US20140339760A1 - Media Stack Compression - Google Patents
Media Stack Compression Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140339760A1 US20140339760A1 US13/894,508 US201313894508A US2014339760A1 US 20140339760 A1 US20140339760 A1 US 20140339760A1 US 201313894508 A US201313894508 A US 201313894508A US 2014339760 A1 US2014339760 A1 US 2014339760A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- media
- paddle
- assembly
- pick
- stack
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
- B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
- B65H3/0615—Rollers or like rotary separators reciprocating and rotatable in one direction only
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
- B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
- B65H3/0661—Rollers or like rotary separators for separating inclined-stacked articles with separator rollers above the stack
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
- B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
- B65H3/0669—Driving devices therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/02—Separating articles from piles using friction forces between articles and separator
- B65H3/06—Rollers or like rotary separators
- B65H3/0684—Rollers or like rotary separators on moving support, e.g. pivoting, for bringing the roller or like rotary separator into contact with the pile
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/46—Supplementary devices or measures to assist separation or prevent double feed
- B65H3/56—Elements, e.g. scrapers, fingers, needles, brushes, acting on separated article or on edge of the pile
- B65H3/565—Elements, e.g. scrapers, fingers, needles, brushes, acting on separated article or on edge of the pile for reintroducing partially separated articles in the stack
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/40—Toothed gearings
- B65H2403/42—Spur gearing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/50—Driving mechanisms
- B65H2403/53—Articulated mechanisms
- B65H2403/532—Crank-and-rocker mechanism
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/50—Driving mechanisms
- B65H2403/53—Articulated mechanisms
- B65H2403/533—Slotted link mechanism
- B65H2403/5331—Slotted link mechanism with sliding slotted link
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/60—Damping means, shock absorbers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
- B65H2511/10—Size; Dimensions
- B65H2511/15—Height, e.g. of stack
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
- B65H2511/20—Location in space
- B65H2511/21—Angle
- B65H2511/212—Rotary position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2801/00—Application field
- B65H2801/03—Image reproduction devices
- B65H2801/12—Single-function printing machines, typically table-top machines
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for compressing media in a media stack. In various embodiments, a paddle moves between various positions. During the move, the paddle is configured to compress the media stack.
Description
- This application claims priority to and is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 13/006,536 filed Jan. 14, 2011.
- Picking a sheet of media for a print job is typically accomplished by a mechanism that utilizes a pick roller to move the sheet of media from an input tray toward a print zone. To prevent multiple sheets of media from moving together, a separation system may be employed to retard any sheets of media beyond the top sheet from advancing more than a slight distance. Continuous pick cycles, however, may cause those slight distances to accumulate throughout the media stack. These variances may result in the simultaneous loading of multiple sheets.
-
FIG. 1A-C illustrate a media compression system in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a printing system in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a first assembly in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a view of various components within the first assembly in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a view of a second assembly in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIGS. 9-11 illustrate various stages of a first assembly in accordance with various embodiments; and -
FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram in accordance with various embodiments. - In printing systems, various print paths may be utilized to deliver media to a print module and ultimately to an output tray. For example, a printing system may utilize a “top-in, front-out” path where media is loaded into a substantially upright media tray feeding into a top face of the system, and output the processed media through the front face of the system. Alternatively, a printing system may utilize a “front-in, front-out” path where media is loaded into a substantially horizontal media tray feeding into the front face of the system. The media is pulled in through the front face, processed, and output through the front face of the printing system, either above or below the horizontal media tray. Both systems generally rely on the ability to draw or “pick” individual sheets of media.
- In various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and systems for improving pick reliability and media loading in media stacks, such as upright media stacks, are provided. To improve pick reliability in printing systems utilizing a top-in, front-out path, the printing system may gather and compress the media stack during each pick cycle. By gathering and compressing the media in the media stack during each pick cycle, the media is presented in a predictable manner for picking.
- Additionally, to improve loading reliability in printing systems utilizing a top-in, front-out path, the printing system may lift the picking mechanism during a load phase. By lifting the picking mechanism during the load phase, media, for example a single sheet of paper, may be loaded in an efficient manner.
