阅读说明：本技术 增大介质存储容量的模块 (Module for increasing storage capacity of medium ) 是由 凯文·洛 于 2017-03-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种模块,所述模块包括：第一侧,第二侧,顶部,以及底部；所述第一侧上的输出端口,用于将介质馈送到成像设备的侧端口；用于与所述成像设备通信的通信端口；以及所述模块的底部上的进入端口,用于从第一介质存储托盘接收介质。(A module, the module comprising: a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom; an output port on the first side for feeding media to a side port of an imaging device; a communication port for communicating with the imaging device; and an access port on the bottom of the module for receiving media from a first media storage tray.)

1. A module, the module comprising:

A first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom;

An output port on the first side for feeding media to a side port of an imaging device;

A communication port for communicating with the imaging device; and

An access port on the bottom of the module for receiving media from a first media storage tray.

2. the module of claim 1, wherein the communication port communicates with a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.

3. The module of claim 2, wherein the module comprises a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus node.

4. The module of claim 1, wherein the module further comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid.

5. The module of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical feature at the bottom of the module for securing the module above the first media storage tray.

6. The module of claim 5, further comprising: a mechanical feature at the top of the module for securing a second media storage tray above the module, and a port for receiving media from the second media storage tray.

7. The module of claim 6, wherein the first media storage tray and the second media storage tray are interchangeable.

8. The module of claim 1, further comprising a side entry port on the second side for receiving media.

9. The module of claim 8, wherein the first side and the second side are opposing sides of the module.

10. The module of claim 8, further comprising a communication port connected to a second module that provides media to a second access port on the second side.

11. The module of claim 10, wherein a media path between the inlet port on the second side and the outlet port on the first side includes an alignment system for aligning media in the media path.

12. The module of claim 10, wherein a media path between the inlet port on the second side and the outlet port on the first side includes an offset correction system to skew media in the media path.

13. An imaging apparatus, comprising:

A lower entry port to receive media from a first media storage tray located directly below the image forming apparatus; and

A side entry port to receive media from a second media storage tray located laterally of the imaging device,

Wherein the first media storage tray and the second media storage tray are interchangeable.

14. The imaging device of claim 13, further comprising a communication port at the second entry port such that a controller instructing the provision of media from the second media storage tray to the second media port communicates with the imaging device through the communication port.

15. an imaging system, the imaging system comprising:

An imaging device;

A first media storage tray located directly below the image forming apparatus;

An interface module connected to a side port of the imaging device;

A second media storage tray located directly below the interface module; and

A Controller Area Network (CAN) bus connecting the imaging device and the interface module,

wherein the first media storage tray and the second media storage tray are interchangeable.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated examples do not limit the scope of the claims.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an interface module connecting a media storage tray to an imaging device, according to one example consistent with the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows an example of an imaging device consistent with the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of an imaging system consistent with the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of an imaging system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an offset correction system for a media path of an imaging device consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alignment system for a media path of an imaging device consistent with the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the figures provide examples and/or embodiments consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or embodiments provided in the figures.

Detailed Description

Current imaging systems have a fixed amount of space for the storage medium under the imaging device. Media storage capacity limits the number of media types that are simultaneously available on an imaging device. Media storage capacity limits the number of printed products that can be manufactured without the need for a supplemental media supply. In some cases, the media supply cannot be replenished without suspending operation of the imaging system. Finally, as imaging systems change from smaller systems to larger systems that support a greater number of users, the imaging systems may be located farther from the user's work location, reducing the user's awareness of the state of the medium in the imaging system. Accordingly, a user may reach an imaging device with the media depleted and their job waiting in the queue for processing.

