Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6533387
-
Patent Number
6,533,387
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, April 11, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 18, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 347 32
- 347 29
- 347 30
- 347 22
- 347 33
- 347 37
- 347 101
- 347 104
- 346 134
- 400 185
- 400 279
- 400 323
- 400 568
- 400 582
- 400 636
- 271 118
- 271 26502
- 271 1013
- 271 227
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
An inkjet printing system includes a print media transport assembly which routes a print medium through the inkjet printing system, a carriage assembly which holds an inkjet printhead assembly and traverse the print medium, and a single motor operatively coupled to both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly. As such, the single motor selectively drives both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly.
Description
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to inkjet printers, and more particularly to an inkjet printing system using a single motor for print media advance and carriage motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional inkjet printing system includes a printhead and an ink supply which supplies liquid ink to the printhead. The printhead, commonly referred to as a pen, ejects ink drops through a plurality of orifices or nozzles and toward a print medium, such as a sheet of paper, so as to print onto the print medium. Typically, the orifices are arranged in one or more arrays such that properly sequenced ejection of ink from the orifices causes characters or other images to be printed upon the print medium as the printhead and the print medium are moved relative to each other.
As illustrated in
FIG. 1
, a conventional inkjet printing system
200
includes a print media transport assembly
210
which moves and/or routes the print medium through a print media path, a carriage assembly
220
which moves the printhead relative to the print medium, and a service station assembly
230
which maintains functionality of the printhead. The print media transport assembly typically includes a paper pick-up assembly
212
which brings the print medium into the printing system, a drive or feed roller assembly
214
which advances the print medium through the printing system, and a paper path motor
216
which operates the paper pick-up assembly and the feed roller assembly. The carriage assembly typically includes a carriage
222
which carries the printhead and a carriage motor
224
which operates the carriage. Furthermore, the service station assembly typically includes a service station motor
232
which operates functions of the service station assembly.
FIG. 2
illustrates a method
300
of operation of the conventional inkjet printing system. At step
302
, the inkjet printing system gains operational control of a print job. Next, at step
304
, the printhead is uncapped and wiped by operation of the service station assembly. Operation of the service station assembly in step
304
requires operation of the service station motor. Next, at step
306
, the print medium is pulled into the printing system by operation of the print media transport assembly. Operation of the print media transport assembly in step
306
requires operation of the paper path motor. Next, at step
308
, the carriage is moved to a “Ready” position by operation of the carriage assembly. Operation of the carriage assembly in step
308
requires operation of the carriage motor.
To begin printing the print job, the print medium is moved into position by operation of the print media transport assembly at step
310
. Operation of the print media transport assembly in step
310
requires operation of the paper path motor. Next, at step
312
, the carriage is moved across the print medium by operation of the carriage assembly to print a print swath. Operation of the carriage assembly in step
312
requires operation of the carriage motor. As such, steps
310
and
312
are repeated until the print job is completed.
Once the print job is completed, the print medium is kicked from the printing system by operation of the print media transport assembly at step
314
. Operation of the print media transport assembly in step
314
requires operation of the paper path motor. Next, at step
316
, the carriage is moved to a “Rest” position by operation of the carriage assembly. Operation of the carriage assembly in step
316
requires operation of the carriage motor. Finally, at step
318
, the printhead is wiped and capped by operation of the service station assembly. Operation of the service station assembly in step
318
requires operation of the service station motor.
Operation of the conventional inkjet printing system, therefore, requires operation of three separate motors. More specifically, operation of the conventional inkjet printing system requires operation of a paper path motor, a carriage motor, and a service station motor. Unfortunately, the requirement of three motors adds to the size, complexity, and cost of the conventional inkjet printing system.
Accordingly, a need exists for an inkjet printing system which is smaller or performs more functions for the same size, simpler to manufacture, and/or less expensive to manufacture. In particular, a need exits for an inkjet printing system which utilizes a single motor to control operation of multiple printing functions such as moving a print carriage, advancing a print medium, and/or maintaining a printhead.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention provides an inkjet printing system. The inkjet printing system includes a print media transport assembly adapted to route a print medium through the inkjet printing system, a carriage assembly adapted to hold an inkjet printhead assembly and traverse the print medium, and a motor operatively coupled to both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly. As such, the motor is adapted to drive both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly.
In one embodiment, the motor is configured to sequentially operate the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly.
