U.S. patent application number 11/114986 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for apparatus for centering media on a spindle.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZIH Corporation. Invention is credited to Eiswerth, Patrick, Gotschewski, Jeffrey P., Hirte, Mark, Poole, David L..
Application Number | 20050258301 11/114986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34968425 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050258301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hirte, Mark ; et
al. |
November 24, 2005 |
Apparatus for centering media on a spindle
Abstract
A media centering spindle assembly with a spindle body and a
clutch drive assembly. The spindle body includes a centering
mechanism such as a rack and pinion or centering slat. The
centering mechanism is configured to center and retain a media
roll, ribbon supply or the like along the spindle body and includes
at least one spring tab. The spring tab is deflectable from an
initial position to a second position below a surface of the
spindle body to allow the mounting of the media roll or the like.
The assembly may be further configured as rotatable about a
longitudinal axis of the spindle body with the clutch drive
assembly having a friction level adjustable by rotation of a clutch
adjuster about the longitudinal axis of the spindle body.
Inventors: |
Hirte, Mark; (Deerfield,
IL) ; Poole, David L.; (Palatine, IL) ;
Gotschewski, Jeffrey P.; (Elgin, IL) ; Eiswerth,
Patrick; (Lakemoor, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
ZIH Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34968425 |
Appl. No.: |
11/114986 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60521481 |
May 4, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/597.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/242 20130101;
B65H 16/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/597.6 |
International
Class: |
B65H 016/04 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. A spindle assembly for supporting a media or ribbon supply in a
hosting device, said spindle assembly comprising: a spindle body
including a first end, a second end, an outer wall and a centering
mechanism, the outer wall is configured to engage the media or
ribbon supply, extends from the first end to the second end, and
defines at least one tab slot, the centering mechanism is
configured to center the media or ribbon supply between the first
and second end, and includes at least two tabs configured to abut
and hold ends of the media or ribbon supply, wherein at least one
tab is a spring tab having a first position and a second position,
in the first position the spring tab extends outwardly from the
outer wall and in second position the spring tab extends at least
partially into a tab slot.
2. The spindle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spring
tab has a sloped outward edge, whereby a media or ribbon supply
slid over the spindle body will deflect the spring tab from the
first position to the second position.
3. The spindle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outer
wall defines at least two tabs slots and an interior and the
centering mechanism further includes a first rack, a second rack,
and a pinion, said pinion being within the interior such that the
pinion engages both the first rack and the second rack, said first
rack being substantially within the interior and having at least
one tab extending through a tab slot, and the second rack being
substantially within the interior and having the at least one
spring tab, the spring tab being deflectable from the first
position to a second position.
4. The spindle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the outer
wall defines three tab slots and the first rack includes two tabs,
each tab extending through a tab slot.
5. The spindle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pinion is
located proximate a midpoint of the spindle body.
6. The spindle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the spring
tab of the second rack has a distal end facing a tab of the first
rack, whereby when the media roll is slid across the spring tab and
the spring tab returns to the first position, the media or ribbon
supply is retained between at least one tab of the first rack and
the distal end of the spring tab of the second rack.
7. The spindle assembly according to claim 3, wherein said spindle
body further includes a biasing device for biasing the first rack
and second rack towards a minimum extension position.
8. The spindle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the biasing
device is a spring coupled between either the first rack or the
second rack and either the first end or second end of the spindle
body.
9. The spindle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the spindle
body is formed partially from a first spindle half and second
spindle half, the first spindle half is adapted to mate with the
second spindle half.
10. The spindle assembly according to claim 9, wherein the pinion
is supported between the first spindle half and the second spindle
half.
11. The spindle assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first
spindle half includes at least one hook and the second spindle half
includes at least one connecting slot, each hook is configured to
engage a corresponding connecting slot of the second spindle half
to mate the first spindle half and the second spindle half
together.
12. The spindle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the spindle
body further comprises a media spring clip coupled to the outer
wall and projecting radially from the outer wall.
13. The spindle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outer
wall further defines a channel and the centering mechanism further
includes a slat configured to slide along the channel, said channel
partially overlies at least one tab slot and said slat includes two
ends, each end having a tab, wherein one of the tabs is a spring
tab.
14. The spindle assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
centering mechanism further include a biasing device for biasing
the slat towards a minimum extension position.
