Ribbon winding hub for printer
The button and tension retainer with the central hub design solve the problem of the traditional ribbon take-up roller requiring an empty ribbon core, enabling easy loading and unloading without an empty core, and improving the printer's operating efficiency and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HAND HELD PRODS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Traditional ribbon take-up roller designs require empty ribbon cores on the ribbon take-up roller, making ribbon loading and removal complicated and potentially damaging to the printer.
Featuring a central hub design, it includes a button, an arc block, and multiple tension retainers. Pressing the button retracts the tension retainers to place and wind the ribbon, while releasing the button clamps the ribbon, enabling loading and unloading without the need for an empty ribbon core.
It simplifies the ribbon loading and removal process, prevents printer damage, and improves printer operating efficiency and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224159096U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to media hubs, and more specifically to ribbon take-up hubs for printers. Background Technology
[0002] The ribbon take-up roller in a printer plays a crucial role in maintaining ribbon movement during printing. It winds up the used ribbon and maintains tension within the ribbon during printing. Traditionally, current designs of ribbon take-up rollers require an empty ribbon core on the roller, as they are not typically included with the ribbon. Furthermore, when loading the ribbon core, the user directly straps the ribbon to the take-up roller. This direct strapping often complicates the removal of the used ribbon and can potentially damage the printer.
[0003] The applicant has identified a large number of defects and problems, and through effort, ingenuity and innovation, developed solutions including those described in the embodiments of this disclosure have solved many of these identified problems, many examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The following is a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. This invention is not an exhaustive summary and is neither intended to identify key or essential elements nor to describe the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to serve as a prelude to the detailed embodiments provided below, to present some concepts of the features in a simplified form.
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a ribbon rewind hub for a printer is disclosed. The ribbon rewind hub includes a central hub configured to be coupled to a rotatable component of the printer, the central hub including a button. Additionally, one or more arcuate blocks are positioned near the central hub, and a plurality of tension retainers are attached to the central hub. Furthermore, when the button is pressed, the plurality of tension retainers retract within the central hub to facilitate the placement and winding of the ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks. Furthermore, when the button is released, the plurality of tension retainers extend from the central hub to clamp the wound ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks.
[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers includes a first pair of tension retainers and a second pair of tension retainers. Furthermore, each tension retainer in the first pair is positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to the center of the central hub to each tension retainer in the second pair. In some embodiments, the first pair of tension retainers is configured to clamp the ribbon between the first pair of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks to facilitate the rolling of the ribbon during printing operations.
[0007] In some embodiments, the second pair of tension retainers is configured to control the tension on the ribbon rolling on the plurality of tension retainers. In some embodiments, when the button is pressed, the plurality of tension retainers retract within the central hub to release the tension on the ribbon and facilitate removal of the ribbon from the ribbon rewind hub. In some embodiments, the button is a spring-loaded button configured to self-release once the pressure applied by the user on the button is released.
[0008] In some embodiments, the central hub defines a rotation axis, and the central hub is configured to rotate on this rotation axis to wind the ribbon around the central hub. In some embodiments, the one or more arcuate blocks are positioned near the first pair of tension retainers to form a gap for positioning the ribbon. In some embodiments, the width of the at least one gap is greater than the overall thickness of the ribbon to accommodate the ribbon on the central hub.
[0009] In another example embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes retracting a plurality of tension retainers within a central hub upon pressing a button to facilitate the placement and winding of a ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and one or more arcuate blocks. Furthermore, the one or more arcuate blocks are positioned near the central hub. Additionally, the plurality of tension retainers are attached to the central hub. The method also includes extending the plurality of tension retainers from the central hub upon releasing the button to clamp the wound ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks.
