Media bypass for printers, printers and media input devices

Abstract

A media bypass for a printer, the media bypass including a convertible media support for holding a substrate and switching between an active configuration and an inactive configuration, wherein the convertible media support pivots from the inactive configuration to the active configuration to extend into the printer and direct the substrate into the printer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printer. BACKGROUND

[0002] Printers can be used to generate a predetermined structure by depositing a printing fluid (e.g. ink) on a substrate. The geometry of the structure can be defined by relative movement between a print head that ejects the printing fluid and a substrate carriage.

[0003] Most printers have an internal media supply for storing a substrate internally and supplying the substrate to a print head by an internal transport mechanism (e.g. a combination of rollers, a conveyor belt, suction devices, or movable supports). Flexible substrates can be transported through the printer by a curved path to reduce the size of the printer. SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a media bypass for a printer, the media bypass comprising a convertible media support for holding a substrate and for switching between an active configuration and an inactive configuration, wherein the convertible media support is pivoted from the inactive configuration towards the active configuration to extend into the printer and to guide the substrate into the printer.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printer comprising a media path for guiding a substrate towards a print head, an internal media storage for supplying the substrate to the media path, and a media bypass, wherein the media bypass comprises a convertible media support for selectively placing the media bypass in one of an active configuration and an inactive configuration, wherein in the active configuration of the media bypass, the media support is telescopically extendable into the media path to guide an externally supplied substrate into the media path.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a media input device for supplying a rigid substrate to a print zone of a printer, wherein the media input device comprises a substrate support, wherein the substrate support is pivotably hinged to the printer at a pivot point, wherein the substrate support is connected to a mounting element for supplying the rigid substrate to the print zone of the printer in a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein the substrate support is to pivot from the first configuration towards the second configuration when a weight of the rigid substrate exceeds a weight threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The following detailed description will be best understood in conjunction with the drawings, of which:

[0008] Figure 1A printer for printing on different types of substrates using a media bypass is shown according to an example.

[0009] Figure 2 A printer with a media bypass in an inactive configuration is shown according to an example.

[0010] Figure 3 A printer with a media bypass in an active configuration is shown according to an example.

[0011] Figure 4 A printer with a media bypass in a telescoping extended configuration is shown according to an example.

[0012] Figure 5 A printer with a media bypass in a telescoping extended configuration is shown according to another example.

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A partial view of the engagement between a support bracket and a pivotable convertible media support of a printer is shown according to an example.

[0014] Figure 7 A front view of a printer with a media bypass is shown according to an example.

[0015] Figure 8A A printer with a pivotable door is shown according to an example.

[0016] Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of a pivotable door including a convertible media support inserted into the pivotable door is shown according to an example.

[0017] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A partial view of the engagement position of a locking pin in an example of Figure 8B is shown.

[0018] Figure 10A and Figure 10B A partial view of the engagement position of a locking pin in an example of Figure 9A and Figure 9B is shown.

[0019] Figure 10C and Figure 10D A partial view of a coupling mechanism in an example of Figure 9A and Figure 9B is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1A printer 10 for printing on two different types of media (e.g., flexible (S) and rigid (R) substrates S, R according to an example is shown schematically, having a media bypass 12 for receiving rigid or flexible substrates S, R. The media bypass 12 includes a convertible media support 14 for switching between active and inactive configurations (shown in solid and dashed lines, respectively), and in the active configuration, guiding externally supplied flexible or rigid substrates S, R into the printer 10. A printhead 16 is arranged inside a frame 18 of the printer 10 and positioned to face a print zone Z of a media path P for printing on a substrate S, R that can be supported on a media transport mechanism (e.g., a conveyor belt 20).

[0021] In the inactive configuration, the convertible media support 14 can be flush with the frame 18 of the printer 10 and define a portion of a perimeter of the printer 10. Flexible substrates S can be internally supplied from an internal media supply (not shown) (e.g., a media roll or sheet tray) and can be supplied from above or below the conveyor belt 20 toward the conveyor belt 20 along a curved portion of the media path P.

[0022] Substrates S supplied from the internal media supply can be any substrate S on which print material can be applied. The substrates S can have physical properties similar to paper; however, any suitable substrate S can be used. For example, the substrates S can be or include paper and / or paper-based materials, such as, for example, paperboard, textiles, leather, polymers, and / or combinations thereof, etc. Substrates S supplied from the internal media supply in sheets or rolls can be transparent, translucent, or light absorbing, and the dimensions of the substrates S can generally be selected from a wide range of thicknesses, widths, or lengths.

[0023] Substrates S, R supplied through the media bypass 12 can also be any substrate S, L on which print material can be applied, such as, for example, flexible substrates supplied from an external roll or flexible sheets as described above, but can also include rigid substrates R that can be supplied along a substantially linear path through the printhead 16. Substrates S, R can be considered rigid when they are not compatible with the curved media path P from the internal media supply toward the printhead 16, for example, when the stiffness of the substrates S, R impedes the substrate S from following the forced curved path from the internal media supply toward the printhead 16.

[0024] The print head 16 can eject printing material (e.g., printing fluid or building material) onto the substrate S, R. The printing material used to print on the substrate S, R can be any suitable material suitable for generating a printed image or formed element on the substrate S, R, for example, by ink. The printed image and / or formed element can be or include any text, lines, shapes, letters, numbers, marks, symbols, or any combination thereof in any color, position, or shape. The print head 16 can be mounted on a displacement assembly that allows the print head 16 and the conveyor belt 20 to be relatively displaced along a linear or complex path, or the print head 16 can extend across the width of the substrate S, R and have multiple nozzles to control the deposition process of the printing material across the width of the substrate S, R while the substrate S, R advances along the media path P.