In one embodiment, the motor is adapted to advance the print medium and move the inkjet printhead assembly. In one embodiment, the motor is adapted to advance the print medium in a first direction and move the inkjet printhead assembly in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment, the motor is configured to rotate a portion of the print media transport assembly in the first direction and reciprocate a portion of the carriage assembly in the second direction.
In one embodiment, the print media transport assembly includes a first shaft and at least one roller mounted on the first shaft, and the carriage assembly includes a second shaft and a carriage slidably mounted on the second shaft. As such, the at least one roller is adapted to contact the print medium and the carriage is adapted to carry the inkjet printhead assembly.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system further includes a service station assembly adapted to at least one of wipe, cap, and uncap the inkjet printhead assembly. As such, the motor is operatively coupled to and adapted to drive each of the print media transport assembly, the carriage assembly, and the service station assembly.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system includes a first power transmission path defined between the motor and the carriage assembly, and a second power transmission path defined between the motor and the print media transport assembly. As such, the motor is operatively coupled to the carriage assembly via the first power transmission path and operatively coupled to the print media transport assembly via the second power transmission path.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system includes a third power transmission path defined between the motor and a service station assembly of the inkjet printing system. As such, the motor is operatively coupled to the service station assembly via the third power transmission path. In one embodiment, the third power transmission path includes the second power transmission path.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system includes a first power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the carriage assembly. The first power transmission arrangement includes a first coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the carriage assembly. In one embodiment, the first power transmission arrangement further includes a power transmission element configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a reciprocatable element of the carriage assembly.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system includes a second power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the print media transport assembly. The second power transmission arrangement includes a second coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the print media transport assembly. In one embodiment, the second power transmission arrangement further includes a gear train configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a rotatable shaft of the print media transport assembly.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system includes a third power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and a service station assembly of the inkjet printing system. The third power transmission arrangement includes a third coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the service station assembly. In one embodiment, the third power transmission arrangement further includes a gear train configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a movable pallet of the service station assembly.
In one embodiment, the inkjet printing system further includes a first sensor adapted to detect a position of the inkjet printhead assembly and generate a first position signal in response thereto, a second sensor adapted to detect a position of the print medium and generate a second position signal in response thereto, and an electronic controller adapted to receive the first position signal and the second position signal. As such, the electronic controller is adapted to control at least one of coupling and operation of the motor in response to at least one of the first position signal and the second position signal.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of printing on a print medium with an inkjet printing system including an inkjet printhead assembly. The method includes routing the print medium through the inkjet printing system via a print media transport assembly and traversing the print medium with the inkjet printhead assembly via a carriage assembly. As such, the steps of routing the print medium and traversing the print medium include operatively coupling and driving both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly with a single motor.
The present invention provides an inkjet printing system which utilizes a single motor to control operation of multiple printing functions. As such, the single motor controls operation of a carriage assembly of the inkjet printing system and a print media transport assembly of the inkjet printing system. In addition, the single motor also controls operation of a service station assembly of the inkjet printing system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is schematic illustration of a portion of a prior art inkjet printing system;
FIG. 2
is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of operating the prior art inkjet printing system of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an inkjet printing system according to the present invention;
FIG. 4
is a schematic illustration of a portion of an inkjet printing system in a first mode of operation according to the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a schematic illustration of the inkjet printing system of
FIG. 4
in a second mode of operation according to the present invention;
FIG. 6
is a schematic illustration of the inkjet printing system of
FIG. 4
in a first phase of a third mode of operation according to the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a schematic illustration of the inkjet printing system of
FIG. 4
in a second phase of the third mode of operation according to the present invention;
FIG. 8
is a schematic illustration of the inkjet printing system of
FIG. 4
in a third phase of the third mode of operation according to the present invention;
FIG. 9
is a schematic illustration of the inkjet printing system of
FIG. 4
in a fourth mode of operation according to the present invention; and
FIG. 10
is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of operating an inkjet printing system according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “right,” “left,” “forward,” “reverse,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. The inkjet printing system and related components of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations. As such, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
FIG. 3
illustrates one embodiment of an inkjet printing system
10
according to the present invention. Inkjet printing system
10
includes an inkjet printhead assembly
12
, an ink supply assembly
14
, a carriage assembly
16
, a print media transport assembly
18
, a service station assembly
20
, and an electronic controller
22
. Inkjet printhead assembly
12
includes one or more printheads which eject drops of ink through a plurality of orifices or nozzles
13
and toward a print medium
19
so as to print onto print medium
19
. Print medium
19
is any type of suitable sheet material, such as paper, card stock, transparencies, Mylar, cloth, and the like. Typically, nozzles
13
are arranged in one or more columns or arrays such that properly sequenced ejection of ink from nozzles
13
causes characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images to be printed upon print medium
19
as inkjet printhead assembly
12
and print medium
19
are moved relative to each other.
