Drive unit for a band gear in an impression unit for a stamp

Abstract

In some embodiments, a system includes a stamp, a band gear, a bridge, a driver, and a drive unit, in particular an ABU, preferably for a band gear in an impression unit for a stamp (1). The system includes at least an adjustment wheel with a driver, and a so-called bridge. A band is fastened over the driver and around the bridge. When the adjustment wheel is actuated, the band is adjusted via the driver. The driver of the band gear is formed from at least two different materials, in particular a 2C injection-moulded component. The outer component butting against the band or conveyor band, respectively, has a low thickness preferably of less than 1.5 mm, in particular 0.4 to 0.8 mm.

Claims

1. A drive unit for a band gear in an impression unit for a stamp, comprising: at least an adjustment wheel with a driver and a bridge, wherein a band is fastened over the driver and around the bridge, such that, when the adjustment wheel is actuated, the band adjusts via the driver; wherein the driver comprises components that are connected to one another in a mutual contact region in a serrated or gear-shaped manner with notches, and wherein the mutual contact region has areas of lower material thickness which are at most 1.5 mm.

2. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the adjustment wheel and the driver are formed as a single part.

3. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the mutual contact region has areas of low material thickness, which are at most 0.5 mm.

4. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the driver and the bridge have a smooth surface.

5. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein an outer component of the driver is formed from a soft, elastic material with high frictional properties.

6. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the bridge is formed of a 2C injection-moulded component, wherein again an component has a low thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

7. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the bridge is formed with a surface having low frictional properties and high gliding properties.

8. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the adjustment wheel is fastened to a text plate carrier of the impression unit via an axle or extensions formed on the adjustment wheel.

9. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein a plurality of band gears are provided in parallel side by side, to form a date.

10. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes one or more band gears for which different bands with different diameters are formed.

11. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein at least the driver of the band gear is formed from two different materials comprising at least a 2C injection-moulded component.

12. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein an outer component of the driver butts against the band and has a low thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1—depicts a schematic illustration of a stamp, particularly a self-inking stamp, in a resting position; simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(3) FIG. 2—depicts a schematic illustration of the stamp according to FIG. 1 in a printing or stamping position, respectively; simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(4) FIG. 3—depicts a schematic illustration of a drive unit/ABU for an impression unit of a stamp; simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(5) FIG. 4—depicts a an exploded view of the drive unit/ABU according to FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5—depicts a schematic illustration of an adjustment wheel with a driver in 2C design; simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(7) FIG. 6—depicts exemplary embodiments of an adjustment wheel with a driver in 2C design;

(8) simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(9) FIG. 7—depicts a schematic illustration of a bridge for the drive unit/ABU; simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(10) FIG. 8—depicts a schematic illustration of a band gear without bridge; simplified, for illustrative purposes only;

(11) FIG. 9—depicts a sectional view of a band gear according to FIG. 8.

(12) While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

(13) The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The words “include,” “including,” and “includes” indicate open-ended relationships and therefore mean including, but not limited to. Similarly, the words “have,” “having,” and “has” also indicated open-ended relationships, and thus mean having, but not limited to. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth as used herein are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.) unless such an ordering is otherwise explicitly indicated. Similarly, a “second” feature does not require that a “first” feature be implemented prior to the “second” feature, unless otherwise specified.

(14) Various components may be described as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad recitation generally meaning “having structure that” performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the component can be configured to perform the task even when the component is not currently performing that task. As such, the component can be configured to perform the task even when the component is not currently on.

(15) Various components may be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112 paragraph (f), interpretation for that component.

(16) The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims.

(17) It is to be understood the present invention is not limited to particular devices, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a linker” includes one or more linkers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(18) It should be stated by way of introduction that, in the individual embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or same component designations, respectively, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can, by analogy, be transferred mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference numbers or identical component designations, respectively. The position details selected in the description, such as, e.g., top, bottom, lateral, etc., relate to the figure described, and in the event of a change of position, they are to be transferred to the new position by analogy. Individual features or feature combinations from the exemplary embodiments shown and described may also represent independent inventive solutions.

(19) In FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a stamp 1, in particular a self-inking stamp 1, is shown, comprising at least a stamping component 2 and one impression unit 3.

(20) The stamping component 2 consists at least of a top part 4 having a handle element 5 and a bottom part 6 with a pad-receiving element 7. The top part 4 is preferably bow-shaped and comprises one longitudinal bar 8 and two lateral elements 9,10, wherein the lateral elements 9,10 are guided in the bottom part 6. The impression unit 3 is connected via an inverting mechanism 11 in the bottom part 6 connected so as to move synchronously to the top part 4 via an axle and a swivel pin (e.g., axle 26 and swivel pin 12, shown in FIG. 4). So that the impression unit 3 in the bottom part 6 can move from a resting position 13, according to FIG. 1, into a printing or stamping position 14, respectively, according to FIG. 2, upon actuation of the top part 4, in particular upon exertion of pressure onto the handle element 5.