[0025] During the deposition process, the advancement of the substrates S, R can be controlled by an internal transport mechanism (e.g., a conveyor belt 20). In the printing zone Z below or near the print head 16, the position or flatness of the substrates S, R can be adjusted by a vacuum source (not shown) acting on the substrate S. For example, a vacuum chamber (not shown) can be connected to a support structure in the printing zone Z to act on the substrates S, R, for example, through an opening in the conveyor belt 20 facing the print head 16.

[0026] To accommodate substrates S, R of varying thickness, eg, thickness variations greater than 5 mm or greater than 10 mm, the distance between the support structure in the media path P and the print head 16 may be adjusted, eg, by adjusting the vertical position of the conveyor belt 20 .

[0027] The convertible media support 14 can be pivoted from an inactive configuration to an active configuration to extend into the printer 10 and guide the substrates R, S into the printer 10. The convertible media support 14 can provide a media support 14 extending from a point outside the frame 18 of the printer 10 into the printer 10 to facilitate an operator externally feeding rigid substrates and substrates S, R into the internal media path P. In some examples, the convertible media support 14 bridges a gap between the perimeter of the printer 10 and the internal media path P.

[0028] The convertible media support 14 can pivot about a pivot point 22 proximate the center of mass of the convertible media support 14. In the active configuration of the media bypass 12, the center of mass of the convertible media support 14 can be located outside the perimeter of the printer 10, thereby biasing the convertible media support 14 toward the active configuration by its own weight.

[0029] The convertible media support 14 can be held in the inactive configuration by a retainer (not shown), such as a mechanical locking pin or a magnet, to prevent inadvertent switching from the inactive configuration to the active configuration. In other words, the retainer can selectively prevent switching from the inactive configuration to the active configuration or can provide a force threshold for switching from the inactive configuration to the active configuration.

[0030] In the active configuration, the media bypass 12 can direct the flexible or rigid substrate S, R into the printer 10 and into the media path P. In some examples, the convertible media support 14 directs externally supplied substrate S, R into an intermediate portion of the media path P that is used for substrate supplied from an internal media supply. In some examples, the convertible media support 14 is used to direct both flexible and rigid substrates S, R into the printer 10. For example, the convertible media support 14 can be aligned with the print head 16 in the active configuration such that flexible or rigid substrates S, R can be externally supplied into the printer 10 along a substantially linear path past the print head 16. The media bypass 12 can be flush relative to a media support structure facing the print head 16 such that rigid substrates R supported by the convertible media support 14 are flush relative to a portion of the media path P past the print head 16 in the print zone Z.

[0031] The convertible media support 14 can be arranged to support rigid or flexible substrates R, S on an outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14. The outer edge 24 can be located outside of the printer 10 in the active configuration and the convertible media support 14 can be tilted relative to the media path P past the print head 16. Flexible substrates S supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 can be bent into the media path P such that the flexible substrates S can substantially hang off the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 and can not follow the contour of the convertible media support 14. Thus, the outer edge 24 of the tilted convertible media support 14 can act as a fulcrum to balance the restoring force of the flexible substrates S supported on the outer edge 24 such that the substrates S can be prevented from falling out of the printer 10.

[0032] The outer edge 24 of the tilted convertible media support 14 can be flush relative to the print zone Z such that rigid substrates S can be supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 and on a portion of an internal transport mechanism of the printer 10, such as on the conveyor belt 20. In other words, the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 can define an external support for a substantially linear path of rigid substrates R into the printer 10 and past the print head 16.

[0033] In some examples, the tilt of the convertible media support 14 is adjustable such that different thicknesses of rigid substrates R supported by the convertible media support 14 can be flush relative to a print zone Z defined by the portion of the media path P that passes the printhead 16.

[0034] For example, the actuator can pivot the convertible media support 14 based on a media thickness setting of the printer 10 such that a respective thickness of rigid substrates R supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 is flush relative to the media path P that passes the printhead 16.

[0035] In some examples, the convertible media support 14 can be biased by a resilient biasing element to assume the first configuration in the absence of an external force and to pivot toward the second configuration when a force is applied to the convertible media support 14. For example, the tilt of the convertible media support 14 can be passively adjusted based on a torque applied to the convertible media support 14, e.g., to pivot in response to an increased weight of a thicker rigid substrate S, R. The restoring force of the resilient biasing element can be selected such that the degree of tilt of the convertible media support 14 changes when the weight of the substrate S, R is greater than a predetermined weight threshold. The weight threshold can correspond to the weight of a reference substrate S, R of a predetermined thickness, e.g., a 5 mm or 10 mm rigid substrate R made of a reference material.

[0036] In the absence of an external force, the convertible media support 14 can extend in the active configuration toward the curved portion of the conveyor belt 20, e.g., toward the edge of the conveyor belt 20, such that the substrate S, R supplied through the media bypass 12 abuts the curved portion and can be guided onto the conveyor belt 20 by movement of the conveyor belt 20 along the curved portion.

[0037] When an external force acts on the convertible media support 14, the convertible media support 14 can pivot to be parallel with the internal transport mechanism of the printer 10 to implement a maximum thickness setting.