[0010] The above-described utility model is provided merely to outline some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or substance of this disclosure in any way. It should be understood that, in addition to those summarized herein, the scope of this disclosure covers many possible embodiments, some of which will be further explained in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Therefore, some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in general terms, and reference will be made below to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:
[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ribbon take-up hub for a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown;
[0013] Figure 2A Another schematic diagram is shown of a ribbon rewind hub during the retraction of multiple tension retainers according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 2B Another schematic diagram is shown of a ribbon rewind hub during the placement of the ribbon between a plurality of tension retainers and one or more arc blocks, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 2C Another schematic diagram illustrates a ribbon rewind hub during ribbon winding between a plurality of tension retainers and one or more arcuate blocks, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 3A Another schematic diagram is shown of a ribbon rewind hub during pressing a button to remove the wound ribbon, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 3B Another schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure of a ribbon rewinding hub during the removal of the wound ribbon from the central hub; and
[0018] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of a ribbon rewind hub according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The exemplary embodiments described herein provide details for illustrative purposes and may have many variations in structure and design. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments shown or described. It should be understood that, as appropriate, various omissions and substitutions of equivalents can be contemplated, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or specific implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims.
[0020] Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein do not indicate a limitation on quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the mentioned objects. It should also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. In the accompanying drawings, similar numerals denote similar components.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar numerals throughout the various figures denote similar elements, and exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, embodiments of the present disclosure can be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples of other possible examples.
[0022] This disclosure provides various embodiments of a ribbon take-up hub for a printer. Embodiments may include a central hub configured to be coupled to a rotatable component of the printer. Embodiments may also include a button. Embodiments may include one or more arcuate blocks positionable near the central hub. Embodiments may include a plurality of tension retainers attachable to the central hub. Embodiments may be configured to retract the plurality of tension retainers within the central hub when the button is pressed to facilitate the placement and winding of the ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks. Embodiments may be configured to extend the plurality of tension retainers from the central hub when the button is released to clamp the wound ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks.
[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ribbon take-up hub 100 for a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0024] In some embodiments, the ribbon take-up hub 100 may include a central hub 102, one or more arcuate blocks 104 positionable near the central hub 102, a button 106, and a plurality of tension retainers 108. In some embodiments, the central hub 102 may be configured to be coupled to a rotatable component (not shown) of a printer (not shown). In at least one example, the rotatable component may correspond to the main retainer (not shown) of the printer (not shown). In another example, the rotatable component may correspond to the media retainer (not shown) of the printer (not shown). In some embodiments, the central hub 102 may be fabricated to have a shape that may include, but is not limited to, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, etc.
[0025] In some embodiments, the center hub 102 may be configured to provide a closed structure that facilitates the integration of one or more electronic, electrical, or mechanical components associated with the ribbon take-up hub 100. In some embodiments, the center hub 102 may be made of a material selected from, but not limited to, materials such as, but not limited to, iron, steel, and polymers. In some embodiments, the center hub 102 may define a center hub axis. In some embodiments, the center hub 102 may be made in any shape known in the art.
[0026] In some embodiments, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be positioned near the central hub 102. In at least one example, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be directly coupled to the central hub 102 using one or more coupling elements (not shown). In at least another example, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be indirectly coupled to the central hub 102 via a main retainer. In some embodiments, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be arranged near the central hub 102 such that the central hub 102 can be positioned between one or more arcuate blocks 104. In some embodiments, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be connected to the main retainer of the printer.
[0027] Furthermore, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be configured to remain stationary during the loading or unloading of a ribbon (not shown) on the ribbon take-up hub 100. In at least one example, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may include one or more locks (not shown). Furthermore, one or more locks may be configured to facilitate integration of the ribbon take-up hub 100 into the printer's main retainer. Additionally, one or more locks may be configured to engage with one or more recesses (not shown) constructed on the printer's main retainer. In some embodiments, engagement of one or more locks into one or more recesses may result in locking one or more arcuate blocks 104 to the printer's main retainer.
[0028] In some embodiments, one or more curved blocks 104 may be made of a material selected from a group of materials such as, but not limited to, iron, steel, ethane polymers, or any other materials known in the art. In some embodiments, one or more curved blocks 104 may be configured to facilitate the winding of the ribbon around a plurality of tension retainers 108. Furthermore, the bending angle of one or more curved blocks 104 may be selected to facilitate proper winding of the ribbon to an optimal length.
