced intervals therealong, a plurality of roller assemply support members each pivotally supported by a different one of the plurality of rocker arms for supporting the first and second roller assemblies, spring means for normally biasing the rocker arms in a direction to urge the roller assemblies towards the surface of the platen, and release means for enabling the control rod to be rotated about the axis thereof to counteract the spring means. The plurality of rocker arms each includes a retaining nib for engaging the upper end of the spring means, and the unitary base member further includes a plurality of integrally formed spring wells for engaging the lower end of the spring means.

[0011] An improved release means comprises a lever arm received on a first end of the control rod, a cam lever secured to the rod adjacent the lever arm, and unique camming means secured to the lever arm and having a camming surface for engaging the cam lever to rotate the rod. The camming means includes a link arm pivotally coupled at a first end to an off-axis portion of the lever arm and pivotally coupled at a second end to a drive plate, a cam plate and a spacer shaft coupled between the drive plate and the cam plate, the spacer shaft being supported in a slot formed in an integral support member formed in the base.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention includes an improved curved paper deflector mounted rearwardly of the platen, the deflector having a rearwardly extending flange portion, and a plurality of spring members coupled between the deflector flange and the control rod to maintain the deflector in the proper mounted attitude. The deflector can be readily removed by simply retracting the pressure roller assembly, releasing the deflector springs and lifting the deflector away from the platen.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, a simplified ribbon drive mechanism is provided which employs only two mounting plates, a single motor, a single lightly spring loaded pulley supported by a lower plate and a toothed pulley belt for transferring motion between the motor and the pulley.

[0014] In a still further aspect of the invention, an improved ribbon cartridge releasable mechanical latch is provided which is constructed from a single moulded piece of suitable material, such as Delrin, and which provides the usual ribbon cartridge latching function with a single unitary part.

[0015] In a still further aspect of the invention, a simplified forward bail mechanism is provided which includes a pair of support brackets which serve to capture opposed ends of a rear carriage rail, an operating lever received on the end of the control rod remote from the release means lever arm, and a wire link coupled between the bail operating lever and the bail mechanism.

[0016] The mechanical parts count for the invention is substantially reduced over that of known prior art devices, while the rigidity of support provided by the unitary support members is at least as great or, in many cases, much better than prior art printers using individual support wall members. The electromagnetic shielding, static charge protection and thermal heat conduction provided by the unitary base member are highly effective in eliminating electrical and electronic operating errors in the printing system, while the individual improved subelements noted above provide highly reliable operation at relatively low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 

Fig. 1 is a top elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a bottom elevational view of the invention of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a first exploded isometric view of the printer of Fig. 1 with the cover and certain elements removed and other elements partially broken away;

Fig. 3A is an enlarged detail view of the integral carriage rod support elements and retainers;

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the pulley bracket;

Fig. 3C is an enlarged detail view of an optional carriage motor support mechanism;

Fig. 3D is an enlarged detail view of the control rod central retainer;

Fig. 4 is an exploded bottom isometric view of the printer of Fig. 1 with the bottom plate partially broken away;

_Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the carriage and card/paper guide assemblies;

_Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the ribbon cartridge support and drive assembly;

Fig. 7A is a side elevational view of the ribbon cartridge latch;

Fig. 7B is an end elevational view of the latch of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8 is a right edge view, partially broken away of the carriage and print wheel;

Fig. 9 is a right edge view illustrating the platen pressure roller actuating mechanism;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail view of the paper-out switch.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail view of an alternate embodiment of the paper out switch override element;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the present roller operating lever mechanism;

Figs. 13 and 14 are end views illustrating operation of the mechanism of Fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the carriage assembly and paper bail installed;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged detail view showing the carriage bolt fastening arrangement; and

