Printer Medium Transport Device with Concave Support and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium transport devices face issues with precision in detecting transport weight due to foreign substances on the light-transmitting member and cockling phenomena, leading to inaccurate template matching and potential contact between deformed media and ejecting units.
Innovation Solution
The medium transport device incorporates a light-transmitting member positioned below the focal point of the image capture unit, with concave sections and suction holes to support and stabilize the medium, ensuring clear image capture and preventing media deformation from contacting the ejecting unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal position of the image capture unit is aligned with the upper surface of the light-transmitting member, then the image capture unit can capture images clearly, but foreign substances on the light-transmitting member will be captured clearly, reducing detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light-transmitting member in a location that is not in the focal plane of the image capture unit. Specifically, the light-transmitting member is placed above or below the focal position, creating a dimensional separation between the light transmission function and the image capture function. This allows the image capture unit to focus on the medium surface while foreign substances on the light-transmitting member remain out of focus and do not interfere with image quality.
2Productivity
If the medium absorbs a large amount of liquid during printing, then solid printing can be achieved, but the medium swells and becomes wavy, causing cockling and potential contact with the ejecting unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a concave section in the medium support unit that provides a curved, accommodating surface. This concave region allows the medium to deform inward rather than outward toward the ejecting unit, preventing cockling from causing contact issues while still allowing the medium to absorb liquid during printing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If concave sections are formed on the support surface to prevent cockling, then medium stability is improved, but the light-transmitting member cannot be properly positioned for image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the medium support unit into different functional regions: a flat support surface region for stable medium placement and image capture, and a concave section region for accommodating medium deformation. The light-transmitting member is positioned in the flat region, ensuring clear image capture while the concave region handles cockling prevention separately.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the precision of transport weight detection, reduces the impact of foreign substances, and effectively prevents media deformation and contact with the ejecting unit, improving overall medium handling and printing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit that creates negative pressure in an airspace between the light-transmitting member and the medium
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A printer includes a transport unit that transports continuous paper (P), a medium support unit (20) in which a support surface (20a) that is capable of supporting continuous paper (P) that is transported by a transport unit, and first concave sections (24A and 24B), which are indented from the support surface (20a), are formed, and an image capture unit, which is disposed on a lower side of the support surface (20a), and which captures an image of a lower surface of the continuous paper (P).