Printer Printhead Lift Mechanism for Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to easily and intuitively change the conveyance roller pair from the nip state to the nip-release state when removing jammed recording paper in printers, often requiring the simultaneous operation of multiple buttons without clear prompts, which can be confusing and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a control method that includes a nip state release control unit, which changes the conveyance roller pair from the nip state to the nip-release state when the access cover is opened and the operating button is pressed, allowing for a single-button operation to facilitate easy paper removal and prevent printhead damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are operated simultaneously to release the conveyance roller pair from the nip state, then the roller pair can be released to the nip-release state, but the operation becomes complex and difficult for users without clear prompts
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects when the access cover is opened beforehand and stores this state information. When the operating button is subsequently pressed, the controller recognizes the combination of cover-open state plus button press as a paper jam removal command, automatically initiating the roller release sequence. This preliminary detection simplifies user operation while maintaining controlled access to the paper conveyance path.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector provides feedback about the access cover state to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to distinguish between normal operation (cover closed) and paper jam removal mode (cover open). The feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust its response based on the detected state, transforming a complex multi-button operation into a simple single-button press when the cover is open.
2Ease of operation
If the access cover is opened to expose the paper conveyance path, then the user can see and access the paper jam location, but the printhead remains close to the platen creating potential damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the access cover open state. When the cover is opened, the controller stores this information and prepares for the next action. Upon detecting the operating button press in this state, the controller immediately initiates the printhead lifting sequence before paper removal begins, ensuring the printhead is retracted to a safe position in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by lifting the printhead away from the platen before the user manually removes the jammed paper. This preventive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of paper edges or debris contacting the printhead during removal. The controller monitors the cover state and automatically positions the printhead to a safe height when paper jam removal is detected.
Data Source
AI summary
When the user operates a paper feed button 9c while the access cover 11 is open (steps ST1, ST2), the printer 1 moves the printhead 12 from the printhead-down position 12D to the printhead-up position 12U, and moves the second paper feed roller pair 31 from the nip state to the nip-release state (step ST3). When the access cover 11 is then closed, the printer 1 returns the second conveyance roller pair 31 to the nip state, and returns the printhead 12 to the printhead-down position 12D (steps ST4, ST5). The operation for changing the second conveyance roller pair 31 between the nip state and the nip-release state is therefore intuitive, easily understood, and simple for the user.