15. The spindle assembly according to claim 14, wherein the biasing
device is a spring.
16. The spindle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a
clutch drive assembly coupled to the spindle body.
17. The spindle assembly according to claim 16, wherein the clutch
drive assembly includes a clutch gear rotatably coupled to the
spindle body.
18. The spindle assembly according to claim 17, wherein the clutch
gear has a variable clutch friction level.
19. The spindle assembly according to claim 18, wherein the clutch
drive assembly further includes a clutch adjuster for adjusting the
variable friction level of the clutch drive assembly.
20. The spindle assembly according to claim 19, wherein the
rotation of the clutch adjuster controls the variable friction
level of the clutch
21. The spindle assembly according to claim 20, wherein the clutch
drive assembly further includes a shaft for supporting the clutch
gear and the clutch adjuster.
22. The spindle assembly according to claim 21, wherein the clutch
drive assembly further includes a bearing located between the
spindle body and the shaft for allowing the rotation of the spindle
body without the rotation of the shaft.
23. A spindle assembly for supporting a media or ribbon supply in a
hosting device, said spindle assembly comprising: a spindle body
including a first end, a second end, an outer wall and a centering
mechanism, wherein the outer wall is configured to engage the media
or ribbon supply, extends from the first end to the second end, and
defines at least one tab slot and a channel positioned in
communication with the tab slot, said channel having at least one
bend reversing the direction of the channel, and wherein the
centering mechanism includes a slat configured to slide along the
channel and at least two tabs with one of the tabs positioned on an
end of the slat and the other of the tabs positioned on an opposite
end of the slat, wherein the tabs are configured to abut and hold
ends of the media or ribbon supply.
24. A method of centering a media roll or ribbon supply onto a
spindle body, comprising: inserting the media roll or ribbon supply
onto an unsupported end of the spindle body; sliding the media roll
or ribbon supply to a first tab: deflecting the first tab from a
first position to a second position such that the media roll or
ribbon supply can slide over the first tab; sliding the media roll
or ribbon supply to a second tab; engaging the second tab with the
media roll or ribbon supply and sliding the second tab along with
the media roll or ribbon supply, until the media roll or ribbon
supply clears the first tab; returning the first tab to the first
position; and holding the media roll or ribbon supply between the
first tab and the second tab.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/521,481, filed May 4, 2004, entitled
MEDIA CENTERING SPINDLE; the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to media support spindle
assemblies. More specifically, the invention relates to a side
loading media spindle with a centering mechanism for centering the
media on the spindle.
[0004] 2) Description of Related Art
[0005] Spindles are used to support media rolls, take-up rolls, and
printer ribbon supplies in a wide range of machinery, for example
label printers. Spindles supported at one end allow easy media
exchange via side loading of media rolls from the unsupported end,
onto the spindle. Where media of different widths are used in a
center justified print system, the media is fixed in place along
the spindle by a centering mechanism.
[0006] Prior side loading spindle centering mechanisms have used a
rack and pinion assembly to slidably position opposing right and
left guide arms along the spindle for centering of the media roll.
The pinion gear was incorporated into the supported end, resulting
in the rack extending beyond the spindle assembly when the widest
media was inserted onto the spindle, requiring additional space
allocation for the spindle assembly within the printer and limiting
design options for the printer configuration, overall. The guide
arm at the unsupported side required manual movement out of the
media insertion path before media insertion and then a manual
return to a media retaining position. Finally, the spindle was
fixed in place and the media roll loosely hung around the spindle,
making it unusable for applications where tension in the ribbon is
required, such as printer ribbon supply and or take-up
spindles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention addresses the above needs and achieves
other advantages by providing a spindle assembly for supporting a
media supply, a take-up roll, a printer ribbon supply or the like
within a hosting device such as a printer. The spindle assembly
according to the present invention simplifies center justified
media loading of a range of media roll widths, via a one step slide
until a spring tab clicks into place.