Fig. 17 is an enlarged end view of the paper bail mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Turning now to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a daisy wheel printer incorporating the invention with the finishing cover installed. As seen in this Fig., the printer includes a finishing cover generally designated with reference numeral 10 for enclosing the internal components of the printer. Cover 10 is provided with a pair of apertures 11, 12 for accommodating a pair of manually operable levers: a paper bail lever 13, and a platen pressure roller lock and release lever 14 described in more detail below. A pair of platen operating knobs 15, 16 releasably mounted on opposite ends of the platen shaft (illustrated below) are arranged at opposite sides of the housing cover 10. Visible in Fig. 1 is a ribbed heat sink portion of the base structure generally designated with reference numeral 20.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 2, the side walls of the finishing cover 10 generally surround an integrally cast metal base member generally designated with reference numeral 21 provided with four vibration dampening support feet 22-25. A bottom metal cover plate 26 is also provided to enclose a printed circuit board recess (described below), plate 26 also serving to partially capture a pair of auxiliary cover plates 27, 28 (illustrated fully in Fig. 4).

[0020] With reference to Fig. 3, the integral cast base 21 is formed in a unique shape incorporating all of the major mounting support elements for the mechanical and electromechanical components of the printer. In particular, a first pair of support posts 31, 32 are formed along the forward portion of the base 21 near the corners to provide vertical support for a first carriage guide rod 33 extending therebetween. The contour of support post 31 is illustrated in Fig. 3A and is seen to comprise a generally notched central portion 34 for receiving the end 35 of- the forward carriage guide rod 33. The configuration of the centrol portion of support post 32 is identical to that of 31. The end 35 of forward carriage guide rod 33 is anchored in place by means of a keeper element 36 and a fastener 37.

[0021] Also with reference to Figs. 3 and 3A, a rear carriage guide rod 40 is similarly supported by means of an integrally moulded guide 41 and a corresponding guide hidden from view in Fig. 3, guide 41 having a notched central portion 43 for receiving the end 42 of the rear carriage guide rod 40. The rear carriage guide rod is secured in place in the support 41 by means of a keeper 44 forming part of a bail mechanism (described below) and a threaded fastener 45. The right end of rear carriage guide rod 40 is similarly secured.

[0022] A ball bearing cylindrical pulley 48 for the carriage drive belt 49 is secured to a support member 50 integrally formed in the base by means of a bracket 51 and threaded fasteners 53, 54. The other end of the carriage drive belt 49 is received about a driving gear 56 secured to the output shaft of a DC servo motor 57. Servo motor 57 has a rear location portion 58, generally rectangular in shape, which is received by a cover member 59 having a stop tab 60 extending forwardly of the unit. The forward end of motor 57 has a mounting boss 62 formed in the front plate 63 and received in a circular cradle formed in a support partition 65 integrally formed in the base 21. Three threaded fasteners 67-69 are used to secure the motor 57 to the support 65, each fastener 67-69 passing through a separate slot formed in support 65 and being received in a threaded aperture in plate 63. If desired, a rear support bracket 64 (Fig. 3C) may be installed at the rear of motor 57, the bracket 64 being secured to a hidden threaded aperture by means of screw 66 and to the base 21 by means of a fasterner 71.

[0023] The platen 70 and a pressure roller operating rod 72 are each mounted in a different pair of cradles: the platen support cradles 74, 75 are each formed in a forward portion of a pair of integral support walls 77, 78; while the ends of the pressure roller operating rod 72 are received, respectively, in notched portions 80, 81 of support members 77, 78. Both the platen 70 and control rod 72 are captured in their mounts by means of a single pair of keepers 83, 84 secured to the upper surface of the support walls 77, 78 by threaded fasteners 85.

[0024] The platen 70 can be either manually operated by means of knobs 15, 16 (Fig. 1) which are fitted onto the opposite ends 87, 88 of the platen assembly 70, or automatically by means of a stepper motor 90 having an output gear 91 and a timing belt 92 received about the output gear 91 and a platen drive gear 93. Stepper motor 90 is secured to the base 21 by means of a pair of threaded fasteners 95, 96 each arranged to be threaded into a different aperture 97, 98 formed in the stepper motor 90 end plate 99. Fastener 95 is arranged to draw end plate 99 against a first integral support partition 101 having a groove 102 for accommodating the shank of fastener 95, while fastener 96 draws end plate 99 against support wall 78 having groove 103 for accommodating fastener 96.