- Throughout this disclosure, reference is made to a printing system having an upright or vertical media stack. These terms are merely used for ease of understanding. The disclosure may be applied to systems other than printing systems, and to media stacks oriented in a plurality of manners. The disclosure also refers to media. Media includes any article capable of being processed by printing systems such as, but not limited to, paper of various shapes, sizes, and textures.
-
FIGS. 1A-C schematically illustrate amedia compression system 100 according to an example embodiment.Media compression system 100 is configured to compress and organize a media stack.FIG. 1A illustratessystem 100 in a first state such as a disorganized state.FIG. 1B illustratessystem 100 in a second state such as a compression state.FIG. 1C illustratessystem 100 in a third state such as a retracted state. - In the illustrated embodiment,
system 100 includes apaddle 102, amedia tray 104, amedia stack 106, apick mechanism 108, afirst assembly 110, and asecond assembly 112. In the embodiment, themedia tray 104 is an upright media tray having an incline or slope. In other embodiments, themedia tray 104 may be horizontal or include various other slopes. Themedia stack 106 includes media such as, but not limited to, paper. - The
paddle 102 may be a load limiting mechanism configured to limit an amount of media loaded into thesystem 100. In various embodiments, thepaddle 102 may include a central axle on which multiple paddles are positioned. Thepick mechanism 108 may include one or more elements configured to pick or select media in themedia stack 106. Thepick mechanism 108 may feed or move the media alongmedia path 114. In various embodiments, thepick mechanism 108 may include one or more picking tires. - The
first assembly 110 may coupled to thepaddle 102 and a feedshaft (not illustrated). Thefirst assembly 110 may be configured to move thepaddle 102 between a plurality of positions. For example, thefirst assembly 110 may be configured to move thepaddle 102 between a first position wherein the paddle compresses themedia stack 106 and a second position where thepaddle 102 out of themedia path 114 of themedia stack 106. Although not illustrated, in various embodiments, thefirst assembly 110 may also be coupled to thepick mechanism 108 and configured to move thepick mechanism 108 between a plurality of positions. For example, thefirst assembly 110 may be configured to move thepick mechanism 108 to a lifted position, wherein thepick mechanism 108 is separated from themedia stack 106. This may facilitate loading of additional media intomedia stack 106. - The
second assembly 112 may be coupled to thepick mechanism 108, and in various embodiments, thefirst assembly 110. Thesecond assembly 112 may be configured to actuate thepick mechanism 108 to move media in themedia stack 106 through themedia path 114. The movement of media through themedia path 114 may occur as thefirst assembly 110 transitions thepaddle 102 from a first position, such as a compression position, to a second position, such as the retracted position. This may enable feeding of the media in an expedient manner. - Referring to
FIG. 1A , thesystem 100 is in a disorganized state. Thepaddle 102 is positioned in afeed path 114 of themedia stack 106. In the disorganized position, thepaddle 102 may be in a load position where the paddle serves to limit the amount of media that may be loaded into themedia stack 106. - In
FIG. 1B , the paddle has been actuated by thefirst assembly 110 to compress themedia stack 106. Consequently, thepaddle 102 has been moved to a compression position. In the compression position, thepaddle 102 remains in themedia path 114 of themedia stack 106. The compression serves to organize themedia stack 106. - After arriving at the compression position, the
first assembly 110 may move the paddle to a retracted position, as illustrated inFIG. 10 . In the retracted position, thepaddle 102 is moved outside of themedia path 114 of themedia stack 106, thereby allowing the media to move through themedia path 114. In various embodiments, thesecond assembly 112 may actuate thepick mechanism 108 to pick or select media in themedia stack 106 as thefirst assembly 110 moves thepaddle 102 from the compression position to the retracted position. With themedia stack 106 in an organized manner, thepick mechanism 108 may more accurately pick media. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , aprinting system 200 is illustrated in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The illustratedprinting system 200 is an example of a “top-in, front-out” printer. Media, such as paper, is loaded in avertical media tray 202 and fed through theprinting module 230 prior to being output through thefront face 204 of theprinting system 200. Among other things, theprinting system 200 includes afirst assembly 206, asecond assembly 208, apaddle 210, vertical orupright media tray 202 for supporting a media stack (not illustrated), andpicking mechanism 216 includingpick arm 219 and picktires 220. In various embodiments, the media stack is defined as an amount of media disposed within themedia tray 202. - In the example embodiment, the