[0008] In general, the spindle assembly includes a spindle body and
a centering mechanism. The spindle body includes a first end, a
second end, a cylindrical outer wall and a centering mechanism. The
outer wall is configured to engage the media or ribbon supply and
extends from the first end to the second end. The outer wall
defines at least one tab slot. The centering mechanism is
configured to center the media or ribbon supply between the first
and second end of the spindle body. The centering mechanism
includes at least two tabs for holding the media or ribbon supply
onto the outer wall.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the tabs is
a spring tab. In particular, each spring tab is adapted to have at
least a first position and a second position. In the first
position, the spring tab extends outwardly from the outer wall. And
in the second position, the spring tab extends at least partially
down into one of the tab slots. Each spring tab may have an outward
sloped edge. The outward edge is configured so that a media or
ribbon supply will deflect the spring tab into its second position
as the media or ribbon supply is slid over the spring tab.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
outer wall defines two tab slots and an interior. The centering
mechanism includes a first rack, a second rack, and a pinion. The
pinion is positioned within the interior such that the pinion
engages both the first rack and the second rack. More specifically,
the pinion may be positioned proximate to a midpoint of the spindle
body. The first rack and the second rack are both substantially
within the interior. The first rack has one tab extending through
one of the tab slots. The second rack has one spring tab.
[0011] The spring tab of the second rack is deflectable from the
first position to the second position. In the first position, the
spring tab extends through a tab slot and extends radially
outwardly from the outer wall. And in the second position, the
spring tab is deflected down partially or completely through that
tab slot. Also, the spring tab of the second rack may have a distal
end facing the tab of the first rack. When the media or ribbon
supply is slid over the spindle body, the media or ribbon supply
deflects the spring tab from its first to its second position to
allow the media or ribbon supply to pass over the spring tab. When
the media or ribbon supply clears the spring tab, the spring tab
returns to its first position and the media or ribbon supply is
retained between the tab of the first rack and the distal end of
the spring tab of the second rack.
[0012] The number of tabs and tab slots may vary between
embodiments. For example purposes only and not as a limitation, the
outer wall may define three tab slots and the first rack may have
two tabs. Each tab of the first rack extends through a tab
slot.
[0013] The spindle body may also include a biasing device for
biasing the first rack and second rack towards a minimum extension
position. For example the biasing device may be a spring coupled
between either the first rack or the second rack and either the
first end or second end of the spindle body.
[0014] In addition, the spindle body may be formed partially from a
first spindle half and a second spindle half. The first spindle
half is adapted to mate with the second spindle half. In
particular, the first spindle half can include one or more hooks
and the second spindle half can include an equal number of
connecting slots. The hooks and connecting slots are configured to
engage each other in order to mate the first spindle half and the
second spindle half together. Furthermore the pinion of the
centering mechanism may be supported between the first spindle half
and the second spindle half.
[0015] The spindle body may further include a media spring clip
coupled to the outer wall. For example, the media spring clip may
be contained between the first spindle half and the second spindle
half. The media spring clip projects radially from the outer wall
to engage the media or ribbon supply.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
centering mechanism may have a centering slat. More specifically,
according to this embodiment, the outer wall defines a channel and
the centering mechanism includes a slat configured to slide along
the channel. The channel partially overlies at least one tab slot.
The slat includes two ends, each end having a tab. At least one of
those tabs is a spring tab.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the spindle
assembly further includes a clutch drive assembly coupled to the
spindle body. The clutch drive assembly may include a clutch gear
rotatably coupled to the spindle body. The clutch gear may have a
variable friction level. More specifically the clutch drive
assembly may have a clutch adjuster configured to change the
friction level when rotated.
[0018] The clutch drive assembly may also include a shaft for
supporting the clutch gear and the clutch adjuster and a bearing
located between the spindle body and the shaft for allowing the
rotation of the spindle body without the rotation of the shaft.
