Print head pressure detection and adjustment

Abstract

A printing system includes a print station for receiving print medium traveling along a transport pathway and an adjustable print head assembly. A medium dispenser transports the print medium on the transport pathway to the print station, and a medium width sensor detects the width of the print medium. A pressure sensor arrangement detects pressure imposed by the print head assembly at points along the width of the transport pathway when an image is printed on the print medium. A monitoring subsystem in communication with the medium width sensor and the pressure sensor arrangement calculates, based upon the detected width and the detected pressure, amounts of pressure imposed by the print head assembly along the width of the print medium.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a print station having an opening for receiving print medium traveling along a transport pathway, the print station including an adjustable print head assembly; a medium dispenser for transporting the print medium on the transport pathway to the print station; a medium width sensor configured to detect the width of the print medium on the transport pathway; a pressure sensor arrangement positioned on the transport pathway, wherein the pressure sensor arrangement is configured to detect pressure imposed by the print head assembly at a plurality of points along the width of the transport pathway; a monitoring subsystem comprising a central processing unit and memory in communication with the medium width sensor and the pressure sensor arrangement; and a network connecting the monitoring subsystem to a remote device having a display; wherein the monitoring subsystem includes a program configured to calculate, based at least in part upon the detected width and the detected pressure, amounts of pressure imposed by the print head assembly at points along the width of the print medium; wherein the remote device is configured to provide visual feedback to a user including the amounts of pressure imposed by the print head assembly along the width of the print medium; wherein the monitoring subsystem is configured to continuously monitor the output of the medium width sensor and the pressure sensor arrangement when a series of images are printed; and wherein the monitoring subsystem is configured to provide an alert to the remote device if the amount of pressure changes during printing of the series of images.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the print station is configured to print an image comprising a test pattern on the print medium, and wherein the test pattern illustrates even or uneven pressure imposed by the print head assembly during printing.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor arrangement includes two pressure sensors positioned proximate opposite ends across the width of the transport pathway.

4. The system according to claim 3, comprising: a user interface display in communication with the monitoring subsystem; and wherein the user interface display is configured to provide visual feedback including the calculated pressure imposed along the width of the print medium.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the visual feedback includes a graphic illustrating the degree to which the pressure amounts are unevenly distributed along the width of the print medium.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the graphic includes a horizontal line representing the transport pathway, a second horizontal line above the first horizontal line representing the print medium, and a tilted line representing the unevenly distributed pressure amounts along the print medium.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the alert is provided if the amount of pressure changes by an amount exceeding a pre-set threshold.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the print station comprises adjustment screws for adjusting pressure applied by the print head assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary printer system having a top cover in a closed position.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary printer system of FIG. 1 having a top cover in an open position.

(3) FIG. 2A depicts the exemplary printer system of FIG. 1 having a top cover in an open position and print medium positioned along media transport path.

(4) FIG. 2B depicts another exemplary printer system having a top cover in an open position.

(5) FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary print head assembly.

(6) FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram depicting certain components of an exemplary printing system.

(7) FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary display providing visual feedback.

(8) FIG. 5A depicts another exemplary display providing visual feedback.

(9) FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary test pattern image.

(10) FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for detecting and adjusting print head pressure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The present invention embraces printing systems including sensors and monitoring subsystems that facilitate accurate detection and adjustment of print head pressure, as well as related methods.

(12) FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A depict an exemplary printing system 10 which may include certain sensing, monitoring, and adjustment features in accord with the systems and methods of the present disclosure. Although the printing system depicted is a thermal printer 10, a thermal printer is simply one non-limiting example from a range of applicable printer systems (e.g., ink jet printer, dot matrix printer, impact printer, laser printer, etc.).

(13) The exemplary printer 10 includes a bottom housing portion 18 and a top housing cover portion 11 which are joined by a pivoting hinge 19. The printer 10 may be placed in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1), or in an open position (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A).

(14) As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 can include a user interface display 12 (e.g., an LCD), one or more user input devices 14 (e.g., buttons are shown, but other input devices may be included such as a touchscreen, keypad, mouse, etc.), one or more status indicators 13 (e.g., LEDs for providing information regarding printer hardware or software operations), and a media slot 17 through which printed media exits.

(15) As shown in FIG. 2, a print station assembly 20 is mounted within the top cover 11. The exemplary print station assembly 20 includes a ribbon supply 22 and a ribbon take up spool 21 which stream transfer ribbon for use by an adjustable print head assembly 38 during printing operations.

