WO2021021177A1

WO2021021177A1 - Tamping media sheets

Info

Publication number: WO2021021177A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/044440
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Thomas Rohman; Matthew Jorgen RAISANEN; Jody Lee CLAYBURN
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 printing system includes an compiler tray, a tamper movable relative to the compiler tray between a retracted position and two or more tamping positions, and a controller. The controller is operably connected to the tamper and responsive to instructions recorded on a memory receive a measurement of a parameter indicative of relative humidity and compare the relative humidity to a predetermined humidity threshold. When the relative humidity is below the predetermined humidity threshold the tamper is moved to a first tamping position. When the relative humidity is above the predetermined humidity threshold the tamper is moved to the second tamping position. The second tamping position is located between the retracted position and the first tamping position. Tamping methods and computer program products are also described.

Description

TAMPING MEDIA SHEETS

BACKGROUND

[0001] A printer is a device that applies a substance (e g., ink, toner, dye, etc.) to a media sheet (e.g., paper). Printers can vary in type, and examples include laser printers, inkjet printers, solid ink printers, thermal printers, dye- sublimation printers, and others. A printer can be equipped with or connected (mechanically and/or communicatively) to a finisher, which receives the medium from the printer subsequent to the printing and performs finishing tasks. For example, the printed media sheets may be such that edges of stacked printed media sheets align to one another prior to the stacked printed media sheets being deposited in an output tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The following detailed description references the drawings, in which:

[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a printing system including a print engine and a compiler operatively associated with a controller, showing the print engine transferring images to media sheets and depositing printed media sheets in the finisher;

[0004] FIG. 2 depicts the finisher of the printing system of FIG. 1 , showing a tamper moving between a retracted position and a first tamping position when humidity in the ambient environment of the printing system is below a predetermined value and moving between the retracted position and a second tamping position when humidity in the ambient environment of the printing system is above the predetermined value;

[0005] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a method of tamping printed media according to an implementation, showing operations for determining the second tamping position by selecting from among predetermined second tamping positions using a measurement of humidity in the printing device environment;

[0006] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of a method of tamping printed media according to another implementation, showing operations for determining the second tamping position by calculating a media size and communicating the media size to the finisher using a measurement of humidity in the printing system environment; and

[0007] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a method of tamping printed media according to a further implementation, showing operations for determining the second tamping position by calculating the second tamping position using a measurement of humidity in the printing system environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The techniques described herein provide for a printing system having a finisher with an compiler tray and a tamper movable between a retraced position and a plurality of tamping positions, e.g., at least a first tamping position and a second tamping position. A controller is operably connected to the tamper and, using a measurement of humidity in the ambient environment of the printing system, moves the tamper to the first tamping position when the humidity measurement is below a predetermined value. When the humidity measurement is above the predetermined value the controller moves the tamper to the second tamping position. The second tamping position is located between the retracted position and the first tamping position. In this way the printing system control movement of the tamper between the first tamping position and the second tamping position to limit (or eliminate entirely) overrun of printed media sheets in the compiler tray when the printed media sheets are swollen due to humidity in the ambient environment of the printing system.

[0009] in traditional printing devices the tamper moves according to the expected size of printed media sheets deposited in the compiler tray of the printing device. In such printing devices the tamper can overrun the printed media sheets when the printed media sheets exceed the expected size of the media sheets provided to the printing device. For example, when the media sheets provided to the printing device are swollen due to the absorption of moisture from the ambient atmosphere, the tamper is more likely to overrun the edge of the printed media sheet Overrunning the printed media sheets can in turn damage the printed media sheets. Moreover, overrunning the printed media sheets can interfere with the operation of the compiler, causing interrupts and/or reducing reliability of the printing device.

[0010] The present techniques address this shortcoming by adjusting the tamping position employed by the printing system according to the amount of humidity in the ambient environment of the printing system. For example, in printing systems having tampers with a retracted position and more than one tamping position, the tamper moves to a first tamping position when the humidity is below a predetermined value, and when the humidity exceeds the predetermined value the tamper moves to a second tamping position located between the retracted position and the first tamping position.

[0011] The proposed solution provides a printing system that includes the following components: a compiler tray, a tamper movable relative to the compiler fray between a retracted position and a two or more tamping positions, and controiier operatively connected to the tamper. The controller receives a measurement of an environmental parameter indicative of relative humidity, moves the tamper from the retracted position to the first tamping position when humidity is below a predetermined value, and moves the tamper from the retracted position to the second tamping position when the humidity of above the predetermined vaiue. The second tamping position is located between the first tamping position and the second tamping position.

