Paper conveying device, printer and method

Abstract

Examples include a paper conveying device comprising a paper inlet facing a specific side of the device. The paper conveying device also includes a paper outlet facing the specific side of the device and located below the paper inlet, the paper outlet including a top plate between the paper outlet and the paper inlet. The paper conveying device further includes a paper drive mechanism and a flexible and resilient device configured to drive paper media in a media path from the paper inlet to the paper outlet, the flexible and resilient device being connected to the top plate and partially obstructing the paper outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the handling of paper. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the handling of paper. Due to its typically two-dimensional nature, paper is widely used as a medium for sharing information in written or graphic form. This two-dimensional nature of paper also tends to make it flexible, allowing it to bend during transport within paper handling equipment such as scanners, printers, copiers, binding equipment, folding equipment, binding devices, or packaging equipment. This flexibility of paper allows for the design of various paper transport paths or media paths within such paper handling equipment, enabling the paper to be handled between inlet and outlet via a paper transport device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a paper conveying device includes: a paper inlet facing a specific side of the device; a paper outlet facing the specific side of the device and located below the paper inlet, the paper outlet including a top plate between the paper outlet and the paper inlet; a paper driving mechanism configured to drive paper in a media path from the paper inlet to the paper outlet; and a flexible and resilient device connected to the top plate and partially blocking the paper outlet, wherein the flexible and resilient device includes a spring, and wherein the spring includes a compression spring having a compression spring axis having a direction generally parallel to the media path at the paper outlet, or a tension spring having a tension axis having a direction aligned with the direction of the media path at the paper outlet, and the spring is capable of contacting the paper.

[0004] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a printer includes: a scanner; a paper inlet of the scanner located on a first side of the printer; a paper outlet of the scanner located on the first side of the printer, the paper inlet located above the paper outlet; a paper drive mechanism; and a spring-loaded member attached to an upper wall of the paper outlet, wherein the spring-loaded member includes a spring, the spring including a compression spring having a compression spring axis having a direction generally parallel to the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet or a tension spring having a tension axis having a direction aligned with the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, and the spring-loaded member is capable of contacting the paper.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of conveying paper includes: receiving paper at a paper inlet along a first direction; conveying the paper by a paper drive mechanism along a medium path from the paper inlet to a paper outlet, the paper exiting the paper outlet below the paper inlet in a direction opposite to the first direction; and guiding the exiting paper away from the paper inlet by applying a guiding force to the exiting paper using a flexible and elastic device that partially blocks the paper outlet, wherein the flexible and elastic device includes a spring, and wherein the spring includes a compression spring having a compression spring axis having a direction generally parallel to the medium path at the paper outlet, or a tension spring having a tension axis having a direction aligned with the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, and the spring being capable of contacting the paper. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1A -B illustrates a first example paper conveying device.

[0007] Figure 1C A second example paper conveying device is shown.

[0008] Figure 1D A third example of a paper conveying device is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A -B shows the fourth example paper conveying device.

[0010] Figure 3 The fifth example paper conveying device is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 The sixth example paper conveying device is shown.

[0012] Figure 5A The first example printer is shown.

[0013] Figure 5B A second example printer is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 The first example method is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 A second example method is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 The third example method is shown.

[0017] Figure 9 The fourth example method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] While the flexibility of paper does offer significant design freedom for media paths within paper transport devices, it has been recognized that flexibility can also be a source of failure, particularly when the paper inlet and outlet are close to each other. In fact, in some cases, processed paper exiting the paper outlet of a paper transport device may follow an undesirable trajectory and accidentally re-insert into the paper inlet of the same device, leading to problems such as multiple processing of the same paper or section of paper. This is sometimes associated with underprocessing of another paper or section of paper that happens to be covered by the re-inserted paper or section, or even blockages in the paper transport device. As described below, avoiding or reducing such failures in paper transport devices forms the basis of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1A It shows Figure 1B The example paper conveying device 100 shown is a cross-section. A paper conveying device should be understood as a means of conveying paper, particularly along a direction tangent to a plane corresponding to the surface of the paper at a given point. Such a paper conveying device may be stand-alone or may be included in paper handling equipment (such as scanners, printers, copiers, binding equipment, folding equipment, binding equipment, or packaging equipment). A paper conveying device may include a housing or a paper conveying device enclosure, or may be integrated into paper handling equipment without a specific paper conveying device enclosure.