[0019] The present invention has several advantages. A media
centering spindle assembly according to the present invention
simplifies center justified media loading of a range of media roll
widths, via a one step slide until the spring tab springs back to
an initial position. The spindle assembly does not require space to
be set aside for rack extensions external to the spindle body,
increasing design options overall and allowing integration with a
mechanism that is easily adjustable by the operator to a desired
drag or tension level in the media path. Also, the benefits of the
invention are provided with a reduced total number of individual
components, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing overall
cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of
the spindle body of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of
the clutch drive assembly of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of
the media centering spindle assembly of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an external isometric view of the media centering
spindle assembly of FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a reverse angle external isometric view of the
media spindle assembly of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an end view of the media centering spindle
assembly of FIG. 4, with a media roll mounted upon the spindle
body;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the media centering
spindle assembly of FIG. 6, along line A-A;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the media centering
spindle assembly of FIG. 6, along line B-B;
[0029] FIG. 9 is an external side view of the spindle assembly of
FIG. 6, with a wide media roll;
[0030] FIG. 10 is an external side view of the spindle assembly of
FIG. 6, with a narrow media roll
[0031] FIG. 11 is a second embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the tabs are at a maximum extension position;
[0032] FIG. 12 is the same embodiment as FIG. 11, wherein the tabs
are in a minimum extension position;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a side view of the centering slat according to
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0035] In general, the present invention includes a spindle
assembly 10 for supporting a media roll 11. The spindle assembly 10
includes a spindle body 13 and a clutch drive assembly 60. The
spindle body 13 is for holding the media roll 11. The clutch drive
assembly 60 is for supporting and rotating the spindle body 13 and
thus the media roll 11. It should be understood that although the
spindle assembly 10 is described in the context of holding a media
roll 11 a media roll 11 is only an example of the numerous
applications for the present invention. For example purposes only
and not as a limitation, the spindle assembly 10 may also support a
take-up roll or a printer ribbon supply.
[0036] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spindle body 13 is
generally cylindrical in shape and extends distally from the clutch
drive assembly 60. However, one in the art would appreciate that
the spindle body 13 is configured to mate with the core of the
media roll 23 and as such the spindle body 13 may take a variety of
shapes, as well as having a variety of sizes, depending on the
intended type of media or take-up roll 23 for the spindle assembly
10.
[0037] According to the illustrated embodiments, the spindle body
13 has a substantially cylindrical outer wall 14 and a centering
mechanism 39. The outer wall 14 defines a body interior having a
diameter and extends between a first end 15 and a second end 16.
The first end 15 is supported by the clutch drive assembly 60. The
second end 16 is unsupported and is the end from which the media
roll 11 is loaded and unloaded onto the spindle body 13. The
centering mechanism 39 includes at least two tabs 47a, 47b. As
explained in more detail further below, the tabs 47a, 47b are
configured to retain the media roll 11 on the spindle body 13.
[0038] The cylindrical outer wall 14 also defines a number of
slots. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the wall 14 defines three tab slots
17, 18, 19. In particular, one tab slot 18 extends from the
unsupported end 16 less than half the length of the spindle body 13
toward the supported end 15. The two other tab slots 17, 19 are
opposite each other and extend from the supported end 15 less than
half the length of the spindle body 13 toward the unsupported end
16. One of the tabs slots 17 generally lines up with the tab slot
18 proximate to the unsupported end 16. However, the length and
number of the slots 17, 18, 19 and the spatial relationship between
them may vary. For example and as explained further below, the
cylindrical wall 14 may define only one tab slot 18.
[0039] The interior diameter of the spindle body 13 may vary. In
particular, the cylindrical wall 14 proximate to the supported end
15 may extend outwards relative to the rest of the body 13
providing a larger diameter near the supported end 15. Also,
according to the illustrated embodiment, extending from the inner
surface of the wall 14 near the larger diameter area of the body 13
is a bearing support 20. The bearing support 20 extends across the
interior generally perpendicular to the length of the body 13. The
support 20 defines a bearing surface 21 that is generally
cylindrical and extends in a parallel fashion with the spindle body
13. The bearing surface 21 also may define a series of ridges. In
the general area halfway between the two ends 15, 16 is a shaft
support 25. The shaft support 25 extends across the interior of the
body 13 and defines a shaft guide hole 26.
[0040] The spindle body 13 may be formed by a first spindle half 35
and a second spindle half 36, as shown in FIG. 1. The two halves
35, 36 when combined form the spindle body 13 described above. The
two halves 35, 36 may be configured to snap together. For example
purposes only and not as a limitation, the first spindle body half
35 may have a plurality of hooks 37 adapted for latching into
corresponding slots 38 formed in the second spindle half 36.
However one in the art would appreciate the numerous methods and
structures that may be used to mate the first half 35 and second
half 36 together. For example, the halves 35, 36 may be adhered
together by an adhesive. The use of the halves 35, 36 facilitates
the construction and assembly of the spindle assembly 10. For
example, it provides easy access to the interior of the spindle
body 13.