[0012] Additional benefits of the techniques for tamping printed media include the capability to adjust the tamping position employed by more than one type of finisher. For example, in finishers having predetermined tamping position the predetermined tamping position can be selected according to whether the humidity is below the predetermined threshold or whether the humidity is above the predetermined value. Moreover, in finishers having a tamping position selected according to a media size provided by the print engine the media size can be altered when the humidity size exceeds the predetermined vaiue. Finally, in finishers having the capability to move the tamper to any tamping position within the stroke of the tamper, the tamper position can be calculated based of a measurement of an environmental parameter indicative of relative humidity and communicated to the tamper. [0013] FIGS. 1 and 2 include components, modules, engines, etc. according to various examples as described herein. In different examples, more, fewer, and/or other components, modules, engines, arrangements of components/modules/engines, etc. can be used according to the teachings described herein. In addition, the components, modules, engines, etc. described herein are implemented as software modules executing machine-readable instructions, hardware modules, or special-purpose hardware (e.g., application specific hardware, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), embedded controllers, hardwired circuitry, etc.), or some combination of these.

[0014] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes a media conveyor 102, an input tray 104, and an image transfer device 106. The printing system 100 also includes a compiler tray 108, a registration member 1 10, and a tamper 112. The printing system 100 additionally includes a compiler 114, an environmental parameter sensor 116, and a controller 118.

[0015] The media conveyor 102 mechanically couples to the input tray 104 to the image transfer device 106 and the image transfer device 106 to the compiler tray 108. In this respect the media conveyor 102 is arranged to retrieve media sheets 10 from the input tray 104, provide the media sheets 10 to the image transfer device 106, and to thereafter convey the printed media sheets 12 to the compiler tray 108.

[0016] The input tray 104 is arranged to retain a stock of media sheets 10. In this respect the input tray 104 is in mechanical communication with the media conveyor 102 to provide the media sheets 10 to the media conveyor 102, which in turn delivers the media sheets 10 to the image transfer device 106. in certain examples the input tray 104 can be a first media input tray 104, the media sheets 10 can be first media sheets 10 having a first media size 14, and the printing system 100 can at least one second media input tray 120 retaining second media sheets 16, the second media sheets having a second media size 18 differing from that of the first media size 14. [0017] The image transfer device 106 is arranged to transfer images 20 to the media sheets 10. in this respect the image transfer device 106 is in mechanical communication with the media conveyor 102 to receive the media sheets 10, transfer images 20 to the media sheets 10 to generate printed media sheets 22, and to thereafter provide the printed media sheets 22 to the media conveyor 102. in certain examples the image transfer device 106 includes an inkjet-type image transfer device 122. in accordance with certain examples the image transfer device 106 includes laser-type image transfer device 124.

[0018] The compiler tray 108 in mechanical communication with the media conveyor 102 is arranged to receive printed media sheets 12. More specifically, the compiler tray 108 is arranged to receive the printed media sheets 22, register first edges 24 of the printed media sheets 12 in a first direction 26 (shown in FIG. 2), and thereafter align second edges 28 in a second direction 30 (shown in FIG. 2). Alignment of the printed media sheets 12 in the second direction 30 is by operation of the tamper 1 12, which mechanically tamps-in the printed media sheets 22 as the printed media sheets 22 are deposited in the compiler tray 108 In certain examples the compiler tray 108 may reside in a finisher 126. In accordance with certain examples the compiler tray 108 may cooperate with one or more finishing device 128. Examples of finishing device 128 include holes punching devices, stapling devices, and binding devices by way of non-limiting example.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 2, the compiler tray 108 is shown. The compiler tray 108 is in mechanical communication with media conveyor 102. In this respect the printed media sheets 12 (shown in FIG. 1) are deposited in the compiler tray 108 by the media conveyor 102. More specifically, the media conveyor 102 deposits the printed media sheets 12 in a reception portion 130 of the compiler tray 108.

[0020] The reception portion 130 of the compiler tray 108 is bounded by the registration member 110. The registration member 110 is fixed relative to the compiler tray 108 and is substantially orthogonal relative to the first direction 26 for alignment of first edges 24 (shown in FIG. 1) against the registration member 110 [0021] The compiler 114 is in mechanical communication with the compiler tray 108 to align the first edges 24 (shown in FIG. 1} of the printed media sheets 12 (shown in FIG. 1) against the registration member 110. In this respect the compiler 1 14 has a support member 132 and one or more paddle member 134. The support member 132 is fixed relative to the compiler tray 108. The one or more paddle member 134 is supported for rotation R relative to the support member 132 and relative to the reception portion 130, the rotation R of the paddle member 134 driving the printed media sheets 12 against the registration member 110. In the example shown in FIG. 2 the compiler 114 has three (3) paddle members 134 spanning the reception portion 130, the compiler 114 thereby being able to both locate the registration member 110 with the first edge 24 of a respective printed media sheet 12, and thereafter register the first edge 24 of respective printed media sheet 12 against the registration member 110. This can occur sequentially, as each finished media 12 is deposited in the compiler tray 108 by the media conveyor 102.

[0022] The tamper 112 is operatively associated with an actuator 136. The actuator 136 is fixed relative to the compiler tray 108 and is arranged to move the tamper 112 relative to the compiler tray 108. More specifically, the actuator 136 is arranged to move the tamper 112 in the second direction 30 between a retracted position 138, first tamping position 140, and a second tamping position 142. The retracted position 138 and the first tamping position 140 are arranged along a movement axis 144 that is substantialiy paraliel to the registration member 110. The second tamping position 142 is arranged between the retracted position 138 and the first tamping position 140. More specifically, the second tamping position 142 is arranged along the movement axis 144 between the retracted position 138 and the first tamping position 140, and further spaced from the first tamping position 140 toward the retracted position 138.

[0023] It is contemplated that movement M of the tamper 112 from the retracted position 138 brings the tamper 112 into mechanical engagement with the printed media sheet 12 (shown in FIG. 1), and more specifically a stack of printed media sheets 12 deposited in the compiler tray 102 and abutting the registration member 110, such that second edges 28 (shown in FIG. 1) of the printed media sheets 12 are aligned with one another in the example shown in FIG. 2 the tamper 112 is a first tamper 112 and the printing system 100 includes a second tamper 146, the second tamper 146 similar to the first tamper 112 and being additionally arranged for movement m in a direction opposite of the movement M of the first tamper 112. In certain examples the printing system 100 can include one or more second registration member 148, fixed relative to the compiler tray 108 and located on a side of the reception portion 130 opposite the first tamper 112.

[0024] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, the movement M of the tamper 112 is based on a size of the printed media sheets 12. In this respect the actuator 136 is arranged to move to the first tamping position 140 in association with the size of the printed media sheets 12 deposited in the reception portion 130 of the compiler tray 108. This generally prevents the tamper 112 from overrunning the second edges 28 of the printed media sheets 12, which can otherwise damage the printed media sheets 12.

[0025] As will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, the printed media sheets 12 (shown in FIG. 1) can sometimes swell, i.e., become relatively large in size relative to a nominal size due to absorption of humidity H (shown in FIG. 1) from the ambient atmosphere 32 (shown in FIG. 1) of the printing system 100. In some printing systems, e.g , the printing system 100, the swelling can be such that the movement M of the tamper 112 overruns the printed media sheets 12, potentially damaging the printed media sheets 12 and/or interfering with the operation of the compiler 114. To prevent such damage and/or interference the controller 118 (shown in FIG. 1) is configured to move the tamper 112 to the first tamping position 140 or the second tamping position 142 according to the humidity H in the ambient atmosphere 32 (shown in FIG. 1) of the printing system 100. in this respect, when the humidity H is below a predetermined threshold, the controller 118 moves the tamper 112 to the first tamping position 140. When the humidity H is above the predetermined threshold, e.g., when swelling of the printed media sheets 22 sufficient for damage and/or compiler interference can be expected, the controller 118 moves the tamper to the second tamping position 142. This prevents damage of the finished media and/or interference with the compiler 1 14 due to swelling of printed media sheets 22 prior to movement of the tamped finished media from the compiler tray 108 to an output tray it is contemplated that tamper 112 stop at the first position 140, limiting (or preventing entirely) damage to the printed media sheets 12 and/or limit (or prevent entirely) interference with operation of the compiler 114.

[0026] With continuing reference to FIG. 1 , the controller 1 18 is shown. The controller 118 is operatively connected to the tamper 1 12 and is disposed in communication with the environmental parameter sensor 116. The environmental parameter sensor 116 is configured to provide to the controller a signal including a measurement of an environmental parameter indicative of relative humidity H in the ambient atmosphere 32 of the printing system 100. More specifically, the environmental parameter sensor 116 positioned within the housing at a location outside of the print engine 120, and sufficiently spaced apart therefrom, to limit (or eliminate entirely) the influence that operation of the print engine 120 has on the information provided environmental parameter sensor 116. This allows the environmental parameter sensor 116 to provide information corresponding to moisture absorption (i.e., swelling) of the finished media sheets 12.

[0027] It is contemplated that the environmental parameter sensor 116 may include, for example, one or more of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a moisture sensor. As shown in FIG. 1 the environmental parameter sensor 1 16 is located within a housing 150 enclosing the image transfer device 106, which allows the environmental parameter sensor 1 16 to provide information suitable for correction of the transfer of the image 20 to the media sheets 10 due to one or more of the environmental parameters, simplifying the arrangement of the printing system 100.

[0028] Communication between the controller 1 18 and each of the tamper 1 12 and the environmental parameter sensor 116 is through a link 152. The link 152 can be wired or wireless, as suitable for an intended application, to provide communication between the controller 118 and the tamper 112 and/or the environmenta! parameter sensor 118. As also shown in the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the link 152 also connects the media conveyor 102, the input tray 104, the image transfer device 106, and the compiler 114 to the controller 118. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, other connectivity arrangements are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The controller 118 includes a memory 154, processor 156, a device interface 158, and a user interface 180. The device interface 158 connects the processor 156 to the link 152, the processor 156 operatively associated with the tamper 112 and in communication with the environmental parameter sensor 116 therethrough. The processor 156 is operatively connected to the user interface 160 to receive input 34 therethrough, e.g., a nominal media sheet size, and is disposed in communication with the memory 154. The memory 154 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a plurality of program modules 162 recorded on it. The plurality of program modules 182 contain instructions that, when executed by the processor 156, cause the processor 156 to undertake certain operations, e.g., operations of a tampering method 200 (shown in FIG. 3), as will be described. In certain examples the controller 118 may be located with the housing 150, the controller 1 18 thereby providing humidity compensation to printing systems without changing the configuration of the finisher housing the compiler tray in accordance with certain examples, the controller 118 may be housed within the finisher, the controller 1 18 thereby providing humidity compensation without requiring modification of the print engine.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 3, the method 200 of tamping finished media is shown. At block 210 a nominal media size, e.g., the first media size 14 (shown in FIG. 1) is received. In certain examples the media size is received from an input tray of a printing system, e.g., the input tray 104 (shown in FIG. 1) of the printing system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). In accordance with certain examples the media size can be received from a user interface of the printing system, e.g., the user interface 160. [0031] At block 220 a predetermined humidity threshold is retrieved. In certain examples the humidity threshold is retrieved from a memory of the printing system, e.g., the memory 154 (shown in FIG. 1). in accordance with certain embodiments the humidify threshold can be associated the received media sheet size, the humidity threshold being a humidity level where media of the size (type) received tending to swell to size where the tamper of the printing system, e.g., the tamper 1 12 (shown in FIG. 1), tends to damage the144 (shown in FIG. 1)

[0032] At block 230 a measurement of an environmental parameter is received, e.g., of the relative humidity H. Relative humidity of the ambient atmosphere within which the printing system is located is then determined. In examples the measurement of the environmental parameter is received from an environmental parameter sensor, e.g. , the environmental parameter sensor 1 16. In certain examples the environmental parameter can be a hygrometer measurement and one or more of temperature and/or pressure measurement, relative humidity being determined from a hygrometer measurement and the one or more temperature and/or pressure measurement.

[0033] At block 240 the relative humidity is compared to a predetermined humidity threshold. The predetermined humidity threshold can be retrieved from a memory of the printing system, e.g., the memory 154 (shown in FIG. 1). When humidity is below the humidity threshold the tamper is moved from the retracted position to the first tamping position, e.g., from the retracted position 138 (shown in FIG. 2) to the first tamping position 140 (shown in FIG. 2), as shown with block 250. As shown with block 252, it is contemplated that the tamper stop at the first position and thereafter withdraw to the retracted position.

[0034] When humidity is above the humidity threshold the tamper is moved from the refracted position to the second tamping position, e.g. , from the retracted position to the second tamping position 142 (shown in FIG 2), as shown with block 260. As shown with block 262, it is contemplated that the tamper stop at the second position and thereafter withdraw to the retracted position. The tamper is then moved from the first tamping position or the second tamping position to the retracted position, and the tamper again cycle according to blocks 210 through 260, as shown with arrow 270.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 4, operations for moving the tamper to the first tamping position or the second tamping position according to a first example are shown. In the illustrated example movement to the first tamping position includes selecting the first tamping position based on the received media size when the relative humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold, as shown with block 254, and thereafter communicating the selected first tamping position to tamper. The selected first tamping can be obtained, for example, from a lookup table for media sizes and default tamping positions recorded on the memory 154 (shown in FIG. 1). As shown with block 264, when the relative humidity is above the predetermined threshold, the second tamping position is calculated using the received media size and the relative humidity. For example, the second tamping position can be calculated multiplying the received media sheet size by 100.5% or by adding 1.5 millimeters to the first tamping position associated with the received media size.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 5, operations for moving the tamper to the first tamping position or the second tamping position according to a second example are shown. As shown with block 256, when the relative humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity thresboid, the received media size can be communicated to the finisher supporting the compiler tray. The finisher thereafter calculates the first tamper position from the received media size and moves the tamper to the first position based on the received media size. As shown with blocks 266 and 268, when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity, a modified media size can be calculated and communicated to the finisher supporting the compiler tray. Once tamped the printed media sheets 12 are finished, e.g., stapled or bound, and transferred to the output tray as finished media sheets.

[0037] Additional processes also may be included, and it should be understood that the processes depicted in FIGS. 3-6 represent illustrations and that other processes may be added or existing processes may be removed, modified, or rearranged without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] it should be emphasized that the above-described examples are merely possible examples of implementations and set forth for a clear understanding of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described examples without departing substantially from the principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and ail appropriate combinations and sub combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. Ail such appropriate modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 A printing system, comprising:

a compiler tray;

a tamper movable relative to the compiler tray between a retracted position and a plurality of tamping positions; and

a controller operabiy connected to the tamper and responsive to instructions recorded on a memory to:

receive a measurement of an environmental parameter indicative of relative humidity;

compare the relative humidity to a predetermined humidity threshold; move the tamper to a first tamping position when the relative humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold; and

move the tamper to a second tamping position when the relative humidity is above the predetermined reiative humidity threshold,

wherein the second tamping position is between the retracted position and the first tamping position.

2. The printing system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions cause the controller to:

receive a media size;

select the first tamping position based on the media size when the relative humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold; and calculate the second tamping position using the media size and the relative humidity when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold.

3. The printing system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions cause the controller to:

receive a media size;

communicate the media size to a finisher supporting the compiler tray when the humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold;

calculate a modified media size using the media size and the relative humidity when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold; and

communicate the modified media size to the finisher when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold.

4. The printing system of claim 1 , further comprising:

an input tray coupled to the compiler tray by a media conveyor;

a print engine arranged between the input tray and the compiler tray; and an environmental parameter sensor disposed in communication with the controller and configured provide the measurement of the environmental parameter, wherein the environmental parameter sensor is spaced apart from the print engine.

5. The printing system of claim 4, wherein the print engine includes an inkjet-type image transfer device.

6. The printing system of claim 4, wherein the print engine includes a laser- type image transfer device.

7. The printing system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a registration member fixed relative to the compiler tray, wherein the retracted position and the first tamping position are arranged along a movement axis substantially parallel to the registration member; and

a compiler operably associated with the controller, the compiler having a support member and a paddle member, wherein the support member is fixed relative to the compiler tray, and wherein the paddle member is supported for rotation relative to the compiler tray.

8. The printing system of claim 1 , wherein the tamper is a first tamper and further comprising a second tamper, wherein the second tamper is arranged on a side of the compiler tray opposite the first tamper.

9. A tamping method, comprising:

at a printing system having an compiler tray, a tamper movable relative to the compiler tray between a retracted position and a plurality of tamping positions, and a controller operatively connected to the tamper and in communication with a memory;

receiving, with the controller, a measurement of an environmental parameter indicative of relative humidity;

comparing, with the controller, the relative humidity to a predetermined relative humidity threshold;

moving, with the controller, the tamper to a first tamping position when the relative humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold; and moving, with the controller, the tamper to a second tamping position when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold,

wherein the second tamping position is located between the retracted position and the first tamping position.

10. The tamping method of claim 9, further comprising:

receiving a media size;

selecting the first tamping position based on the media size when the relative humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold; and calculating the second tamping position using the media size and the relative humidity when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold.

11. The tamping method of claim 9, further comprising:

receiving a media size;

communicating the media size to a finisher supporting the compiler tray when the humidity is below the predetermined relative humidity threshold;

calculating a modified media size using the media size and the relative humidity when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold; and

communicating the modified media size to the finisher as the second tamping position when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold

12. The tamping method of claim 9, wherein moving the tamper to the first position includes stopping the tamper at the first, wherein moving the tamper to the second position includes stopping the tamper at the second position

13. A non-iransitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to:

receive a measurement of an environmental parameter indicative or relative humidity at a printing system having an compiler tray and a tamper movable relative to the compiler tray between a retracted position and a plurality of tamping positions;

compare the relative humidity to a predetermined reiative humidity threshold;

move the tamper to a first tamping position when the reiative humidity is below the predetermined reiative humidity threshold; and

move the tamper to a second tamping position when the relative humidity is above the predetermined relative humidity threshold,

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions cause the controller to:

receive a media size;

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions cause the controller to:

receive a media size;