Printing Bracket Encoder Feedback Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in precisely specifying the position of moving mechanisms, particularly when using stepping motors that lose synchronization or non-stepping motors, which affects the control of print position velocity.
Innovation Solution
A bracket for a printing apparatus is designed with a moving mechanism that includes rollers and a motor, along with a transmitting mechanism and encoder, allowing precise control and positioning of the moving mechanism, even when using AC or DC motors, by utilizing a rack and pinion gear system and a clutch to manage the motor's driving force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a stepping motor is used to move the rack, then the print position velocity can be controlled, but the motor loses synchronization which affects positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
An encoder is installed on the rack to detect its actual position and provide feedback signals to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and correct the rack's position, ensuring high-precision positioning even when using non-stepping motors that do not inherently maintain synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the stepping motor system with a conventional motor (AC or DC motor) combined with a clutch mechanism. This substitution allows the use of more reliable motors while maintaining control through the clutch's engagement/disengagement based on encoder feedback, rather than relying on the stepping motor's inherent synchronization capability.
2Reliability
If a non-stepping motor (AC or DC motor) is used, then motor reliability is improved, but the position of the moving mechanism cannot be precisely specified
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder mounted on the rack provides continuous position feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the system to precisely determine the rack's position at any time, overcoming the lack of inherent position control in non-stepping motors while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch acts as an intermediary between the motor and the rack. It engages to transmit motor power when positioning is needed and disengages to allow the rack to maintain its position without motor intervention. This intermediary mechanism enables precise position control using reliable non-stepping motors.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rack moves in the direction to decelerate print position velocity, then printing quality is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rack's position and the clutch's engagement state based on real-time printing requirements. The control system optimizes the balance between maintaining print position velocity within the appropriate range for quality printing and minimizing unnecessary rack movements that would reduce productivity.
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
The solution enables high-precision specification of the moving mechanism's position, ensuring accurate control of print position velocity and maintaining printing quality, even when stepping motors lose synchronization or when AC/DC motors are used, by effectively transmitting the motor's rotation and managing the clutch state.
Implementation Method 1
an encoder configured to output a signal in accordance with movement of the moving mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a motor provided on the frame
Implementation Method 3
a rack and pinion gear system
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a bracket of a printing apparatus including a thermal head and a platen and performing printing on a print medium. The bracket includes a frame; a moving mechanism supported to be movable with respect to the frame in a specified direction; a motor provided on the frame; a transmitting mechanism connected to the motor and to the moving mechanism; and an encoder which outputs a signal in accordance with movement of the moving mechanism. The moving mechanism includes: a first roller positioned, with respect to the platen facing the thermal head, on an upstream side of a conveyance path of the print medium; a second roller positioned, with respect to the platen, on a downstream side of the conveyance path; and a supporting member which rotatably supports the first roller and the second roller.