[0029] In some embodiments, the center hub 102 may also include a button 106. In at least one example, the button 106 may be mounted on the central portion of the center hub 102 of the ribbon take-up assembly. In at least another example, the button 106 may be mounted on a printer. Furthermore, the button 106 may correspond to at least one of a one-way button or a two-way button. In some embodiments, the button 106 may correspond to a spring-loaded button. Furthermore, the spring-loaded button may be configured to self-release once the pressure applied by the user to the button 106 is released.
[0030] In some other embodiments, button 106 may be integrated into at least one circuit that can be installed within the printer. Furthermore, the circuit may include a power supply, button 106, and one or more electrical and / or electronic components housed within the printer. In some embodiments, pressing button 106 may be configured to activate at least one circuit. Furthermore, the power supply may be configured to supply current to one or more electrical and / or electronic components when the user presses button 106. In some embodiments, releasing button 106 may be configured to disconnect at least one circuit. Furthermore, the power supply may be configured to stop supplying current to one or more electrical and / or electronic components when the user releases button 106.
[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the ribbon take-up hub 100 may also include a plurality of tension retainers 108. In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be attached to the center hub 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be fabricated to have a shape selected from the group of shapes such as, but not limited to, curved shapes, rectangular shapes, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may include a first pair of tension retainers 110 and a second pair of tension retainers 112. In some embodiments, each tension retainer 110 of the first pair of tension retainers 110 may be positioned near a corresponding arcuate block 104 in one or more arcuate blocks 104. In some embodiments, each of the first pair of tension retainers 110 may be positioned relative to the center of the center hub 102 at approximately ninety degrees (e.g., within manufacturing or engineering tolerances, such as within 5 degrees) to each of the second pair of tension retainers 112.
[0032] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to retract within the central hub 102. Furthermore, each of the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to extend from the central hub 102. In some embodiments, each of the first pair of tension retainers 110 may extend toward a corresponding arcuate block 104 among one or more arcuate blocks 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to retract within the central hub 102 when a user presses the button 106 with an applied external force (such as a force applied by the user's finger). In some embodiments, the retraction of the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to facilitate the placement and winding of the ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers 108 and one or more arcuate blocks 104. In some embodiments, when the button 106 can be released by the user, the first pair of tension retainers 110 may be configured to extend from the central hub 102 toward one or more arcuate blocks 104.
[0033] Figure 2AAnother schematic diagram is shown of a ribbon winding hub 100 during the retraction of a plurality of tension retainers 108 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B Another schematic diagram is shown of a ribbon rewind hub 100 during the placement of the ribbon between a plurality of tension retainers 108 and one or more arcuate blocks 104, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C Another schematic diagram is shown of a ribbon rewind hub 100 during ribbon winding between a plurality of tension retainers 108 and one or more arcuate blocks 104, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] In some embodiments, button 106 may be operatively paired with a plurality of tension retainers 108. Furthermore, button 106 may be approached by a user to control the extension and retraction of the plurality of tension retainers 108, as indicated by arrow 200. In some embodiments, button 106 may be pressed by a user to provide an input command indicative of retraction of the plurality of tension retainers 108. Additionally, button 106 may be released by a user to provide another input command indicative of extension of the plurality of tension retainers 108.
[0035] In some embodiments, a plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to extend from a central hub 102 toward one or more arcuate blocks 104. Furthermore, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to retract within the central hub 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be coupled to one or more actuators (not shown). Furthermore, the one or more actuators may be configured to facilitate the extension or retraction of the plurality of tension retainers 108. In some embodiments, linear displacement during the extension or retraction of the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be provided by one or more actuators. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators may correspond to at least one of a lead screw device, an electromagnetically operated spring device, or any other device known in the art.
[0036] In at least one example, one or more actuators may correspond to a lead screw assembly, and a plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to move in a linear direction during actuation of one or more actuators. In some embodiments, the lead screw assembly includes a motor-driven screw and a guide rod. Furthermore, the guide rod may be attached to a plurality of tension retainers 108, and the motor-driven screw may be received within a central hub 102. Furthermore, the motor-driven screw may be configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In some embodiments, clockwise rotation of the motor-driven screw may cause retraction of a plurality of tension retainers 108. Furthermore, counterclockwise rotation of the motor-driven screw may cause extension of a plurality of tension retainers 108.
[0037] In at least another example, when one or more actuators may correspond to an electromagnetically operated spring device, a plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to move in a linear direction during actuation of the electromagnetically operated spring device. Furthermore, the electromagnetically operated spring device may include a coil, a ferromagnetic core, and a spring. In some embodiments, the coil may be configured to generate a magnetic field around the ferromagnetic core when a predetermined voltage is supplied. Furthermore, the spring may be configured to compress or expand due to the magnetic field generated by the coil around the ferromagnetic core. In some embodiments, the spring may be operatively coupled to a plurality of tension retainers 108. Furthermore, the expansion or compression of the spring may be configured to provide linear movement to the plurality of tension retainers 108.
[0038] In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may include a first pair of tension retainers 110 and a second pair of tension retainers 112. In some embodiments, the first pair of tension retainers may be positioned near one or more arcuate blocks 104 to form a gap 202, such as Figure 2A As shown. In some embodiments, gap 202 may be configured to accommodate the ribbon. Furthermore, gap 202 may define a width of Z mm.
[0039] like Figure 2B As shown, gap 202 can be accessed by a user to place ribbon 204. In some embodiments, gap 202 may be configured to provide sufficient space to accommodate ribbon 204. In some embodiments, ribbon 204 may include a first end that can be placed within gap 202 by a user. In at least one example, gap 202 may accommodate the first end of ribbon 204 during loading and winding of ribbon 204 around central hub 102. In at least another example, gap 202 may be configured to accommodate a loop 206 of ribbon 204 that can be wound by a user around a plurality of tension retainers 108, such as Figure 2C As shown in the image.
[0040] In some embodiments, button 106 can be released by the user to clamp a first end of ribbon 204 between a first pair of tension retainers 108 of the plurality of tension retainers 110 and one or more arcuate blocks 104. In some other embodiments, button 106 can be released by the user to clamp a loop 206 of ribbon 204 between the first pair of tension retainers 110 and one or more arcuate blocks 104, such as... Figure 2C As shown. In some embodiments, the ribbon 204 is clamped between the first pair of tension retainers 110 and one or more arcuate blocks 104 to facilitate the rolling of the ribbon 204 around the plurality of tension retainers during the printing operation of the printer.
[0041] In some embodiments, the ribbon 204 may be configured to wind around a central hub 102 and a plurality of tension retainers 108 during printing operations of the printer. In some embodiments, the central hub 102 defines an axis of rotation. Furthermore, the central hub 102 may be configured to rotate on the axis of rotation to wind the ribbon 204 around the central hub 102 and the plurality of tension retainers 108. In some embodiments, while winding the ribbon 204 around the central hub 102, a second pair of tension retainers 112 of the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to control the tension on the ribbon 204, which may roll over the plurality of tension retainers 108.
[0042] Figure 3A Another schematic diagram of the ribbon rewind hub 100 during the pressing of button 106 to remove the wound ribbon 204, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B Another schematic diagram is shown of the ribbon winding hub 100 during the removal of the wound ribbon 204 from the central hub 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (In conjunction with...) Figures 1 to 2C To describe Figures 3A to 3B .
[0043] In some implementations, button 106 can be pressed by a user to trigger the removal of the ribbon 204 wound around the central hub 102. Furthermore, upon pressing button 106, a plurality of tension retainers 108 can be configured to retract within the central hub 102, releasing tension from the ribbon 204 wound around the central hub 102, such as... Figure 3A As shown. Furthermore, multiple tension retainers 108 can be configured to retract within the central hub 102 to create a gap 202. In some embodiments, the gap 202 can be configured to facilitate the removal of the ribbon 204 from the central hub 102, such as... Figure 3B As shown.