printing system 200 includes one ormore paddles 210 disposed along a length of theprinting system 200. Thepaddles 210 may be disposed on a single axle, and consequently, are configured to move in a synchronized manner. In the figure, threepaddles 210 are illustrated; however, more or fewer paddles may be utilized without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. - The
paddle 210 is configured to transition between a plurality of positions. Such as a load position, a compression position, and a retracted position. In the load position, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , a user may load media into themedia tray 202. In the load position, thepaddle 210 may function to prevent media from progressing into the printing path or the print module. In addition, thepaddle 210 may also function to prevent a user from loading too much media into themedia tray 202, thereby overloading thesystem 200. - In a second position, for example, a compression position, the
paddles 210 have moved toward the media stack or themedia tray 202 to compress the media stack. The compression position may change dependent upon, for example, an amount of media in the media stack. For example, a compression position for a fully loaded media stack may be different than a compression position for a media stack with less than a full amount of media. Thepaddle 210 may arrive at the second position, for example, by rotating toward themedia tray 202 as indicated by arrows 113. - In a third position, for example a retracted position, the
paddles 210 are moved out of the print path, thereby allowing a picked media to enter theprint module 230. Thepaddles 210 may arrive at the third position by rotating away from the media within themedia tray 202, for example, by rotating underplate 212 as indicated byarrows 214. - In various embodiments, as the
paddles 210 may arrive at the compression position during a transition from the load position to the retracted position. For example, in transitioning from the load position to the retracted position, thepaddles 210 may be configured to rotate toward the media themedia tray 202 before moving to the retractedposition 214. Thismovement 213 toward themedia tray 202 may serve to gather and compress the media stack. - The
first assembly 206 may be disposed on one side of agearing assembly 218 while thesecond assembly 208 is disposed on an opposing side of gearingassembly 218. Thefirst assembly 206 includes a plurality of gears and swing arms as will be discussed in more detail herein. In various embodiments, thefirst assembly 206 is configured to actuate thepaddles 210. - Actuation of the
paddles 210 may include movement of thepaddles 210 between the load position, the compression position, and the retracted position. Thefirst assembly 206 may be configured to actuate thepaddles 210 to compress media in the media stack during a transition of thepaddles 210 from a load position to a retracted position. The compression of the media may be in response to rotation of a feedshaft (not illustrated) in a first direction. Additionally, thefirst assembly 206 may be configured to move thepaddles 210 from the retracted position to the load position in response to rotation of the feedshaft in a second direction. - In various embodiments, the
first assembly 206 may also be configured to move thepick mechanism 216 from a pick position, where thepick mechanism 216 applies a normal force to the media in themedia tray 202, to a lifted position, where thepick mechanism 216 is lifted from contact with the media in themedia tray 202. The movement of thepick mechanism 216 may be synchronized with the actuation ofpaddles 210. For example, when thepaddles 210 are in a load position, thefirst assembly 206 may be configured to move thepick mechanism 216 to a lifted position. Alternatively, as thepaddles 210 transition to the retracted position, thefirst assembly 206 may move thepick mechanism 216 to the pick position. - In various embodiments, the
system 200 may include asecond assembly 208 disposed on a second side of thegearing assembly 218. Thesecond assembly 208 may include a plurality of gears and one ormore swing arms 222, as will be discussed in more detail herein. Thesecond assembly 208 is configured to actuate thepick mechanism 216 to pick media from the media stack. In various embodiments, thepick mechanism 216 includes apick arm 219 and one ormore pick tires 220. Thesecond assembly 208 may be configured to rotate the one ormore pick tires 220 to pick the media in the media stack. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , an embodiment of thefirst assembly 206 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. Thefirst assembly 206 includes acam 302, aloadstop swing arm 304, and aloadstop actuator link 306. In addition, thefirst assembly 206 may be coupled to a feedshaft (not illustrated) and a plurality of gears configured link various elements within the assembly. The various components of thefirst assembly 206 will be discussed further with reference toFIGS. 4-7 . - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thepaddles 210 and thepick arm lifter 308 are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment. Thepaddles 210 may include alever 211 that actuates apick arm lifter 308. Thepick arm lifter 308 moves thepick mechanism 216 between the pick position and the lifted position. Thepick arm lifter 308 includes a crescent shapedengagement area 310 and arecess 311 configured to enable thelever 211 to move thepick arm lifter 308. Because thelever 211 of thepaddles 210 actuate thepick arm lifter 308 as it moves between a load position and a retracted position, thepick arm lifter 308 is synchronized with thepaddles 210 and actuated by thefirst assembly 206. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , a view of thecam 302, theactuator link 306, and thepaddles 210 of thefirst assembly 206 are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. Thepaddles 210 are coupled to thecam 302 via theactuator link 306. Theactuator link 306 includes aspring bias 312 and alatching mechanism 314. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , thecam 302, theactuator link 306, and thepaddles 210 are illustrated in a load position. Thepaddles 210 determine the maximum amount of media that may be disposed in themedia tray 202. For example, the maximum amount of media being limited to an amount that fits withinarea 510. To prevent media from back-driving thepaddles 210, that is, forcibly moving thepaddles 210 backward, theactuator link 306 includes alatching mechanism 314. Thelatching mechanism 314 engages one ormore protrusions 508 disposed on, for example, the inside of the housing of the system. As thecam 302 rotates, thelatching mechanism 314 of theactuator link 306 may move through one or more of theprotrusions 508. In various embodiments, this may prevent back-driving thepaddles 210 as they travel through additional movements such as a compression movement. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , thecam 302, theactuator link 306, and thepaddles 210 are illustrated as thepaddles 210 compress themedia stack 602. As thecam 302 rotates in a clockwise fashion, thepaddles 210 are moved toward themedia tray 302 to gather and compress themedia stack 602. In various embodiments, themedia stack 602 in themedia tray 302 may include a maximum amount of media or a small amount of media. - To account for the various thickness of the
media stack 602, theactuator link 306 includes aspring bias 312. For example, amedia stack 602 including a maximum amount of media would prevent movement of thepaddles 210 during the compression movement. This lack of movement would impact gearing throughout thefirst assembly 306. Consequently, thespring bias 312 enables thecam 302 to continue rotating when thepaddles 210 are incapable of further movement. As seen inFIG. 6 , thespring bias 312 begins to move, as indicated byarrow 604, and adjust for the lack of movement by thepaddles 210. Thespring bias 312 may be configured to account for various amounts of media in themedia stack 602. For example, if a minimum amount of media is located within themedia stack 602, thespring bias 312 may not experience any compression as thecam 302 rotates. Alternatively, if a maximum amount of media is located within themedia stack 602, thespring bias 312 may experience a maximum amount of compression of thecam 302 rotates. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , a view of theswing arm 304, thecam 302, and thepaddles 210 are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. As discussed, thecam 302 is configured to rotate in a single direction, thereby moving thepaddles 210 cyclically through various positions and movements. To maintain the single rotational direction for thecam 302, thefirst assembly 206 utilizes theswing arm 304. - The
swing arm 304 includes a plurality of gears and is configured to swing between a first position and a second position, dependent upon, for example, a rotational direction of the feedshaft (not illustrated). The feedshaft may be driven by a servo and provide the driving force for thefirst assembly 206. Theswing arm 304 is configured to engage thecam 302 with a first plurality ofgears swing arm 304 may engage thecam 302 with a second plurality ofgears swing arm 304 may rotate about an arc of approximately fifteen degrees while moving between the first position and the second position. - In the illustrated example, the first plurality of gears and the second plurality of gears of the