[0041] The spindle body 11 also includes a media spring clip 44
attached to the cylindrical wall 14. Although it may be attached to
the wall 14 in a variety of methods, in the illustrated embodiments
the media spring clip 44 is retained between the first spindle half
35 and the second spindle half 36. Alternatively, the media spring
clip 44 may be adhered to the wall 14 with an adhesive or a
fastener. The media spring clip 44 extends beyond the outer
diameter of the spindle body 13 to removably retain a media roll 11
mounted upon the spindle body 13.
[0042] The centering mechanism 39 of the spindle body 11 is another
aspect of the present invention. As stated above, the centering
mechanism 39 is for retaining the media roll 11 on the spindle body
13. Moreover the centering mechanism 39 is configured to center the
media roll 11 between the two ends 15, 16 of the spindle body 11.
The centering mechanism 39 includes two or more tabs 47a, 47b. The
tabs proximate to the supported end 15 are referred to herein as
inward tabs 47a. The tabs proximate to the unsupported end 16 are
referred to herein as outward tabs 47b. The inward and outward tabs
47a, 47b are coupled together so that the movement of the inward
tabs 47a causes an equal but opposite movement in the outward tabs
47b. Similarly, a movement of the outward tabs 47a causes an equal
but opposite movement in the inward tabs 47b. The inward tabs 47a
and the outward tabs 47b are approximately equal distance to the
midpoint between the ends of the spindle body 13.
[0043] In general, the outward tabs 47b function as spring tabs as
explained further below and may at times be referred to as such.
The outward (or spring) tabs 47b have an outward sloped edge facing
the unsupported end 16 and a distal end 52 that is generally
perpendicular to the length of the spindle body 13 and facing the
inward tabs 47a. Each outward tab 47b overlies one of the tab slots
18 defined in the outer wall 14 and is configured to have at least
two positions. In the first position, the outward tab 47b extends
generally perpendicular to and outwardly from the outer wall 14 and
a tab slot 18. In the second position, the outward tab 47b is
extended into and below the tab slot 18 and partially inward of the
outer wall 14. Each outward tab 47b is biased to the first position
and thus will move or spring back to the first position when
possible.
[0044] When loading, the media roll 11 is slid along the spindle
body 13 from the unsupported end 16 to the supported end 15, when
the leading edge contacts an outward facing slope of a spring tab
47b, the leading edge pushes the spring tab 47b from its first
position to its second position so that the media roll 11 can pass
over the spring tab 47b. When the leading edge of the media roll 11
contacts an inward tab 47a, the inward tab 47a slides along with
the leading edge toward the supported edge 15 which causes the
outward tab or tabs 47b to move toward the unsupported edge 16.
When the trailing edge of the media roll 11 passes the outward tab
or tabs 47b, each outward tab 47b springs back to its first
position and the media roll 11 is retained between the inward tab
or tabs 47a and the distal end 52 of each outward tab 47b. When
unloading, the outward tab or tabs 47b are pushed down to their
second positions by an operator or other outside force and the
media roll 11 is slid over the outward tab or tabs 47b and the rest
of the spindle body 13.
[0045] According to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through
10, the centering mechanism 39 includes an inward rack 40, an
outward rack 41, a pinion 42, and a biasing device 43. The inward
rack 40 has an elongated portion 45 containing a row of teeth and a
U-shaped tab portion 46 with a tab 47a at each end of the "U." The
outward rack 41 has an elongated portion 50 containing a row of
teeth and a spring tab 47b. In particular, the spring tab 47b is
formed by a deflection loop 51. The deflection loop 51 extends from
the elongated portion along a 270 degree path such that the distal
end 52 of the loop 51 is extending back toward the elongated
portion, as best seen in FIG. 1. The pinion 42 has a central gear
portion and two ends 56, 57. The biasing device 43 may be a coil
spring and the media spring 44 may be a leaf spring.