(21) Of course, a different design of a stamp 1 is possible, in which the top part 4 is cap-shaped and during a stamping operation receives the bottom part 6 in its interior, as this is the case in plastic self-inking stamps (e.g. the “Printy 4.0” by Trodat described in AT 507 833 A). In the resting position 13, a text plate 15 mounted on the impression unit 3 buts against an ink cartridge 16 soaked with stamp ink in the pad-receiving element 7. Wherein during a stamping operation for producing a stamp impression the impression unit 3 with the text plate 15 is adjustable or adjusted. The impression unit 3 with the text plate 15 is adjustable or adjusted respectively, via the inverting mechanism 11 from the resting position 13 by a rotational movement into the stamping position 14. For example, the impression unit 3 is rotated around the axle 26, for which the inverting mechanism 11 is provided, in which along a predefined slide track 17 rotation of the impression unit 3 is performed. Such inverting mechanisms 11 and rotational movements, respectively, are known from such self-inking stamps 1, so they will not be described in more detail. It is merely pointed out that in the stamp 1 a rigid slide track 17 is shown, but alternatively a movable slide track (not shown) may be employed. Of course, an equivalent construction of the components with a so-called middle spar, as it is known from the prior art, would also be possible, i.e. identical or aliquot, respectively, parts would be used, but an additional middle spar would be inserted in which a spring for return to the resting position 13 is provided. On the stamp 1 shown, the spring (not shown) for return to the resting position 13 is provided in the lateral web 8,9 and bottom part 6.

(22) Usually such a stamp 1 is equipped with an ABU 18 (assembled band unit 18), also known as drive unit 18, which are integrated into the impression unit 3, as shown. Here, this ABU 18 corresponds to a text plate 15 glued to the impression unit 3, wherein for example a date can be set via the ABU 18. It is also possible to use the drive unit 18 without an additional text plate 15.

(23) FIGS. 3 to 9 show the drive unit 18 or ABU 18, respectively, Wherein the drive unit 18 or ABU 18 comprises at least an adjustment wheel 19 with a driver 20 and a bridge 21, a band 22 or conveyor band 22 being fastened and guided over the driver 19 and the bridge 21. Such a unit, consisting of adjustment wheel 19, driver 20, bridge 21 and band 22, forms a band gear 23, wherein preferably several band gears 23 are arranged in parallel next to one another (e.g., four band gears 23 are arranged to form a date, wherein two band gears 23 are present for the day, one band gear 23 for the month and another band gear 23 for the year), so that the bands 22 are provided with various negative symbols or letters, respectively.

(24) As can be seen from FIG. 4 for an ABU 18 shown for a date, the drive unit 18 has two basic elements 24, 25, which are plugged together to form a basic body. On the basic elements 24, 25 there is on the one hand an axle 26 provided onto which the adjustment wheels 19 with the drivers 20 are plugged, and on the other hand a bridge 21 required for all adjustment wheels 19 and drivers 20, so that the bands 22 from the driver 20 are positioned over the bridge 21. To allow the adjustment wheel 19 and the driver 20 to be plugged on the axle 26, the adjustment wheel 19 and the driver 20 have corresponding openings 27. To protect against soiling, a protective cap 28 can be plugged onto the drive unit 18.

(25) FIGS. 5 and 6 show the solution using two exemplary embodiments on a one-part adjustment wheel 19 with the driver 20 (e.g., the adjustment wheel 19 and the driver 20 form a single plastic part). Wherein it is possible, however, that the two parts are two separate components which are fastened to each other in such a way that the driver 20 is rotated together with the adjustment wheel 19 when the latter is rotated. Preferably, however, as shown, the adjustment wheel 19 and driver 20 assembly are formed as a single part.

(26) It is essential here that at least the driver 20 of the band gear 23 is formed from two different materials, in particular from a 2C injection-moulded component 29,30, The outer component 30 butting against the band 22 or conveyor band 22, respectively, has a low thickness 31 (e.g., less than 1.5 mm, in particular 0.4 to 0.8 mm). In the one-part 2C assembly shown, consisting of the adjustment wheel 19, the driver 20, which is formed by the components 29,30, the adjustment wheel 19 and the component 29 are formed from the same material (e.g., ABS or PS or the like). Whereas the component 30 is formed from a soft material with high frictional properties (e.g., from thermoplastic elastomers such as TPE or TPV, or silicone or rubber or the like).

(27) As already mentioned, it is essential that the thickness 31 of component 30 is formed as thin/low as possible, so that no deformation of component 30 is caused by the constant application of force of a tensioned band 22. The essential advantageous properties can be used for a high frictional locking connection by a suitable special material (e.g., in particular with soft properties such as rubber). Thus it is possible that a surface 32 of the outer component 30 is smooth or plane, respectively (i.e., that the driver 20 has a smooth surface 32), wherein the outer component 30 of the driver 20 is made of a soft, preferably elastic material with high frictional properties, so that the tensioning force for the bands 22 can be kept low in order to achieve a comfortable adjustment force. A smooth surface 32 has the advantage that when assembling, i.e. inserting the band 22, it is not necessary to ensure that the band 22 is inserted correctly, as is necessary for systems with grooves and protrusions. Another important advantage is in the manufacturing process, as this also makes it easy to produce the band 22 with a smooth surface 33.

(28) As can be seen furthermore, the adjustment wheel 19 has a serrated surface 34, so that a better hold upon turning of the adjustment wheel 19 is achieved. This prevents the fingers from slipping when adjustment wheel 19 is turned, and more force can be applied to the adjustment wheel 19. It is, of course, also possible to use other embodiments of the surface 34, such as curved, rounded grooves. There would also be the possibility that the outer area of the adjustment wheel 19 would also be formed by a 2C component, since the driver is already produced by a 2C design.

(29) A further development can be seen in FIG. 6, in which the 2C components 29,30 are specially designed in the contact area 35, wherein for this purpose, for example, the contact area 35 is serrated or gear-shaped, or notches are provided for connecting the two components 29, 30. Thus, areas 36 of lower material thicknesses or thicknesses 31, respectively, are preferably lower than 1.5 mm, in particular 0.5 mm, which ensures that no deformations occur on the outer component 30 as a result of the action of the tensioning force of the band 22. By such an embodiment of the contact area 35, a significantly enlarged surface between the two components 29,30 is created, so that a very good connection of the two components 29,30 is achieved. At the same time, however, special areas 36 are provided, which have a thin thickness 31, so that deformation of the outer component 30 is prevented.

(30) It is also possible that in component 29, in the area of the opening 27 for assembly on the axle 26, an insert 36 with good gliding properties can be provided, as shown in FIG. 6. This insert 36 can also be used in other exemplary embodiments, in particular in FIG. 5.

(31) In FIG. 7, the bridge 21 is also shown in 2C design, i.e. two components 37,38, i.e. the bridge 21 is also formed from a 2C injection-moulded component, wherein the outer layer or component, respectively, 38 has a low thickness 39 (e.g., less than 1.5 mm). In contrast to the driver 20, which uses a lining with high frictional properties for good friction-locked transport of the band 22, a lining or a material, respectively, for the outer component 38 with good gliding properties and low frictional adhesion can now be used, so that the band 22 can glide easily over the preferably smooth outer surface 40 of the bridge 21.

(32) Thus it is possible that with a band gear 23 the driver 20 and the bridge 21 are manufactured as 2C components from different material combinations, wherein it is also possible that only one part, i.e. the driver 20 or the bridge 21, is formed as a 2C component. It is essential that the thickness 31 and 39 of the outer components 30, 38 are as thin as possible, so that deformation of the outer components 30 and 38 by the band tension of the band 22 is not possible. If, as is known from the prior art, overly thick outer additional bands are used, the outer additional bands would be deformed over a longer period of time due to the permanent load on the band 22, so that the band tension decreases and the band 22 slips when turning the adjustment wheel 19. Due to this problem, the system known from the prior art has not prevailed on the market, so that production or use in the stamp, respectively, was discontinued.

(33) Furthermore, FIGS. 8 and 9 show an exemplary embodiment in which for the individual bands 22 band gears 23 of different sizes are used, i.e. one or more band gears 23 of a drive unit 18, in particular the driver 20, are designed for the different bands 22 with different diameters 41,42. The bands 22 for the individual drivers 20 preferably have the same length, so that the bands 22 are tensioned differently by the different diameters 41,42. Preferably the diameter 41 is larger for a day band 43 than for a month band or year band 44, so that due to the higher tensioning force of the day band 43 the lower friction forces are compensated with this band 22 and thus all band gears 23 of a drive unit 18 require approximately the same adjustment force. Here it is essential that a flat or straight, respectively, impression surface 45 is created in the area of bridge 22 (not shown) so that high imprint quality is achieved during the stamping operation.

(34) This solution of the different diameters 41,42 of the drivers 20 for adjusting the adjustment force of a band gear 23 is to be applied independently of the 2C design, i.e. this solution can be used for known adjustment wheels with drivers 20 without 2C design as well as for the new solution according to the present invention with 2C design.

(35) It should be noted that, of course, a separate bridge 21 can be provided for each band gear 23.

(36) As a matter of form, it should finally be emphasised that, for better understanding, drawings have in part been represented not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.

(37) In addition, individual features or feature combinations from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described can inherently form independent inventive solutions or solutions according to the present invention.

(38) In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference. The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such text and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any such conflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials is specifically not incorporated by reference in this patent.

(39) Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.