Printer Moving Mechanism Positioning via Clutch and Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning the moving mechanism at a reference position before the conveyance of the print medium starts, leading to potential misalignment and reduced precision in printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a moving mechanism that includes a first and second roller, supported by a rotatable member, and a clutch mechanism, allowing the motor to move the mechanism to a specific position using a transmitting mechanism, with sensors detecting the position and a controller ensuring the mechanism is at the reference position before print medium conveyance begins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the moving mechanism is positioned using the motor and clutch mechanism before conveyance starts, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the moving mechanism to a reference position before the conveyance of the print medium starts. The controller starts rotation of the motor in a state where conveyance by the external apparatus is stopped and positions the moving mechanism in advance, ensuring accurate printing position before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback through a sensor that detects the position of the moving mechanism and outputs a signal based on the detected position. The controller uses this feedback signal to determine whether the moving mechanism has reached the reference position and controls the motor rotation accordingly to achieve precise positioning.
2Reliability
If the clutch is maintained in connected state during motor rotation, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the clutch to be in a connected state only during the specific period when the motor needs to drive the moving mechanism to the reference position. After positioning is complete, the clutch can be switched to cutoff state, allowing energy consumption to be reduced while maintaining reliability during the critical positioning phase.
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
Enables precise positioning of the moving mechanism at the reference position, ensuring accurate printing by maintaining the clutch in a connected state during motor rotation, allowing the mechanism to be positioned correctly before print medium conveyance starts, thus ensuring high precision and reliable printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch provided on the transmitting mechanism, the clutch transmitting a driving force of the motor to the moving mechanism under a condition that the clutch is in a connected state
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect a position of the moving mechanism and to output a signal in accordance with the detected position
Implementation Method 3
a motor provided on the frame; a transmitting mechanism connected to the motor and the moving mechanism, the transmitting mechanism being configured to move the moving mechanism toward the second side in accordance with driving of the motor toward the other direction
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printing apparatus including: a frame; a platen; a moving mechanism having a first roller, a second roller, and a supporting member rotatably supporting the first and second rollers; a motor; a transmitting mechanism connected to the motor and the moving mechanism; a clutch provided on the transmitting mechanism; a sensor detecting a position of the moving mechanism; and a controller. The controller executes: starting driving of the motor so that the motor is rotated toward the other direction in a state that conveyance of the print medium by an external apparatus is stopped and that the clutch is in a connected state; performing determination as to whether the moving mechanism is located at an end, on a second side in the specified direction, of the moving range; and stopping the rotation of the motor.