[0025] A paper deflector 110 is provided with first and second series of rectangular apertures 111, 112 in order to receive the paper pressure rollers described below. Deflector 110 has a generally cylindrical curved surface portion 114 and a flat flange portion 115 provided with a plurality of spring apertures 116 and a second plurality of clearance apertures 117. The spring apertures 116 each receive a first end of one of a plurality of bias springs 119. The other end of each of the bias springs 119 is received in a rear aperture 121 of one of a plurality of rocker arms 122 mounted on the control shaft 72. The forward end of each rocker arm 122 has a downwardly depending tab 123 for receiving the upper end of a bias spring 125. The other end of each bias spring 125 is received in a cuplike recess 126 integrally formed in a ledge portion 127 of base 21. A corresponding plurality of guideposts 130, each having a guide slot 131 is formed integrally with base 21 just to the rear of ledge 127 to provide lateral guides for the lower rearward portion of the rocker arms 122 when control shaft 72 is operated by means of lever 14.

[0026] Each rocker arm 122 includes a pressure roller support member 135 pivotally mounted to the rocker arm 122 by means of a rivet 136 for pivotally retaining member 135 to the rocker arm 122. Each pressure roller assembly support member 135 has a forward aperture 137 and a rear aperture 138 for supporting a first pair of smaller pressure roller assemblies 140, 141 and a second pair of larger pressure roller assemblies 142, 143. For example, left smaller pressure roller assembly 140 is received in the apertures 137 of the two leftmost pivotable support members 135 (one end in each), and the right smaller pressure roller assembly 141 is similarly carried by the two rightmost support members 135. Similarly, larger leftmost support roller assembly 142 is carried by the two leftmost support members 135 by the ends of assembly 142 being received in rear apertures 138; while larger rightmost pressure roller assembly 143 is similarly arranged in the two rightmost support members 135.

[0027] The pressure roller assemblies 140-143 are brought into pressure contact with the external surface of platen 70 (or a sheet of paper therebetween) and manipulated out of pressure contact by means of the pressure roller lever 14 described below in conjunction with Figs. 12-14, and a cam lever 146―having a lower guide surface 147 (Fig. 9). When the lever 14 is pulled forwardly of the unit, shaft 72 is forceably rotated which causes the rocker arms 122 to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 9 against the normal bias force of bias springs 125. Rotation of shaft 72 in this manner causes the pressure roller assemblies 140-143 to be retracted away from the platen 70 surface. When the lever 14 is pushed rearwardly of the printer, the opposite action occurs, with the individual pressure rollers being received through their apertures 111, 112 in deflector 110. During rocking motion of the rocker arms 122, apertures 117 in paper deflector 110 provide sufficient clearance for the location nibs 124 to maneuver.

[0028] Lever arm 14 is retained on the control shaft 72 by means of a spring clip 149 received in a clip recess 151 formed in the right end of shaft 72.

[0029] In order to prevent bowing of the rounded central portion 153 of control shaft 72, a central support post 154 shown in Fig. 3D is integrally formed in base 21. Post 154 has a ledge 155 with a threaded aperture for supporting the rear portion of a keeper tab 156 having a tongue portion 157 for applying downward pressure on the rounded central portion 153.

[0030] Base 21 has an upper rear platform portion 160 located rearwardly of the control rod 72 and paper deflector 110, which platform provides a support surface for a first group of electronic components which comprise the power generating components and thus the principal source of heat during electrical operation of the printer. This platform 160 terminates at the rearward edge in the ribbed thermal mass 20 to provide an integral heat sink for the electrical power components. In addition, the lateral support wall 101 in combination with the platform section 160 and the upstanding rear wall portion 20 provide radiation shielding for the electrical components to be mounted therein. Further, since the entire base 21 is cast from an electrically conductive metal, any static charges in the interior of the printer thus far described dissipate on the metal base 21.