[0044] In some embodiments, a gap 202 may be created between one or more arcuate blocks 104 and the first pair of tension retainers 110 when the plurality of tension retainers 108 retract. Furthermore, the retraction of the second pair of tension retainers 112 may be configured to release tension on the ribbon 204. The gap 202 between the one or more arcuate blocks 104 and the first pair of tension retainers 110, and the release of tension, facilitates the removal of the ribbon 204 from the central hub 102.
[0045] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of a ribbon rewind hub 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 Combination Figures 1 to 3B Describe it.
[0046] In one embodiment, the ribbon take-up hub 100 may include a center hub 400, one or more arcuate blocks 402, a button 404, and a plurality of tension retainers 406 having a first pair of tension retainers 408 and a second pair of tension retainers 410. In some embodiments, the center hub 400 may be configured to connect to the printer's main retainer. Furthermore, the center hub 400 may be fabricated to have a shape that corresponds to a circular shape, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the center hub 400 may define a radius of curvature Y mm. Furthermore, the center hub 400 may be configured to accommodate the ribbon 204 during the printer's printing operation.
[0047] In some embodiments, one or more arcuate blocks 402 may be positioned near the central hub 400. Furthermore, one or more arcuate blocks 402 may be connected to the printer's main retainer. Additionally, one or more arcuate blocks 402 may be configured to remain stationary during the winding of the ribbon 204 around the central hub 400. In some embodiments, the central hub 400 may be fitted with a button 404. Furthermore, the button 404 may be pressed or released by a user when an external force is applied. In some embodiments, the button 404 may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown). Furthermore, pressing the button 404 facilitates the supply of current from the power source to the circuitry paired with the button 404.
[0048] In some embodiments, a plurality of tension retainers 406 may be configured to extend from a central hub 400 toward one or more arcuate blocks 402. Furthermore, the plurality of tension retainers 406 may be configured to retract within one or more arcuate blocks 402. In some embodiments, a button 404 may be pressed or released by a user to control the extension and retraction of the plurality of tension retainers 406. In some embodiments, the plurality of tension retainers 406 may include a first pair of tension retainers 408 and a second pair of tension retainers 410. In some embodiments, the first pair of tension retainers 408 may be configured to clamp the ribbon 204 during winding around the central hub 400. Furthermore, the second retainer may be configured to control the tension on the ribbon 204, which may roll over the plurality of tension retainers 406 during printing operations of the printer.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes one or more operations of winding a ribbon 204 around a plurality of tension retainers 108. In one operation, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to retract within a central hub 102 upon pressing a button 106, allowing the ribbon 204 to be placed and wound between at least some of the tension retainers 108 and corresponding arcuate blocks 104 of one or more arcuate blocks 104. Furthermore, one or more arcuate blocks 104 may be positioned near the central hub 102. Additionally, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be attached to the central hub 102. Furthermore, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may include a first pair of tension retainers 110 and a second pair of tension retainers 112. The button 106 may be pressed by a user to provide an input command to wind the ribbon 204 around the plurality of tension retainers 108. Furthermore, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to retract within the central hub 102 to form a gap 202. Furthermore, the gap 202 may be approached by a user to place the ribbon 204.
[0050] For example, the ribbon rewind hub 100 engages with the printer's main retainer. Furthermore, the ribbon rewind hub 100 may include a central hub 102, one or more arcuate blocks 104, a button 106, and a plurality of tension retainers 108 having a first pair of tension retainers 110 and a second pair of tension retainers 112. Additionally, the button 106 can be pressed by a user to instruct the plurality of tension retainers 108 to retract within the central hub 102, which forms a gap 202 between the plurality of tension retainers 108 and the one or more arcuate blocks 104. Furthermore, the user can access the gap 202 to position or wind the ribbon 204 around the central hub 102 to facilitate winding the ribbon 204 around the central hub 102 and the plurality of tension retainers 108 during printer printing operations.