Ink supply assembly
14
supplies ink to inkjet printhead assembly
12
and includes a reservoir
15
for storing ink. As such, ink flows from reservoir
15
to inkjet printhead assembly
12
. In one embodiment, inkjet printhead assembly
12
and ink supply assembly
14
are housed together in an inkjet cartridge or pen. In another embodiment, ink supply assembly
14
is separate from inkjet printhead assembly
12
and supplies ink to inkjet printhead assembly
12
through an interface connection, such as a supply tube. In either embodiment, reservoir
15
of ink supply assembly
14
may be removed, replaced, and/or refilled.
Carriage assembly
16
positions inkjet printhead assembly
12
relative to print media transport assembly
18
and print media transport assembly
18
positions print medium
19
relative to inkjet printhead assembly
12
. Thus, a print zone
17
is defined adjacent to nozzles
13
in an area between inkjet printhead assembly
12
and print medium
19
. In one embodiment, inkjet printhead assembly
12
is a scanning type printhead assembly. As such, carriage assembly
16
moves inkjet printhead assembly
12
relative to print media transport assembly
18
to scan print medium
19
.
Service station assembly
20
provides for spitting, wiping, capping, and/or priming of inkjet print assembly
12
in order to maintain a functionality of inkjet printhead assembly and, more specifically, nozzles
13
. In one embodiment, service station assembly
70
includes a spittoon into which inkjet printhead assembly
12
ejects ink to insure that reservoir
15
maintains an appropriate level of pressure and fluidity and that nozzles
13
do not clog or weep. In addition, service station assembly
20
includes a rubber blade or wiper which is periodically passed over inkjet printhead assembly
12
to wipe and clean nozzles
13
of excess ink. Service station assembly
20
also includes a cap which covers inkjet printhead assembly
12
to protect nozzles
13
from drying out during periods of non-use. Functions of service station assembly
20
, therefore, require relative motion between service station assembly
20
and inkjet printhead assembly
12
.
Electronic controller
22
communicates with inkjet printhead assembly
12
, carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
. Electronic controller
22
receives data
23
from a host system, such as a computer, and includes memory for temporarily storing data
23
. Typically, data
23
is sent to inkjet printing system
10
along an electronic, infrared, optical or other information transfer path. Data
23
represents, for example, a document and/or file to be printed. As such, data
23
forms a print job for inkjet printing system
10
and includes one or more print job commands and/or command parameters.
In one embodiment, electronic controller
22
provides control of inkjet printhead assembly
12
including timing control for ejection of ink drops from nozzles
13
. As such, electronic controller
22
defines a pattern of ejected ink drops which form characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images on print medium
19
. Timing control and, therefore, the pattern of ejected ink drops, is determined by the print job commands and/or command parameters.
Referring to
FIG. 4
, inkjet printing system
10
includes a single drive motor
24
. Motor
24
is operatively coupled with carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
. As such, motor
24
operates, drives, or powers each of carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
. Thus, power from drive motor
24
is selectively transmitted to each of carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
, as described in detail below. Motor
24
, therefore, includes an output
25
which is selectively coupled with each of carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
.
In one embodiment, carriage assembly
16
includes a shaft
30
and a carriage
32
. Shaft
30
is mounted in a housing (not shown) of inkjet printing system and provides a guide for carriage
32
. Carriage
32
carries inkjet printhead assembly
12
and is slidably mounted on shaft
30
for lateral movement, as indicated by bi-directional arrow
33
. As such, carriage
32
moves inkjet printhead assembly
12
back and forth across print medium
19
.
To transfer power of motor
24
to carriage assembly
16
, a power transmission arrangement
40
is interposed between motor
24
and carriage assembly
16
. In one embodiment, power transmission arrangement
40
includes a coupling
42
, such as a clutch, to selectively connect and disconnect output
25
of motor
24
with carriage assembly
16
. In addition, power transmission arrangement
40
includes a power transmission element
44
, such as a pulley or gear, to transfer rotational power of motor
24
to a reciprocating element
46
, such as a belt or chain, coupled with carriage
32
. As such, coupling
42
selectively connects and disconnects power transmission element
44
with output
25
of motor
24
. Thus, power of motor
24
is transferred to power transmission element
44
and reciprocating element
46
when coupling
42
is engaged. Reciprocating element
46
, therefore, imparts lateral motion to carriage
32
.
