WO2021021178A1

WO2021021178A1 - Media compiler

Info

Publication number: WO2021021178A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/044449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew RAISANEN; Stephen Rohman
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2019-07-31
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2021-02-04

Abstract

A media compiler includes a compiler tray to receive and support media, an end register extending from the compiler tray, and a vibrational motor to apply vibration to the compiler tray to align media to the end register.

Description

MEDIA COMPILER

Background

[0001] Post-print operations, such as stacking and/or stapling of printed media output, may include aligning of the printed media output. As such, a compiling operation may move the printed media output into a reference feature to align sheets of the printed media output to the reference feature and to each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a media compiler.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a printing system.

[0004] FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of an example of a media compiler as media is directed from end rollers onto a compiler tray.

[0005] FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of the media compiler of FIG. 3A when the media is on the compiler tray prior to positioning by paddles.

[0006] FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of the media compiler of FIGS. 3A-3B in which the paddles direct media in a direction of an end register.

[0007] FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of the media compiler of FIGS. 3A-3C in which the media is positioned at the end register on the compiler tray.

[0008] FIG. 3E is a schematic illustration of the media compiler of FIGS. 3A-3D illustrating an underside of the compiler tray having vibrational motors.

[0009] FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an example of a media compiler capable of applying vibration to a compiler tray in which media exits end rollers. [0010] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the media compiler of FIG. 4A as media is engaged by a paddle.

[0011] FIG. 4C is a schematic illustration of the media compiler of FIGS. 4A-4B when the paddle has directed the media to an end register of the compiler tray.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of compiling media.

Detailed Description

[0013] Various media compilers disclosed herein vibrate media to reduce friction to allow media to slide better, which results in reduced compiling time (higher throughput) and improved quality (stack tidiness or alignment of media with respect to each other), particularly in situations where media is paper having a high print fluid or moisture content from high ink content on the media and/or a high humidity environment.

[0014] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 , the present disclosure provides an example of a media compiler 10 (schematically illustrated). In one

implementation, the media compiler 10 includes a compiler tray 12 to receive and support media 14, an end register 16 extending from the compiler tray 12 and a vibrational motor 18 to apply vibration to the compiler tray 12 to align media 14 to the end register 16.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a printing system, namely, an inkjet printing system including an example of a fluid ejection device, as disclosed herein. Although described and illustrated for use in an inkjet printing system, implementations of the present disclosure may be included in a laser printer or other type of printer or a multi-function device including, for example, a combination of a printer, a scanner, a copier, and/or a fax machine.

[0016] In one implementation, inkjet printing system 100 includes a printhead assembly 102, as an example of a fluid ejection assembly, a fluid (e.g., ink) supply assembly 104, a mounting assembly 106, a media transport assembly 108, an electronic controller 1 10, and a power supply 1 12 that provides power to electrical components of inkjet printing system 100. Printhead assembly 102 includes a printhead die 1 14, as an example of a fluid ejection die, that ejects drops of fluid through a plurality of orifices or nozzles 1 16 toward a print media 1 18 so as to print on print media 1 18.

[0017] Print fluid supply assembly 104 supplies print fluid to printhead assembly 102 and, in one example, includes a reservoir 120 for storing print fluid such that print fluid flows from reservoir 120 to printhead assembly 102. In one example, printhead assembly 102 and print fluid supply assembly 104 are housed together in an inkjet cartridge or pen. In another example, print fluid supply assembly 104 is separate from printhead assembly 102 and supplies print fluid to printhead assembly 102 through an interface connection, such as a supply tube.

[0018] Mounting assembly 106 positions printhead assembly 102 relative to media transport assembly 108, and media transport assembly 108 positions print media 1 18 relative to printhead assembly 102. Thus, a print zone 122 is defined adjacent to nozzles 1 16 in an area between printhead assembly 102 and print media 1 18. In one example, printhead assembly 102 is a scanning type printhead assembly. As such, mounting assembly 106 includes a carriage for moving printhead assembly 102 relative to media transport assembly 108 to scan print media 1 18. In another example, printhead assembly 102 is a non scanning type printhead assembly. As such, mounting assembly 106 fixes printhead assembly 102 at a prescribed position relative to media transport assembly 108. Thus, media transport assembly 108 positions print media 1 18 relative to printhead assembly 102.

[0019] In one implementation, media transport assembly 108 includes a media compiler 109 to move printed media output, such as print media 1 18, into a compiler tray having an end register to align sheets of the printed media output to the end register and to each other.

[0020] Electronic controller 1 10 typically includes a processor, firmware, software, memory components including volatile and non-volatile memory components, and other printer electronics for communicating with and controlling printhead assembly 102, mounting assembly 106, and media transport assembly 108. Electronic controller 1 10 receives data 124 from a host system, such as a computer, and temporarily stores data 124 in a memory. Typically, data 124 is sent to inkjet printing system 100 along an electronic, infrared, optical, or other information transfer path. Data 124 represents, for example, a document and/or file to be printed. As such, data 124 forms a print job for inkjet printing system 100 and includes print job commands and/or command parameters.

[0021] In one example, electronic controller 1 10 controls printhead assembly 102 for ejection of print fluid drops from nozzles 1 16. Thus, electronic controller 1 10 defines a pattern of ejected print fluid drops which form characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images on print media 1 18. The pattern of ejected print fluid drops is determined by the print job commands and/or command parameters.

[0022] Printhead assembly 102 includes one (i.e., a single) printhead die 1 14 or more than one (i.e., multiple) printhead die 1 14. In one example, printhead assembly 102 is a wide-array or multi-head printhead assembly. In one implementation of a wide-array assembly, printhead assembly 102 includes a carrier that carries a plurality of printhead dies 1 14, provides electrical communication between printhead dies 1 14 and electronic controller 1 10, and provides fluidic communication between printhead dies 1 14 and print fluid supply assembly 104.

[0023] In one example, inkjet printing system 100 is a drop-on-demand thermal inkjet printing system wherein printhead assembly 102 includes a thermal inkjet (TIJ) printhead that implements a thermal resistor as a drop ejecting element to vaporize print fluid in a print fluid chamber and create bubbles that force fluid drops out of nozzles 1 16. In another example, inkjet printing system 100 is a drop-on-demand piezoelectric inkjet printing system wherein printhead assembly 102 includes a piezoelectric inkjet (PIJ) printhead that implements a piezoelectric actuator as a drop ejecting element to generate pressure pulses that force print fluid drops out of nozzles 1 16.

[0024] FIGS. 3A-3E schematically illustrate another example of a media compiler 210. In one implementation, the media compiler 210 includes a compiler tray 212 to receive and support media 14, an end register 216 extending from the compiler tray 212 and a plurality vibrational motors 218a,

218b, 218c (visible in FIG. 3E) to apply vibration to the compiler tray 212 and align media directed from one or more exit rollers 222 to the end register 216. It is noted that fewer or more vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c can be provided in other examples. In one implementation, a paddle 224a (or multiple paddles, e.g., two paddles, three paddles or more paddles 224a, 224b, 224c) directs media 14 to the end register 216 after or as the media 14 exits the exit rollers 222. Each paddle 224a, 224b, 224c can be secured to a rod 225, which is configured to rotate the paddles 224a, 224b, 224c about a center axis of the rod 225 as is visible in a comparison of FIGS. 3B and 3C. In one implementation, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 3E, the compiler tray 212 includes an upper, receiving surface 226 and an opposite, underside 228, wherein the media 14 can be supported on the upper surface 226. In some implementations, one or more of the vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c are secured to or positioned adjacent the underside 228 of the compiler tray 212 so that vibration produced by the respective vibrational motor 218a, 218b, 218c is transferred to the compiler tray 212 and any media 14 positioned thereon.

[0025] Each vibrational motor 218a, 218b, 218c can be configured in a variety of ways and incorporated into the media compiler 210 to apply vibration to the compiler tray 212. In one example, the vibrational motor 218a is configured to rotate at 8,000-15,000 RPM. In one example, at least one vibrational motor 218a, 218b, 218c is configured to vibrate at an amplitude between 1 -5G. In one implementation, at least one of the vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c is aligned with one respective paddle 224a, 224b, 224c on the opposite, underside of the compiler tray 212. In one implementation, each paddle 224a, 224b, 224c is aligned with one of the plurality of vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c as is illustrated in the example of FIG. 3E. In one example, where a plurality of paddles (e.g., 224a, 224b, 224c) are provided with a plurality of vibrational motors (e.g., 218a, 218b, 218c), the vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c can be spaced similar to the paddles 224a, 224b, 224c. In examples, the paddles 224a, 224b, 224c can each be similarly configured or can be configured differently, as desired. In examples, the vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c can each be similarly configured or can be configured differently, as desired. Additional examples of the disclosure can include fewer or more vibrational motors and paddles.

[0026] The flow or path of media 14 in FIGS. 3A-3D can generally be described as follows. In FIG. 3A, media 14 is directed from exit rollers 222 toward the compiler tray 212 and the paddles 224a, 224b, 224c. In FIG. 3B, media 14 is positioned on an upper surface 226 of the compiler tray 212. It is noted that the media 14 need not contact the upper surface 226 as may be the case when additional media is also on the upper surface 226. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3C, paddles 224a, 224b, 224c pivot toward the upper surface 226 to contact and direct the media 14 to the end register 216 (FIG. 3D), where the paddles 224a, 224b, 244c have sufficiently pivoted to release or disengage from the media 14. In one example, the vibrational motors 218a, 218b, 218c can apply vibration to the compiler tray 212 at any of the multiples stages illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D or select stages, as desired, to reduce media-to-media friction.

[0027] FIGS. 4A-4C collectively illustrate an example of a media compiler 310, which can be configured similar to other media compilers disclosed herein. In one implementation, the media compiler 310 includes a compiler tray 312 to receive and support media 14 (generally referenced). The compiler tray 312, in one example, includes an upper, receiving surface 326 and an opposite, underside 328. In one example, the media compiler 310 can also include an end register 316 extending from the compiler tray 312 and a vibrational motor 318 to apply vibration to the compiler tray 312. The vibrational motor 318 or plurality of vibrational motors utilized in media compiler 310 can be configured in a variety of ways to apply vibration to the compiler tray 312 as discussed herein with respect to other examples.

[0028] Referring in particular to FIG. 4A, in one example, media 14 is directed to from one or more exit rollers 322 in a direction D1 of one or more paddles 324 and compiler tray 312. As illustrated in FIGS. 4B-4C, the paddle 324 rotates and directs or otherwise engages the media 14 positioned on the compiler tray 312 to push the media 14 in a direction D2 to the end register 316. The vibrational motor 318 applies vibration to the compiler tray 312 at any or all of the stages illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C and, thus, any media 14 thereon, which reduces media-to-media friction and makes it easier for the paddle 324 to move and position the media 14. In one implementation, the vibrational motor 318 can be aligned with the paddle 324 as also disclosed with respect to the example of FIGS. 3A-3E.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an example of a method 400 of compiling media. In one example, the method 400 includes providing a compiler tray and a vibrational motor at 402, directing media to the compiler tray at 404 and applying vibration to the compiler tray with the vibrational motor at 406. In one example, the vibration is applied to an underside of the compiler tray. In one implementation, applying vibration to the compiler tray includes applying vibration with a plurality of vibrational motors. In one example, a media paddle is provided to direct media onto the compiler tray, and the vibrational motor is aligned with the media paddle. In one example, a plurality of media paddles are provided to direct media to the compiler tray and applying vibration to the compiler tray includes applying vibration with a plurality of vibrational motors. In examples, one or more vibrational motors can be aligned with a respective one of the plurality of compiling paddles.

[0030] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein.

[0031] In the detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that features of the various examples described herein may be combined, in part or whole, with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

Claims

1. A media compiler, comprising:

a compiler tray to receive and support media;

an end register extending from the compiler tray; and

a vibrational motor to apply vibration to the compiler tray to align media to the end register.

2. The media compiler of claim 1 , including a plurality of vibrational motors.

3. The media compiler of claim 1 , the compiler tray including an upper surface and a lower surface; and the vibrational motor secured to the lower surface of the compiler tray.

4. The media compiler of claim 1 , the vibrational motor to rotate at 8, GOO- 15, 000 RPM.

5. The media compiler of claim 1 , the vibrational motor to have an amplitude between 1 -5G.

6. A media compiling assembly, comprising:

a rod to be rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof;

a compiling paddle mounted on the rod for rotation therewith;

a compiler tray to receive and support media;

an end register extending from the compiler tray; and

a vibrational motor to apply vibration to the compiler tray to align the media to the end register.

7. The media compiling assembly of claim 6, the vibrational motor is aligned with the compiling paddle.

8. The media compiling assembly of claim 6, including a plurality of vibrational motors.

9. The media compiling assembly of claim 8, including a plurality of compiling paddles; wherein each vibrational motor is aligned with of one of the plurality of compiling paddles.

10. A method of compiling media, comprising:

providing a compiler tray and a vibrational motor;

directing media to the compiler tray; and

applying vibration to the compiler tray with the vibrational motor.

1 1 . The method of claim 10, wherein the vibration is applied to an underside of the compiler tray.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein applying vibration to the compiler tray includes applying vibration with a plurality of vibrational motors.

13. The method of claim 10, including providing a media paddle to direct media on the compiler tray, the vibrational motor is aligned with the media paddle.

14. The method of claim 10, including providing a plurality of media paddles to direct media to the compiler tray; wherein applying vibration to the compiler tray includes applying vibration with a plurality of vibrational motors, and each vibrational motor is aligned with one of the plurality of compiling paddles.

15. The method of claim 10, the vibrational motor to rotate at 8,000-15,000 RPM and an amplitude between 1 -5G.