[0020] Device 100 includes a paper inlet 110. The paper inlet should be understood as an elongated mechanical component configured to guide paper in a particular direction. The length defined by the elongated shape will be in a direction generally horizontal relative to the direction of gravity 101. In some examples, the paper inlet may include mechanical guiding elements such as a tray or pressure plate. In some examples, the paper inlet has a generally funnel shape, for example... Figure 1A As shown in Figure -B. The paper conveyed by device 100 enters device 100 at the first end of the paper inlet and is further guided into the device through the second end of the paper inlet. The paper inlet faces a specific side of the device. This specific side of the device should be understood as the side facing the first end of the paper inlet; in other words, paper can be fed into the paper inlet from this side. This specific side can be defined as the paper feed side of the device.

[0021] The device 100 includes a paper outlet 120. The paper outlet should be understood as an elongated mechanical assembly configured to guide paper in a particular direction. In some examples, the paper outlet may include mechanical guiding elements, such as a tray or pressure plate. In some examples, the paper outlet has a generally funnel shape, for example... Figure 1AAs shown in Figure -B. The paper conveyed by device 100 will exit device 100 through a first end of the paper outlet and be further guided out of the device through a second end of the paper outlet. The paper inlet faces a specific side of the device. This specific side of the device should be understood as the side facing both the first end of the paper inlet and the second end of the paper outlet. In other words, this specific side should be understood as the side from which paper can be fed into the paper inlet and from which paper exits the paper outlet. This specific side can be defined as the paper feed side and the paper outlet side of the device.

[0022] As shown in device 100, the paper outlet 120 is located below the paper inlet 110. It should be understood that the paper conveyed by device 100 is subject to gravity. In this respect, when device 100 is in its functional position, the paper outlet 120 is located below the paper inlet 110, taking into account the direction of gravity 101. This positioning facilitates, to some extent, the conveying of paper between the paper inlet and the paper outlet via device 100. It should be understood that although the paper outlet 120 is located below the paper inlet 110, the paper outlet 120 may not be directly below the paper inlet. The paper outlet 120 can be located below the paper inlet because the paper outlet can be at a lower height than the paper inlet. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet are separated by a height of less than 20 cm. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet are separated by a height of less than 15 cm. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet are separated by a height of less than 12 cm. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet are separated by a height of more than 7 cm. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet are separated by a height of more than 5 cm. When the device is in the operating position, this height separating the inlet and outlet can be defined as the height along the direction of gravity, measured between the horizontal plane of the bottom plate of the inlet and the horizontal plane of the top plate of the outlet, corresponding to the distance the leading edge of the paper must overcome upwards to be accidentally sucked back into the paper inlet from the paper outlet. In some examples, the space separating this paper inlet bottom plate and paper outlet top plate is unobstructed, thus allowing for a reduction in the overall footprint of the device.

[0023] like Figure 1A As shown in Figure -B, the paper exit includes a top plate 121. The top plate should be understood as a mechanical element involved in guiding the paper through the paper exit, defining the upper limit of the paper exit relative to the direction of gravity. The top plate is typically elongated and smooth to guide the paper while preventing it from getting stuck. The length L defined by the elongated shape will be in a direction approximately horizontal relative to the direction of gravity 101. The top plate 121 is located between the paper exit and the paper inlet, thus defining the boundary between the paper inlet and the paper exit.

