Printer and method for operating same

Abstract

An imaging system for a printer utilizing a friction belt drum drive is comprised of a drum position sensor, drum pulley, drive belt, motor pulley, drive motor, drive motor position sensor, and controller. The velocities of the drum and motor drive pulleys are measured using the controller and position sensors. These velocities along with the drive ratio are used to determine and monitor slip between the belt and pulleys. The magnitude of the slip measured can be used to trigger the controller to respond to the slip event. These responses may include, for example, disabling the motor or reducing motor current or providing a warning indicative of an excessive slip event. Slip measurement combined with other measurements such as motor current can be used to determine the torque capacity of the friction drive. Further, long-term changes in the ratio of pulley velocities can be used to determine drive belt wear.

Description

technical field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to the printing field, and more specifically, relate to a printing device and a related method for detecting slippage of a transmission belt in the printing device. Background technique

[0002] Many printing devices employ a rotating imaging member that receives marking material and transfers the marking material to a print medium. For example, solid ink printers include a rotating imaging drum. Solid ink in the printer is melted and deposited onto the drum. The drum then transfers the ink to the paper.

[0003] The imaging drum in these printing devices rotates, and as the drum rotates, the paper comes into contact with the drum. The drum is rotated using an electric motor via a transmission. The drive mechanism may include a gear drive, and a drive belt operatively connected between the motor pulley and the drum pulley. The drive belt is usually provided in the form of a V-belt coupling the...

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