[0031] As thus far described, it will now be apparent that the mechanical elements described above can be quickly mounted to the base 21 as an entire assembly with very little effort and technical expertise. The provision of the integrally moulded support sections for the major subcomponents of the printer provides an automatic location feature for these elements. As will further be apparent, should total or partial disassembly of the mechanical portion thus far described become necessary, this may be easily accomplished again with a minimum of effort. In this connection, it is noted that, in the event of a paper jam, the paper deflector can be easily removed from the top of the machine by simply removing the cover, releasing the pressure rollers (manipulating lever 14 to the forwardmost position), and disconnecting springs 119, without the necessity of disturbing the platen 70.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 4, the bottom mechanical components of the printer are seen. Base 21 has a bottom cavity generally designated by reference numeral 171 formed in the rear portion thereof. The purpose of cavity 171 is to accommodate the control electronics board (not shown). Formed in the exposed sidewall 172 of cavity 171 is a slot 173 for slidably receiving one edge of a printed circuit board. Secured to the underside of the other integral sidewall 175 is a slider bar 176 which provides the other ledge for the printed circuit. A pair of connector blocks 181, 182 are mounted to the forward edge of the enclosure 171 by means of fasteners 182 which are threaded into apertures in the blocks 181, 182 and serve to clamp the blocks against the forward wall 176 of the volume 171. It in noted that the upper surface of volume 171 is the bottom surface of platform 160 (Fig. 3). A plurality of apertures 185 are formed through this surface to provide thermal communication between the volume 171 and the surface above platform 160.

[0033] Attached to connector blocks 181, 182 are ribbon cables 187, 188 which provide electrical connections between the control board and the electrical components mounted on the top side of the base 21. Cables 187, 188 are protected by plates 28, 27, respec-' tively. Plate 27 is partially secured in place by means of threaded fastener 190, while plate 28 is partially secured in place by an angled end portion 191 frictionally received in a ledge (not visible) formed in the lower surface of base 21. The other ends of plates 27, 28 are captured by the forward edge of plate 26, which is fastened to the underside of base 21 by means of a plurality of fasteners 193.

[0034] A separate heat sink plate 194 covers the rear casting wall in the region below integral heat sink portion 20, and is fastened in place by means of screws 195. Plate 194 has an inner slot suggested by the broken lines 196 which receives the rear edge of plate 26.

[0035] Radiation shielding for the control board located in volume 171 is provided by the integrally formed walls 172, 175, 176 and 177, the top surface of the volume 171 and large cover plate 26.

[0036] Fig. 6 illustrates the carriage assembly designed for use with the printer thus far described. The carriage assembly comprises three major subcomponents: a lower carriage assembly 200, an upper carriage assembly containing the print wheel hub and print wheel motor, hammer and ribbon cartridge platform assembly all generally designated with reference numeral 300 and a combined card/ribbon guide 400. The lower carriage assembly includes a laterally spaced pair of support arms 201, 202 joined in the rear by a support web 203 and joined in the front by a bearing tube 204. The construction of elements 201-204 is a one piece casting, which includes a rear extension 205 for receiving a rear rod guide bearing 206 suspended therebelow by means of a generally U shaped clip 207 with a forwardly extending tongue portion received between abutment edges 208, 209 and fastened to extension 205 by means of a fastener 210.

[0037] Arms 201, 202 are provided with outboard grooved lands 212, 213, each arranged to receive a keeper plate 214, 215 used to capture the carriage timing belt 49 (Fig. 16) by means of threaded fasteners 216. Extending laterally to the left of the arm 201 is a support bracket, also integrally formed with members 201-205, which provides support for a connector 611 secured to one end of cable 188 (Fig. 15).

[0038] Pressed into the open ends of bearing tube 204 are a pair of forward rod support bearings, only one of which (bearing 225) is illustrated in Fig. 6. An oil wetted felt washer is installed adjacent bearing 225 to keep rod 40 clean and lubricated, the washer being retained in tube 204 by means of an externally toothed push-in retainer ring. As will now be apparent, the lower carriage assembly is slidably supported on forward support rod 33 and rear support rod 40 (Fig. 3) by means of bearing 206 and bearing 225 (and its unseen left counterpart), and translated parallel to the platen 70 by means of the timing belt 49 secured by means of keepers 214, 215.

