Printer Curl Correction via 180-Degree Sheet Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers that use a curl correction mechanism for sheets from roll paper often introduce wrinkles and/or folds when passing the sheet through a decurl roller and pressing plate, which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a first route for sheet feeding, a drive roller for bidirectional movement, an image forming part, a second route for curl correction, a route changer, a curl corrector with a curl correction roller and guide member, and a cutter, where the sheet's advancing direction is changed by 100 degrees or more to improve curl correction without damaging the sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sheet is passed through a decurl roller and pressing plate for curl correction, then the curl correction effect is improved, but wrinkles and/or folds occur in the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sheet's advancing direction by 100 degrees or more (specifically 180 degrees) when passing through the curl corrector. This dimensional change in the sheet's path allows the curl correction to occur without the sheet being damaged by wrinkles or folds, as the curved path distributes the corrective force more evenly across the sheet surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The curl corrector forms a curved route with a curl correction roller and guide member, creating a spherical or curved path for the sheet to follow. This curvature allows the sheet to be corrected gradually as it follows the rounded path, preventing the sudden stress that would cause wrinkles and folds while still achieving effective curl correction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sheet's advancing direction is changed by 100 degrees or more in the curl corrector, then curl correction effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the curl correction roller and guide member into a single integrated curl corrector unit that forms a complete curved route. By merging these components into one functional unit, the patent achieves the complex 100-degree or more direction change without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the components work together in a coordinated manner within a compact structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a first route to which a sheet from a roll paper is to be fed, a drive roller arranged on the first route and capable of sending the sheet, an image forming part (thermal printer head), a second route branched from the first route, a route changer for switching a route of the sheet, a curl corrector provided on the second route, and a cutter (cutting unit) provided on the first route. The curl corrector is configured to form the route with a curl correction roller and a guide member, and an advancing direction of the route is changeable 100 degrees or more when the sheet passes through the curl corrector.