The imaging system has a fixed amount of space for the storage medium on the underside of the imaging device. Increasing the height of the imaging device affects safety and usability standards in an attempt to increase media storage capacity. See, e.g., IEC 62368-1 Audio/video, information, and communication technology devices-part 1: safety requirements, in particular deflection requirements. Accordingly, the imaging system can only be raised so much to increase the media storage capacity under the imaging system.

a Cart (Cart) may be located near the imaging system. The cart feeds media to the imaging system to provide additional media selection and additional media storage capacity. However, many imaging systems are not designed to accommodate carts. In one example, the cart design may be used to retrofit existing imaging systems to increase media storage capacity.

To provide additional capacity to feed media to the imaging device, the cart needs access to the media path. In one example, the media path is accessed through a side feed port. Many imaging devices include side feed ports to support additional media types, such as watermarked paper or other special purpose media. However, the side feed port may also be used to receive media from the cart. This may involve removing components from the original imaging device and/or adding new components to facilitate reliable interaction with the cart.

This specification describes, among other examples, a module comprising: a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom; an output port on the first side for feeding media to a side port of the imaging device; a communication port for communicating with an imaging device; and an access port on the bottom of the module for receiving media from the first media storage tray.

This specification also describes an image forming apparatus including: a lower entry port to receive media from a first media storage tray located directly below the image forming apparatus; a side entry port to receive media from a second media storage tray located laterally of the imaging device, wherein the first media storage tray and the second media storage tray are interchangeable.

This specification also describes an imaging system comprising: an imaging device; a first media storage tray located directly below the image forming apparatus; an interface module connected to a side port of the imaging device; a second media storage tray located directly below the interface module; a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus connecting the imaging device and the interface module, wherein the first media storage tray and the second media storage tray are interchangeable.

Turning now to the drawings, fig. 1 shows an interface module (100) for connecting a media storage tray to an imaging device, according to one example consistent with the present disclosure. The interface module (100) comprises: a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom; an output port (110) on the first side for feeding media to a side port of the imaging device; a communication port (120) connected to a bus of the imaging device; an access port (130) on the bottom of the module (100) for receiving media from a first media storage tray.

The module (100) is used to add additional functionality to an imaging device or imaging system. The use of the module (100) allows economies of scale in the underlying imaging device. The user can then select additional features, and the module (100) provides the base imaging device with the ability to add those additional features. The module (100) allows a user to obtain the functionality of the advanced base model for the user's intended features without having to purchase all of the features of the advanced base model.

As shown in fig. 1, the interface module (100) provides the ability to add additional media storage trays to an imaging device or imaging system. The module can be envisioned and designed as part of the design of the imaging device. When designing an imaging device, the module may be designed to allow for improvements in the imaging device and add unforeseen capabilities.

an output port (110) provides media to a side port of an imaging device or imaging system. The assembly may be removed from the side port of the imaging device to allow the output port to interact with the imaging device. For example, some image forming apparatuses include a side port with a sheet feeder to allow a small stack of media to be fed to the side port of the image forming apparatus. The user can put a letter and/or other special media into the sheet feeder for a job without adding media to the media storage tray.

The output port (110) provides media transfer through the interface module (100) to a side port of the imaging device. In one example, the media is from an extra media storage tray located below the module (100). The media may come from an additional media storage tray located above the module (100). The media may come from a feed, such as a single sheet feed, located above the module (100). The medium may come from a side feed. The medium may come from a second interface module (100) daisy-chained to the first interface module (100).

the communication port (120) allows the module (100) to communicate with an imaging device. A side port on the imaging device is used to provide media under user control. The user ensures that the media matches the job. In contrast, when pulled out from, for example, a media storage tray located below the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can check information from the media storage tray and determine suitability for an image forming job. This information may include: the presence or absence of media in the tray, information regarding the size of the media in the storage tray, and/or other attributes of the media in the storage tray (e.g., color, header, watermark, type of media, type of paper, etc.). The ability to have multiple media storage trays available for selectively feeding media to the imaging device allows a user to handle a variety of job types without having to replace the media.