(16) FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of exemplary adjustable print head assembly 38, which includes a thermal print head 40 and print head pressure adjustment mechanisms 41 (e.g., screws or other devices for adjusting pressure and/or pressure bias).

(17) As shown in FIG. 2, media support members 24 extend from the base of the bottom housing portion 18. The exemplary media support members 24 can be adjusted across a lateral axis 32 to support and facilitate use of print media 25 of various types and/or widths.

(18) The exemplary print media 25 shown includes labels 23 (e.g., self-adhesive labels) disposed on a backing material 27. The respective labels 23 are separated by a gap 28 at which the backing material 27 is exposed.

(19) A media dispenser 43 (e.g., operatively connected with a motor) is geared to a platen roller 39 for advancing print media 25 (e.g., labels 23 on backing 27) from the media supply roll along a media transport pathway 26 to a print head assembly 38 and, finally, through the media slot 17 (e.g., after printing). In operation, the labels 23 travel about the transport pathway 26 along a longitudinal axis 31 of the printer 10 (FIGS. 2 and 2A).

(20) In certain exemplary embodiments, the media transport pathway 26 may include pressure sensors 44 positioned at points along the media transport pathway, for example, proximate the platen roller 39 and across the width where the print head assembly 38 makes contact to apply force or pressure to print media 25. The pressure sensor arrangement 44 is operatively connected to the printer's electronics and configured to detect and the inform printer 10 regarding the pressure or force amounts imposed by the print head assembly 38 (e.g., via monitoring subsystems controlled by a central processing unit from a stored memory location). For example, pressure readings may be obtained at points proximate the edges of the transport pathway 26 and the platen roller 39 as an image is printed on the print medium 25 or may be obtained when no image is being printed. Notably, pressure sensors 44 may be located at any number of operative positions including but not limited to the described examples, and can encompass numerous applicable sensor types.

(21) Moreover, the media support members 24 may include print medium width sensors 42 (e.g., light-based sensors) to sense and inform the printer's electronics (via monitoring subsystems) of the width of the print media 25 that is being transported to the print station 20. Of note, although medium width sensors are advantageous for use in connection with the present disclosure, information regarding pressure and/or pressure bias standing alone still provides significant benefits. The printer 10 may further include additional sensors (not explicitly shown) for sensing and informing the printer of additional information (e.g., proper media registration).

(22) FIG. 2B depicts another exemplary printing system 10a which is shown having a top/side cover in an open position. Printer 10a may also include certain sensing, monitoring, and adjustment features in accord with the systems and methods of the present disclosure.

(23) In comparison to the exemplary printer 10 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A, printer 10a of FIG. 2B employs similar and/or related component types, and the respective printers perform similar functions (e.g., both are thermal printers). The related Figure(s) illustrating printers 10, 10a also utilize a related reference numbering scheme, for example, reference numbers 12 and 12a respectively refer to a user interface display (e.g., an LCD). This corresponding reference numbering scheme continues in a consistent manner with respect to the following: user input devices 14, 14a; media slot 17, 17a; print station assembly 20, 20a; print media 25, 25a; print head assembly with adjustment mechanisms 38, 38a; platen roller 39, 39a; media dispenser 43, 43a; and pressure sensor arrangement 44, 44a. A detailed description for these similar and/or corresponding components or assemblies in FIG. 2B will not be repeated with respect to printer 10a as the previous discussions with reference to printer 10 generally remain applicable.

(24) In one notable aspect, however, printer 10a differs from printer 10 in that printer 10a is an exemplary left-aligned type printer as opposed to printer 10 which is an exemplary center-aligned or center-biased type printer. Although the present disclosure is applicable and advantageous for use with center-aligned type printers, the disclosed sensing, monitoring, and adjustment features will have particular relevance for use with left-aligned type printers (e.g., due to differences in the cost and the integral geometry of centering print head mechanisms as compared with left-aligned mechanisms).

(25) In other deviating but related aspects, printer 10a includes ribbon supply 22a for providing thermal transfer ribbon (e.g., ink ribbon composed at least partially of wax and/or resin) for use by adjustable print head assembly 38a during printing operations (as illustrated by arrow A), and ribbon take up spool 21a for collecting used print ribbon. Further, the print media supply 24a or print roll support of printer 10a is in the form of a spool or hub and, accordingly, does not allow for adjustment across a lateral axis 32a of printer 10a (e.g., the media 25a is left-aligned against the spine of the printer). As such, medium width sensors 42a (if included) are positioned in an alternate arrangement (e.g., a narrow beam light transmitter and a receiver). Lastly, the print media 25a (e.g., label media) travels along a longitudinal axis 31a of the printer 10a via a less direct transport pathway (illustrated by arrow 26a) prior to exit via media slot 17a.

(26) Turning now to FIG. 4, a schematic block diagram illustrates various components of an exemplary printing system 100 of the present disclosure. Exemplary printing system 100 may incorporate certain components similar to those described above with respect to exemplary printer 10 and/or exemplary printer 10a.

(27) The exemplary printing system 100 includes a print medium width sensor 130, a print station 160 with an adjustable print head assembly 161, a pressure sensor arrangement 140, a print medium dispenser assembly 170 (e.g., including a platen spindle/roller geared to a motor to advance the print media as previously described but not shown in detail in FIG. 4), and printer electronics including a monitoring subsystem 180.

(28) Exemplary print medium 190 includes a number of labels 113 and a releasable liner 114. The labels 113 may be adhered to the liner 114 by adhesive such as, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The exemplary media 190 supplied/transported via dispenser assembly 170 is shown as being supplied from a roll, but other types of media supplies may be utilized (e.g., fanfold media, tag or card stock, etc.).

(29) The print medium width sensor 130 may be configured and arranged to detect the width of print media (e.g., print medium 190) as the medium type currently in use is placed or passes along a media transport pathway 131. For example, the medium width sensor 130 may include an arrangement of sensor pairs, such as a narrow beam light transmitter and a receiver, positioned at defined locations to detect/signal the media's width (e.g., a change in the detected electromagnetic radiation depending upon whether the light beam was propagated into print media). In other embodiments, the medium width sensor 130 may detect media width based upon readings from the supply roll (e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 2A).

(30) The exemplary printing system 100 includes a pressure sensor arrangement 140 configured and arranged to detect forces/pressure imposed by the print head assembly 161 on the print medium 190. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor arrangement 140 can include a number (e.g., two or more) of appropriately selected pressure sensors (e.g., analog sensors using a force collector to measure strain or deflection over an area) positioned proximate opposite ends across the transport pathway (e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 2A). In other potential embodiments, the pressure sensor arrangement 140 may include a load sensing device for measuring deflection about a platen roller due to applied forces over the contact area of the print head assembly 161.

(31) An exemplary monitoring subsystem 180 includes a processor 181, a memory 182, one or more signal processors 183, and a bus 184 which connects the respective components. The signal processors 183 receive signals (e.g., analog signals) from the sensors of the medium width sensor 130 and the pressure sensor arrangement 140 (e.g., using direct connection or wireless communication protocols) and provide digital output corresponding to the signals received.

(32) In some embodiments, the monitoring subsystem 180 includes an algorithm, which may be part of a software program or firmware within the memory 182. The algorithm may be configured to calculate, based at least in part upon the detected width and the detected pressure from the medium width sensor 130 and the pressure sensor arrangement 140, estimated amounts of pressure or force imposed by the print head assembly 161 at points along the width of the print medium 190.

(33) For example, the formula for pressure is P=F/A where P represents pressure (e.g., measured in pascals or PSI), F represents force (e.g., measured in newtons or pounds), and A represents area (e.g., measured in square meters or square inches). When the force or pressure applied at known sensor locations or points across the width of the transport pathway (e.g., at points proximate opposite ends of a platen roller as shown in FIG. 2) is supplied via the pressure sensor arrangement 140, and media width information is supplied by the medium width sensor 130, a calculated estimate of the amounts of pressure or force imposed by the print head assembly at points along the width of the print medium can be provided.

(34) The exemplary printing system 100 includes a user interface display 185 in operable, electronic communication with the monitoring system 180. The monitoring subsystem 180 may also include software (e.g., stored in memory 182) that when executed by the processor 181 may be used to generate visual and/or audio feedback relating to the calculated pressure imposed along the width of the print medium. For example, the generated feedback may be provided via the user interface display 185.

(35) In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the visual feedback via the user interface display 185 may include a graphic 200 illustrating, inter alia, the degree to which the estimated/calculated pressure amounts are evenly or unevenly distributed along the width of the print medium. As depicted in FIG. 5, the graphic 200 includes a horizontal line 201 representing the media transport pathway (e.g., as advanced over a platen roller), a second horizontal line 202 above the first horizontal line representing the print medium, and another line 203 which, in the depicted example, is tilted representing the unevenly distributed pressure amounts or bias imposed along the print medium. The graphic may also provide the sensor-detected amounts of force or pressure imposed by the print head assembly, such as a left-side amount 204 and a right-side amount 205. Graphic 200 is only one non-limiting example, and feedback may be provided in additional or alternative forms.

(36) In addition to visual feedback being supplied via the user interface display 185 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), during calibration the print station 160 may be configured to print an image including a test pattern. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary test pattern 300 having a consistent side-to-side pattern for printing to the label media 113, or other print media (i.e., a consistent pattern across the width of the print media). In this regard, the test pattern illustrates even or uneven pressure imposed by the print head assembly during printing when viewed by a user. An exemplary diamond-shaped test pattern image 300 is depicted in FIG. 6, but other pattern types could be used (e.g., a chess board type pattern). The user interface display 185 may be configured to display a test pattern image illustrating evenly distributed pressure along the width of print medium for reference purposes to assist a user during the calibration process.

(37) The exemplary printing system 100 of FIG. 4 may include a network interface 186 for operating in a networked environment, for example, using logical connections (e.g., using a wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth, Zigbee, induction wireless, or any other suitable wireless or wired technology) to connect with one or more remote devices 188 (e.g., any network device, such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet computer, etc.).

(38) As illustrated in FIG. 4, the monitoring subsystem 180 is operatively connected (via network interface 186) to remote device 188 over the communications network 187. The remote device 188 includes a display 192, and the remote device may be configured to provide visual and/or other feedback to a user (e.g., a supervisor) regarding the amounts of pressure imposed by the print head assembly to the print medium 190 in a similar manner as described above with reference to the user interface display 185 (e.g., providing visual feedback as shown in FIG. 5).

(39) In another embodiment, the remote device 188 may provide feedback to an administrator for a number of networked printing systems (not explicitly shown). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the feedback may be provided in a table/numerical format with indicators that one of the respective printing systems has pressure bias readings that are outside of acceptable ranges. For example, colored indicators (e.g., red, green, or yellow) may be provided so that the administrator can easily determine whether one of the respective printers is within, outside, and/or close to a predetermined value range that is set based upon the applicable printing hardware, quality requirements, acceptable tolerances, etc.

(40) The monitoring subsystem 180 may be configured to continuously monitor the output of the medium width sensor 130 and the pressure sensor arrangement 140 during printing operations (e.g., when a series of images are printed). During the printing process, the monitoring subsystem 180 may be configured (e.g., via software stored in memory 182) to provide an alert or indication if the amount of pressure changes as a series of images are printed (e.g., a visual or audible alert to the remote device 188). In some embodiments, the alert or indicator could be provided if the amount of pressure bias across the width of the print media changes by an amount exceeding a pre-set threshold amount, such as if pressure bias across the media width exceeds a percentage above which printing results have been found to be unacceptable.

(41) Turning to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for detecting and adjusting print head pressure is shown. At step 405 a printing system receives input from a user to start a pressure and bias calibration process. For example, the user may press a Menu button on a printer's touch screen display, choose Wizards from the displayed options, choose Calibration from the displayed options, and then choose Pressure and bias from the displayed options.

(42) At step 410, the printing system determines whether print media has been loaded, and at step 415 prompts the user via the Wizard program to load media if print media is not already loaded. If print media has been loaded, at step 420 the print system transports the print medium to a print head and begins printing an image on the print medium with the print head. The printed image may include a test pattern graphic illustrating the degree to which the pressure amounts are unevenly distributed along the width of the print medium.

(43) At step 425, pressure sensors (e.g., positioned proximate opposite ends across the width of a print media transport path) detect pressure or force imposed by the print head.

(44) At step 430, based at least in part upon the detected width of the print medium and the detected pressure from step 425, pressure imposed by the print head at points along the width of the print medium (e.g., pressure bias) is calculated.

(45) At step 435, feedback including the calculated pressure imposed is displayed to a user via the print system's user interface display.

(46) At step 440, the information on the test pattern and/or the display is evaluated so that the user can determine how to adjust or change the bias or overall pressure imposed (e.g., to improve print quality). If no adjustment is necessary, the process ends (step 450).

(47) At step 460, the amount of pressure or bias imposed by the print head may be adjusted as necessary via an adjustment mechanism (e.g., adjustment screws). The process can then proceed by beginning back at step 420; e.g., the Wizard prompts the user to print the test pattern, the print medium including the first image is advanced past the print head, and another test pattern is printed on the print medium.

(48) Once a satisfactory test pattern is achieved the user can end the process (step 450), for example, by exiting the Wizard. The new/adjusted pressure settings can be saved in printer firmware for use in analytics or monitoring engines.

(49) To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications: U.S. Pat. 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(50) In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.