swing arm 304 may be an even number of gears and an odd number of gears, respectively. Consequently, independent of the rotational direction of the feedshaft, thecam 302 is always rotated in a single direction. In various embodiments, the feedshaft may switch directions based on whether the system is in a pick mode, picking media from a media stack, or a feed mode, feeding media to an output module. As an example, the feedshaft may perform a reverse feed rotation as part of a first mode of operation which includes picking media from the media stack. Once media has entered the media path, the rotation of the feedshaft may change to move the media through a print module, in a second mode of operation. - The
cam 302 is coupled to theactuator link 306 and theswing arm 304. Thecam 302, in various embodiments, includes agear 702 configured to engage various other gears within the assembly and aplate 712 coupled to one side of thecam 302. Theplate 712 is configured to couple to theactuator link 306 to control or actuate thepaddles 210. Thecam 302 includes dwell positions that correspond to at least two static positions of thefirst assembly 206. The two static positions may be associated with a load position of thepaddles 210 and a retracted position of thepaddles 210. For example, a first dwell position of the plurality of dwell positions is associated with a load position and a second dwell position of the plurality of dwell positions is associated with a retracted position. - In various embodiments the two static positions of the
cam 302 are created by the removal of a group ofgear teeth 714 from thegear 702 that meshes with theswing arm 304. As the first plurality ofgears gears swing arm 304 drives thecam gear 302 it will rotate thecam gear 702 until it reaches the area of missingteeth 714. As the last tooth available is rotated by theswing arm 304, thecam 302 is nearing a dwell position. In addition, thecam gear 702 may include a plurality ofdents 716 configured to complete the motion of thecam gear 702 into one of the two dwell positions. In various embodiments, thedetents 716 more accurately control thecam gear 702 orientation in order to locate thepaddles 210 with accuracy and to eliminate noise caused by various teeth of thefirst assembly 206. Thedetents 716 may engage one ormore detent arms 718 to facilitate the stabilization in the two dwell positions. - With reference to
FIG. 8 , asecond assembly 208 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. Thesecond assembly 208 includes apick swing arm 222 and a plurality of gears configured to engage both thepick swing arm 222 and thepicking mechanism 216. In various embodiments, thesecond assembly 208 is coupled to thefirst assembly 206 by a through-pin 806 that couples thepick swing arm 222 with theswing arm 304. - The
pick swing arm 222 is configured to actuate thepick mechanism 216 to pick media in the media stack. Thepick swing arm 222 is coupled to theswing arm 304 by a through-pin 806. Consequently, theswing arm 304 and thepick swing arm 222 may be driven by the same source. The source, in various embodiments, may be the feedshaft driven by a servo. Thepick swing arm 222 is configured with a delay or a dwell in relation to theswing arm 304. The delay or dwell is manifested in the rotation of thepick swing arm 222 aboutarc 804 and is determined such that thesecond assembly 208 actuates thepick mechanism 216 after thefirst assembly 206 has time to gather and compress the media (arrow 113 ofFIG. 1 ) and begin movement toward the retracted position (arrow 114 ofFIG. 1 ), thereby preventing any unwanted feeding of the media while thepaddles 210 are compressing the media stack. - As seen in
FIG. 8 , thepick swing arm 222 moves about apivot 806 generating anarc 804. Thearc 804, in various embodiments, may be approximately 135 degrees. The length of thepick swing arm 222 is determined such that it engages the gears, forexample gear 802 of thesecond assembly 208, as thepaddles 210 move toward the retracted position. As thepick swing arm 222 engagesgear 802, thepick swing arm 222 actuates thepick mechanism 216 to pick the media in the media stack. - Referring to
FIGS. 9-11 , various states of thefirst assembly 206 are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. InFIG. 9 , thefirst assembly 206 is in a load position. In various embodiments, the load position may be a default or normal position in which thepaddles 210 limit the amount ofmedia 902 loaded into themedia tray 202. In the load position, thepaddles 210 are in the media path of themedia stack 902, thereby preventing the media in the media stack 902 from entering printing module (not illustrated). The load position may occur as thefeedshaft 902 is rotating in a forward feed direction or when thefeedshaft 904 is stationary awaiting a printing action. With thepaddles 210 in the load position, thecam 302 is positioned at one of thedetents 716 and theswing arm 304 has an associatedgear 706 that is currently within thetoothless section 714 of thecam gear 702. With thepaddles 210 in the load position, thelever 211 is currently engaging thepick arm lifter 308. Thelever 211 engages a high point in thecrescent 310 which effectively rotates thepick arm lifter 308 toward thepick arm 219 of thepicking mechanism 216 and away from themedia tray 202, thus lifting thepick arm 219 from the media. The amount of movement of thepick arm 219 can be determined based on the shape of thecrescent area 310 of thepick arm lifter 308. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , thefirst assembly 206 is shown in a compression position. As thefeedshaft 904 begins to rotate in a reverse feed direction, for example, to pick media from themedia stack 902, theswing arm 304 rotates 1002 so that second plurality ofgears cam 302. The gears of theswing arm 304 then begin rotating thecam 302 in one rotational direction, for example in a clockwise direction. Theactuator link 306 begins to move thepaddles 210 to compress themedia stack 902. In the example where a maximum amount of media is placed in themedia tray 202, thus inhibiting full movement of thepaddles 210, thespring bias 312 in theactuator link 306 compresses. While not illustrated inFIG. 10 , the rotation of thefeedshaft 902 in this direction simultaneously begins rotation of thepick swing arm 222 of thesecond assembly 208 through itsarc 804. Thearc 804, or dwell, of thepick swing arm 222 enables thepaddles 210 to move to the maximum gather or compression position prior to thepick mechanism 216 engaging themedia 902. - As the
cam 302 continues to rotate through the compression of the media, thepaddles 210 move toward the retracted position wherein thepaddles 210 are out of themedia path 1102. As seen inFIG. 11 , as thepaddles 210 approach the retracted position theloadstop lever 211 moves into therecess 311 in thepick arm lifter 308. This effectively moves thepick mechanism 216 into a pick position where the pick mechanism is in contact with themedia stack 902. While in the pick position, thepick swing arm 222 actuates thepick mechanism 216 and begins to rotate thepick tires 220. Consequently, prior to thepaddles 210 reaching the retracted position, but after the compression position, thepick mechanism 216 has been activated and thepick tires 220 to pick media in themedia stack 902. Because thepaddles 210 have compressed themedia stack 902, the media within themedia stack 902 may be presented in a consistent and orderly manner. - Still referring to
FIG. 11 , thefirst assembly 206 is illustrated in the retracted position. Once the media has been picked by thepick mechanism 216, and the media has made it to afeedshaft 902, thefeedshaft 902 may reverse direction and begin to feed the media to the print module and ultimately to the output tray. As thefeedshaft 902 begins rotation in an opposite direction, for example a forward feed direction, theswing arm 304 rotates through, for example, 15 degree arc and the first plurality ofgears cam 302 in the clockwise direction. As thecam 302 continues to rotate, thepaddles 210 are rotated from the retracted position back to the load position associated withFIG. 9 . Movement to the load position may enable a first sheet of media to move into the print path while preventing further sheets of the media stack 902 from similar movement. Once thecam 302 has moved thepaddles 210 to the load position the first plurality ofgears gearless portion 714 of thecam gear 702 and thedetent 716 again positions thepaddles 210 andcam 302 in a static position. In addition to triggering the rotation of thepaddles 210 to the load position, the forward feed of thefeedshaft 902 also rotates thepick swing arm 222 back to an initial position thus resetting the delay or dwell of thepick swing arm 222 for the next cycle. - Referring to
FIG. 12 a flow diagram is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. The flow diagram may illustrate an embodiment of a method associated with the various systems and apparatuses discussed with reference toFIGS. 1-11 . While illustrated a sequence of operations, the flow diagram should not be construed to require that all operations are required for all embodiments, or that the operations are order dependent. Additionally, one or more of the operations may be embodied in the form of computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium. - The
method 1200 may begin at 1202 where, in at least one embodiment, media may be loaded into a media stack. Proceeding to 1202, a paddle disposed in a media path of the media stack may be moved to a compressing position. In the compressing position, the paddle effectively compresses the media stack to gather and organize the media stack. The paddle may be moved to the compressing position via a first assembly. In at least one embodiment, the first assembly is driven by a servo or other driving mechanism. - At 1206, the paddle may be moved out of the media path of the media stack, for example to a retracted position. The paddle may be moved out of the media path by the first assembly leaving the media stack in the organized manner achieved by the compression. In the retracted position, the paddle may be disposed below a plate utilized to guide the media stack into a printing module.