[0046] The racks 40, 41 are supported by rack guides 28 defined by
the cylindrical wall 14. Also the racks 40, 41 may extend through
rack openings defined by the bearing support 20 and shaft support
25. The inward rack 40 is configured so its teeth face inward and
each tab 47 at each end of the "U" 46 is projecting through one of
the tab slots 17, 19. Similarly, the outward rack 41 is configured
so its teeth face inward and the spring tab 47b is projecting
through the tab slot 18 proximate to the unsupported end 16. The
spring tab 47b is biased to a first position such that it has an
outward sloped edge facing the unsupported end 16 and its distal
end 52, which is generally perpendicular to the length of the
spindle body 13, is facing the supported end 15. The inward tabs
47a of the inward rack and the spring or outward tab 47b of the
outward rack 41 are linked so the movement of one causes the
movement of the other in an equal distance in the opposition
direction. More specifically, the inward tabs 47a and the outward
tab 47b are linked by the pinion 42. The ends 56, 57 of the pinion
42 are configured to rotatably engage pinion supports 30 defined by
the outer wall 14 proximate to the shaft support 25. And the gear
portion 55 of the pinion 42 is configured to engage the teeth of
both racks 40, 41. The rotation of the pinion 42 causes the racks
40, 41 to slide along the rack guides 28. Therefore the movement of
the inward tabs 47a and thus the inward rack 40 causes the pinion
42 to rotate and move the outward rack 41 and thus the spring tab
47b in the opposite direction. Similarly, the movement of the
spring tab 47b causes the movement of the inward tabs 47a.
[0047] The racks 40, 41 and pinion 42 are biased into a minimum
extension position between the inward tabs 47a and the outward tab
47b by the biasing device 43. The bias device 43 may be coupled
between the unsupported end 16 of the spindle body 13 and the
inward rack 40 as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the bias spring
43 may be coupled between the unsupported end 16 of the spindle
body 13 and the outward rack 41.
[0048] According to this embodiment, the media roll 11 is held in
place on the spindle body 13 by the media spring 44, the tabs 47a
of the inward rack 40, and the spring tab 47b of the outward rack
41. As stated above, the overall shape of the spindle body 13 is
configured to mate with the core of the roll 11. The roll 11 is
inserted and slid across the spindle body 13 from the unsupported
end 16 to the supported end 15. When the leading edge of the core
contacts the spring tab 47b it engages the loop's sloped edge and
deflects the spring tab 47b down toward the wall 14 and partially
through the tab slot 18 allowing the roll 11 to pass over the
spring tab 47b. When the leading edge contacts the inward tabs 47a,
the leading edge will push the inward tabs 47a toward the supported
end 15 along with the leading edge. Once the trailing edge passes
the distal end 52 of the spring tab 47b, which is moving in the
opposite direction of the inward tabs 47a, the spring tab 47b will
spring back. After the roll 11 clears the spring tab 47b, the
inward tabs 47a and the distal end 52 of the spring tab 47b hold
the media roll 11 in place relative to the length of the spindle
body 13. The media spring 44 exerts pressure onto the roll 11
creating a rotatable link between the spindle body 13 and the roll
11 so that the roll 11 rotates with the spindle body 13. To remove
the roll 11, the spring tab 47b is pushed down by an operator or
other outside force to clear the core beyond the spring tab 47b as
the core is slid off the spindle body 13.
[0049] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the
centering mechanism 39 includes a centering slat 115 shown in FIGS.
11 through 13. The centering slat 115 is an elongated member with
two outer ends, an inward end 120 and an outward end 125. Also the
centering slat 115 has an inward tab 47a and an outward tab 47b
that extends generally perpendicular to the rest of the slat 115.
The inward tab 47a is at or proximate to the inward end 120.
Similarly, the outward tab 47b is at or proximate to the outward
end 125. At least a portion of the slat 115 is configured to be
flexible including at least one end 125. For example, the slat 115
may be made from a flexible plastic with a saw-tooth structure that
allows the slat 115 to bend or flex to a significant degree.
[0050] According to this embodiment, the cylindrical wall 14
defines a channel 130 that extends within the outer wall 14 of the
spindle body 13. In particular, the channel 130 extends from the
supported end 15 to the unsupported end 16, through a semicircular
(180.degree. portion) defined at the unsupported end 16, and out of
the semicircular portion toward the supported end 15, but not the
full distance to the supported end, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
The path coincides with at least one tab slot 18 defined in the
outer wall 14 that extends from the unsupported end 16 to
approximately half the length to the supported end 15.
[0051] The centering slat 115 is configured to slide along the
channel 130. The movement of one tab 47a, 47b causes the opposite
and equal movement of the other tab 47a, 47b along the spindle body
13. The outward tab 47b, i.e. the tab closest to the unsupported
end 16, is part of the flexible portion of the centering slat 115
and overlies the tab slot 18 allowing the outward tab 47b to be
deflected toward and into the tab slot 18 and thus function as a
spring tab. Furthermore, the outward tab 47b has an outward sloped
edge facing the unsupported end 16 and a distal end 52 that is
generally perpendicular to the length of the spindle body 13 and
facing the supported end 15. The channel 130 may have one or more
partially covered areas to retain the centering slat 115 in the
channel 130.
