Modular printer system

TITLE MODULAR PRINTER SYSTEM.

INVENTOR

DARALD R. SCHULTZ GEORGE E. CHADIMA JR.

PRIORITY¹

USA DOM. BREV. N. 227. 195 OF 2 AUGUST 1988

ROME, 18/10/1991

THE MANAGER (GIOVANNA MORELLI)

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Regi slro A

Protocol No.

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MINISTRY OF TRADE AND CRAFTS INDUSTRY

Provincial Office for Commerce, Trade and Crafts in Milan

COPY OF THE REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL INVENTION COVER

The year 1989 the SEVEN day of the month of JULY

THE

Norand Corporation {Company organized and existing in accordance with O of I with headquarters of the State of Delaware (USA)) of US nationality in Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 (USA) by authorized agents: Dr. E. Klausner, Ing. V. Valle, piR Monti and electively domi ci fiat to the effects of law in Milan · Via customs, the presses affect 1nl «tn * tt« n ·! · BravatiI ln (. C.6REG0R JS, pA.

submitted to me, signed:

- Stamp duty for the grant of a PATENT FOR INDUSTRIAL INVENTION with TITLE '

Modular printer system

Inventori designated: 1. Darald R. SCHULTZ, 2. George E. CHADIMA, Jr.

Priority of the patent application in: USA No. 227-1 95 of August 2, 1988 accompanied by:

- Description in duplo of n. 64 pages of writing.

- Drawings, tables n. 8 in Kùptacx provid.

- Letter of assignment XBRaSiaEàSiS ^ XMffiÌMdmxi ^ XMXRiKSCMex (reserve)

- Priority document 'and Italian translation (reserve)' Deed of sale, (reserve)

- Designation act of the inventor.

• Payment certificate on the postal current account n.00668004 made payable to the Tax and Concessions Register Office of Rome under Law 734 · ΟΟΟ issued by the Off. Postal of Milan 32 on 7 · 7 · 89 π. 0122

- Revenue stamp of L. 5.000.II found referred to in this application does not constitute the subject of other deposits of the same content, wherever made in Italy on the same date, by the same owner.

The application, descriptions and drawings listed above have been signed by the applicant and co-signed by me with the official stamp.

SITANTE

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For certified copy to the original

-YO specifies that the stamp duty was paid in accordance with circular letter no^is 163/83 of the UCB, subject to any additions that will be requested by the same during the concession. »

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THE OFFICER RO V airW employee

............................ fOttgUaltao-If ^

p. the Director (Benito Boschetto) THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE / Norma Sj

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j both of US nationality. j | PRIORITY OF THE PATENT APPLICATION FOR INVENTION ,! ì INDUSTRIAL IN_L : ~ ...... ........ i

USA: No. 227.195 of August 2, 1988

I the following documents are attached to this: J,

1. - Description in duplo.

the

2. - Drawings, 8 tables in provision. ___ __________

3. - Letter of assignment (reserve) j.

4. - Att / n and payment of the prescribed fees. ...

i 5. - Revenue stamp from L. 500_0. = _______ __________

6. - Priority document with Italian translation .....

i! (reserve) ___ j.

the

7. - Deed of assignment_ (reserve) __________________ ^; ί

8. - Designation act of the Inventors. _____________________j.

^ Milan, 7 July 1989. __________________ t ......................................- .. ..... ---------------------------------- 1 (pi R. Monti) ί n. albo 38 - - ί

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Description of the patent for industrial invention having the title:

Modular printer system on behalf of: Norand Corporation at: 550 Second Street, SE,

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 (USA) of American nationality and electively dominated by his agents: Dr. E. Klausner,

Ing.V.Valle, piRMonti, in Milan, Via Dogana 1 (International Patent Office Ing.C. Gregorj SpA) filed on 7 JUL. 1989 _No.. 2112 3A / 89

-OOO-ORIASSUNTO

The basic elements of a modular printer system may comprise an open type rectangular frame with housings for a printer module and a computer terminal module and with an external configuration such as to allow the reception of the modular components represented , for example, from a carrying handle, from a support foot, from a support bracket of the module for auxiliary terminal and a module for an AC adapter. 1 respective different modules for paper trays can be selected fe.7. B. Monti) n. register 38 fixed to the open frame, in order to form a bottom closure and to obtain a magazine for appropriate circuit panels and for an external battery, if required, and also containing an appropriate reserve of paper for the printer (this reserve being constituted , for example, 50 sheets, or 200 sheets). The respective terminal adapter modules can allow the fixing of computerized terminals of different generations, to the chassis, for data transfer to the printer. The respective printer modules can adapt different printer models to the frame, while each of these printer modules can be reversible in the frame, in order to allow different applications, for example as a portable unit, that is, for example , as a unit mounted on board a vehicle, with internal, external and / or remote assembly of terminal modules.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in particular, to printer devices of the type used, for example, in connection with the supply of products to retail stores. In a field considered as off-site accounting 'fa t. Mo / u albo 36 (route accounting), a computerized terminal maintains information concerning the price and quantity, concerning various products that must be fed to a series of shops, while a printer unit is used to carry out a printed registration for every customer. The printer can be transported to any shop, with the terminal, or the printer can be part of the fixed equipment within a vehicle used for delivery.