[0039] The upper carriage assembly includes a main support member 305 having an upwardly extending flange portion 306 for supporting the hammer solenoid 307 secured thereto by means of a locknut 308. Member 305 is generally shaped in the form of a unitary yoke pattern having a pair of sidewalls 311, 312 for supporting the print wheel motor (not shown) terminating in the print wheel hub 315 designed to receive a removable print wheel. Depending downwardly from a lower flange 317 is a spring clip 318 designed to provide a locking detent with the recessed wall portion 231 of the lower carriage frame.

[0040] Upper carriage assembly.includes a ribbon drive assembly generally designated with reference numeral 330 and shown in detail in exploded view Fig. 7. As seen in this Fig., the ribbon drive assembly includes an upper support plate 303, a lower containment plate 331 and three spacer tubes 332 for providing adequate clearance with plate 303 for the ribbon drive components.

[0041] The ribbon drive components include a drive motor assembly 335 secured to the underside of plate 331 by means of a pair of fasteners 336 and having a driving gear on the output shaft 338 extending through a drive gear aperture 339 in plate 331. Rotatably mounted in a bearing aperture 340 is a ribbon drive pulley 342 having a ribbed or toothed pulley surface 343. Pulley 342 is lightly spring loaded by means of washer 344 and compression spring 345 to reduce friction between the bottom surface thereof and the top surface of plate 331. The upper end of the shaft 346 of pulley 342 terminates in a drive slot 347 which passes through a bearing aperture 348 in plate 303 so that the slot 347 protrudes above the upper surface of plate 303. When assembled, a drive belt 350 is received about the driving gear 338 and the pulley surface 343 to transfer motion from the motor 335 to the driving slot 347.

[0042] Press fitted into essentially rectangular apertures 352, 353 formed in plate 303 are a pair of ribbon cartridge latches 354, only one of which is illustrated. With reference to Figs. 7A and 7B, the cartridge latch 354 is an integrally moulded element having a stiff but flexible capture leg 355 terminating in a retaining lip 356 for engaging the upper surface of plate 303. Latch 354 further includes a lower pair of oppositely laterally extending flanges 357, 358 and a vertically spaced flat surface portion 360 connected to the lower flanges 357, 358 by means of a web 361. A vertically arranged stiffener web 362 joins a curved surface portion 364 and a serrated upper portion 365 to the surface portion 360. Latch 354 further includes an angled keeper nib 366 having an upper abutment edge 367. Latch 354 is installed in plate 303 by inserting the leg 355 into aperture 352 or 353 until nib 366 clears the lower edge of plate 303. In this position, edge 367 retains latch 354 in the aperture against upward motion of the latch, while the lower surface of flange 357 and lip 356 prevent downward motion of the latch by virtue of contact against the upper surface of plate 303. Latch 354 is designed to be flexed away from the central portion of plate 303 when a cartridge is attached to the upper carriage assembly, the side wall of the cartridge being held by the corner portion 368 of latch 354. To release a cartridge, the upper portion of the latch 354 is manually flexed outwardly by means of serrated surface portion 365. Latch 354 is preferably moulded from Delrin.

[0043] The ribbon drive portion 330 of the upper carriage assembly is completed by four rubber cartridge bumpers 371, each of which is press fitted into a corresponding aperture 372 formed in the upper plate 303 and provides an upward compression force against the bottom surface of the ribbon cartridge to prevent rattling, buzzing or other vibrations during printer operation.

[0044] The combination card/ribbon guide 400 (Fig. 6) comprises a lower flange portion 401 affording a mounting surface to the lower carriage assembly by means of fasteners 402 arranged to be threadably engaged in corresponding apertures 403 formed in the extending ledge portion of element 204. The flange portion 401 is formed at essentially a right angle to the upstanding frame portion 404 terminating in the rear edge 405 of the upper guide portion. Secured to this portion by means of rivets or the like is the forward ribbon guide portion 406. The card/ribbon guide is formed from any suitable material, such as spring steel.

