Printer Conveyer Positioning for Jam Removal Workspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printers with belt platens, the usability for removing sheet jams is poor due to the lack of workspace when the belt platen is lowered, especially in duplex printing configurations where the conveyance route is below the belt platen, making it difficult for users to remove remaining sheets.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration that includes a controller to position the print conveyer at specific levels (print position, lower limit position, or intermediate position) based on the presence and size of remaining sheets in the conveyer systems, creating adequate workspace for jam removal without frequent movement of the print conveyer, thereby improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the belt platen is lowered to remove remaining sheet during sheet jam, then workspace for removing sheet from print conveyer is formed, but no workspace is available for removing sheet from lower conveyer in duplex printing configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the print conveyer position changeable through an elevator mechanism. The controller dynamically positions the print conveyer at different levels (print position, lower limit position, or intermediate position) based on real-time detection of remaining sheets in the lower conveyer and print conveyer. This dynamic positioning creates appropriate workspace for users to remove sheets from different locations during sheet jam conditions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the print conveyer is frequently moved to create workspace for jam removal, then usability is improved, but operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller detect the presence and size of remaining sheets in the lower conveyer and print conveyer before determining the print conveyer position. This advance detection allows the system to proactively position the print conveyer at the appropriate level (print position, lower limit position, or intermediate position) before the user needs to remove the sheet, eliminating the need for frequent movements during the jam removal process and thus maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the print conveyer is positioned at lower limit position for jam removal, then workspace is formed, but the print conveyer cannot remain at print position for normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using sheet detection sensors to continuously monitor the presence of remaining sheets in the lower conveyer and print conveyer. Based on this feedback information, the controller intelligently determines the appropriate print conveyer position (print position, lower limit position, or intermediate position) and maintains it during the jam removal process. This feedback mechanism ensures the print conveyer remains in the optimal position without unnecessary movements, reducing time loss while providing adequate workspace for users.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller, upon remaining sheets existing in both a print conveyer (26) and a lower conveyer (43) and a sheet size of the sheets being equal to or larger than a specified size upon occurrence of a sheet jam: control an elevator (32) to maintain the print conveyer at a print position, determine to position the print conveyer at a lower limit position in response to removal of the remaining sheet from the lower conveyer, and then drive the elevator to move the print conveyer to the lower limit position; or drive the elevator to move the print conveyer to the lower limit position, determine to position the print conveyer at the print position in response to removal of the remaining sheet from the lower conveyer, and then drive the elevator to move the print conveyer to the print position.