In a typical namic accounting system, as previously defined, a modular printer device, of the tile holder type, can comprise a bag containing the printer unit. Preferably, these portable systems have a socket for the plug-in coupling of a computerized terminal.

In the past, systems capable of guaranteeing printing capacity on eighty colon, have used portable configurations which are associated with relatively high costs, higher than the cost of the basic printer unit and moreover, these systems increase, to a considerable extent , the basic weight of the (pL R. Monti) 0&gt; register 38 _tp. S. fì. Jewelry O »register 38 printer.

Obviously, it would be advisable to create a portable printer system that requires only minimal additions, in terms of cost and weight, to the corresponding parameters associated with the basic printer.

It would be ideal that a standardized modular construction could also be applicable to printer systems, of the non-portable type and capable of easily receiving computerized terminals having different configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Consequently, a main object of the invention is to provide a portable type printer device which only increases the cost and weight of a basic printer unit to a minimal extent.

A further object of the invention is to provide a modular printer device which is particularly compact and which has dimensions convenient for portable use and which can be easily converted for use in non-portable applications as commonly occurs in the field of circular dynamic accounting previously defined.

Another related object is to provide a basic frame construction, of a standardized type, easily adaptable to the reception of printer units, of the perfected type and of more compact computerized terminal configurations which would become economically more interesting.

A particularly advantageous version of the invention uses an open frame construction, of the standardized type, to receive a modular printer assembly and a modular terminal assembly. The frame can have an external configuration that allows it to easily receive a carrying handle and / or other accessories that are appropriate for a portable device or to receive a support bracket for an auxiliary terminal that facilitates its use as a system not portable.

A paper tray module, for the printer unit, can intrinsically form the bottom closure part for the standard open frame and can be used, with the frame, as part of a watertight container for the modular printer assembly. The printer container module can allow the printer to be reversed by one hundred and eighty degrees, so that it can adapt to a mounting for portable use or for use on vehicles. A low-cost adapter means for the printer can adapt a printer container module to different printer units, while an economic and low-weight terminal module can be used to adapt the standard frame to configurations of terminals having different sizes, of a family of terminals.

Other specific objects, features and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the analysis of the following detailed description, which must be considered in conjunction with the attached drawings and will be more evident from the respective individual characteristics set out in the claims set out in the appendix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view, somewhat diagrammatic, illustrating a modular printer system configured as a unitary device, of the portable type, such a system incorporating the teachings and concepts of the present invention; ., R. Monti)

π. albo 38 figure 2 is an exploded view in which a terminal and the corresponding receiving module of the terminal, and a printer module, containing a printer unit, have been represented according to an exploded view in positions distant from the respective casings in a open frame, of a standardized type which has a tray module for the paper, assembled as a bottom closing element of the frame itself;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view, somewhat diagrammatic, similar to that shown in Figure 2, but illustrating the case in which the open frame, of the standardized type, with the associated paper containment tray, which operates as a complex bottom closure, it is also equipped with a cradle, or support frame, used as an auxiliary housing for the reception of the modular terminal assembly and illustrating the modular printer assembly in accordance with an inverted orientation with respect to what is represented in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view, somewhat schematic, similar to that shown in Figure 3, but illustrating the cradle for the terminal, arranged at an opposite side of the open frame;

Figure 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of the carrying handle, illustrating the handle, as it appears when removed from the remaining parts of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of a portable version of the invention, as actually constructed;

Figure 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic cross section of the version schematized in Figure 6 and illustrating the internal construction in correspondence of the terminal module of the portable device;

figure 8 is a somewhat diagrammatic cross section of the version schematized in figure 6, illustrating the case of the printer and other internal parts in correspondence with a rear receiving portion which receives the module for the printer, relative to the portable version of the Figures 6 and 7, the printer cover and the

- 9 printer module having been removed from the printer case, in order to highlight the rear wall of the printer case;

Figure 9 is a somewhat diagrammatic top plan view of the portable version of the invention, with the printer module, the printer cover and the closing strip of the instrument panel, removed for the purpose of highlight the internal construction of the printer case and the paper tray module;

Figure 10 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal section of the portable version of the assembly schematically shown in Figure 6;

Figure 11 is a partial longitudinal section, somewhat diagrammatic, and on the larger scale, illustrating the printer module, inside the printer housing and indicating a rotated position of the printer module, as indicated by dash and dot lines , where access is guaranteed to the paper tray holding tray of the paper tray module;

figure 12 is a side view in

- 1st elevation, somewhat diagrammatic, of an adapter module for alternating current, which can replace the base in correspondence with the left part of the portable version schematized in figure 6, so as to allow the operation of the printer system of the figures

6-11 with AC power supply from the commercial network;