[0024] Figure 1AAs shown in Figure -B, apparatus 100 includes a paper drive mechanism 130. The paper drive mechanism should be understood as a mechanism configured to advance paper from a paper inlet to a paper outlet. The paper drive mechanism can be configured to apply a force to the paper, the force including a component in the plane defined by the paper at the point of application of the force. This force can be applied, for example, by friction. In some examples, the mechanism may include one or more rollers, driven rollers, idle rollers, balls, vacuum pumps, or belts. The paper drive mechanism 130 is configured to drive the paper along a media path 140 from the paper inlet to the paper outlet. In some examples, the paper drive mechanism is configured to advance the paper between the paper inlet and the paper outlet at a speed of at least 0.05 m / s. In some examples, the paper drive mechanism is configured to advance the paper between the paper inlet and the paper outlet at a speed greater than 0.25 m / s.

[0025] For example, the paper can be a printing medium. The paper can include cellulose-based fibers. The paper can be made of paper. The paper can be a laminated material. The paper can be a textile medium. The apparatus 100 is configured to convey such paper, provided that the paper is flexible, meaning that such paper can be bent into a non-planar shape without breaking. This flexibility actually allows the paper to be conveyed along a media path defined by the apparatus 100, whereby such media path can include one or more curved media path sections.

[0026] The media path should be understood as the trajectory or path followed by media or substrate (such as continuous or single sheets) as it moves from a storage location (such as a media roller or media tray) to a processing area. The media path may be defined by several media handling elements (such as trays, mandrels, guide structures or pressure plates, vacuum pumps or vacuum pressure plates, or rollers including, for example, pressure rollers, tire rollers, or flywheel rollers). In some examples, the media path has a length greater than 350 mm. In some examples, the media path has a length greater than 400 mm. In some examples, the media path has a length greater than 450 mm. This media path length can be measured between the paper inlet and the paper outlet. In some cases, a longer media path increases the likelihood of paper curling, making the configuration according to this disclosure particularly suitable.

[0027] like Figure 1AAs shown in Figure -B, device 100 includes a flexible and resilient device 150 connected to a top plate, which partially blocks the paper exit. Because device 150 partially blocks the paper exit and is connected to the top plate, paper exiting the paper exit and having a tendency to bend upwards into contact with the top plate may come into contact with device 150. Upon contact with the device, because device 150 is flexible, the paper will displace or bend device 150 to some extent. Flexibility allows for the avoidance or reduction of the risk of paper being caught, which would otherwise result in jamming. Due to the resilient nature of device 150 (device 150 is actually not only flexible but also resilient), this displacement or bending of device 150 will generate a reaction force from device 150 onto the paper. The result of this reaction force will be to guide the paper away from the top plate, thereby guiding the paper away from the paper inlet and preventing the paper from being sucked back into the paper inlet. Flexibility should be understood as the ability to be displaced or bent without breaking. In some examples, device 150 is flexible because it can be flexibly bent or displaced by applying a force of less than 1 N. Elasticity should be understood as the ability to return to its initial position or location when the applied force is removed.

[0028] Flexible and resilient devices can take various forms and shapes. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device may be a thermoplastic resin lip attached to a top plate of a paper exit. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device includes different elements, whereby one or more elements provide flexibility and resilientness, while one or more other elements provide a surface in contact with the paper. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device extends downward from a proximal end attached to the top plate to a distal end, and the flexible and resilient device has a device length between its proximal and distal ends. In some examples, the device length is at least 1 mm. In some examples, the device length is at least 2 mm. In some examples, the device length is at least 3 mm. In some examples, the device length is less than 15 mm. In some examples, the device length is less than 10 mm. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device 151 is located in the central region of the paper exit length, for example, in the example paper conveying device 101 shown. Figure 1C As shown above. Device 101 has a corresponding [feature] in the plane intersecting with the flexible and elastic device 151. Figure 1A The cross-section of the paper (in different figures, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or equivalent elements). In some examples, the flexible and elastic device 150 spans the entire length L of the paper exit, for example, as... Figure 1B As shown. In some examples, a plurality of flexible and resilient devices 152 are provided along the length of the paper outlet, the length of which is in a substantially horizontal direction and in the plane corresponding to the paper, for example in the example paper conveying device 102 shown. Figure 1DAs shown above. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device 152 is aligned. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device 152 is evenly distributed along the length L of the paper exit.

