Linear Roll Tensioning System for Continuous Web Printer

• US 20110268489A1
• Filed: 04/28/2010
• Published: 11/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Astro-Med Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Astro-Med Incorporated
• Inventors: Verte, Louis JR., Azar, Jonathan
• Application Number:
  US12/768,840
• Publication Number:
  US 20110268489A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 400/618
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 23/06 by retarding devices, e.g. acting on web-roll spindle
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2402/54 Springs, e.g. helical or leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2403/731 Slip couplings

Abstract

An improved back tensioning system for a roll fed printer is provided. A spring loaded arm keeps a roller in direct contact with the outer diameter of the unwind roll. The roller is coupled to a slip clutch that exerts a constant force against the roll of media. Since this system does not apply a torque about the axis of rotation, as was the case in the prior art, the back tension does not vary with unwind roll size. As a result, linear back tension is provided in a manner that critically improves web handling and the printing process. As a result the problem is eliminated by applying resistance directly to the outer diameter of the roll of media.

Claims

1. A back tensioning system for roll fed media, comprising:

a mounting assembly;

a support shaft having a central axis extending between a first end and a second end, said support shaft being received in said mounting assembly and linearly translatable relative thereto;

a spring that urges said first end of said support shaft in a first direction away from said mounting assembly; and

a roller received on the first end of the mounting shaft.

2. The back tensioning system of claim 1, further comprising;

a slip clutch engaged with said roller that provides resistance against rotation of said roller.

3. The back tensioning system of claim 2, wherein the resistance of said slip clutch is adjustable.

4. The back tensioning system of claim 1, wherein said spring urges said roller into contact with an outer surface of a roll of media, said roller exerting a uniform resistance against rotation of the roll of media.

5. The back tensioning system of claim 4, further comprising;

a slip clutch engaged with said roller that provides resistance against rotation of said roller.

6. The back tensioning system of claim 5, wherein the resistance of said slip clutch is adjustable.

7. The back tensioning system of claim 4, wherein central axis of the shaft is vertically offset relative to an axis of rotation of said roll of media.

8. A back tensioning system for roll fed media, comprising:

a frame;

support means within said frame for receiving a roll of media, said media being rotatable relative to said support means; and

a back tensioning assembly including;

a mounting assembly affixed to said frame;

a support shaft having a central axis extending between a first end and a second end, said support shaft being received in said mounting assembly and linearly translatable relative thereto;

a roller received on the first end of the mounting shaft; and

a spring that urges said first end of said support shaft in a first direction into contact with an outer surface of said roll of media, said roller exerting a uniform resistance against rotation of the roll of media.

9. The back tensioning system of claim 8, further comprising;

a slip clutch engaged with said roller that provides resistance against rotation of said roller.

10. The back tensioning system of claim 9, wherein the resistance of said slip clutch is adjustable.

11. The back tensioning system of claim 8, wherein central axis of the shaft is vertically offset relative to an axis of rotation of said roll of media.

12. The back tensioning system of claim 8, wherein said frame is configured for engagement with a printer device wherein said roll fed media is supplied to said printer.

13. A media feed system for a printer, comprising:

a frame configured for engagement with a printer device;

support means within said frame for receiving a roll of media and feeding said media to said printer; and

a back tensioning assembly including;

a mounting assembly affixed to said frame;

a support shaft having a central axis extending between a first end and a second end, said support shaft being received in said mounting assembly and linearly translatable relative thereto;

a roller received on the first end of the mounting shaft; and

a spring that urges said first end of said support shaft in a first direction into contact with an outer surface of said roll of media, said roller exerting a uniform resistance against rotation of the roll of media.

14. The media feed system of claim 13, further comprising;

a slip clutch engaged with said roller that provides resistance against rotation of said roller.

15. The media feed system of claim 14, wherein the resistance of said slip clutch is adjustable.

16. The media feed system of claim 13, wherein central axis of the shaft is vertically offset relative to an axis of rotation of said roll of media.