Trigger Arm Ejection Tray Control for Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with reduced sheet conveyance accuracy and potential sheet jamming due to the connection of the sheet conveying member with the ejection tray's advancing and retracting mechanism through a friction torque limiter, which also leads to unintended extension or retraction of the ejection tray, causing operational inefficiencies and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus design that includes a drive connection member with a trigger arm that connects the conveying member to the advancing and retracting module only when the trigger arm enters the moving area of the printing head, allowing for controlled extension and retraction of the ejection tray using the conveying member's driving force, thereby maintaining transmission of driving force and preventing unintended tray movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet conveying member is connected to the advancing and retracting mechanism of the ejection tray through a friction torque limiter, then the ejection tray can be extended and retracted during printing operations, but the sheet conveyance accuracy decreases due to resistance from the friction torque limiter
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the sheet conveying member and the ejection tray advancing mechanism is segmented into two distinct states: connected state (during non-printing periods) and disconnected state (during printing operations). This is achieved through the trigger arm mechanism that can engage or disengage the friction torque limiter from the driving force transmission path, allowing independent optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection state between the sheet conveying member and the ejection tray advancing mechanism based on the printing head's position. When the printing head is in the printing area, the connection is disconnected to ensure accurate sheet conveyance. When the printing head moves away, the connection is established to enable ejection tray advancement or retraction.
2Ease of operation
If the sheet conveying member is continuously connected to the advancing and retracting mechanism through the friction torque limiter, then the ejection tray can be controlled during printing, but sheet jamming occurs during switchback conveyance for double-sided printing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection state changes dynamically based on the printing head's position and the conveyance operation type. During switchback conveyance for double-sided printing, when the printing head reverses direction, the trigger arm mechanism automatically disconnects the friction torque limiter to prevent the ejection tray from being drawn into the apparatus body, thereby eliminating sheet jamming risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger arm acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the sheet conveying member and the ejection tray advancing mechanism. It detects the printing head's position and conveyance direction, and accordingly controls the engagement or disengagement of the friction torque limiter, preventing harmful interactions during critical operations.
3Device complexity
If the driving force conveying the sheet is used for the advancing and retracting operation of the ejection tray, then the system uses existing drive mechanisms, but the ejection tray may be extended or retracted when the user does not intend it to do so
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through the trigger arm mechanism that continuously monitors the printing head's position and the conveyance member's movement state. This feedback mechanism ensures that the ejection tray is only advanced or retracted when the printing head is in the appropriate position and the conveyance operation is not正在进行, preventing unintended tray movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the driving force and the ejection tray advancing mechanism is dynamically controlled based on real-time operational conditions. The trigger arm mechanism adjusts the engagement state of the friction torque limiter according to the printing head's position and the current conveyance operation, ensuring the ejection tray moves only when intended.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing head that prints on a printing medium, a moving member that moves reciprocally with the printing head, and a conveying member that conveys the printing medium in a direction which intersects a printing head moving direction. Also included are a module contained in a contained position in a non-printing period, and developed in a developed position in a printing period, and a drive connection member that moves the module between the contained and developed positions with conveying member drive. The drive connection member includes a trigger arm that enters a printing head moving area when the moving member is driven in a direction opposite to which the printing medium is conveyed. When the moving member presses and moves the trigger arm, the conveying member is connected to the module such that a connected state in which the driving force transmission is maintained.