Because the media is provided by the user, a side port on the imaging device may not have access to such information. The communication port (120) allows the interface module (100) to provide this information as well as selection from various media storage options associated with the interface module (100) as additional media storage capacity to provide media is added through the output port (110).

In one example, the communication port (120) is connected to a communication bus of the imaging device. This allows the interface module to receive requests from the image forming apparatus and communication information about media fed to the image forming apparatus. The bus may be a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The bus may be a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus. The bus may be a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) bus. The communication port (120) may be connected to a Local Area Network (LAN). The communication port may communicate using a physical connection (e.g., cable and/or fiber optics) and/or wirelessly.

The communication port (120) may indirectly communicate with the imaging device. For example, the imaging device may lack a cable or connection to a communication port at the side input. The communication port (120) may communicate with the imaging device through a local network. The communication port (120) may communicate with the imaging device using a port located remotely from the side port, for example, a cable may be used to connect the module (100) and the back of the imaging device.

An entrance port (130) receives media from a media storage tray located below the interface module (100). Media travels a path from an entrance port (130) to an exit port (110) on a media travel path.

In one example, the media storage tray is a single media storage tray located below the interface module (100). There may be a plurality of media storage trays located below the interface module (110), each of the plurality of media storage trays providing media through the access port (130). A media storage tray located below the interface module (110) may be interchangeable with a media storage tray located below the imaging device. This reduces the number of components that need to be stocked, creates economies of scale, and takes advantage of other benefits of standardization.

In one example, the bus of the imaging device is a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The module may include a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus node.

The module (100) may further include a reservoir holding an imaging fluid. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with an imaging liquid supply line and/or a reservoir in the imaging device. The module (100) may include an access panel that allows for the addition of imaging liquid to the reservoir. The reservoir may include a level sensor. The reservoir may include an on/off level sensor, such as an electrical continuity sensor using an electrode in the imaging fluid and a second electrode at the depth of the reservoir indicating a notification status. In one example, the notification status is a low level indicator, indicating replenishment of imaging fluid. The level sensor may include a plurality of electrodes along the depth of the reservoir to provide feedback regarding the level of liquid in the reservoir.

In one example, the reservoir provides a signal when there is sufficient capacity for a standard size of replenishment to be added. Standard sized supplements may be, for example, 1 liter, 2 liters, 1 gallon, and the like. In one example, the reservoir includes a cap, similar to a gasoline cap on an automobile, that covers a wider nozzle that fills the reservoir. The reservoir may include a vent hole that allows air to escape when filled.

The module (100) may include multiple reservoirs, e.g., reservoirs for multiple types of imaging fluids. In one example, the plurality of types of imaging liquids are a plurality of colors of ink. Various types of imaging fluids may include pre-treatment and/or post-treatment fluids. Various types of imaging fluids may include three-dimensional layered fluids.

The module (100) may include a pump to convey imaging liquid into the imaging device. The module (100) may include ports and/or supply lines that provide liquid to the imaging device.

The module (100) may include mechanical features on the bottom of the module for securing the module (100) on the top of a media storage tray. The module may include recesses and protrusions that stabilize and secure the module (100). In one example, a module (100) interlocks with a cabinet and/or rack holding a plurality of media storage trays. The number of media storage trays below (100) the module and the number of media storage trays below the image forming apparatus may be the same as the number of trays. For example, the imaging device and the module may each have three trays located below the imaging device and the module (100), respectively.

The module (100) may include a mechanical feature at the top of the module for securing a second media storage tray at the top of the module and a port for receiving media from the second media storage tray, wherein the first media storage tray and the second media storage tray are interchangeable. The second media storage tray above the module (100) may be within a cabinet and/or rack supporting the tray. The rack may support a plurality of trays. Since the media storage tray design used below the imaging device and module (100) is designed to feed up an input port on the module and/or a lower input port on the imaging device, the same design will be used for trays above the module (100), with more components than would be possible with a custom tray design for above the module (100). However, the benefits of standardization using the same media storage tray for both above and below the module (100) may outweigh the cost and reliability of the additional components.

In one example, media from a second media storage tray is fed upward, similar to exiting a media storage tray below the imaging device and/or module (100), which then passes through the top of the upper media storage tray, back down to the side opposite the first side. The media then passes through a travel path for bringing media from a second module (100-2) daisy-chained to the first module (100). That path may be relatively flat and straight from one side of the module (100) to the other. That path may include an offset correction and/or alignment device to center and/or center the media in the media path.

the media storage trays above the module (100) and below the module (100) may be interchangeable. Media storage modules below the module (100) and below the imaging device may be interchangeable. The use of interchangeable media storage trays reduces inventory (inventories). The use of interchangeable media storage trays allows economies of scale in manufacturing. The interchangeable tray also allows for the insertion of a stock tray filled with special-purpose media into multiple locations.

The module (100) may comprise a second inlet port on the second side for receiving a feed medium. This allows the original side port of the imaging system, which is being occupied by the output port (110) of the module (100) when the module (100) is ready, to be available for providing a single feed and/or a small scale feed. A second inlet port on the module may be opposite the outlet port. In this case, the first and second sides of the module (100) are opposite sides of the module (100). This method has the advantage of straightening the path of travel of the media. However, a travel path from the front and/or rear of the module to the output port (100) is also possible and may be more suitable for a particular location due to space constraints of the overall width of the system. The media path may include a turn. The media path may include a divert for the media. The module (100) may include a side feed that feeds the media in a width direction of the media until the media is in the media path and then moves the media along the media path in a length direction of the media.

The module (100) may include a second access port at the top of the module (100). This second entry port can be used to provide media into the media travel path to replace lost functionality when a side port of the imaging device is occupied by an output port (110) of the module (100).

In one example, the module (100) is connected with a second module (100-2), wherein the second module (100-2) includes an output port (110-2) in a second input port of the first module (100). The second input port of the module (100) is opposite to the output port (110) on the module. The communication port (140-2) on the second module (110-2) is connectable to the second communication port of the first module (100). In one example, the second communication port of the first module (100) is located near a second input port of the first module (100) that receives media from the output port (110-2) of the second module (100-2). Additional modules (100) may be chained together to provide a large number of media storage trays that feed the imaging device.

due to the longer media paths, e.g., those media storage trays associated with multiple modules (100) and/or above modules (100); it may be advantageous to align and/or deskew the media during transport. The module (100) may include a media path between a second inlet port on the second side and an outlet port (110) on the first side, including an alignment system to align and/or straighten media in the media path. The module (100) may comprise a media path between a second inlet port on the second side and an outlet port (110) on the first side, comprising a straightening device to straighten the media in the media path. The module 100 may include a straightening and alignment mechanism.

Fig. 2 shows an example of an imaging device (200) consistent with the present disclosure. An imaging apparatus (200) includes: a lower entry port (240) to receive media from a first media storage tray (260) located directly below the image forming device (200); and a side entry port (250) to receive media from a second media storage tray (270) located laterally of the imaging device (200), wherein the first media storage tray (260) and the second media storage tray (270) are interchangeable.

An imaging device (200) is a machine for imaging information on a medium. The imaging apparatus (200) may include a variety of auxiliary devices that perform pre-imaging operations and/or post-imaging operations. The imaging device may include, for example: media storage and handling devices, organizers, paper jammers, and other auxiliary devices. Various imaging devices (200) include scanners and/or similar elements to convert information on paper into an electronic format that can then be used to generate copies of the original document.

The lower entry port (240) receives media from below the imaging device (200). The media may be from a first media storage tray (260). The media may be from a plurality of media storage trays including a first media storage tray (260). The lower entry port (240) is connected by a media path to an imaging location in the imaging device (200). The media is transported to an imaging location, such as under a printhead, where imaging is applied to the media.

the side entry port (250) receives media from a side of the imaging device (200). The media may be from a second media storage tray (270). A side entry port (250) may be connected with the interface module (100) to control delivery of media from a second media storage tray (270) located laterally of the imaging device (200).

A first media storage tray (260) is located below the image forming apparatus (200). The imaging device (200) may be located directly above the first media storage tray (260). The imaging device (200) may be located on a frame and/or support structure that also supports the first media storage tray (260). The support structure may house a single media storage tray (260). The support structure may house a plurality of media storage trays (260). The plurality of media storage trays may be interchangeable with each other and with the second media storage tray (270). The use of interchangeable media storage trays provides the benefit of reduced inventory, increased customization flexibility for the user.

In one example, the first media storage tray (260) and the second media storage tray (270) include an identifier that is communicated to the imaging device (200). Thus, if the tray is removed and replaced in a different slot, the imaging device (200) can automatically recognize this repositioning without additional user action. In one example, the identifier is a serial number contained on the electronic device. The identifier may be a set of pins and/or outputs that may be configured to provide the identifier. The identifier may include information about the media stored in the media storage tray.

The second media storage tray (270) is located near the imaging device (200), that is, laterally of the footprint of the imaging device (200). This is in contrast to the first media storage tray (260) being within the footprint of the imaging device (200). The second media storage tray (270) is interchangeable with the first media storage tray (260). The second media storage tray (260) augments the stored media accessible to the imaging device (200). The second media storage tray (260) may increase the number of media types accessible to the imaging device (200). A second media storage tray (260) may be used to increase capacity only; reducing the frequency of the need to replenish the medium. Reducing the frequency of replenishment may improve the user experience. Reducing the frequency of replenishment may reduce the number of replenishments performed by users without experience with the replenishing imaging apparatus (200), which may reduce the number of replenishment errors.

A second media storage tray (270) may be located within a storage module that includes a plurality of media storage trays. The storage module may connect the second media storage tray (270) and the interface module (100). All media storage trays in the storage module (270), including the second media storage tray (270), may be interchangeable.

Fig. 3 shows an example of an imaging system (300) consistent with the present disclosure. An imaging system (300) includes: an imaging device (200); a first media storage tray (260) located directly below the image forming apparatus (200); an interface module (100) connected to a side entry port (250) of an imaging device (200); a second media storage tray (270) located directly below the interface module (100); and a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus (380) connecting the image forming apparatus (200) and the interface module (100), wherein the first media storage tray (260) and the second media storage tray (270) are interchangeable.

The imaging system (300) includes an imaging device (200) and may include ancillary equipment to support and expand the imaging device (200). The imaging system (200) may include media processing devices, classifiers, collators, media storage, and other devices that perform pre-imaging and post-imaging operations.

In one example, the imaging system includes a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus (380) that coordinates activities of various portions of the system. The use of the CAN bus (380) allows the different microcontrollers and processors to communicate with each other without the need for a host computer. The use of the CAN bus (380) avoids placing a load on the host, for example, on the imaging device processor. The CAN bus (380) also avoids the need for a separate host processor. Since the processor supporting the CAN bus (380) may be increased as additional components are added, this architecture may provide greater flexibility and robustness than using the imaging device (200) processor to carry increased loads as modules (100) are added. The ability to implement the CAN bus (380) over a standard 9-pin cable allows the use of standard ports, reducing cost.

Fig. 4 shows an example of an imaging system (300) consistent with the present disclosure. An imaging system (300) includes: an imaging device (200); a first media storage tray (260) located directly below the graphics device (200); an interface module (100) connected to a side entry port (250) of an imaging device (200); a second media storage tray (270) located directly below the interface module (100); a third media storage tray (490) positioned directly above the interface module (100), wherein the first media storage tray (260), the second media storage tray (270), and the third media storage tray (490) are interchangeable. A mechanical security feature (495) is visible between the module (100), the second media storage tray (270), and the third media storage tray (490). The mechanically robust feature (495) may also be located between the first media storage tray (260) and an imaging device (260) located above the first media storage tray (260).

A third media storage tray (490) is positioned above the interface module (100). The third media storage tray (490) may be interchangeable with other media storage trays located below the interface module (100) and/or below the imaging device (200). The ability to utilize the area above the interface module (100) to provide additional media storage allows this otherwise unused space to be used efficiently.

A third media storage tray (490) may be within the storage module. The storage module may contain a plurality of storage trays, including a third media storage tray (490). The memory module may be interchangeable with memory modules used below the interface module (100). The memory module may be interchangeable with a memory module located below the imaging device (200). The memory module may provide a portion of the imaging device media path. The memory module may be integrated with the interface module (100).

The mechanical securement features (495) may be the same for the various components shown. This allows flexibility but uses standardized features. The mechanical securement features (495) may include bumps, ridges, bumps, pivots, holes, grooves, key features, and similar mechanical elements. The use of a cone with a dome provides some tolerance and self-guidance when stacking the module (100) on the second media storage tray (260) and a third media storage tray (490) on top of the module (100). The self-guiding cone may also be used with a cone that goes down into an opening in the underlying device, in which form the cone may act as a foot to protect the module (100) or media storage tray from damage.

FIG. 5 illustrates an offset correction system (500) for an imaging device media path (505) consistent with the present disclosure. The offset correction system (500) comprises: a first roller (515); a second roller (525); a first sensor (535); a second sensor (545). When a sheet of media (555) enters the offset correction system (500), the first sensor (535) and the second sensor (545) detect an offset in the sheet of media (555). The offset is an angle at which the orientation of the sheet of media (555) differs from the desired orientation. If an offset is detected, the offset correction system (500) rotates the first roller (515) and the second roller at different rates to correct the offset and straighten the sheet of media (555) to a desired orientation (565).

fig. 6 illustrates an example of an alignment system (600) for an imaging device media path (505) consistent with the present disclosure. The alignment system (600) includes an edge sensor (665), a first roller (515), and a second roller (525). The alignment system (600) uses an edge sensor (665) to detect an edge of a sheet of media (555) traveling along the imaging device media path (505). The alignment system (600) may then impart differential rotation to the first roller (515) and the second roller (525) to "walk" the sheet of media (505) to the desired alignment (675). In one example, this walking is performed by rotating the second roller (525) more than the first roller (515), advancing both rollers (515, 525) to reposition the sheet of media (505), and then rotating the first roller (515) more than the second roller (525) to straighten the sheet of media (505) at the desired alignment (675).

The alignment system (600) may include a plurality of edge sensors (665). The edge sensor (665) may be located before the rollers (515, 525). As shown in fig. 6, the edge sensor (665) may be located behind the rollers (515, 525). In one example, the edge sensors (665) are located before and after the rollers (515, 525). The use of multiple edge sensors (665) along the edge of a sheet of media (555) can be used to measure offset. In one example, information from the edge sensor (665) and the first sensor (535) are combined to determine the location and access of a sheet of media (555). A plurality of edge sensors (665) may be used to determine a travel speed of a sheet of media (555) along the media path (505).

The offset correction system (500) and/or the alignment system (600) may be implemented in other ways. For example, the alignment (600) and/or offset correction system (500) may use rollers (515, 525) operating at an angle to the imaging device media path to advance a sheet of media (555) along the guide. The guide provides a counterforce to conform the edge of the sheet of media to the target alignment and orientation.

The alignment system (600) and the offset correction system (500) may be used separately and/or together. The module (100) may include only the alignment system (600), only the offset correction system (500), or a combined system that performs offset correction and alignment.

it will be appreciated that there are a number of variations within the principles described in this specification. It should also be appreciated that the described examples are exemplary only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or interpretation of the claims in any way.