In one embodiment, print media transport assembly
18
includes a shaft
50
and one or more rollers
52
. Shaft
50
is mounted in a housing (not shown) of inkjet printing system
10
for rotational movement, as indicated by bi-directional arrow
51
. Rollers
52
are mounted on shaft
50
to contact and route print medium
19
through a print media path of inkjet printing system
10
. As such, rollers
52
advance print medium
19
relative to carriage
32
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of carriage
32
. Print media transport assembly
18
also includes a paper pick-up mechanism
54
which initially engages a top sheet of print medium
19
and routes print medium
19
to rollers
52
. Motion is imparted to paper pick-up mechanism
54
via shaft
50
.
To transfer power of motor
24
to print media transport assembly
18
, a power transmission arrangement
60
is interposed between motor
24
and print media transport assembly
18
. In one embodiment, power transmission arrangement
60
includes a coupling
62
, such as a clutch, to selectively connect and disconnect output
25
of motor
24
with print media transport assembly
18
. In addition, power transmission arrangement
60
includes a gear train
64
which transfers rotational power of motor
24
to shaft
50
of print media transport assembly
18
. As such, coupling
62
selectively connects and disconnects gear train
64
with output
25
of motor
24
. Thus, power of motor
24
is transferred to gear train
64
when coupling
62
is engaged. Gear train
64
, therefore, imparts rotational motion to shaft
50
and rollers
52
.
In one embodiment, service station assembly
20
includes a service station pallet
70
and a chassis
72
. Service station pallet
70
is mounted in chassis
72
for movement, as indicated by bi-directional arrow
71
. Service station pallet
70
carries, for example, one or more wipers
74
which pass over inkjet printhead assembly
12
to clean and/or remove excess ink from a face of inkjet printhead assembly
12
and at least one cap
76
which covers inkjet printhead assembly
12
when not in use to prevent inkjet printhead assembly
12
from drying out. Wiping and capping of inkjet printhead assembly
12
, therefore, requires motion of service station assembly
20
and, more specifically, motion of service station pallet
70
relative to inkjet printhead assembly
12
. Configuration and operation of service station assembly
20
is described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/715,628, entitled “A Service Station for Printers Having Firing Nozzles Perpendicular to Direction of Carriage Motion” assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference.
To transfer power of motor
24
to service station assembly
20
, a power transmission arrangement
80
is interposed between motor
24
and service station assembly
20
. In one embodiment, power transmission arrangement
80
includes a coupling
82
, such as a clutch, to selectively connect and disconnect output
25
of motor
24
with service station assembly. In addition, power transmission arrangement
80
includes a gear train
84
which transfers rotational power of motor
24
to service station pallet
70
. As such, coupling
82
selectively connects and disconnects gear train
84
with output
25
of motor
24
. Thus, power of motor
24
is transferred to gear train
84
when coupling
82
is engaged. Gear train
84
, therefore, imparts motion to service station pallet
70
.
In one embodiment, inkjet printing system
10
includes an electronic control system
90
. Electronic control system
90
includes electronic controller
22
which receives print job commands and/or command parameters, as described above. As such, electronic controller
22
controls operation of motor
24
and power transmission arrangements
40
,
60
, and
80
to selectively provide power to carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
, respectively, as described below.
In one embodiment, electronic control system
90
includes a plurality of positional sensors
92
. Positional sensors
92
include, for example, a sensor
92
a
which detects a linear position of carriage
32
, including inkjet printhead assembly
12
, a sensor
92
b
which detects a rotational position of shaft
50
and/or rollers
52
, and a sensor
92
c
which detects a position of service station pallet
70
. As such, positional sensors
92
a
,
92
b
, and
92
c
transmit signals representing a position of carriage
32
, a position of shaft
50
and/or rollers
52
, and a position of service station pallet
70
to electronic controller
22
via signal lines
94
a
,
94
b
, and
94
c
, respectively. Sensor
92
a
includes, for example, a linear encoder to sense the linear position of carriage
32
and sensor
92
b
includes, for example, a rotational encoder to sense the rotational position of shaft
50
and/or rollers
52
. The position of carriage
32
, therefore, represents a position of inkjet printhead assembly
12
and the position of shaft
50
and/or rollers
52
correlates to a position of print medium
19
.