[0051] In another operation, a plurality of tension retainers 108 may be configured to extend from the central hub 102 to clamp the wound ribbon 204 between the plurality of tension retainers 108 and one or more arcuate blocks 104. Furthermore, the plurality of tension retainers 108 may include a first pair of tension retainers 110 and a second pair of tension retainers 112. Additionally, the first pair of tension retainers 110 may be configured to extend from the central hub 102 toward one or more arcuate blocks 104 to clamp the wound ribbon 204. Furthermore, the second pair of tension retainers 112 may be configured to control the ribbon 204 that can be wound around the plurality of tension retainers 108.
[0052] For example, button 106 is released by the user to ensure that the ribbon 204 is clamped between at least some of the tension retainers 108 and corresponding arcuate blocks 104 among one or more arcuate blocks 104. Furthermore, upon releasing button 106, a first pair of tension retainers 110 of the tension retainers 108 clamps the ribbon 204 between the tension retainers 108 and one or more arcuate blocks 104. Additionally, upon releasing button 106, a second pair of tension retainers 112 of the tension retainers 108 controls the tension on the ribbon 204 rolling on the tension retainers 108 by extending toward the wound ribbon 204.
[0053] This invention provides various embodiments of a ribbon rewind hub 100. By ensuring that the ribbon 204 is clamped by a plurality of tension retainers 108, the embodiments facilitate hassle-free replacement or loading of the ribbon 204 on the ribbon rewind hub 100. The embodiments prevent any malfunctions or downtime during printing. The embodiments ensure proper tension on the ribbon 204 when loading it around the central hub 102 by extending a second pair of tension retainers 112 of the plurality of tension retainers 108. The embodiments ensure minimal manual intervention during loading or unloading of the ribbon 204 around the central hub 102. The embodiments improve printer efficiency during printing operations.
[0054] As those skilled in the art will understand, aspects of this disclosure may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Therefore, aspects of various embodiments may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which are generally referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “system,” or “subsystem.” Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.
[0055] The foregoing description of specific embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain their principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to make optimal use of various embodiments with various modifications suited to the intended particular purpose. It should be understood that, as the case, various omissions and substitutions of equivalents can be contemplated, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or specific implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the embodiments to the specific embodiments described herein.
Claims
1. A ribbon take-up hub for a printer, characterized by, The ribbon winding hub includes: A central hub configured to be coupled to a rotatable component of the printer, the central hub including a button; One or more arcuate blocks positioned near the central hub; and Multiple tension retainers attached to the central hub, When the button is pressed, the plurality of tension retainers retract into the central hub to facilitate the placement and winding of the ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks, and When the button is released, the plurality of tension retainers extend from the central hub to clamp the wound ribbon between the plurality of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks.
2. The ribbon take-up hub according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of tension retainers includes a first pair of tension retainers and a second pair of tension retainers.
3. The ribbon take-up hub according to claim 2, wherein each tension retainer of the first pair of tension retainers is positioned at a 90-degree angle to each tension retainer of the second pair of tension retainers relative to the center of the central hub.
4. The ribbon rewind hub of claim 2, wherein the first pair of tension retainers is configured to clamp the ribbon between the first pair of tension retainers and the one or more arcuate blocks to facilitate the rolling of the ribbon during printing operations.
5. The ribbon rewind hub of claim 2, wherein the second pair of tension retainers is configured to control the tension on the ribbon rolling on the plurality of tension retainers.
6. The ribbon take-up hub of claim 1, wherein when the button is pressed, the plurality of tension retainers retract within the central hub to relax the tension on the ribbon and facilitate removal of the ribbon from the ribbon take-up hub.
7. The ribbon rewind hub of claim 1, wherein the button is a spring-loaded button configured to self-release once the pressure applied by the user on the button is released.
8. The ribbon winding hub of claim 1, wherein the central hub defines a rotation axis, and the central hub is configured to rotate on the rotation axis to wind the ribbon around the central hub.
9. The ribbon take-up hub of claim 2, wherein the one or more arcuate blocks are positioned near the first pair of tension retainers to form a gap for positioning the ribbon.
10. The ribbon take-up hub of claim 9, wherein the width of at least one gap is greater than the overall thickness of the ribbon to accommodate the ribbon on the central hub.