[0038] Accordingly, the media bypass 12 can enter the active configuration to externally supply flexible and rigid substrates S, R into the media path P of the printer 10 having an internal media storage device, e.g., for supplying rigid or sheet substrates S, R into an intermediate portion of the media path P of the printer 10 having an internal roll or flexible sheet media supply device for flexible substrates S. By adjusting the degree of tilt of the convertible media support 14, the media bypass 12 can guide different thicknesses of flexible or rigid substrates S, R along a linear path into the printer 10 and past the printhead 16.

[0039] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of a printer 10 having a media bypass 12 according to another example is shown. The media bypass 12 is in an inactive configuration such that the convertible media support 14 of the media bypass 12 defines a perimeter of the printer 10, i.e., by substantially extending the perimeter of the printer 10 defined by the frame 18 of the printer 10.

[0040] The printer 10 includes an internal media supply (not shown) for supplying a flexible substrate S from a roll into the media path P, and the printer 10 may include a cutter (not shown) for cutting the flexible substrate S. To enable the printer 10 to simultaneously print and cut the substrate S supplied from the roll in the internal media supply, the printer 10 may include a buffer zone B located upstream of the print head 16 in the media path P to create a buffer zone for the substrate S. Thus, the printer 10 may print on the substrate S supplied from the buffer zone, while the cutter may cut the substrate S while the substrate S is stationary in the cutter zone.

[0041] To create a buffer of substrate S in buffer zone B, the acceleration and / or feed speed of substrate S can be greater than the media advance speed in print zone Z. For example, a feed mechanism coupled to an internal media supply can accelerate printable media P to a feed speed greater than the drag speed of conveyor belt 20. Substrate S can be held on conveyor belt 20 by rollers 28, suction applied to conveyor belt 20, or clamping elements so that the media advance speed of substrate S past printhead 16 is fixed to the speed of the conveyor belt. Thus, a buffer can be formed upstream of conveyor belt 20.

[0042] The pivotable arm 26 can be pivoted to control the shape of the buffer for the flexible substrate S, so that when the speed of the conveyor belt 20 is less than the feed speed of the substrate S from the internal media supply device, the substrate S bends upward into the buffer zone B. The buffer zone B can occupy a space facing the media bypass 12 in the inactive configuration, and the conveyor belt 20 can be separated from the media bypass 12 by the buffer zone B accordingly.

[0043] Figure 3 According to another example, Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of a printer 10 similar to the printer 10 of FIG. 1 with a media bypass 12. Figure 3 , the convertible media support 14 of the media bypass 12 is pivoted about the pivot point 22 toward the active configuration such that the convertible media support 14 extends into the printer 10 .

[0044] A portion of the convertible media support 14 may protrude from the periphery of the printer 10 to receive the substrate S, R on an outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 that is located outside of the printer 10 .

[0045] The convertible media support 14 can be supported by a support arm 30, one side of which is pivotally coupled to the convertible media support 14 and an opposite side of which is movably coupled to the printer 10. A guide slot 32 can limit the movement of the mounting point of the support arm 30 to the printer 10 and can guide the mounting point along a linear path as the convertible media support 14 pivots from the inactive configuration to the active configuration. When the convertible media support 14 is in a horizontal position, the mounting point of the support arm 30 can abut the end of the guide slot 32, and the support arm 30 can support the convertible media support 14 in the active configuration. A damping or biasing mechanism can be integrated with the guide slot 32 to dampen the pivoting movement of the convertible media support 14 or bias the convertible media support 14 toward the inactive position.

[0046] After pivoting about the pivot point 22 , the convertible media support 14 may be substantially parallel with respect to the media path P through the print zone Z, eg, may extend parallel with respect to an upper surface of the conveyor belt 20 facing the printhead 16 .

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the convertible media support 14 can be extended into the buffer zone B of the printer 10 and can occupy a portion of the path through which the pivotable arm 26 passes, and the printer 10 can retract the pivotable arm 26 so as not to interfere with the media bypass 12 .

[0048] After pivoting toward the active configuration, the convertible media support 14 can at least partially bridge the distance between the periphery of the printer 10 and the internal media transport mechanism (e.g., the conveyor belt 20) of the printer 10. In some examples, the convertible media support 14 extends toward the conveyor belt 20 so that the projection of its media supporting surface passes through the curved portion of the conveyor belt 20 facing the media bypass 12 or coincides with the upper surface of the conveyor belt 20 facing the printhead 16. Thus, the convertible media support 14 can guide the substrate S, R from the outer edge 24 to the internal transport mechanism of the printer 10.

[0049] In order to reduce the distance between the convertible media support 14 and the conveyor belt 20, the convertible media support 14 can be telescopically extended to extend further into the printer 10, for example, by actuating the handle 34 of the media bypass 12 and pushing the telescopic extension of the convertible media support 14 into the printer 10.

[0050] Figure 4 Shown according to the example Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the printer 10 having a media bypass 12, similar to the printer 10 of FIG. 1 . The convertible media support 14 has been pivoted toward the active configuration and telescopically extended into the printer 10. Figure 4As shown, the convertible media support 14 includes a pivot input tray 36 pivotably coupled to the pivot point 22 and a bridging support 38. When the pivot input tray 36 is pivoted toward the active configuration, the bridging support 38 telescopically extends along the pivot input tray 36 to extend into the printer 10. To move the convertible media support 14 toward the active configuration, an operator can pivot the pivot input tray 36 toward the active configuration, and the bridging support 38 can pivot with the pivot input tray 36 to subsequently extend along the pivot input tray 36 toward the curved portion 40 of the conveyor belt 20.

[0051] The bridging support 38 can include a rack 42 on lateral sides of the bridging support 38 that can be coupled to wheels (not shown) of the pivot input tray 36 or vice versa such that movement of the lateral sides of the bridging support 38 in the telescopically extending direction can be synchronized by the wheels. For example, a pivotable shaft can extend between lateral sides of the pivot input tray 36, and wheels can be mounted on the shaft on opposite sides of the pivot input tray 36 to synchronize the telescopical extension of the opposite sides of the bridging support 38 by shape locking with the racks 42 on either side of the bridging support 38.

[0052] The bridging support 38 can have an engagement pin 44 for engagement with a support bracket 46 of the printer 10 when the convertible media support 14 is telescopically extended. The support bracket 46 can hold the convertible media support 14 in an inclined position by the pin 44 such that the convertible media support 14 extends downward into the printer to passively guide substrates S, R placed on the convertible media support 14 into the printer 10 based on their own weight. The substrates S, R can be guided toward the curved portion 40 of the conveyor belt 20 such that as the substrates S, R are fed through the convertible media support 14, the substrates S, R can be pulled onto the conveyor belt 20 and past the print head 16. In other words, the media support rigid 14 can telescopically extend toward the conveyor belt 20 to guide externally fed substrates S, R onto the conveyor belt 20.

[0053] In the extended configuration, the telescopical movement of the bridging support 38 can be locked such that the bridging support 36 cannot be inadvertently retracted toward the pivot support tray 36. For example, when the bridging support 38 is fully extended, a locking mechanism can lock the relative position of the pivot support tray 36 and the bridging support 38, and an operator can actuate a release actuator (e.g., handle 34) or overcome a holding force to retract the bridging support 38 again. In some examples, the support bracket 46 has a receiving recess for receiving the pin 44 such that the bridging support 38 is held in the extended position by a force or shape locking engagement between the pin 44 and the support bracket 46.

[0054] A bridge support 38 can be disposed below the pivoting input tray 36 to allow substrates S, R to slide downward from the pivoting input tray 36 onto the bridge support 38, thereby guiding the substrates S, R into the printer 10. In some examples, the convertible media support 14 does not have an upward step or long recess in the lateral direction so as not to hinder the sliding of the substrates S, R into the printer 10.

[0055] The convertible media support 14 may further include an upper limiter 48 for restricting the path of substrates S, R through the media bypass 12 into the printer 10. The upper limiter 48 may be connected to the bridge support 38 so as to extend telescopically into the printer 10 together with the bridge support 38. Furthermore, the upper limiter 48 may be tilted relative to the media support surfaces of the pivoting input tray 36 and the bridge support 38, so that a rigid substrate R supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 can be suspended in a linear path between the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 and the conveyor belt 20 without interfering with the upper limiter 48. In some examples, the upper limiter 48 may prevent a rigid substrate R of a predetermined thickness from pivoting away from the conveyor belt 20. The upper limiter 48 may further prevent a flexible substrate S from collapsing or deflecting from the media path P. In other words, the upper limiter may define the upper boundary of the media path P for rigid or flexible substrates S, R supplied from the outside through the media bypass 12 to the internal media transport mechanism.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the vertical position of the conveyor belt 20 can be adjusted to accommodate substrates S, R having a range of different thicknesses. In some examples, when the bridging supports 38 are telescopically extended and the pins 44 engage the support brackets 46 of the printer 10, the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 can be aligned so that a rigid substrate R of a predetermined thickness can be flush with the upper surface of the conveyor belt 20 facing the printhead 16. For example, when the vertical position of the conveyor belt 20 is adjusted for a substrate S, R having a thickness of 5 mm, the projection of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 20 can be aligned with the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14.

[0057] In some examples, the upper limit member 48 is inclined so that when the conveyor belt 20 is in a vertical position for receiving a substrate S, R having a predetermined thickness, the upper limit member 48 does not obstruct the path of the substrate S, R from the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 toward the upper edge of the conveyor belt 20 facing the media bypass 12, or so that the upper limit member 48 extends parallel to a linear path from the outer edge 24 to the print zone Z.

[0058] For ordinary substrates S, R having a thickness less than 5 mm, the substrate S, R can generally be flexible enough such that the shape of the substrate S, R can be adjusted relative to the forced media path P enforced by the conveyor belt 20. For example, the rollers 28 can push the (thin) substrate S, R onto the conveyor belt 20, or a suction mechanism associated with the conveyor belt 20 can hold the substrate S, R against the surface of the conveyor belt 20 such that the substrate S, R can be moved past the printhead 16 in a path that is substantially parallel to the conveyor belt 20.

[0059] To accommodate substrates S, R that are thicker than a predetermined thickness (e.g., about 5 mm), the media bypass 12 can adjust the vertical position of the outer edge 24 such that the substrate S, R can be flush relative to the portion of the media path P past the printhead 16 when a rigid substrate R is supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 and on the conveyor belt 20. For example, the convertible media support 14 can be vertically displaced or pivotable to adjust the vertical position of the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14.

[0060] Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view of the printer 10 with the media bypass 12 is shown, according to an example, similar to the printer 10 of Figure 4 The convertible media support 14 of the media bypass 12 is pivoted toward the active configuration and telescopically extended such that the pin 44 of the bridging support 38 of the convertible media support 14 engages the support bracket 46 of the printer 10.

[0061] However, relative to the printer 10 of Figure 4 In the printer 10 of Figure 5 The conveyor belt 20 is adjusted to a vertical position for printing on substrates S, R of a maximum thickness (e.g., about 10 mm) supported by the printer 10, and the convertible media support 14 is pivoted to face an upper surface of the printhead 16 substantially parallel to the conveyor belt 20. As a result, the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 is aligned with the upper surface of the conveyor belt 20 such that a substrate S, R of the maximum thickness can be flush relative to the portion of the media path P past the printhead 16 when the substrate S, R is supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 and on the conveyor belt 20.

[0062] The convertible media support 14 can be pivoted by an actuator drivingly coupled to the convertible media support 14 or the support bracket 46 to selectively adjust the inclination of the convertible media support 14. For example, the convertible media support 14 can be selectively rotated according to the vertical position of the conveyor belt 20 such that a rigid substrate R of a given thickness can be flush relative to the portion of the media path P past the printhead 16 when the substrate R is supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 and on the conveyor belt 20.

[0063] In some examples, the convertible media support 14 is biased toward the tilted configuration, for example, by a resilient biasing element, and pivots based on the weight of the substrate S, R acting on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 to accommodate thicker substrates S, R. In other words, the convertible media support 14 can pivot from the first configuration toward the second configuration when the weight of the substrate S, R exceeds a weight threshold.

[0064] For example, the pivot point 22 and the center of mass of the convertible media support 14 in the telescopically extended configuration can be offset such that the weight of the portion of the rigid media bypass 14 extending into the printer 10 corresponds to a counterweight of a predetermined weight of the substrate S, R, and the convertible media support 14 can pivot from the first configuration toward the second configuration when the weight of the substrate S, R is greater than the counterweight.

[0065] In some examples, the convertible media support 14 includes an additional weight, for example, an exchangeable weight, to define the weight threshold for pivoting from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0066] In some examples, the support bracket 46 includes a resilient biasing element to bias the convertible media support 14 toward the first tilted configuration, and the biasing force can be selected such that a substrate S, R supported on the outer edge 24 and exceeding a predetermined thickness exerts a torque on the convertible media support 14 that overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element such that the convertible media support pivots toward the second configuration. In some examples, in the second configuration, the convertible media support 14 is flush with respect to the print zone Z, i.e., the support structure supporting the substrate S, R as it passes the printhead 16 is flush with respect to the substrate S, R.

[0067] The inventors have found that rigid substrates S, R having a thickness between 5 mm and about 9 mm are not commonly used in printers 10. Thus, a force threshold can be selected, for example, by the biasing element, that prevents the convertible media support 14 from pivoting when a common substrate type having a thickness of 5 mm or less is supported on the outer edge 24, but that allows the convertible media support 14 to pivot in response to a thicker substrate S, R being supported on the outer edge 24.

[0068] Figure 6A and Figure 6BPartial views of the engagement between a support bracket 46 of a printer 10 and a pivotable convertible media support 14 in a first configuration and a second configuration are shown according to examples. The support bracket 46 includes a bracket body 50 having a slot 52 and a pivotable lever 54 coupled to the bracket body 50 by a resilient biasing element 56 (e.g., a torsion coil spring) to bias the pivotable lever 54 toward a lower portion of the bracket body 50. The pivotable lever 54 engages the pin 44 of the convertible media support 14 to apply a torque to the convertible media support 14 and bias the convertible media support 14 toward the tilted configuration.

[0069] In Figure 6A the pivotable convertible media support 14 is in the first tilted configuration such that the pin 44 of the pivotable convertible media support 14 is located at the bottom of the slot 52. The pivotable lever 54 engages the pin 44 and presses the pin 44 against the lower portion of the bracket body 50 to hold the convertible media support 14 in the tilted position.

[0070] In Figure 6B the convertible media support 14 is in the second configuration such that the pin 44 is moved upward along the slot 52 of the support bracket 46 while pivoting the pivotable lever 54 against the force of the resilient biasing element 56 to rest against the upper portion of the bracket body 50.

[0071] The slot 52 can have an upper recess 58 such that the pin 44 can be prevented from retracting from the slot 52 in the second configuration. Thus, when the convertible media support 14 can not be biased into the support bracket 46 by its own weight, the convertible media support 14 can be held within the support bracket 46 and prevented from retracting in a substantially horizontal position.

[0072] The biasing force of the resilient biasing element 56 can be selected such that a common rigid or flexible substrate S, R having a thickness greater than 5 mm supported by the convertible media support 14 can apply a torque to the convertible media support 14 that is greater than the torque applied by the resilient biasing element 56. Thus, when a rigid or flexible substrate S, R having a thickness greater than 5 mm is supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14, the convertible media support 14 can pivot from the first configuration toward the second configuration.

[0073] An operator or an external media feed mechanism can also engage the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14 to pivot the convertible media support according to the media thickness.

[0074] In some examples, the pivotable lever 54 is coupled to an actuator (not shown) and the pivotable lever 54 can be released or selectively pivoted by driving the actuator.

[0075] In some examples, in the telescopically extended configuration of the convertible media support 14, the center of mass of the convertible media support 14 is close to the pivot point 22, so that the biasing force of the biasing element can be relatively low relative to the weight of the convertible media support 14. For example, the torque generated by the weight of the convertible media support 14 in the telescopically extended configuration can be less than the torque applied to the convertible media support 54 by the rod 54.

[0076] Thus, in the active configuration, the inclination of the switchable media support 14 can be controlled by simple technical means through the variable attachment points of the switchable media support 14 to the support bracket 46 , thereby forming the multi-functional media bypass 12 .

[0077] Figure 7 A front view of the printer 10 with the media bypass 12 is shown according to an example. The convertible media support 14 of the media bypass 12 is in an active configuration and provides a substantially flat media path to guide substrates S, R into the printer 12 between the upper surface of the pivoting input tray 36 and the upper limit member 48. Figure 7 As can be further seen in FIG, the outer edge 24 may have rollers 60 to reduce friction of the substrate S, R supported on the outer edge 24 of the convertible media support 14.

[0078] In some examples, the convertible media support 14 includes a latch mechanism to prevent the convertible media support 14 from pivoting toward the inactive configuration when the convertible media support 14 is telescopically extended. Thus, for example, when the center of mass of the convertible media support 14 is near the pivot point 22 in the telescopically extended configuration of the convertible media support 14, the convertible media support 14 may not inadvertently pivot toward the inactive configuration.

[0079] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the convertible media support 14 can be supported in the active configuration by a support arm 30, which can engage a latch mechanism of the media bypass 12 to prevent inadvertent pivoting to the inactive configuration. When the convertible media support 14 is telescopically extended into the printer 10, the support arm 30 can have a protrusion 62 at the mounting point of the convertible media support 14 to abut a pin 64 (shown in the retracted configuration).

[0080] The pin 64 can be biased by a biasing element and can be coupled to the convertible media support 14 such that when the convertible media support 14 is telescopically extended into the printer 10, the pin 64 can protrude from the convertible media support 14 to abut the protrusion 62 of the support arm 30 and prevent the support arm 30 from rotating, thereby maintaining the convertible media support 14 in the active configuration. The pin 64 can be internally coupled to a retraction mechanism by a ramped surface (not shown) to engage a protrusion (not shown) of the telescopically extending bridging support 38 to passively retract the pin 64 into the convertible media support 14 as the bridging support 40 retracts.

[0081] Thus, when the convertible media support 14 is telescopically extended, the convertible media support 14 can be prevented from pivoting toward the inactive configuration by the engagement of the pin 64 and the support arm 30, but the convertible media support 14 can be pivoted when the convertible media support 14 is retracted.

[0082] In other words, the media bypass 12 of the printer 10 can include a pivotable media support 14 that pivots between an active configuration and an inactive configuration, where in the active configuration the pivotable media support 14 can be telescopically extended into the printer 10, and the media bypass 12 can further include a latching mechanism to prevent the pivotable media support 14 from pivoting from the active configuration to the inactive configuration when the pivotable media support 14 is telescopically extended in the active configuration. The latching mechanism can include a locking pin 64 that is mechanically coupled to a telescopically extending mechanism of the pivotable media support 14 such that when the pivotable media support 14 is telescopically extended into the printer 10, the locking pin 64 engages a protrusion 62 of the media bypass 12 to prevent the pivotable media support 14 from pivoting toward the inactive configuration.

[0083] When the convertible media support 14 is pivoted toward the active configuration, the wall 66 can prevent inadvertent access to internal elements of the printer 10 to prevent damage to the printer 10 or reduce the risk of an operator being accidentally injured by improper operation.

[0084] Thus, the printer 10 having the media bypass 12 can enable a simple method of providing rigid or flexible external substrates S, R to a print zone Z of the printer 10.

[0085] In some examples, the method of providing (rigid) substrates S, R to the printer 10 through the media bypass 12 includes pivoting the substrate support 14 from an inactive configuration, in which the substrate support 14 defines a portion of the perimeter of the printer 10, to an active configuration, in which the substrate support 14 extends toward a middle portion of the media bypass P, which is used to supply substrates S from an internal media supply to the print head 16. The method can further include telescopically extending the substrate support 14 in the active configuration into the printer 10, e.g., toward the middle portion of the media path P. The method can include engaging the pin 44 of the substrate support 14 with the support bracket 46 of the printer 10 for controlling the inclination of the substrate support 14 relative to the printer 10. The method can also include supporting externally supplied substrates S, R on the outer edge 24 of the substrate support 14 and guiding the substrates S, R into the printer 10 along the extension of the substrates S, R.

[0086] Accordingly, the media bypass 12 can be simple in operation and can enable printing on a plurality of different flexible or rigid substrates S, R through the media bypass 12.

[0087] In some examples, the media bypass 12 can be integrated with a jam access door of the printer 10 to enable access to internal elements of the printer 10 at the location of the media bypass 12 without increasing the footprint of the printer 10. For example, the convertible media support 14 can be inserted into a pivotable door of the printer 10 and the convertible media support 14 can be pivoted outwardly with the pivotable door to allow access to the interior of the printer 10, e.g., to access the buffer B or to access the media path P toward the print head 16.

[0088] Figure 8A A printer 10 having a pivotable door 68 according to an example is shown. The pivotable door 68 can be a jam access door of the printer 10 and can be arranged adjacent to an access door 70 for accessing internal media supplies or other portions of the media path P in the printer 10. The pivotable door 68 can pivot about a pivot point located at its lower edge and the pivot motion of the pivotable door 68 can be damped by a linear damper 72 to limit the pivot speed of the pivotable door 68. Accordingly, an operator can pivot the pivotable door 68 outwardly from the printer 10 to access the interior of the printer 10 to resolve a jam of substrates S in the printer 10.

[0089] The convertible media support 14 of the media bypass 12 can be inserted into the pivotable door 68 and the pivotable door 68 can accommodate components of the media bypass 12 for controlling the pivoting of the convertible media support 14 relative to the pivotable door 68 or the printer 10. Accordingly, the media bypass 12 can pivot with the pivotable door 68 when an operator accesses the interior of the printer 10.

[0090] The pivotal movement of the pivotable door 68 can be selectively prevented by a locking mechanism (not shown) that can be actuated by a lock switch 74. The lock switch 74 can actuate a locking pin (not shown) of the locking mechanism to hold the pivotable door 68 in the closed, upright position. In addition, a passive holding mechanism such as a magnet can be provided in the printer 10 to hold the pivotable door 68 in its closed, upright position without relying on the state of the locking mechanism, the holding force being predetermined, for example, between 10 N and 100 N, for example, 30 N.

[0091] In some examples, the lock switch 74 switches between a first configuration and a second configuration to prevent relative movement between the printer 10 and the pivotable door 68 in the first configuration and to prevent relative movement between the pivotable door 68 and the convertible media support 14 in the second configuration.

[0092] In other words, the locking mechanism alternatively prevents relative movement between the printer 10 and the pivotable door 68 or between the pivotable door 68 and the convertible media support 14.

[0093] In some examples, the locking mechanism prevents opening of the pivotable door 68 when the convertible media support 14 is pivoted towards the active configuration. For example, the locking pin can prevent an operator from operating the locking mechanism when the convertible media support 14 is away from the inactive configuration. Thus, damage to printer components or accidental injury to the operator can be prevented.

[0094] In some examples, the lock switch 74 is coupled to a first locking pin and a second locking pin arranged on opposite lateral sides of the pivotable door 68 and drives movement of the first and second locking pins in opposite directions. Thus, the pivotable door 68 and the convertible media support 14 can be supported on opposite sides to prevent torsional stress on the pivotable door 68 or the convertible media support 14.

[0095] Figure 8B An example of a pivotable door 68 is shown that includes a convertible media support 14 that is inserted into the pivotable door 68 and pivotably coupled to the pivotable door 68. The pivotable door 68 includes a lock switch 74 that is coupled to a first locking pin 76 and a second locking pin 78 arranged on opposite lateral sides of the pivotable door 68. Movement of the first and second locking pins 76, 78 can be coupled by a coupling mechanism 80 such that operating the lock switch 74 drives the first and second locking pins 76, 78 in opposite directions. Thus, the first and second locking pins 76, 78 can be symmetrically driven to switch between the first and second configurations of the locking mechanism to alternatively prevent pivoting of the pivotable door 68 or the convertible media support 14 relative to the pivotable door 68.

[0096] Figure 9A and Figure 9B respectively show Figure 8B a cross-sectional view of the left side of an example of the pivotable door 68 in the first configuration and the second configuration. Figure 10A and Figure 10B respectively show respective partial views of the locking pin 76, while Figure 10C and Figure 10D respectively show respective partial views of the coupling mechanism 80 in the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0097] The pivotable door 68 includes a lock switch 74 arranged on an upper surface of the pivotable door 68 to drive a transition between the first configuration and the second configuration of the locking mechanism. The lock switch 74 can be coupled to a pivotable lever 82 pivotably hinged on a pivot point 84 of the pivotable door 68 and further coupled to the first locking pin 76 through a swivel joint. Actuation of the lock switch 74 can drive a pivoting motion of the pivotable lever 82 about the pivot point 84 to move the first locking pin 76 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B the locking pin 76 can include a long slot 86 engaged by a pin 88 of the pivotable door 68 to restrict a movement of the locking pin 76 along the long slot 86 in a substantially horizontal direction. In the first configuration as shown in Figure 10A the first end 90 of the locking pin 76 can engage a bracket 92 of the printer frame 18 to prevent the pivotable door 68 from pivoting relative to the printer frame 18. The opposite second end 94 of the locking pin 76 can be retracted from a bracket 96 of the convertible media support 14 such that the convertible media support 14 can be freely pivoted relative to the pivotable door 68.

[0099] In the second configuration as shown in Figure 10B the locking pin 76 is displaced along the long slot 86 in a horizontal direction such that the second end 94 of the locking pin 76 can engage the bracket 96 of the convertible media support 14 to prevent the convertible media support 14 from pivoting relative to the pivotable door 68. The opposite first end 90 of the locking pin 76 can be retracted from the bracket 92 of the pivotable door 68 such that the pivotable door 68 can be freely pivoted relative to the printer frame 18.

[0100] To drive a movement of the second locking pin 78 on the opposite side of the pivotable door 68, the movement of the second locking pin 78 can be coupled to the movement of the first locking pin 76 through a mechanical coupling mechanism 80.

[0101] For example, the pivotable rod 82 can be coupled to a horizontally aligned transfer rod 98 located at the bottom of the pivotable door 68 via a swivel joint 100. The transfer rod 98 can be mounted to the pivotable door 68 via a pin 104 received in a horizontally elongated slot 102 in the transfer rod 98 to control the movement of the transfer rod 98. Pivoting the pivotable rod 82 can then drive the (horizontal) movement of the transfer rod 98 along the extension of the slot 102.

[0102] like Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, displacement of the transfer rod 98 can be transmitted via the coupling mechanism 80 to a corresponding transfer rod 106 coupled to the second locking pin 78, e.g., driving an opposite displacement of the second locking pin 78 in a mirrored manner. The coupling mechanism 80 can include a rotating rod 108 connected to the transfer rods 98 and 106 on opposite sides of the rotating rod 108 via an intermediate arm 110, which is connected to the rotating rod 108 and the transfer rods 98 and 106 via a swivel joint. When one of the transfer rods 98 and 106 is horizontally displaced (e.g., by actuating the locking switch 74), the intermediate arm 110 drives rotation of the rotating rod 108. Thus, for example, when the locking mechanism switches between the first and second configurations, movement of the (left) transfer rod 98 from left to right causes movement of the other (right) transfer rod 106 from right to left, and vice versa.

[0103] In other words, the locking switch 74 can drive the displacement of the first locking pin 74 and the second locking pin 78 in opposite directions through the mechanical force reverse coupling mechanism 80 arranged in the bottom of the pivotable door 68 and coupling the first locking pin 76 and the second locking pin 78 .

[0104] By adjusting the vertical position of the pivot point 84 , the relationship between the displacement distance of the locking switch 74 and the travel of the transfer rod 98 can be adjusted, for example, thereby adjusting the force used to displace the locking pins 76 , 78 .

[0105] When the locking mechanism is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the coupling mechanism 80 can have a locking pin 112 that engages the side of the rotating rod 108 to prevent the rotating rod 108 from further rotation or to prevent the rotating rod 106 from being in a horizontal position. Thus, the displacement of the locking pins 76, 78 on opposite sides of the pivotable door 68 can be synchronized by simple technical means.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to a travel-reversing coupling mechanism 80 based on a rotating rod, other coupling mechanisms 80 may also be used in the example, such as coupling the transfer rods 98, 106 to opposite sides of a rotating gear by engaging teeth on the transfer rods 98, 106, etc. In addition, the locking pins 76, 78 on opposite lateral sides of the pivotable door 68 may also be coupled by a transfer and coupling mechanism in the top of the pivotable door 68.

[0107] Accordingly, the media bypass 12 can be integrated into the rotatable (occluding passage) door 68 to allow access to the interior of the printer 10 for service, and to selectively supply the printer 10 with external substrate S, R.

Claims

1. A media bypass for a printer, the media bypass comprising: a convertible media support for holding a substrate and for switching between an active configuration and an inactive configuration, wherein the convertible media support pivots from the inactive configuration toward the active configuration to extend into the printer and to direct the substrate into the printer, wherein the convertible media support is aligned with a print head in the active configuration such that the substrate can be externally supplied into the printer along a substantially linear path past the print head, the media bypass further comprising a pivotable door, wherein the convertible media support is inserted into the pivotable door that forms a perimeter of the printer, and wherein the pivotable door is for pivoting relative to the printer, and wherein the pivotable door comprises a locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the printer and the pivotable door in a first configuration and for preventing relative movement between the pivotable door and the convertible media support in a second configuration, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first locking pin arranged in the pivotable door and laterally movable to engage a slot in the convertible media support in the first configuration and to laterally protrude from the pivotable door and away from the convertible media support with the locking mechanism in the second configuration, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a second locking pin arranged on an opposite side of the pivotable door, wherein the second locking pin is coupled to the first locking pin by a rotation bar, and wherein the rotation bar is rotated to drive lateral movement of the first and second locking pins in opposite directions.

2. The media bypass of claim 1, wherein, the convertible media support telescopically extends into the printer in the active configuration.

3. The media bypass of claim 2, wherein, the convertible media support comprises a latching mechanism for preventing the convertible media support from pivoting toward the inactive configuration with the convertible media support telescopically extended.

4. The media bypass of claim 2, wherein, the convertible media support comprises a pivot input tray and a bridging support, wherein the bridging support is telescopically extendable along the pivot input tray to extend into the printer with the pivot input tray pivoted toward the active configuration.

5. The media bypass of claim 4, wherein, the bridging support is arranged below the pivot input tray to allow a substrate to slide down from the pivot input tray onto the bridging support to direct the substrate into the printer.

6. The media bypass of claim 1, wherein, the convertible media support defines a perimeter of the printer in the inactive configuration.

7. A printer comprising: a media path for directing a substrate toward a print head; an internal media storage for supplying the substrate to the media path; and a media bypass, wherein the media bypass comprises a convertible media support for selectively placing the media bypass in one of an active configuration and an inactive configuration, ​ wherein, in the active configuration of the media bypass, the media support is telescopically extendable into the media path to guide externally supplied substrate into the media path, wherein, in the active configuration, the convertible media support is aligned with the print head so that the substrate can be externally supplied into the printer along a substantially linear path past the print head, wherein the printer further comprises a cutter for cutting a roll of media supplied from the internal media storage, and wherein the printer further comprises a buffer for buffering the substrate in a media bubble in the event that the roll of media is cut, and wherein the media support extends into the buffer.

8. The printer of claim 7, wherein, The media support is to be pivoted from the inactive configuration towards the active configuration before the media support is telescopically extendable into the printer.

9. A media input apparatus for supplying a rigid substrate to a print zone of a printer, wherein, The media input device comprises a substrate support, wherein the substrate support is pivotably hinged to the printer at a pivot point, wherein the substrate support is connected to a mounting element to supply the rigid substrate to a print zone of the printer in a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein the substrate support is to be pivoted from the first configuration towards the second configuration when a weight of the rigid substrate exceeds a weight threshold.

10. The media input device of claim 9, wherein, The substrate support is flush with respect to the print zone in the second configuration and is inclined with respect to the print zone in the first configuration.

11. The media input device of claim 9, wherein, The media input device is for supporting a rigid substrate on an outer edge of the substrate support in the first configuration so that a predetermined thickness of the rigid substrate is flush with respect to the print zone. The media input device is for supporting a rigid substrate on an outer edge of the substrate support in the first configuration so that a predetermined thickness of the rigid substrate is flush with respect to the print zone.

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