To control operation of power transmission arrangements
40
,
60
, and
80
, electronic controller
22
sends control signals to couplings
42
,
62
, and
82
via control signal lines
96
a
,
96
b
, and
96
c
, respectively. As such, electronic controller
22
selectively engages and/or disengages couplings
42
,
62
, and
82
to connect and/or disconnect output
25
of motor
24
with carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and/or service station assembly
20
, respectively. It is understood, however, that engagement and/or disengagement of couplings
42
,
62
, and/or
82
may be activated and/or de-activated by motions within inkjet printing system
10
. For example, coupling
62
of power transmission arrangement
60
may be activated by motion of carriage
32
and/or coupling
82
of power transmission arrangement
80
may be de-activated by motion of service station pallet
70
.
FIGS. 4-9
illustrate one embodiment of a method of operation of inkjet printing system
10
according to the present invention.
FIG. 4
illustrates inkjet printing system
10
in a “Rest” mode of operation awaiting a print job. As such, carriage
32
of carriage assembly
16
is parked or positioned over service station assembly
20
such that inkjet printhead assembly
12
is capped by cap
76
of service station assembly
20
. In addition, couplings
42
and
62
of power transmission arrangements
40
and
60
, respectively, are disengaged. Thus, carriage assembly
16
and print media transport assembly
18
, including, paper pick-up mechanism
54
, are disengaged. Moreover, motor
24
is idle. As such, no motion is imparted to carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, or service station assembly
20
.
FIG. 5
illustrates inkjet printing system
10
in a “Ready” mode of operation in response to receiving a command for a print job. As such, carriage
32
remains positioned over service station assembly
20
. Couplings
62
and
82
of power transmission arrangements
60
and
80
, respectively, however, are engaged and motor
24
is operated.
With couplings
62
and
82
engaged, a power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
26
and dashed-line
27
, is defined between motor
24
and service station assembly
20
. Thus, the power transmission path includes a power transmission path defined between motor
24
and print media transport assembly
18
. Rotational power of output
25
of motor
24
, therefore, is transferred through coupling
62
, gear train
64
, shaft
50
, coupling
82
, and gear train
84
. As such, shaft
50
is rotated in a forward direction, as indicated by dots
58
, and gear train
84
is operated. Thus, operation of gear train
84
moves service station pallet
70
such that inkjet printhead assembly
12
is uncapped from cap
76
and wiped by wiper
74
of service station assembly
20
.
In one embodiment, electronic control system
90
initiates the “Ready” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. As such, electronic controller
22
engages couplings
62
and
82
of power transmission arrangements
60
and
80
, respectively. Thus, the power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
26
and dashed-line
27
, is defined between motor
24
and service station assembly
20
. Service station assembly
20
, therefore, moves service station pallet
70
, as described above.
In one embodiment, sensor
92
c
of electronic control system
90
senses the motion of service station pallet
70
and initiates completion of the “Ready” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. As such, after service station pallet
70
has moved, electronic controller
22
disengages coupling
82
of power transmission arrangement
80
and paper pick-up mechanism
54
is activated. Thus, the power transmission path is confined to solid line
26
. Paper pick-up mechanism
54
, therefore, engages a top sheet of print medium
19
and routes print medium
19
to rollers
52
of print media transport assembly
18
. In one embodiment, paper pick-up mechanism
54
is automatically deactivated by print medium
19
entering inkjet printing system
10
.
FIG. 6
illustrates inkjet printing system
10
in one phase, “Right-to-Left Print Swath” phase, of a “Print” mode of operation while printing a print job. As such, coupling
62
of power transmission arrangement
60
is disengaged, coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
is engaged, and motor
24
is operated.
With coupling
62
disengaged and coupling
42
engaged, a power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
28
, is defined between motor
24
and carriage assembly
16
. Rotational power of output
25
of motor
24
, therefore, is transferred through coupling
42
, power transmission element
44
, and reciprocating element
46
. As such, reciprocating element
46
is moved laterally right to left. Thus, movement of reciprocating element
46
moves carriage
32
across print medium
19
right to left. As carriage
32
moves across print medium
19
, inkjet printhead assembly
12
creates a print swath on print medium
19
. It is understood, however, that carriage
32
may move across print medium
19
without any printing by inkjet printhead assembly
12
.
FIG. 7
illustrates inkjet printing system
10
in another phase, “Paper Advance” phase, of the “Print” mode of operation while printing a print job. As such, coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
is disengaged and coupling
62
of power transmission arrangement
60
is engaged while coupling
82
of power transmission arrangement
80
remains disengaged and motor
24
is operated.
With coupling
42
disengaged, coupling
62
engaged, and coupling
82
disengaged, a power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
26
, is defined between motor
24
and print media transport assembly
18
. Rotational power of output
25
of motor
24
, therefore, is transferred through coupling
62
, gear train
64
, shaft
50
, and rollers
52
. As such, shaft
50
and, therefore, rollers
52
are rotated in a forward direction, as indicated by double dots
59
. Thus, rotation of rollers
52
advances print medium
19
through a print media path of inkjet printing system
10
.
In one embodiment, sensor
92
a
of electronic control system
90
senses the motion of carriage assembly
16
and initiates the “Paper Advance” phase of the “Print” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. As such, when carriage
32
reaches the end of a lateral pass, electronic controller
22
disengages coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
and engages coupling
62
of power transmission arrangement
60
. Thus, the power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
26
, is defined between motor
24
and print media transport assembly
18
. Print media transport assembly
18
, therefore, advances print medium
19
, as described above.
FIG. 8
illustrates inkjet printing system
10
in another phase, “Left-to-Right Print Swath” phase, of the “Print” mode of operation while printing a print job. As such, coupling
62
of power transmission arrangement
60
is disengaged, coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
is engaged, and motor
24
is operated.
With coupling
62
disengaged and coupling
42
engaged, a power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
28
, is defined between motor
24
and carriage assembly
16
. Rotational power of output
25
of motor
24
, therefore, is transferred through coupling
42
, power transmission element
44
, and reciprocating element
46
. As such, reciprocating element
46
is moved laterally left to right. Thus, movement of reciprocating element
46
moves carriage
32
across print medium
19
left to right. As carriage
32
moves across print medium
19
, inkjet printhead assembly
12
creates another print swath on print medium
19
.
In one embodiment, sensor
92
b
of electronic control system
90
senses the motion of print media transport assembly
18
and initiates the “Left-to-Right Print Swath” phase of the “Print” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. As such, when rollers
52
have advanced print medium
19
a predetermined amount, the electronic controller
22
disengages coupling
62
of power transmission arrangement
60
and engages coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
. Thus, the power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
28
, is defined between motor
24
and carriage assembly
16
. Carriage assembly
16
, therefore, moves carriage
32
, as described above.
To complete a print job, inkjet printing system
10
cycles through the phases of the “Print” mode of operation. More specifically, inkjet printing system
10
repeats the “Right-to-Left Print Swath” phase, the “Paper Advance” phase, the “Left-to-Right Print Swath” phase, the “Paper Advance” phase, the “Right-to-Left Print Swath” phase, etc., until the print job is completed.
FIG. 9
illustrates inkjet printing system
10
in a “Return-to-Rest” mode of operation after completing a print job. As such, carriage
32
is parked or positioned over service station assembly
20
. In addition, coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
is disengaged, couplings
62
and
82
of power transmission arrangements
60
and
80
, respectively, are engaged, and motor
24
is operated.
With coupling
42
disengaged, and couplings
62
and
82
engaged, a power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
29
, is defined between motor
24
and service station assembly
20
. Rotational power of output
25
of motor
24
, therefore, is transferred through coupling
62
, gear train
64
, shaft
50
, coupling
82
, and gear train
84
. As such, shaft
50
is rotated in a reverse direction, as indicated by double dots
59
, and gear train
84
is operated. Thus, operation of gear train
84
moves service station pallet
70
such that inkjet printhead assembly
12
is wiped by wiper
74
and capped by cap
76
of service station assembly
20
.
In one embodiment, sensor
92
a
of electronic control system
90
senses the motion of carriage assembly
16
and initiates the “Return-to-Rest” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. As such, when carriage
32
reaches the end of a final lateral pass, electronic controller
22
disengages coupling
42
of power transmission arrangement
40
and engages couplings
62
and
82
of power transmission arrangements
60
and
80
, respectively. Thus, the power transmission path, as indicated by solid line
29
, is defined between motor
24
and service station assembly
20
. Service station assembly
20
, therefore, wipes and caps inkjet printhead assembly
12
, as described above.
FIG. 10
illustrates one embodiment of a method
100
of operating inkjet printing system
10
according to the present invention. Initially, inkjet printing system
10
is in a “Rest” mode of operation. At step
102
, inkjet printing system
10
gains operational control of a print job. At step
104
, service station assembly
20
uncaps and wipes inkjet printhead assembly
12
and, at step
106
, paper pick-up mechanism
54
of print media transport assembly
18
pulls print medium
19
into inkjet printing system
10
. Steps
104
and
106
both occur during a “Ready” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. In addition, service station assembly
20
and paper pick-up mechanism
54
of print media transport assembly
18
are both operated in steps
104
and
106
, respectively, by motor
24
. While steps
104
and
106
are illustrated as occurring simultaneously, it is within the scope of the present invention for steps
104
and
106
to occur sequentially.
At step
108
, carriage
32
of carriage assembly
16
is moved and a print swath is created on print medium
19
. Next, at step
110
, print medium
19
is advanced by print media transport assembly
18
. Thus, steps
108
and
110
are repeated until the print job is completed. Steps
108
and
110
both occur during a “Print” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. In addition, carriage assembly
16
and print mode transport assembly
18
are both operated in steps
108
and
110
, respectively, by motor
24
.
At step
112
, service station assembly
20
wipes and caps inkjet printhead assembly
12
and, at step
114
, print medium
19
is kicked from inkjet printing system
10
by print media transport assembly
18
. Steps
112
and
114
both occur during a “Return-to-Rest” mode of operation of inkjet printing system
10
. In addition, service station assembly
20
and print media transport assembly
18
are both operated in steps
112
and
114
, respectively, by motor
24
. While steps
112
and
114
are illustrated as occurring simultaneously, it is within the scope of the present invention for steps
112
and
114
to occur sequentially.
By selectively coupling motor
24
with carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
, motor
24
can operate functions of each of carriage assembly
16
, print media transport assembly
18
, and service station assembly
20
. Thus, motor
24
can control multiple printing functions of inkjet print system
10
, such as moving print carriage
32
, advancing print medium
19
, and/or maintaining inkjet printhead assembly
12
. Thus, by controlling multiple printing functions of inkjet print system
10
with single motor
24
, inkjet printing system
10
can be made smaller or made to perform more functions for the same size, may be easier to manufacture, and/or may be less expensive to manufacture.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the chemical, mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Claims
- 1. An inkjet printing system, comprising:a print media transport assembly adapted to route a print medium through the inkjet printing system; a carriage assembly adapted to hold an inkjet printhead assembly and traverse the print medium; a motor operatively coupled to and adapted to drive both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly; and a service station assembly adapted to at least one of wipe, cap, and uncap the inkjet printhead assembly, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to and adapted to drive each of the print media transport assembly, the carriage assembly, and the service station assembly.
- 2. The inkjet printing system of claim 1, further comprising:a first power transmission path defined between the motor and the carriage assembly; a second power transmission path defined between the motor and the print media transport assembly; and a third power transmission path defined between the motor and the service station assembly, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to the carriage assembly via the first power transmission path, operatively coupled to the print media transport assembly via the second power transmission path, and operatively coupled to the service station assembly via the third power transmission path.
- 3. The inkjet printing system of claim 2, wherein the third power transmission path includes the second power transmission path.
- 4. The inkjet printing system of claim 1, further comprising:a first power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the carriage assembly, wherein the first power transmission arrangement includes a first coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the carriage assembly.
- 5. The inkjet printing system of claim 4, further comprising:a second power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the print media transport assembly, wherein the second power transmission arrangement includes a second coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the print media transport assembly.
- 6. The inkjet printing system of claim 5, wherein the second power transmission arrangement further includes a gear train configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a rotatable shaft of the print media transport assembly.
- 7. The inkjet printing system of claim 5, further comprising:a third power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the service station assembly, wherein the third power transmission arrangement includes a third coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the service station assembly.
- 8. The inkjet printing system of claim 7, wherein the third power transmission arrangement further includes a gear train configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a movable pallet of the service station assembly.
- 9. An inkjet printing system, comprising:a print media transport assembly adapted to route a print medium through the inkjet printing system; a carriage assembly adapted to hold an inkjet printhead assembly and traverse the print medium; a motor operatively coupled to and adapted to drive both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly; and a first power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the carriage assembly, wherein the first power transmission arrangement includes a first coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the carriage assembly.
- 10. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, wherein the motor is configured to sequentially operate the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly.
- 11. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, wherein the motor is adapted to advance the print medium and move the inkjet printhead assembly.
- 12. The inkjet printing system of claim 11, wherein the motor is adapted to advance the print medium in a first direction and move the inkjet printhead assembly in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
- 13. The inkjet printing system of claim 12, wherein the motor is configured to rotate a portion of the print media transport assembly in the first direction and reciprocate a portion of the carriage assembly in the second direction.
- 14. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, wherein the print media transport assembly includes a first shaft and at least one roller mounted on the first shaft and wherein the carriage assembly includes a second shaft and a carriage slidably mounted on the second shaft, wherein the at least one roller is adapted to contact the print medium and wherein the carriage is adapted to carry the inkjet printhead assembly.
- 15. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, further comprising:a first power transmission path defined between the motor and the carriage assembly; and a second power transmission path defined between the motor and the print media transport assembly, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to the carriage assembly via the first power transmission path and operatively coupled to the print media transport assembly via the second power transmission path.
- 16. The inkjet printing system of claim 15, further comprising;a third power transmission path defined between the motor and a service station assembly of the inkjet printing system, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to the service station assembly via the third power transmission path.
- 17. The inkjet printing system of claim 16, wherein the third power transmission path includes the second power transmission path.
- 18. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, wherein the first power transmission arrangement further includes a power transmission element configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a reciprocatable element of the carriage assembly.
- 19. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, further comprising:a second power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and the print media transport assembly, wherein the second power transmission arrangement includes a second coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the print media transport assembly.
- 20. The inkjet printing system of claim 19, wherein the second power transmission arrangement further includes a gear train configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a rotatable shaft of the print media transport assembly.
- 21. The inkjet printing system of claim 19, further comprising:a third power transmission arrangement interposed between the motor and a service station assembly of the inkjet printing system, wherein the third power transmission arrangement includes a third coupling configured to selectively connect and disconnect the motor with the service station assembly.
- 22. The inkjet printing system of claim 21, wherein the third power transmission arrangement further includes a gear train configured to transfer rotational power of the motor to a movable pallet of the service station assembly.
- 23. The inkjet printing system of claim 9, further comprising:a first sensor adapted to detect a position of the inkjet printhead assembly and generate a first position signal in response thereto; a second sensor adapted to detect a position of the print medium and generate a second position signal in response thereto; and an electronic controller adapted to receive the first position signal and the second position signal and control at least one of coupling and operation of the motor in response to at least one of the first position signal and the second position signal.
- 24. A method of printing on a print medium with an inkjet printing system including an inkjet printhead assembly, the method comprising:routing the print medium through the inkjet printing system via a print media transport assembly; and traversing the print medium with the inkjet printhead assembly via a carriage assembly, wherein routing the print medium and traversing the print medium includes operatively coupling and driving both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly with a single motor, wherein operatively coupling the carriage assembly with the single motor includes selectively connecting and disconnecting the single motor with the carriage assembly via a coupling.
- 25. The method of claim 24, wherein operatively coupling and driving both the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly includes selectively coupling and sequentially operating the print media transport assembly and the carriage assembly with the single motor.
- 26. The method of claim 24, wherein routing the print medium and traversing the print medium includes advancing the print medium and moving the inkjet printhead assembly with the single motor.
- 27. The method of claim 24, wherein advancing the print medium and moving the inkjet printhead assembly includes advancing the print medium in a first direction and moving the inkjet printhead assembly in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
- 28. The method of claim 27, wherein advancing the print medium and moving the inkjet printhead assembly includes rotating a portion of the print media transport assembly in the first direction and reciprocating a portion of the carriage assembly in the second direction.
- 29. The method of claim 24, further comprising:detecting a position of the inkjet printhead assembly and generating a first position signal in response thereto; detecting a position of the print medium and generating a second position signal in response thereto; and controlling at least one of coupling and operation of the single motor in response to at least one of the first position signal and the second position signal.
- 30. A method of printing on a print medium with an inkjet printing system including an inkjet printhead assembly, the method comprising:routing the print medium through the inkjet printing system via a print media transport assembly; traversing the print medium with the inkjet printhead assembly via a carriage assembly; and maintaining a functionality of the inkjet printhead assembly with a service station assembly, wherein routing the print medium, traversing the print medium, and maintaining the functionality of the inkjet printhead assembly includes operatively coupling and driving each of the print media transport assembly, the carriage assembly, and the service station assembly with a single motor.
US Referenced Citations (8)
Foreign Referenced Citations (4)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0537679 |
Apr 1993 |
EP |
0 676 291 |
Oct 1995 |
EP |
0916508 |
May 1999 |
EP |
2140746 |
Dec 1984 |
GB |