Exit shaft damping device to improve print quality
View Patent ↗A damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device includes a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.
1. An exit shaft damping assembly for a media feedpath in a peripheral device, comprising:
an idler roller;
an exit roller;
an exit shaft along said media feedpath said exit shaft having said exit roller thereon with said idler roller biased against said exit roller to form a media feed nip therebetween; and
a damping assembly engaging said exit shaft, comprising:
a damping arm extending from said peripheral device, said damping arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and said first end being pivotally attached to a fixed structure in said peripheral device;
a biasing member extending from said peripheral device and engaging said damping arm;
a brake positioned on the second end of said damping arm; and
a damping hub positioned on said exit shaft with said biasing member biasing said brake against and in direct contact with said damping hub and placing a torque on said exit shaft.
2. The exit shaft damping assembly of claim 1 wherein said peripheral device is one of a printer, a copier, and an auto-document feed scanner.
3. The exit shaft damping assembly of claim 1 wherein said biasing member is a spring.
4. The exit shaft damping assembly of claim 1 further comprising a print zone disposed adjacent said exit shaft along said media feedpath.
5. The exit shaft damping assembly of claim 4 further comprising a print cartridge between said exit shaft and a feed shaft.