[0052] Similar to the rack and pinion mechanism, the centering slat
115 is biased in a minimum extension position. For example, a
spring may be coupled to either end 120, 125 of the centering slat
and to one of the ends 15, 16 of the spindle body 13 or another
support 20, 25 in the interior.
[0053] According to this embodiment, the media roll 11 is held in
place on the spindle body 13 by the media spring 44, and the inward
tab 47a and the outward tab 47b of the centering slat 115. As
stated above, the overall shape of the spindle body 13 is
configured to mate with the core of the roll 11. The roll 11 is
inserted and slid across the spindle body 13 from the unsupported
end 16 to the supported end 15. When the leading edge of the core
contacts the outward tab 47b in a first position it engages the
outward sloped edge and deflects the tab down toward the wall 14
and partially through the tab slot 18 to a second position allowing
the roll 11 to pass over the outward tab 47b. When the leading edge
contacts the inward tab 47a, the leading edge will push the inward
tab 47a and thus the centering slat 115 toward the supported end 15
along with the leading edge. Once the trailing edge passes the
outward tab 47b, which is moving in the opposite direction of the
inward tab 47a relative to the ends 15, 16 of the spindle body 13,
the outward or spring tab 47b springs back to the first position.
After the roll 11 clears the outward tab 47b, the inward tab 47a
and the outward tab 47b hold the media roll 11 in place relative to
the length of the spindle body 13. The media spring 44 exerts
pressure onto the roll 11 creating a rotatable link between the
spindle body 13 and the roll 11 so that the roll 11 rotates with
the spindle body 13. To remove the roll 11, the outward tab 47b is
pushed down to clear the core beyond the outward tab 47b as the
core is slid off the spindle body 13.
[0054] In yet another aspect of the present invention and as best
seen in FIG. 3, the spindle body 13 is coupled to the clutch drive
assembly 60. The clutch drive assembly 60 may include a clutch face
65, a clutch face gear 70, a clutch spring 75, a spring cup 80, a
clutch adjuster 85, a shaft extension 95, a shaft 100, a bearing
105, and a fastener 110.
[0055] In general, the clutch face 65 has a mating surface 66 and
body surface 67 and defines a hollow cylindrical portion 68
projecting from the body surface 67. The cylindrical portion 68 is
configured to engage the supported end 15 of the spindle body 13.
The clutch face gear 70 has a spring surface 72 and mating surface
71 that is configured to mate with the mating surface 66 of the
clutch face 65. The clutch face gear 70 also defines a hollow
cylindrical portion 73 adapted to fit into and partially through
the cylindrical portion 68 of the clutch face 65 and has a
perimeter of gear teeth 74.
[0056] The clutch spring 75 may be a coil spring extending from the
spring surface 72 of the clutch face gear 70 and the spring cup 80.
The spring cup 80 includes a spring surface 81, an adjuster surface
82 and two extensions 83. The spring cup 80 also defines a central
hole 84 with one or more protuberances. The spring surface 81 may
define a recess configured to engage the clutch spring 75. The
extensions 83 are adapted to engage the clutch adjuster 85.
[0057] The clutch adjuster 85 generally includes a cup portion 86
and a handle portion 87. The cup portion 86 has a substantially
circular base that defines a central hole 90 and a profile
extension 89. The profile extension 89 extends around and generally
perpendicular from the base to a distal ridge 91. The distal ridge
91 defines one or more paired steps. The distance between a step
and the base varies. More specifically, according to the
illustrated embodiment, the distal ridge 91 defines three paired
steps. Each paired step includes a support edge 92 with a detent 93
positioned at a predetermined distance from the base and a matching
support edge 92 with a detent 93 at the same distance from the base
on the opposite side of the ridge 91. The distal ridge 91 also
defines gradual upward slopes between the support edges 92 from the
step closest to the base to the furthest. The handle 87 is
generally planar with the base and extends away from the central
hole 84.
[0058] The shaft extension 95 may be an elongated cylindrical
member configured to fit though the central holes 90, 84 of the
clutch adjuster 85 and the spring cup 80, through the clutch spring
75, through the cylindrical hollow portions 73, 68 of the clutch
face gear 70 and the clutch face 65, and into the bearing support
20 and shaft guide hole 26 of the spindle body 13. One end of the
shaft extension 95 may be configured to attach to an end of a shaft
100 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The other end of the shaft 100
opposite of the shaft extension 95 may have head portion 101.
Similarly, the shaft 100 may also be configured to fit through some
or all of the holes and structures that the shaft extension 95 fits
through. The shaft 100 may also define one or more slots to engage
the protuberances in the spring cup 80 for preventing the spring
cup 80 from rotating about the shaft extension 95 or shaft 100.
[0059] The bearing 105 is configured to engage the shaft extension
95 and/or shaft 100. For example purposes only and not as a
limitation, the bearing 105 may be a sleeve bearing configured to
fit around the shaft extension 95 or the shaft 100 and held in
place by stops on either the shaft extension 95 and/or shaft 100.
In particular, the shaft extension 95 and shaft 100 extend through
the central holes 90, 84, the clutch spring 75, and the cylindrical
hollow portions 73, 68 into the spindle body 13 such that the
bearing 105 engages the bearing surface 21 in the spindle body 13.
When the spindle body 13 rotates the bearing 105 may partially
rotate with the spindle body 13 while the shaft extension 95
remains stationary. One in the art would appreciate that the
configuration of the shaft extension 95, shaft 100, and bearing 105
may vary within this invention. For example the shaft extension 95
and shaft 100 may be an integrated component. Or the bearing 105
may be affixed to the spindle body 13 rather than to the shaft
extension 95 or shaft 100.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, the head portion 101 of the
shaft 100 may define a mating hole for a fastener 110 for fastening
the spindle assembly 10 to a hosting device. The head portion 101
may also function as a stop for lining up the shaft 100 and thus
the shaft extension 95 and bearing 105 to the rest of the clutch
drive assembly 60 and the spindle body 13.
[0061] As stated above, the clutch spring 75 engages both the
spring surface 72 of the clutch face gear 70 and the spring surface
81 of the spring cup 80. More specifically, the clutch spring 75
biases the clutch face gear 70 into the clutch face 65 and biases
the spring cup 80 into the clutch adjuster 85. The bias may be
adjusted by adjusting the distance between the spring surfaces 72,
81. This distance is adjusted with the spring cup 80 and the clutch
adjuster 85. By rotating the handle 87 of the clutch adjuster 85
around the shaft 100, the extensions 83 of the spring cup 80, which
can not rotate itself due to the engagement of the protuberances in
the central hole of the cup 80 and the slots in the shaft 100,
slide along the distal ridge 91 of the clutch adjuster 85. The
distance of the spring cup 80 to the clutch face gear 70 changes as
the spring cup 80 moves from step to step on the distal ridge 91.
When the distance decreases the bias increases and likewise when
the distance increases the bias decreases.
[0062] The variable bias provides the spindle assembly 10 with a
variable operating tension for rotating the media roll 11. In
particular, a drive mechanism of the hosting device such as a label
printer engages the clutch face gear 70 to drive the spindle body
13 via the friction between the mating surfaces 66, 71 of the
clutch face gear 70 and the clutch face 65. The level of friction
is selectable by the operator via rotation of the clutch adjuster
85 to adjust the spring bias. The desired friction level may be
selected, for example, depending upon the width of the media roll
11 used, thereby maintaining an optimal tension in the printer
ribbon and or media paths. Similarly, the clutch drive assembly 60
may be implemented on a media spindle that is undriven, for example
on a supply rather than take-up spindle, by omitting the drive
mechanism linkage.
[0063] The present invention has several advantages. A media
centering spindle assembly 10 according to the invention simplifies
center justified media loading of a range of media roll widths, via
a one step slide until the spring tab 47b springs back to an
initial position. The spindle assembly 10 does not require space to
be set aside for rack extensions external to the spindle body 13,
increasing design options overall and allowing integration with a
mechanism that is easily adjustable by the operator to a desired
drag and or tension level in the media path. Also, the benefits of
the invention are provided with a reduced total number of separate
components, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing overall
cost.
[0064] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made
to ratios, integers or components having known equivalents then
such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set
forth. While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments
have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention
of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
the specific details, representative apparatus, methods, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or
scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. Further, it is
to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be
made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the
present invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *