Printing Apparatus Curved Conveying Path Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face inefficiencies in resolving conveyance abnormalities, particularly when subsequent print media cannot be removed from the removal work area without colliding with preceding media, due to the position of the preceding print medium.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates a conveying path with a curved portion and a removal work area that allows the subsequent print medium to be moved into the removal work area, preventing collisions by curving the path between the first and second areas, enabling efficient error rectification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the forcedly moving processing is not performed for the subsequent print medium depending on the position of the preceding print medium, then it is possible to prevent the ends of print media from colliding within the conveying path, but it becomes necessary for the user to open another open/close cover or cassette to remove the subsequent print medium, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding a curved portion to the conveying path that leads to a removal work area. This curved path allows the subsequent print medium to be conveyed into a different spatial zone (the removal work area accessible through the first open/close cover) without colliding with the preceding print medium, thus resolving the contradiction between collision prevention and removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the curved portion of the conveying path with the removal work area - that mediates between the conventional linear conveying path and the need for efficient print medium removal. This intermediary allows the subsequent print medium to reach a removable position without directly colliding with the preceding medium
2Productivity
If the subsequent print medium is moved to the removal work area irrespective of the position of the preceding print medium, then it is possible to improve error rectification efficiency, but it may cause the ends of print media to collide within the conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a curved conveying path that introduces a new spatial dimension, the system can move the subsequent print medium to the removal work area without it traversing the same linear path as the preceding medium, thus avoiding collision while maintaining efficient removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved portion in the conveying path instead of a straight line. This curvature allows the subsequent print medium to follow a different trajectory that bypasses the position of the preceding print medium, enabling safe conveyance to the removal work area regardless of where the preceding medium is located
3Reliability
If the user must open another open/close cover or cassette to remove the subsequent print medium, then it is possible to prevent collision, but it increases the complexity of the removal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the removal function for both the preceding and subsequent print media into a single accessible location (the removal work area exposed by opening the first open/close cover). This consolidation allows the user to remove both types of media through one unified access point, simplifying the operation while preventing collision
Data Source
AI summary
In a printing apparatus, the ends of print media fed continuously can be prevented from colliding with each other. The printing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to perform a print operation, a detecting unit configured to detect a conveyance abnormality, a conveying unit configured to convey a preceding print medium and a succeeding print medium, a conveying path having a first area including a curved portion at which a conveying direction of the print medium is curved and a second area upstream of the first area, and an opening unit capable of opening the first area of the conveying path. In a case in which a leading edge of the succeeding print medium is located in the second area at the time of the detecting unit detecting conveyance abnormality of the preceding print medium, the conveying unit conveys the succeeding print medium so that the leading edge of the succeeding print medium reaches the first area.