[0029] Figure 2A and 2B Another example paper conveying device 200 is shown, which includes elements similar to those described, for example, device 100. Figure 2A As shown in Figure -B, the flexible and resilient device 250 of apparatus 200 includes a spring. The spring allows for the desired flexibility and resilience. Figure 2A As shown, the device can be shifted by the leading edge of the paper following the media path 140, with a spring absorbing the curling force at the leading edge until the paper passes through the paper exit, as... Figure 2B As shown, the curling force is thus compensated by the reaction force of the spring, and the paper passes through the exit without the risk of rising in the anti-gravity direction and being sucked back in at the paper inlet.

[0030] It should be understood that the relative dimensions of the flexible and resilient device shown in the figures are for ease of understanding and reading, and do not necessarily correspond to the actual relative dimensions of the flexible and resilient device compared to the dimensions of the paper outlet. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device blocks less than 5% of the cross-section of the paper outlet. This cross-section of the paper outlet should be understood as the surface area of ​​the channel through which a plane perpendicular to the media path at the paper outlet passes, intersecting the flexible and resilient device. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device blocks less than 1% of the cross-section of the paper outlet. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device blocks less than 0.1% of the cross-section of the paper outlet. In fact, the positioning of the flexible and resilient device connected to the top plate allows for a reduction in the risk of re-intake without significantly obstructing the paper outlet, thus avoiding the introduction of a permanent risk of paper damage or blockage at the paper outlet. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device blocks more than 5 cm. 2 The area. In some examples, flexible and elastic devices block coverage greater than 1 cm. 2 The area. In some examples, flexible and elastic devices block coverage greater than 0.1 cm. 2 The area. In some examples, flexible and elastic devices block coverage of less than 10cm. 2 The area. In some examples, flexible and elastic devices obstruct coverage of less than 1 cm. 2 The area.

[0031] In this specification, a spring should be understood as a mechanical element capable of elastically storing mechanical energy. Example springs include tension springs, compression springs, or torsion springs. The use of springs can help to make the device flexible and resilient, so that when the device comes into contact with paper, it can be flexibly displaced while storing mechanical energy, for example, from the curling of the paper, which is gradually shaped by the reaction of contact with the device, and the spring elastically returns to its initial position when the paper has taken the desired trajectory.

[0032] In some examples, the spring stiffness is less than 1 N / mm. In some examples, the spring stiffness is less than 0.90 N / mm. In some examples, the spring stiffness is less than 0.80 N / mm. In some examples, the spring stiffness is less than 0.75 N / mm. Having a relatively reduced spring stiffness can decrease the risk of permanent damage to the paper due to the relative lack of flexibility in the equipment.

[0033] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the spring can be a tension spring having a tension axis aligned in a D1 direction with respect to the direction of the media path at the paper exit. In some examples, the alignment corresponds to an alignment angle between the tension axis and the direction of the media path at the exit, which includes an angle between +20 degrees and -20 degrees. In some examples, the alignment corresponds to an alignment angle between the tension axis and the direction of the media path at the exit, which includes an angle between +15 degrees and -15 degrees. In some examples, the alignment corresponds to an alignment angle between the tension axis and the direction of the media path at the exit, which includes an angle between +10 degrees and -10 degrees. In some examples, the alignment corresponds to an alignment angle between the tension axis and the direction of the media path at the exit, which includes an angle between +5 degrees and -5 degrees. This alignment helps to store energy through the spring as the paper advances, while simultaneously contacting and pressing against the flexible and resilient device.

[0034] In some examples, each of the paper inlet and paper outlet spans at least 250 mm in both directions perpendicular to the direction of gravity and aligned with the direction of the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet. This dimension can be applied, for example, to devices such as devices 100, 101, 102, or 200, whereby the length L will be greater than 250 mm. Such devices will be configured to handle paper sizes larger than standard A4 and larger than standard B5 sizes; in other words, large-format paper. Due to their size, large-format paper tends to be stored in rolls, or as rolls themselves. Due to this storage, such paper is prone to curling, as it tends to deviate from a straight trajectory when processed through the media path, thus introducing a high risk of re-inhalation. Therefore, the example flexible and resilient device described herein is particularly suitable for implementation in situations where the paper inlet and paper outlet span at least 250 mm in both directions perpendicular to the direction of gravity and aligned with the direction of the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet span at least 300 mm in both directions perpendicular to the direction of gravity and aligned with the direction of the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet span at least 400 mm along both directions perpendicular to gravity and aligned with the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet span at least 500 mm along both directions perpendicular to gravity and aligned with the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet span at least 700 mm along both directions perpendicular to gravity and aligned with the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet. In some examples, the paper inlet and paper outlet span at least 1000 mm along both directions perpendicular to gravity and aligned with the media path at the paper inlet and paper outlet.

[0035] Figure 3 Another example paper conveying device 300 is shown, comprising elements similar to those described, for example, in device 200, and numbered using the same reference numerals. Figure 3As shown, the paper transport device includes a scanner 360 positioned along a media path 140. The scanner 360 is configured to scan one side of the paper following the media path 140 between the paper inlet and the paper outlet to produce a digital representation of the graphic on that side of the paper scanned by the scanner. Such a scan may fail if the paper exiting the device via the paper outlet is incorrectly reinserted into the paper inlet, for example, due to paper curling. This risk of scan failure is reduced or suppressed by the effect of the flexible and resilient device according to this disclosure, which is therefore particularly suitable for this scanner configuration. In the example paper transport device 300, the flexible and resilient device 350 includes a tension spring, to which the curled paper applies force, tending towards the tension spring.

[0036] Figure 4 Another example paper conveying device 400 is shown, including elements similar to those described in, for example, device 200, and numbered using the same reference numerals. Figure 4 As shown, the paper conveying device includes a guide element 470 in the media path 140, whereby the guide element forms a U-turn between the paper inlet and the paper outlet. Although a single guide element is shown in the example device 400, additional guide elements, such as an inverted U-turn guide element forming an S-shaped media path, may be provided. Such a guide element should be understood as a mechanical component with a smooth surface configured to guide the paper in a desired direction along the media path. The presence of such a guide element, while allowing the desired media path to be constructed, may promote or contribute to curling, thereby increasing the risk that the leading edge of the paper may accidentally re-enter the paper inlet after leaving the paper outlet. This risk of paper conveying failure is reduced or suppressed by the effect of the flexible and resilient device according to this disclosure, which is therefore particularly suitable for this configuration including the guide element.

[0037] Figure 5AAn example printer 500 is shown. In this disclosure, a printer should be understood as a device configured to print graphic representations on a sheet-like medium using, for example, ink, toner, or fluid marking materials. Example printers include thermal inkjet printers, piezoelectric inkjet printers, laser printers, or liquid electrophotographic printers. Example printer 500 includes a scanner 560. Such a printer including a scanner may be referred to as an "all-in-one" printer, meaning that such a printer is configured to operate as both a scanner and a printer. Example printer 500 includes a paper inlet for the scanner, located on a first side 580 of printer 500. Printer 500 includes a paper outlet 520 for the scanner, also located on the first side 580 of printer. Positioning both the paper inlet and paper outlet on the same side allows for both inlet and outlet to be provided to the user on the same side of the printer, thereby allowing, for example, the printer to be positioned against a wall facing the side opposite the first side. This configuration is particularly interesting in the case of relatively large printers. Paper inlet 510 is located above paper outlet 520. When guiding paper along the media path between the inlet and outlet, this relative position allows it to benefit from the force of gravity along the direction of gravity 101. Printer 500 includes a paper drive mechanism, which may include, for example, one or more rollers, allowing paper to be driven from the inlet to the outlet. Printer 500 also includes a spring-loaded member 550 attached to the upper wall 521 of the paper outlet, whereby the spring-loaded member allows the paper exiting the paper outlet to be reoriented in a direction that would otherwise be at risk of being sucked back in through the paper inlet, which is located on the same side of and above the paper outlet.

[0038] like Figure 5A As shown, in some cases, printer 500 may include a printhead or print engine 590 that allows printing on one side of the paper following a media path 540 between the paper inlet and the paper outlet. In this example, the drive mechanism includes upstream and downstream rollers of the printhead or print engine 590, the upstream and downstream directions corresponding to the media path 540 extending from the paper inlet to the paper outlet, with the upstream direction corresponding to closer to the paper inlet and the downstream direction corresponding to closer to the paper outlet. In this particular example, the media path is ordered from upstream to downstream as follows: paper inlet, first portion of the drive mechanism, printhead or print engine, second portion of the drive mechanism, U-turn corresponding to the scanner, and paper outlet equipped with a spring-loaded member that acts as a flexible and resilient device according to this disclosure. It should be noted that several other configurations are contemplated. Specifically, the example printer may include components or elements of any example paper transport device described herein, including combinations of such components or elements.

[0039] Example spring-loaded member 550 includes a compression spring with a spring stiffness of approximately 0.75 N / mm. This compression spring has a compression spring axis in a direction D1 generally parallel to the medium path at the paper exit. For example, due to the paper curling upwards against gravity, the spring-loaded member slides back and forth below the upper wall or top plate of the paper exit as the spring is compressed and decompressed by the force of the paper exiting through the paper exit and contacting the spring-loaded member. In some examples, the maximum amplitude of the back-and-forth sliding may be less than 15 cm. In some examples, the maximum amplitude of the back-and-forth sliding may be less than 10 cm. In some examples, the maximum amplitude of the back-and-forth sliding may be less than 6 cm. In some examples, the maximum amplitude of the back-and-forth sliding may be greater than 5 cm. In some examples, the maximum amplitude of the back-and-forth sliding may be greater than 1 cm.

[0040] It should be noted that the advantage of the resilient and flexible device or spring-loaded member according to this disclosure is that such resilient and flexible device or spring-loaded member can be configured to be permanently in place, thereby avoiding the need to rely on user actions to reduce the risk of paper being accidentally sucked back in.

[0041] Figure 5B Example printer 501 is shown. Example printer 501 includes the elements or components described in the context of example printer 500, which are numbered in the same manner. Printer 501 also includes a roller holder 531 located on a first side of the printer. The roller holder should be understood as a mechanical structure configured to hold a roll of sheet media. Rolled paper can be fed from the roll to the paper inlet. Combining the paper inlet, paper outlet, and roller holder on a first side allows for convenient user operation of the printer and placement of the printer in a room, avoiding the need to move around the printer to feed and collect paper. This configuration, corresponding to storing paper in a roll, facilitates paper curling and is therefore particularly suitable for the configuration according to this disclosure.

[0042] In some examples, the paper can be provided as continuous paper (in other words, a flexible flat printing medium provided in roll form) for placement on the printer spindle or roller support. The continuous paper can have a width along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll and a length along a direction perpendicular to the width. In some examples, when the continuous paper roll is provided, the length of the continuous paper is at least 20 times longer than the width. In some examples, the length of the continuous paper roll is at least 40 times longer than the width. In some examples, the length of the continuous paper roll is at least 60 times longer than the width. Once the corresponding print job is complete, the continuous paper can be cut by a printer cutter downstream of the print area.

[0043] The configuration of example printer 501 facilitates the handling of printing media. Manual handling of printing substrates can lead to difficulties in handling or damage to the substrates, especially in the case of large-format printers using large-format printing substrates or printing media, such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A (1219mm × 305mm), B (305mm × 457mm), C (457mm × 610mm), D (610mm × 914mm), or E (914mm × 1219mm) sheet formats, or continuous rolls of paper, such as 90 meters of E-size paper weighing up to 8kg. This disclosure relates to providing such printing capabilities in an automated manner, reducing or eliminating human intervention, and in doing so, limiting or reducing the number and cost of the mechanical components providing such automation capabilities.

[0044] Figure 6 An example method 600 for conveying paper is shown.

[0045] Example method 600 can be used in conjunction with any of the example paper transport devices or printers described herein. In block 601, method 600 includes receiving paper at a paper inlet along a first direction. Block 601 thus corresponds to feeding paper into the paper transport device along the first direction. In some examples, the first direction is perpendicular to the leading edge of the paper and perpendicular to the width and thickness directions of such paper, such first direction corresponding to the length direction of such paper. In some examples, the first direction forms an angle between 60 and 120 degrees with the direction of gravity. In some examples, the first direction forms an angle between 70 and 110 degrees with the direction of gravity. In some examples, the first direction forms an angle between 80 and 100 degrees with the direction of gravity. In some examples, the first direction forms an angle between 85 and 95 degrees with the direction of gravity.

[0046] Example method 600 includes, in block 602, conveying paper via a paper drive mechanism along a media path from paper inlet to paper outlet, the paper exiting the paper outlet below the paper inlet in a direction opposite to a first direction. As illustrated in the context of the example paper conveying apparatus and example printer described herein, this configuration allows both the benefit of gravity in conveying paper from inlet to outlet and facilitates user access to the inlet and outlet by positioning both on the same side. In some examples, the direction is opposite to the first direction when the angle is between +30 and -30 degrees. In some examples, the direction is opposite to the first direction when the angle is between +20 and -20 degrees. In some examples, the direction is opposite to the first direction when the angle is between +10 and -10 degrees. In some examples, the direction is opposite to the first direction when the angle is between +5 and -5 degrees. Although the first direction and the opposite direction can be considered to be roughly parallel, they are opposite because in the in / out movement that occurs on the same side, the paper passing through the inlet will pass through in the first direction, which is opposite to the first direction of the paper passing through the outlet in the opposite direction.

[0047] Example method 600 includes, in block 603, guiding the exiting paper away from the paper inlet by applying a guiding force to the exiting paper, wherein a flexible and resilient device partially obstructs the paper outlet. As illustrated in the context of an example paper conveying device or an example printer, a flexible and resilient device, which may be a spring-loaded member, will allow to prevent paper exiting the paper outlet from curling and being accidentally sucked back into the paper inlet, thus avoiding unintentional re-transfer and re-processing. This process allows for prevention of re-sucking while preventing any significant obstruction at the paper inlet or paper outlet that would otherwise increase the risk of clogging.

[0048] Figure 7 Example method 700 is illustrated. Example method 700 includes blocks 601-603 as described in the context of method 600. Example method 700 also includes block 704 for extracting paper received at the paper inlet from the roll. This method 700 can be performed, for example, using a printer such as example printer 501. In some examples, the paper bending direction caused by the roll results in the paper bending against gravity upon reaching the paper outlet, thus making this example method particularly suitable. In fact, in some examples, guiding forces counteract the curling forces generated by storing paper in the roll.

[0049] Figure 8Example method 800 is illustrated. Example method 800 includes blocks 601 and 603 as described in the context of method 600. The example method also includes block 802, which includes the conveying action described in the context of block 602, whereby the conveying of paper through the paper inlet and paper outlet occurs simultaneously. This may occur, for example, when the length of the paper is longer than the media path of the device or printer, such that the leading edge of the paper has already left the paper outlet while a portion of the same paper is still conveyed through the paper inlet by the paper drive mechanism. In some examples, such paper is stored in roll form before being received at the paper inlet. This configuration is particularly prone to the leading edge being accidentally sucked back in or received again at the paper inlet due to its curling, and therefore the configuration described herein is particularly suitable. It should be noted that in another example (not shown), method 800 may include further blocks, such as block 704 extracted according to example method 700.

[0050] Figure 9 Example method 900 is illustrated. Example method 900 includes blocks 601-603 as described in the context of method 600. The example method also includes block 905, which adjusts the guiding force according to the position of the flexible and resilient device along a first direction. This allows the amount of guiding force to be adjusted in response to the curling force of paper exiting through the paper outlet. A strong curling force may correspond to a relatively large displacement of the flexible and resilient device, resulting in a stronger guiding force being applied back to the paper to balance the curling force and guide the paper downward rather than upward. It should be noted that in other examples (not shown), this method 900 may include one or more further blocks, such as blocks 704 or 802. In some examples, the guiding force increases linearly as the amount of displacement of the flexible and resilient device along the first direction increases. In some examples, the flexible and resilient device includes a spring having a spring stiffness of less than 1 N / mm, whereby the deformation of the spring by compression or tension will increase the corresponding force consistent with the spring stiffness.

Claims

1. A paper conveying device, comprising: A paper inlet, facing a specific side of the device; A paper outlet, facing the specific side of the device and located below the paper inlet, the paper outlet including a top plate between the paper outlet and the paper inlet; A paper drive mechanism is configured to drive paper along a media path from the paper inlet to the paper outlet. as well as A flexible and resilient device, connected to the top plate and partially blocking the paper outlet, wherein the flexible and resilient device includes a spring, and wherein the spring includes a compression spring having a compression spring axis having a direction generally parallel to the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, or a tension spring having a tension axis having a direction aligned with the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, and the spring is capable of contacting the paper.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The spring has a spring stiffness of less than 1 N / mm.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible and elastic device blocks an area less than 5% of the cross-section of the paper outlet.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the paper inlet and the paper outlet spans at least 250 mm in both directions perpendicular to the direction of gravity and aligned with the direction of the medium path at the paper inlet and the paper outlet.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a scanner positioned along the media path.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises: The guiding element in the media path forms a U-shaped turn between the paper inlet and the paper outlet.

7. A printer, comprising: Scanner; The paper inlet of the scanner is located on the first side of the printer; The scanner has a paper exit, which is located on the first side of the printer, and the paper inlet is located above the paper exit. Paper drive mechanism; as well as A spring-loaded member is attached to the upper wall of the paper outlet, wherein the spring-loaded member includes a spring, the spring being either a compression spring having a compression spring axis having a direction generally parallel to the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, or a tension spring having a tension axis having a direction aligned with the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, and the spring-loaded member is capable of contacting the paper.

8. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the printer comprises: A roller support is located on the first side of the printer.

9. A method for conveying paper, the method comprising: Paper is received at the paper inlet along the first direction; The paper is conveyed by a paper drive mechanism along a medium path from the paper inlet to the paper outlet, and the paper exits the paper outlet below the paper inlet in a direction opposite to the first direction; as well as The departing paper is guided away from the paper inlet by applying a guiding force to the departing paper using a flexible and elastic device that partially blocks the paper outlet, wherein the flexible and elastic device includes a spring, and wherein the spring includes a compression spring having a compression spring axis having a direction generally parallel to the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, or a tension spring having a tension axis having a direction aligned with the direction of the medium path at the paper outlet, and the spring is capable of contacting the paper.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Extract the paper received at the paper inlet from the roll.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The guiding force counteracts the curling force generated by storing the paper in roll form.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Simultaneously, the paper is conveyed through the paper inlet and through the paper outlet.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The guiding force is adjusted according to the position of the flexible and elastic device along the first direction.

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