Figure 13 is a partial cross section, somewhat diagrammatic, illustrating the adapter module for alternating current, represented in Figure 12, functionally fixed to the portable version of Figures 6-11, in place of the base or support element;

Figure 14 is a partial elevational view, somewhat diagrammatic, illustrating the front end of the AC adapter module of Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 15 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of a non-portable version of the printing system, using the frame module and other components shown in Figures 6-11, suitably repositioned in such a way as to make the complex particular. R. Monti) n. register 38 suitable for mounting on a delivery vehicle, or the like; and figure 16 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal section of the device shown in figure 15 and illustrating the use of a paper tray module, having a greater capacity than that shown in figures 6-11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a portable, modular and unitary printer device, indicated generically in

10, said device comprising an open frame module 11, of a standardized type, having a paper tray module 12 assembled with the assembly under consideration and forming a bottom closure element.

Within the open frame module 11 there is mounted a terminal module 14, equipped with a hinged lid 15 and a printer module 16 having a paper exit slot 16A, this slot being selectively covered by means of a strip cover 17 can be moved laterally.

A transport handle 18 results in engagement, with the possibility of sliding, with ίτ

-12 /-./ ,. ; λ C't'4 an external side of the open frame 11.;

As can be seen from the analysis of Figure 2, the open frame 11 is formed by four elements of the frame 21-24, arranged in a rectilinear way, and by a single additional element of the frame, or transversal element which divides the open frame, so as to form a compartment 26 for the terminal and a compartment 27 for the printer.

As shown in figure 2, the module 14 for the terminal has lower surfaces, directed horizontally, indicated in 14A and 14B, in correspondence with the four sides of the same, which are offset upwards with respect to a bottom part 14C of the module for the terminal. The lateral walls, arranged vertically represented, for example, by the walls 14D and 14E, extend from the external perimeter of the bottom part 14C to the internal edges of the surfaces such as, for example, 14A and 14B. The module for the terminal, indicated at 14, can be inserted in the housing, or compartment 26, while the surfaces represented, for example, by the surfaces 14A and 14B remain on four portions with a ledge, arranged

3

H. Montll rectilinearly, marked by references - or. albo 38 minds 23A and 24B, formed by the elements of the frame 21, 23, 24 and 25. These slat portions, in correspondence with their internal edges, are opposite the side walls of the module for the terminal, represented, for example , from the walls 14D and 14E, when the module for the terminal is assembled with them.

Therefore, the strip portions represented, for example, by the portions 23A, 24A of the elements 21, 23, 24 and 25 of the frame can be considered as defining, primarily, the housing, or compartment 26 of the module for the terminal.

Similar strip portions, indicated, for example, in 23A and 25A of the frame elements 21, 22, 23 and 25 support the upwardly offset surfaces, indicated in 16A and 16B, of the printer module 16 and are opposite to the side walls constituted, for example, by the walls 16C and 16B and can essentially be considered as defining the compartment 27 for housing the module for the printer.

Module 14 for the printer receives,

4 removably, the computerized terminal 30, after opening the cover element 15 schematized in figure 1. By way of example, the module 14 for the terminal can have an internal space with dimensions such as to receive terminals of the known type represented, for example , from model 121XL and model 141XL terminals of ^ Norand Corporation, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (USA).

These terminals 30 have a display region 31, a keyboard region 32 and a compartment region 33 for the batteries, said terminals being able to be used for off-site accounting operations, by way of illustrative example. The terminal 30 can have an electrical interface, for example at its end 35, which can comprise a 15-pin connector which adapts to a complementary connector present inside the module 14, when the corresponding terminal is inserted in the own form. A terminal 30, of the computerized type, can weigh approximately one kilogram, with the inclusion of the batteries, the memory, and the communication adapter. As it occurs with the current printers of

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Norand Corporation, the electrical interface, in _η„Register 38, correspondence of point 35 and other components of terminal 30, can allow the supply of data to the interface of the module for the terminal, to allow printing, with the aid of the printer unit contained in the module 16 for the printer.

By way of example, the module 16 for the printer can have an internal configuration such as to receive a printer with eighty columns, available on the market, which can print on continuous paper, folded for sale, with three copies, fed by the module as a paper tray, this paper continuously, for example, having a width between 127 mm (5.0 inches) and 254 mm (10 inches). An example of a printer of this type is the Citizen MFS-20 printer.

The paper tray module 12 for a portable device can have, for example, a capacity of fifty sheets of three copies of paper. As an option, for a non-portable device, as shown in Figure 3, a paper tray module can have a capacity of two hundred three-copy sheets.

2 illustrates the frame member 21 as including an upper flange portion 21A and a lower flange portion 21B having opposite edges overlying a central portion 21C of the body, in order to define a guide 37 for receiving a member a slide 38 (figure 5), integral with the carrying handle 18. A similar guide 39 is defined by the flange portions of the frame element 23.