- At 1208, with the paddle disposed out of the media path of the media stack, a pick mechanism may advance media in the media stack into the media path. In various embodiments, the picking mechanism may include a pick arm and a pick tire. Other picking mechanisms are contemplated. Advancing media in the media stack into the media path may be a part of a pick cycle in which a system feeds media to a module, such as a printing module.
- At 1210, based on the media advancing into the media path, the paddle may begin transitioning to back to a load position in which the paddle is in the media path of the media stack and limiting an amount of media that may be loaded into the media stack. Transitioning the paddle into the media path of the media stack may prevent additional media from the media stack moving into the media path. In at least one embodiment, as the paddle is transitioning to the load position, the pick mechanism may be disengaged from the media stack. Disengaging the pick mechanism from the media stack may enable further loading of media into the media stack.
- At 1214, in an embodiment where the system is a printing system, a printing module may output print data on the media advanced into the media path. The printing module may include any of a number of marking engines, such as but not limited to, an ink jet or a laser jet engine. After output of the print data on the media, the method may end at 1216. In various embodiments, ending at 1216 may include repeating the
method 1200. - Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Claims (17)
1. A system, comprising:
a first assembly configured to transition a paddle between a load position and a retracted position, wherein the paddle compresses a media stack during the transition; and
a second assembly coupled to the first assembly, the second assembly configured to actuate a pick mechanism to move media in the media stack through a media path.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first assembly is further configured to move the pick mechanism to a disengaged position, wherein the disengaged position separates the pick mechanism from the media stack.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second assembly is further configured to actuate the pick mechanism during a transition of the paddle from the load position to the retracted position.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first assembly is further configured to move the paddle in response to rotation of a feedshaft.
5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a printing module coupled to the first assembly and the second assembly, wherein the printing module is configured to output print data on the media in the media stack.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
the paddle, wherein the paddle is configured to engage the media stack and limit an amount of media in the media stack.
7. A method, comprising:
moving a paddle from a load position to a retracted position, wherein the moving includes compressing a media stack;
advancing a top sheet of media in the media stack into a media path; and
returning the paddle to the load position.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:
preventing the media stack from entering the media path of the media stack in response to the returning.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:
disengaging the picking mechanism from the media stack in response to the returning.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein returning the paddle to the load position occurs in response to the top sheet of media entering the media path.
11. The method of claim 7 , further comprising:
outputting, via a printing module, print data on the top sheet of media.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the moving and the compressing occurs in response to receipt of a media request from the printing module.
13. A method, comprising:
transitioning a paddle of a printer from a load position to a compression position;
compressing a media stack arranged in the printer with the paddle in the compression position;
transitioning the paddle from the compression position to a retracted position; and
advancing, by a pick mechanism of the printer, a top sheet of media in the media stack into a media path in response to the paddle being transitioned from the compression position to the retracted position.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising returning the paddle of the printer to the load position from the retracted position.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the paddle is outside of the media path in the retracted position.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the paddle is in the media path in the load position.
17. The method of claim 13 , further comprising outputting, via a printing module, print data on the top sheet of media.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/894,508 US20140339760A1 (en) | 2013-05-15 | 2013-05-15 | Media Stack Compression |
US15/664,261 US10343860B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2017-07-31 | Media stack compression |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/894,508 US20140339760A1 (en) | 2013-05-15 | 2013-05-15 | Media Stack Compression |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/006,536 Division US8465016B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2011-01-14 | Media stack compression with paddle |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/664,261 Continuation US10343860B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2017-07-31 | Media stack compression |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140339760A1 true US20140339760A1 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
Family
ID=51895172
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/894,508 Abandoned US20140339760A1 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2013-05-15 | Media Stack Compression |
US15/664,261 Expired - Fee Related US10343860B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2017-07-31 | Media stack compression |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/664,261 Expired - Fee Related US10343860B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2017-07-31 | Media stack compression |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20140339760A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10987954B2 (en) | 2016-04-18 | 2021-04-27 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Load stops |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6199855B1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2001-03-13 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Paper feeding apparatus for office automation system |
US6382621B1 (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2002-05-07 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Paper feeder with movable separation slope surface and image forming apparatus equipped therewith |
US6877738B2 (en) * | 2001-05-10 | 2005-04-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Sheet material feed apparatus and recording apparatus |
US7104539B2 (en) * | 2002-06-18 | 2006-09-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Sheet material feeding device and recording apparatus |
US7748699B2 (en) * | 2006-06-21 | 2010-07-06 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Return lever member, feed device, recording apparatus, and liquid ejecting apparatus |
US20120181745A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Robert Lawrence Winburne | Media Stack Compression |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6257569B1 (en) | 1999-02-24 | 2001-07-10 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Apparatus and method for delivery of sheet media to a printer |
TW566418U (en) | 2003-04-01 | 2003-12-11 | Lite On Technology Corp | Paper retrieving mechanism |
US8582125B2 (en) | 2003-07-22 | 2013-11-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Variable support structure and media sheet separator |
KR100610946B1 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2006-08-09 | 세이코 엡슨 가부시키가이샤 | Paper storage apparatus, and a paper processing apparatus having a paper storage apparatus |
JP4182353B2 (en) | 2004-01-14 | 2008-11-19 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Recording medium feeding device and recording device |
JP4194536B2 (en) * | 2004-06-23 | 2008-12-10 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image processing device |
JP4455430B2 (en) | 2005-07-05 | 2010-04-21 | キヤノン株式会社 | Sheet feeding device |
JP4218710B2 (en) | 2006-08-03 | 2009-02-04 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Clutch device, recording material feeding device, recording device |
US7926803B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2011-04-19 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Media drive |
US8915495B2 (en) * | 2012-08-21 | 2014-12-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Media transport |
-
2013
- 2013-05-15 US US13/894,508 patent/US20140339760A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-07-31 US US15/664,261 patent/US10343860B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6199855B1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2001-03-13 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Paper feeding apparatus for office automation system |
US6382621B1 (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2002-05-07 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Paper feeder with movable separation slope surface and image forming apparatus equipped therewith |
US6877738B2 (en) * | 2001-05-10 | 2005-04-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Sheet material feed apparatus and recording apparatus |
US7104539B2 (en) * | 2002-06-18 | 2006-09-12 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Sheet material feeding device and recording apparatus |
US7748699B2 (en) * | 2006-06-21 | 2010-07-06 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Return lever member, feed device, recording apparatus, and liquid ejecting apparatus |
US20120181745A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Robert Lawrence Winburne | Media Stack Compression |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10987954B2 (en) | 2016-04-18 | 2021-04-27 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Load stops |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10343860B2 (en) | 2019-07-09 |
US20170327328A1 (en) | 2017-11-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8465016B2 (en) | Media stack compression with paddle | |
US8226083B2 (en) | Recording target media cassette, recording target medium feeding apparatus, and recording apparatus | |
US10343860B2 (en) | Media stack compression | |
US8915495B2 (en) | Media transport | |
JP5935990B2 (en) | Recording medium feeding apparatus and recording apparatus | |
US8714548B2 (en) | Image recording apparatus | |
US9919892B1 (en) | Sheet post-processing apparatus | |
JP2007313781A (en) | Recording device | |
JP5742975B2 (en) | Sheet material conveying apparatus and recording apparatus | |
JPS63288837A (en) | Paper feeder | |
JPH0672565A (en) | Paper feeding device | |
JP4126567B2 (en) | Control method for discharge stacker lifting apparatus, discharge stacker lift apparatus, recording apparatus, and liquid ejecting apparatus | |
JPH06107369A (en) | Folding machine | |
US20160236489A1 (en) | Recording apparatus | |
JP4136186B2 (en) | Image forming apparatus | |
JP6701798B2 (en) | Luggage extraction device | |
JP4952923B2 (en) | Feeding device, recording device, and feeding method | |
JP2601532B2 (en) | Automatic paper feeder | |
JP6083517B2 (en) | Recording device | |
CN205397456U (en) | Paper money is conveying mechanism with storage platform | |
JPH0235701Y2 (en) | ||
US1560571A (en) | Sheet-feeding machine | |
JPS6357436A (en) | Recording device | |
US1232423A (en) | Newspaper-stuffing machine. | |
CN105751672A (en) | Cutter blade moving mechanism, cutter, and printer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |