Tape Printing Ejection Control to Prevent Tape Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tape clogging occurs in tape printing apparatuses when the trailing end of the tape remains on the feeding path due to the tape being cut between the print head and the cutter.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that drives the ejection motor to eject the tape using the ejection roller from when the feed motor stops until the tape is cut by the cutter, preventing the trailing end from being cut and causing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cutter is disposed further in the forward feeding direction than the print head to perform cutting, then the cutting function is improved, but the tape trailing end remains on the feeding path causing tape clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection roller is activated before the cutter operates to preliminarily eject the tape from the feeding path. This preliminary action ensures that when the cutter cuts the tape, the trailing end has already been moved away from the feeding path, preventing tape clogging while maintaining the cutting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection roller acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cutter and the tape trailing end. By introducing this intermediary component, the system can transfer the tape trailing end away from the feeding path before cutting occurs, resolving the conflict between cutting functionality and tape clogging prevention.
2Ease of operation
If the ejection roller is disposed further in the forward feeding direction than the cutter to eject tape, then the tape ejection function is improved, but the timing coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection roller operates continuously during the period from when the feed motor stops to when the tape is cut by the cutter. This continuous operation ensures smooth tape ejection without interruption, improving the ease of operation while the controller manages the timing coordination automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the operational states of the feed motor and cutter to determine the appropriate timing for ejection roller activation. By using feedback from the motor stop detection and cutter operation status, the system coordinates the ejection timing automatically, managing the complexity while ensuring proper sequence execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A tape printing apparatus includes a print head that pinches a tape between the print head and a platen roller and performs printing on the tape to be fed in a first feeding direction, a cutter that is disposed further in the first feeding direction than the print head and cuts the tape in a width direction of the tape, an ejection roller that is disposed further in the first feeding direction than the cutter and feeds the tape toward a tape outlet in the first feeding direction, a feed motor that drives the platen roller, a cutter motor that drives the cutter, an ejection motor that drives the ejection roller, and a controller configured to control each motor. The controller is configured to drive the ejection motor in a period from when driving of the feed motor is stopped to when the tape is cut off by the cutter.