Considering Figure 3, it can be noted that the open frame 11 and the paper tray module 12 can be identical and also provide, in this case, a non-portable subcomplex 40, which may differ from the portable device 10 in effect. the absence of the handle 18, while a bracket of the side arm 41 is connected to the frame 11. Staf fa 41 can form a cradle, or support frame for the terminal, with a compartment 42 for the terminal module which receives a terminal module identical to that received by the portable device 10. The compartment 27 for the module for the printer is identical to that of the device

7 ₍y, L «. &gt; 'onf.O portable 10, so as to allow the re r, hbn ??

design of the module 16 for a printer, in accordance with the same orientation shown in figure 1, or in an inverted position, as illustrated in figure 2. A second terminal can be arranged at the point 42 indicated in figure 3, in which the second terminal can be automatically maintained in a charge condition by means of the action exerted by a battery charger connected to the vehicle power system.

A lifting lid, of the lockable type, of the module 14 can hold a terminal 30, in a similar way as indicated in the booklet number

960-382-509 of the Norand Corporation (copyright

1985 ) and concerning a data system used for the distribution of bakery products. The content of this leaflet is intended to be incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety, for the purpose of providing general information regarding the exemplary operation of the computerized terminal 30 and the illustrated printing systems.

Figure 4 illustrates a subcomplex

40 'for printers, not portable type, identi

- 18 (p. Ί. Β. Monti) with sub-complex 40, except for the fact that n. albo 33 bracket 41 of the side arm is mounted on the left side of the compartment 27 for the printer module, instead of being mounted on the right side, as shown in figure 3. In figure 4, the compartment 26 for the module for the terminal has been indicated as ready to receive a second module for another terminal, so that, when desired, two terminals, of the type indicated in 30 in the fi figure 4. For example, a terminal, at 26, can be recharged, while the second terminal 30 is removed from a module for the terminal fixed in compartment 42, for use during delivery to a retail store, or similar.

According to what is better represented in figure 4, the bracket 41 of the side arm can present a sliding member 41A in tegral with the same, this sliding member being engageable, with the possibility of sliding, in the guide 37 (figure 3) or in the guide (figure 4). Appropriate means, not shown, may retain the handle or the support frame of the terminal, according to an assembly relation towards the frame, for example by means of the use of screws, or the like. In a similar way, the terminal module and the printer module can be fixed to the open frame, for example by means of fasteners, of the threaded type.

By way of example, the portable printer device 10, schematically shown in Figure 1, can essentially consist of an open frame 11 equipped with a carrying handle 18, a tray module 12 for paper, fixed to the open frame 11, of a module 14 for a terminal, fixed to the open frame 11 and of a module 16 for a printer, fixed to the open frame 11 and containing a printer unit which can be easily removed from the module 16 for the printer, in order to ensure rapid access to the tray 12 containing the sheets of paper. The module 14 for the terminal can receive, removably, a computerized terminal represented, for example, by the terminal 30 schematized in Figure 2, essentially as illustrated in the brochure

960-382-509, of 1985, in the case of a system) register 38 to of a printer mounted on a vehicle, or for

- 20 11 case of a loader system for multiple terminals (except that a manually operated lock can be replaced by a locking element on the hinged cover 15) ·

The module, for the terminal, used for a given configuration of a terminal is essentially similar to that used for portable and non-portable devices. The terminal module can be replaced at the place of use by the customer by using simple tools, so that the customer can replace an original module for a terminal with another module for a new terminal represented for example, from a smaller terminal

By way of example, a non-portable printing device may essentially consist of a sub-assembly 40, or

40 ', formed by the open frame 11 and the paper tray, together with a cradle 41 for the terminal, in correspondence with an arm the terale and a printer module 16 fixed to the frame 10. The module 16 contains, also in in this case, a printer unit which can be easily removed, so as to obtain lp, i. .beta.. Monti) n. albo 38 h Mon black quick access to the tray module for,_?1&gt; albo 38 the paper, to allow the reintegration of the sheets of feeding paper.

In portable and non-portable devices, the printer and the keyboard of the terminal are preferably operated without having to remove or lift a cover. The overall dimensions of each device, excluding parts 18 or 41, may be less than 140 mm (5.5 inches) as height, 394 mm (15.5 inches) as width and 368 mm (14.5 inches) ) as depth. The portable device, with an autonomous rechargeable battery (not shown), for the printer unit, can have a weight of less than 5.43 kg (12 pounds), excluding the terminal 30. The battery, when fully charged, can ensure that 10,000 printed lines are obtained.

A battery charger, from direct current to direct current, can represent an optional source that allows you to charge the battery used for the printer overnight, starting from the battery of a motor vehicle, as is the case, for example. , for the case printer, model NP2O7 of the Norand Corporation.

As in the systems described in the brochure

960-382-509 of 1985, previously mentioned, the portable and non-portable systems described in the course of this discussion, allow the communication of data from the terminal

30, through the module for terminal 14, to the printer unit associated with module 16 for the printer. For example, the printer unit can be equipped with a mobile cable for receiving electricity, data and control signals. The length of the printer cable may be sufficient to allow the plug of the same to be inserted in an appropriate socket of the corresponding printer, before assembling the unit with the printer module for the printer.

The portable unit can be equipped with an alternating current to direct current battery charger, capable of operating from the normal alternating current power supply network, to allow charging of the batteries of a terminal 30 inserted in the module for terminal 14 and to charge the printer battery. As an example, the chargefp./. R. Monti) n. register 38

- 23 battery can be placed in an additional space inside the paper tray 12, together with the battery for the printer. An adjacent socket, for electricity, can receive, with the possibility of disconnection, an AC power cable, in order to allow the supply of the normal AC mains voltage to the battery charger, during the battery charging operation .

Suitable waterproof covers can be provided for the portable device and the same can be snapped onto the module 14 for the terminal and module 16 for the printer. Alternatively, suitable velcro strips can be applied to the mating edges of the open frame 11 and of an upper cover thereof.

To facilitate the assembly on a motor vehicle of the non-portable device, the printer module 16 can be assembled in the compartment 27, in accordance with a first orientation, with the front of the printer adjacent to the frame element 22, according to what to represented in Figure 2, or in accordance with

4 ,. h, V 1, 4 Lo 3 ​​a second reverse orientation, with the rear of the printer adjacent to the frame element 22, as shown in Figure 3. The cradle, or support frame 40 of the terminal, can be fixed to any of the two opposite sides of the open frame 11, as shown in figures 3 and 4, respectively.

The communication of the data between the module 14 of the terminal and the module 16 of the printer or, preferably, the printer unit contained in the same, can take place through optical couplers and optical fiber ducts printed in the open frame 11. The optocouplers can be provided at the elements 25 and 22 of the frame (figure 2), so as to allow the housing of a single optocoupler of the printer unit, or the printer unit can be equipped of two optocouplers, in parallel, each aligned with a single optocoupler.

on the frame 11, for a respective orientation of the two different orientations of the printer module and the printer.

A mounting plate for a van

- 25, or motor vehicle (not shown), can be equipped with means that allow the adjustment of the inclination, so that the angle of the printer device, of a modular type, can be optimized in a non-portable system .

As in the system described in the brochure 960-382-509 of 1985, the power supply for charging the batteries of the terminal and the printer can be obtained from the power supply system of the vehicle in which the printer device is installed, of modular type.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 6-16

Figure 6 represents a perspective view illustrating a commercial version of a printer device, of the modular type 100, in the portable version, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As in the previous version, the device comprises a standardized, open frame 111 module which receives a module 114 for a terminal and a module 116 for a printer. In this practical embodiment, a cover 117 of the printer has an exit slot 117A for ip. Λ fi. Monti) Π, register 38 / οΛ Η,¹ ι, ϊ- · '· the card. A control panel 118 may indicate drive regions comprising, for example, a page feed actuator 118A and a top page actuator 118B.

The open frame module 111 can have a configuration similar to the frame 11 of Figure 2 and, in any practical embodiment, the frame can have an integral unitary construction and can be made of a structural plastic working model (for example Noryl

FN-215), so as to allow obtaining the desired strength and rigidity, with a minimum material weight. The left and right frame elements 121 and 123 have upper and lower flange portions similar to the flanges 21 A, 21B (figure 2) which embrace, with the possibility of protection, the module

114 for the terminal, module 116 for the printer and module 112 for the paper holding tray.

According to what is better represented in Figure 7, the frame elements 121 and 123 have central grooves which have been represented as being capable of receiving an i. Π-^ΜοηίΠ (ι, register 38 internal rib structure 130A of a base member 130 and a basic rib structure 140A of a handle member 140. Suitable fastening elements, of a threaded type represented, for example, by those indicated in 141 and 142 in Figure 8, the members 130 and 140 can be fixed with the frame 111. According to what is illustrated in Figure 6, a base 140B of the handle member 140 can extend for 1¹whole length of the frame element 123, so as to completely cover the central groove present therein.

According to what is represented in fi.

Figure 7, the terminal module 114 has an elongated recess 114A which allows the alternative movement of a retaining bracket 150 of the terminal. A portable terminal, corresponding to the terminal 30 schematically shown in the figure

2, has been indicated with dotted lines in

152 in Figure 7, this terminal being arranged in accordance with a coupling relationship with respect to the module 114 for the terminal.

Terminal 152 is disengaged from the terminal module by sliding the retaining bracket 150 to the right, considering the fi

11.1. hall 7, in opposition to the action exerted by a spring means arranged in a bottom portion of the module 114 for the terminal. The spring means acts on the bracket 150 with a force sufficient to guarantee the coupling of a socket of the terminal 1 52 with a connector

154 of the plug-in type, associated with the module

114 for the terminal. Connector 154 is connected to the electrical circuit assembly of the printer device 100, by means of a cable indicated in 160. As previously described, connector 154 and cable 160 allow data communication between the terminal indicated in 152 and a unit a printer associated with module 116 for the printer.

In accordance with what is shown in Figure 7, the module 114 for the terminal is formed by a base 170 for holding the terminal, made of molded plastic material (represented, for example, by the product

Cycolac KJW, Borg Warner). The base 170 can be fixed, by means of screws with integral projections with the elements of the underlying frame, corresponding to the elements 24 and 25 of Figure 2.

The base 170 has a double wall configuration at its opposite longitudinal ends, so that the cable 160 can extend within an enclosed chamber 172.

As shown in Figure 8, the paper tray module 112 of the portable device 100 can be equipped with a compartment suitable for holding fifty sheets of paper, this compartment having been indicated at 112 and being used to contain a stock of paper which must be automatically fed to the printer mechanism. The paper tray 112-1 schematized in figure 16 is equipped with a large compartment 180-1 for sheets of paper, capable of holding 200 sheets which can be automatically fed to a printing mechanism. The module

112-1 with a paper containment tray, having a greater capacity, is normally associated with a non-portable device such as, for example, the one shown in figures 15 and 16. The modules 112 and 112-1 with tray for paper, can be identical, except for the difference in capacity of the runners, ί. H. Motta n. albo 3 · spondenti compartments for the containment of the paper

According to what is shown, diagrammatically, in figures 7, 9 and 10, the retaining base 170 for the terminal, can have a lowered central part of the bottom 190, of the integral type (figure 7), with two erect integral projections 191, 192 ( Figure 9) which are used to fix the ends of a tension spring generally indicated at 194. The bracket

150 it includes a sliding piece, with a slide 200, having a dependent integral projection

201 around which an intermediate region 194A of the spring 194 can extend.

As better represented in figure 10, the slider piece 200 can have dependent integral branches, with feet bent outwards indicated, for example, in 211, which can come into mutual engagement with listel parts as indicated, for example , in

215, which are integral with the base 170 for holding the terminal. The upper edges of the listel parts, indicated at 215, are chamfered, for example for a distance of about mm (0.040 inches), at forty-five degrees, at their internal edges, in a 'fi' way. Moni η, albo 38 such that the pin indicated, for example, in 211

- 31 (¢. /. Λ. Monti) can be moved, cam, inwards, II. albo 38 when the retaining sliding bracket 150 is pressed downwards during assembly with the terminal retaining base 170. The feet 211 engage in engagement with the strips represented, for example, by the strip 215, so as to retain the parts in accordance with an assembly relationship while allowing, at the same time, the longitudinal sliding movement of the retaining bracket

50.

As can be seen from the analysis of Figures 7, 9 and 10, the connector 154 has an associated alignment pin

220 which comes into engagement with a receiving seat on terminal 152 and ensures reliable inter-engagement of the connector pins and seats, despite manufacturing tolerances. The lowered bottom part 190 of the retaining base of the terminal, allows to obtain a free space 221 (figure 9), in which the sliding piece 200 can move, in order to allow the insertion of one end of the terminal a computer

152 (Figure 7), below the lip 222 of the retaining bracket 150, while allowing, at the same time, the opposite end of the terminal 152 to be lowered in accordance with an alignment of engagement towards the pin

220 while, subsequently, the 150-way bracket allowed it to move to the left (considering figure 7) until the terminal

152 is engaged with the connector

154, ready for a data transfer operation.

In a practically constructed embodiment, the strips represented, for example, by the strip 215, had a length approximately equal to 137 mm (5.4 inches), while the outwardly folded feet indicated, for example, at 211, they were approximately 101 mm (4 inches) in length. The length of the sliding piece 200 was 231.14 mm (9.1 inches), while the sliding path with inclusion of the free space 221 was 259 mm (10.2 inches), the sliding piece 200 being movable, lon gitudinally, for a distance equal to approximately 25.4 mm (1 inch), against the action it exerted

ÌVlQi'i '!?. q! bo 36 nested by spring 194.

(pl fl- Monti)

n. up"³⁸

To fix the module 114 for the terminal to the open frame 111, the open frame is equipped with four integral tabs indicated, for example, in 231 in Figure 10, these tabs having internally threaded sleeves, to receive the indicated screws, to example, in 232 in figures 9 and 10.

As can be seen from the analysis of figures 7 and 10, a sealing strip, or sealing strip 240, extends around the perimeter of the two openings in the frame 111, with an integral edge bent downwards, indicated in 241, of the module 114 for the terminal which is maintained in sealing relation to the sealing strip 240 continuously, around the perimeter of the module for the terminal.

Referring to figures 8 and 10, it can be noted that the module 180 comprising the paper containment tray has projections, or protrusions indicated in 250 in figure 8, in 251 in figure 10 and in 252 in figures 8 and 10, at the respective angles, these projections receiving appropriate screws indicated, for example, in 253, in the

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figure 10 engaging, by means of threads, with the frame 111. In particular, the frame has integral angular tabs indicated, for example, in 254 in figure 8, in 255 in figures 8 and 10 and in 256 in figure 10, with internally threaded sleeves, to receive the screws as indicated, for example, in 253 in figure 10.

As can be seen from the analysis of Figure 9, the paper tray module includes a pair of integral elongated retention elements 261, 262, to receive a battery power supply unit 263 for use during use of the portable device. A printed circuit panel 264, schematized in Figure 7, which occupies a marginal region on the left of the paper tray 112, can have a seat for coupling placed adjacent the elongated element 261 schematized in Figure 9, to receive the voltage of input power, in direct current, from the battery power supply.

In the illustrated version, control panel 118 includes a structural member

270A, equipped with openings, which constitutes an integral part of a container 270, for a printer, made in one piece, of plastic material (for example Cycolac KJM, Borg

Warner). The container, or case, has a rectangular configuration, generally open and hangs over four elements of the frame

111 (corresponding to the elements of the frame 21,

22, 23, 25, figure 2). The housing 270 includes a rectangular perimeter part 271 (figure

10) which engages, in a continuous and sealed manner, the sealing strip, or sealing strip 240.

The frame 111 includes an integral transversal piece 280, schematized in figure 10, with integral tongue portions, indicated, for example, in 281 in figure 10, which have threaded sleeves to which they are fixed, by means of screws, indicated, for example, in 284, of the flanges above, indicated in 282 (figures 9 and 10) and 283 (figure

9) of the case, or container 270 of the printer. The corner tabs 254 and 255 (figure

8) of the frame 111 are engaged, by means of threads, with the angular parts 287 of the flange (figures 8 - 10) and 288 (figures 8 and 9), as indicated by the screw 291 (figures 9 and 10).

- 36 ίρ. IR Monti)

The printer housing 270 is equipped with integral ribs, protruding towards 1¹ internally, at opposite sides thereof, which define the support means of the module for the printer 301, 302 (figures 9 and 10). The purpose of the support means 301, 302 will be described below with more details, with specific reference to Figure 11.

As can be seen from the analysis of Figure 10, each of the support means includes a vertical guide channel indicated, for example, in 301A, which connects with an arcuate guide channel, indicated, for example, in 301B,

As can be seen from the analysis of Figure 8, a rear wall element

270B of the printer housing 270, has a series of five notches that leave the strips exposed, as indicated in 311, which come into mutual engagement with hook parts integral with the vertical ribs, indicated, for example, in 312 in figure 10. This allows a hinged coupling of the rear wall 117B of the cover 117 with the rear wall 270B of the printer housing, the front edge of the cover 117 having a

- 37% pl R. Monti] series of cam hooks such as, for example, n. albo 38 indicated in 314, which can be snapped in engagement with an edge 315 of the housing 270 of the printer. When the lid

117 it is opened, the same can be completely removed by pulling the integral hooks of the ribs 312, forward, so as to disengage them from the notches 310.

The rear wall element 270B (Figure 10) has a sealing strip 320 attached thereto, which comes into engagement with a lower edge of the wall of the cover 117B, when the cover 117 is in the.

the corresponding closed position. The cover 117 has a further sealing strip 321 which, together with the sealing strip 320, extends along the entire closure area of ​​the cover 117. A strip

330, made of soft and transparent plastic material, can be fixed in a recess 331 (figure 6), for example by means of an adhesive in

332 (Figure 10), so that a flap 33OA of the strip 330 can normally cover the exit slit 117A of the paper sheet while allowing, at the same time, the paper sheets to

3. are now fed from the slit under consideration during the printing operation.

Figure 11 illustrates a module for the printer 350, inter-engaged with the housing

270 the printer. In particular, the printer module is equipped with an articulated frame 351, generally U-shaped, made with the use of a metal and obtained by pressing, which adapts various mechanisms for printers, commercially available, indicated in

352, to the case 270 of the printer.

The articulated frame 351 has upright side flanges such as the flange

351 A, each of which supports a rotating shaft with a disk 355 which fits into a conforming receiving slot, according to what is indicated in 356 (Figure 10) of the support means 301, 302 (Figure 9) of the printing module !

you. A limit stop pin 360 (figure 11), of each side flange of the mobile frame, has a diameter smaller than that of the disk

355, so as to be able to move freely, in the vertical channel 301A and in the arcuate channel 301B (Figure 10).

The rotating frame 351 of the module 350

- 39 for the printer, it is also equipped with a pair of flanges directed in the longitudinal direction indicated, for example, in 351B, which support the locking mechanisms for rotation 361. The locking mechanisms include, individually, a sleeve 362 to which an extended position is associated, as indicated by dotted lines and point in 362-1 and which can be moved, in opposition to the action exerted by a compression spring 364, when the printer module rotates clockwise, as shown in figure 11, from the inactive position 350-1 to the active position indicated with solid lines in 350. When the sleeve

362 retracts, a tab 366, shaped like a rod, moves through a complementary elongated slit, indicated in 367, present in a tab indicated, for example, in 288 in figure 9. When the tab 366 reaches a position below of the tongue 288, a cam action between the sleeve 362 and the wing of the flap, can cause a rotation of the flap 366 of a small entity, with interΙβ.1. R. Moni!) '&amp;, Register 38 locking against tongue 288. To release the flap 366, the module for the

- 40 - · Ρ · Μ- Monti) »» „Cbo 38 printer is made to oscillate slightly clockwise, against the action exerted by the spring 364 and, consequently, the flap 366 is realigned with its own slit 367 for the purpose to allow the anti-clockwise rotation movement of the module for the printer, until the position is reached

350-1.