[0045] Fig. 8 illustrates the manner in which the upper and lower carriage assemblies are operatively connected to one another. As seen in this Fig., a support stud 321 secured in support arm 312 is bottomed in a cradle slot 233 formed in arm 202. The unillustrated left side of the apparatus has comparable elements. A tension spring 235 is anchored at the lower end to a retaining post 236 in arm 202 at a point below the axis of stud 321. The upper end of tension spring 235 is attached to a support post 325 secured to arm 312. A guide washer 327 is secured to arm 312 by a screw 328 passing through an eccentric or off center aperture in washer 327. The hidden side of the carriage assembly is arranged with similar elements.

[0046] In the operative position illustrated in full in Fig. 8, the upper carriage assembly 300 is pivotally supported by stud 321 in slot 233. Springs 235 provide downward tension force to help maintain the carriage in the print position illustrated, and detent 318 provides a positive detent with edge 231. The eccentric washers 327 bear on the ramp edge 240 of side arms 202 and 201, and the attitude of upper assembly 300 relative to lower assembly 200 can be angularly adjusted.

[0047] When it is necessary to manipulate the carriage assembly to the nonworking position illustrated in broken lines in Fig. 8, the upper carriage assembly 300 is manually rotated to pivot about studs 321. As upper carriage assembly 300 rotates clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 8, the tension springs 235 pass over center with respect to stub axle 321 and provide a light detent force to hold the upper carriage assembly 300 in the open position.

[0048] Returning to Fig. 3, the forward portion of base 21 includes two additional integral support posts 194, 195 each having a support ledge 196, 197 which, along with ledge 198 of post 32 provide bottom bottom edge support for a control panel for the printer shown in phantom. The top edge of the control panel is clamped by means of bolt, nut and washer assemblies 199.

[0049] With reference to both Figs. 3 and 10, an out-of-paper switch assembly 500 includes a pair of integrally formed support posts 501, 502 each having a flat pedestal surface 503, 504. Surface 503 has a threaded aperture 505 and surface 504 has a location tang 506 flanking a central hollow portion 507. A microswitch 508 is secured to an intermediate adjustment plate 510 by means of screws 511, 512 and nuts 513, 514. Enlarged aperture 516 affords ajustability to the switch-plate assembly, which is secured to post 501 by means of screw 517 and secured against lateral movement by the interference fit provided by tang 506 and plate aperture 518. Removably attached to the arm 520 of microswitch 508 is a paper sensor 521, preferably fabricated from moulded plastic. In use, the presence of paper just above and slightly to the rear of the platen 70 maintains the switch 507 in one switch configuration. When the paper supply is exhausted, the forward contact edge of sensor 521 is released, and an internal bias spring in switch 508 forces arm 520 forward, causing the switch 508 to assume an alternate switch configuration to signify an out-of-paper condition.

[0050] It should be understood that switch assembly 500 is designed to sense an out-of-paper condition when the printer is operated in conjunction with an auxiliary tractor feed mechanism (not shown) using conventional edge perforated paper. As is typical with such printer operation, the pressure rollers are maintained in the relaxed position (lever 14 fully forward). When operated in regular platen paper feed mode (lever 14 fully rearward), switch assembly 500 is deactivated by means of an override element 523 having a square aperture 524 received on control rod 72. Element 523 has a switch operating blade portion 526 receivable in a slot 527 formed in adjustment plate 510, so that blade portion 526 biases switch arm 520 rearwardly when rod 72 is in the pressure rollers biased position (lever 14 fully rearward).

[0051] Switch assembly 500 is designed to be supplied as an option for the printer. When the printer is ordered from the factory with this option, the override element 523 of Fig. 10 is used. When the option is added later (i.e., after sale), installation of assembly 500 is facilitated by the use of the modified override element 530 illustrated in Fig. 11. As seen in the Fig., element 530 has a blade portion 531 similar to blade portion 526. The main body portion of element 530, however, is designed in C-shaped fashion to be snap-fitted onto rod 72 from above, thereby avoiding the need to remove rod 72 from the printer in order to install the option.

[0052] Figs. 12-14 illustrate the unique four link pressure roller operating mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment. As seen in these Figs., the one-piece moulded lever 14 has an inner element 550 to the bottom of which a link arm 551 is pivotally attached by means of a rivet 552. The other end of link arm 551 is pivotally attached to a drive plate 553 also by means of a rivet 554. Drive plate 553 is rigidly connected to a camming plate 555 by means of a connector shaft 556 staked at either end to an appropriately shaped aperture in elements 553 and 555. For ease of fabriction, elements 553 and 555 may be identical. Shaft 556 is received in a notch 558 formed in partition 78 to provide rocking support for the shaft 556. Cam plate 555 has a first camming surface 561 which engages surface 147 of lever 146 (Fig. 9) when the lever 14 is in the fully rearward direction and the pressure rollers are engaged; and a second camming surface 562 which bears against the lever surface 147 when the lever 14 is in the fully forward position (pressure rollers released). The manner in which the lever 14 elements mechanically co-act with one another is considered to be self evident from Figs. 13 and 14.

[0053] Fig. 15 illustrates the printer assembly with the carriage assembly installed on the front and rear carriage guide rods 33, 40, and also illustrates the following additional features. The rear carriage guide rod 40 is provided with a rubber bumper 601 at the left-most position which provides a resilient limit stop for carriage motion to the left. A similar bumper (not shown) is provided on the extreme right end of rear carriage guide rod 40.

[0054] Figs. 15 and 17 further illustrate the paper bail assembly used in the preferred embodiment. As noted above, the lower support portion 44 of the paper bail brackets provides the keeper for the extreme ends of rear carriage guide rod 40. Rockably attached to each paper bail support bracket 603 is a bail assembly having an end bracket 604 for receiving the ends of the paper bail 605. The left bail element 604 is linked to the bail operating lever 13 by means of a link wire 607 received in mounting apertures 608, 609. When lever 13 is pulled forwardly, the bail 605 is retracted forwardly; similarly, when lever 13 is manipulated rearwardly, bail 605 is placed in the rearward position.

[0055] Also seen in Fig. 15 is connector 611 to which ribbon cable 188 is coupled, and which is releasably mounted on the connector platform 220.

[0056] Lastly, also evident in Fig. 15 is a supplementary mounting plate 621 having upstanding clip edges 622 for receiving the forward edge of the printer cover (not shown), and which is secured to the forward edge of casting 21 by means of suitable fasteners received through plate apertures 623 and casting apertures 624.

[0057] Daisy wheel printers fabricated in accordance with the teachings of the invention enjoy a number of significant advantages over known prior art printers. Firstly, as has already been mentioned above, the one piece construction of the integral base member integrally provides mechanical support for the significant subcomponents of the printer, as well as radiation shielding, static discharge protection and thermal protection for the sensitive electronic components normally incorporated into such printers. In addition, the one piece cast construction of the main support portions of the lower and upper carriage assemblies significantly reduces the cost of these units without sacrificing precision in the mechanical tolerances of the design, by judicious use of a minimum of bearing components and by employing the simple eccentric angular adjustment afforded by washers 327, The exceedingly simple ribbon drive arrangement and ribbon cartridge latching mechanisms also reduce cost without sacrificing reliability. Further, the relatively simple pressure roller control subassembly further reduces the cost of the printer without sacrificing reliability, while the relatively simple paper guide arrangement permits rapid removal and installation of this element. Moreover, the entire upper carriage assembly 300 can be removed for servicing by simply removing the two tension springs 235 and disconnecting the flat cable connector 611 which greatly simplifies servicing of this assembly.

[0058] While the above provides a full and complete disclosure of the invention, various modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the invention can have application to printers having different printing mechanisms than rotary print wheels. Therefore, the above should not be construed as limiting the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A printing device having a platen (70) and a translatable printing element support carriage (200, 300) mounted on at least one support rod (33, 40) for parallel motion with respect to said platen (70), so that the printing element is capable of being translated across a print region, a unitary base member (21) having first means (31, 32, 41) integrally formed therein for supporting said at least one support rod (33, 40) and second means (77, 78) integrally formed therein for supporting said platen (70).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said base member (21) is die cast metal.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein said carriage is mounted on first and second support rods (33, 40) arranges substantially parallel to the axis of said platen (70), one (33) of said support rods being forward of the other (40), and wherein said first rod supporting means comprise a first pair of laterally spaced walls (31, 32) for supporting said first rod (33) and a second pair of laterally spaced walls (41) for supporting said second rod (40).

4. The device of any of claims 1 to 3, including a pressure roller assembly (140...143) including a control rod (72) extending substantially parallel to the axis of said platen (70) and mounted rearwardly adjacent said platen (70), and wherein said second supporting means (77, 78) includes means (80, 81) for supporting said control rod (72).

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said pressure roller assembly includes a first relatively small roller assembly (140, 141), a second relatively large roller assembly (142, 143), a plurality of rocker arms (122) secured to said control rod (72) at spaced intervals therealong, a plurality of roller assembly support members (135) each pivotally supported by a different one of said plurality of rocker arms (122) for supporting said first and second roller assemblies (140...143), spring means (125) for normally biasing said rocker arms (122) in a direction to urge said roller assemblies '(140._-.143) towards the surface of said platen (70), and release means (14) for enabling said control rod (72) to be rotated about the axis thereof to counteract said spring means (125).

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said plurality of rocker arms (122) each includes a retaining nib (123) for engaging the upper end of said spring means (125), and wherein said unitary base member (21) further includes a plurality of integrally formed spring wells (126) for engaging the lower end of said spring means (125).

7. The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein said release means comprises a lever arm (14) received on a first end of said control rod (72), a cam lever (146) secured to said rod (72) adjacent said lever arm (14), and camming means (555) secured to said lever arm (14) and having a camming surface (562) for engaging said cam lever (146) to rotate said rod (72).

8. The device of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein said printing device further includes a curved paper deflector (110) mounted rearwardly of said platen (70), said deflector (110) having a rearwardly extending flange portion (115), and a plurality of spring members (119) coupled between said deflector flange (115) and said control rod (72).

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said printing device includes an electromechanical platen drive mechanism (90), and wherein said unitary base member (21) further includes third means (101) integrally formed therein for supporting said platen drive mechanism (90).

10. The device of any'of claims 1 to 9, wherein said printing device includes an electromechanical carriage drive mechanism (57), and wherein said unitary base member (21) further includes fourth means (65) integrally formed therein for supporting said carriage drive mechanism (57).

11. The device of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said unitary base member (21) further includes a thermally conductive heat transfer portion (20) integrally formed therein adjacent the rear wall thereof.

12. The device of claim 11,wherein said unitary base member (21) further includes a support platform (26) for electrical components integrally formed therein adjacent said thermally conductive heat transfer portion (20).

13. The device of claim 11 or 12, wherein said unitary base member (21) further includes a bottom compartment integrally formed therein for housing electronic components.

14. A carriage assembly for a printing device having a print mechanism to be translated along a linear print path, said carriage assembly comprising:

upper carriage means (300). for supporting said print mechanism;

lower carriage means (200) for supporting said upper carriage means (300), said lower carriage means (200) comprising a unitary member having a pair of laterally spaced arm members (201, 202) each having a pivot portion (233) and a support ramp portion (240), a rear tube portion (204) joining said arm members (201, 202) at the rear, and a front cross brace (203) joining said arm members 1201, 202) at the front, said rear tube portion (204) being dimensioned to accommodate a first carriage support rod (33), front bearing means (206) carried by said front cross brace (203) and dimensioned to accommodate a second carriage support rod (40);

means (212...215) for securing a carriage translation belt (49) to said laterally spaced arm members (201, 202);

said upper carriage means (300) including a pair of laterally opposed support studs (321), each received in a different one of said pivot portions (233) and a pair of laterally opposed guide members (327), each located rearwardly of the respective one of said support studs (321), said guide members (327) normally engaging corresponding support ramp portions (240) when said upper carriage assembly (300) is in a first operative position;and

spring means (235) coupled between said upper and lower carriage means (200, 300) in the region adjacent to the pivot portions (233) and arranged for over center travel to provide a spring detent for said upper carriage means (300) with respect to said lower carriage means (200) in said first operative position and in a second inoperative position.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein said guide members are adjustable eccentric washers (327).

Drawing