The rotating frame 350 also includes a central curved extension 3510, arranged between the longitudinal flanges 351B and capable of forming a smooth guide face 370 for the sheets of paper, which forms part of a path for feeding the paper, indicated in 371.

When the printer module is moved to the 350-1 position by rotation, the paper path can be extended, as indicated in 371-1.

Figures 12-14 illustrate an adapter module for alternating current 400, which can be easily applied to the portable version schematized in figures 6-11, replacing the base member 130. For this purpose, the module 400 is equipped with threaded sleeves. internally, in 401-403, so that they can align with the respective openings represented, for example, by those that receive the screws 141 (Figure 8). The frame module of figures 13 and 14 can be identical to the frame module 111 of figures 6-11 and, therefore, the same reference numbers, the opening 410 (figure 13) have been adopted in figures 13 and 14 being covered by the base member 130 in figures 6-11.

The adapter module 400 can have a pair of raised flat parts indicated, for example, at 400A in Figure 13, so that they can rest stably on a flat surface, with the handle moving above. The module 400 has the external closing walls 411-416 and rests, at the head, against the frame element 121, so as to form a first chamber 421 open only at one end

421A and a second closed chamber 422, at both ends, by means of the walls 414 and 416.

A Hindu power cord 430 of a spiral wound section 430A, contained in the chamber 421 and a further section

42 430Β extending into the chamber 422. An internal terminal portion 430C of the supply cord 430 extends from the chamber 422 to a central chamber 433 and subsequently extends through an opening 410 (Figure 13) present in the frame 111 and in the inside of the portable device. The alternating supply voltage can be supplied to an appropriate supply circuit contained within the portable device. Alternatively, the supply circuit may be arranged within the chamber 422, by way of illustrative example.

As shown in Figures 12 and 14, a classic plug 440 is fixed to the external end of the power cord and when the apparatus is not in use, this plug can be engaged in slots 441 present in a wall closure 416A, at the adjacent end of the chamber 422.

When the power cord 430 must be connected to the alternating network of wings. normal condition, the pin 440 is disengaged from the slots 441 present in the wall

416A and section 430A, spiral wound, streets (pl. Fi. Monti). \ n, register 38 ϊ

extracted from it, in necessary quantity from the chamber 421, through the open end 421.

15 and 16 illustrate a non-portable version 500 which can be made mainly by using the same components as the portable version represented in figures 6-11. In figures 15 "I and 16, the frame module 111 can be similar to the frame module 111 of figures 6-14 and, therefore, this module has the same reference numbers. In figures 15 and 16, the case of the printer is identical to the case i 270 of figures 6-11 and for the same there have been! you adopted the same reference numbers.

Since the printer housing 270 of FIG. 16 has been reversed in the corresponding receiving space of the frame 111, the side walls 121 and 123 of the frame are to the right and left with respect to the control panel! of 118 which is considered to be present at the front of the device.

In FIG. 15, the printer cover 117 and the output slot 117A for! the paper are identical but have an orientation

L IMoritil Jbo 38

- 44 reversed, together with the module for the printer and the container, that is, the housing 270 for the printer.

In figures 15 and 16, the compartment for the terminal module 114 simply receives a cover plate 510, while in place of the base member 130 represented in figure 7, the frame module 111 receives a side bracket 520 for the trminal, fixed to the frame in a manner similar to that previously defined for the base member 130 of Figure 8 or for the AC power supply module 400 of Figure 12. The lateral bracket 520 for the terminal receives an identi terminal module 114. co to that schematized in figure 7. The reference numbers 1 50, 1 52 and 222 reported in. figure 15 indicate parts which have already been described in relation to figures 7 and 9.

The opening 410 (figure 13) in the module for frame 111 has a dimension and is arranged in such a way as to contain the cable 160 (figure 7) for the specific case of the version schematized in figures 15 and 16.

The paper tray module of Figures 15 and 16 may correspond to module a

6? ./. the. Lies) The albo 38 paper tray of figures 7 and 8 but can have a substantially greater depth, so that the paper storage compartment 180-1, represented in figure 16, can contain a substantially greater number of sheets of paper or, for example, two hundred sheets of paper, instead of fifty.

In each of the versions schematized in figures 6-11 and 15, 16, the module for the printer 350 (figure 1) can be completely removed from the unit, vertically aligning the limit pin 360 below the disk

355 (figure 11) and, subsequently, lifting module 350 vertically, so that the pin 360 moves upwards along the channel 301 until the disk is lifted from its receiving recess 356 (figures 9 and 10) .

Electrical connections can be of the plug and socket type, so that the connection can be easily broken and easily re-established.