Adjustable Platen Gap Mechanism for Image Recording Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning between the belt conveying section and the recording head due to deformation, leading to decreased image quality and color misalignment during the recording process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a space varying section and an engaging section that allows for adjustable spacing between the recording medium conveying section and the image recording section, ensuring accurate alignment and stability even with frame deformation, using a combination of mechanical linkages and motorized mechanisms to maintain precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the belt conveying section is vertically moved by the ascend/descend mechanism to face the recording head, then the work area for jam recovery is secured, but the accurate distance between the belt conveying section and the recording head cannot be maintained due to frame deformation, resulting in significant decrease in image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The belt conveying section is configured to be movable relative to the recording head through an ascend/descend mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the working distance. This enables the system to adapt between different operational states (recording vs. jam recovery) while maintaining accurate positioning during recording operations through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is divided into independently controllable sections: the recording head assembly and the belt conveying section. This segmentation allows the belt conveying section to be moved vertically for jam recovery while the recording head remains stationary, and vice versa, enabling independent optimization of each component's function.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gap between the endless belt and the recording head is set to be very small (1 mm or less) for high-quality recording, then image quality is improved, but the work area for jam recovery and maintenance operations becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the endless belt and recording head is dynamically adjustable. During recording operations, the gap is maintained at 1 mm or less for high-quality output. During jam recovery or maintenance operations, the belt conveying section can be moved vertically to increase the gap, providing sufficient work area without compromising recording precision during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ascend/descend mechanism is positioned and configured in advance to enable quick adjustment of the belt conveying section. This preliminary setup allows operators to rapidly create work area when needed, without requiring permanent increase in the gap that would compromise recording quality.
3Ease of operation
If the belt conveying section is pivotally provided to separate from the recording head for jam recovery, then work area is secured, but the positioning accuracy and parallel alignment between the belt conveying section and recording head are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The belt conveying section uses a vertical ascend/descend movement mechanism instead of pivotal rotation. This dynamic vertical movement allows the section to separate from the recording head for jam recovery while maintaining parallel alignment, avoiding the positioning errors and non-parallel issues that would result from pivotal movement.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image recording apparatus, there are oppositely arranged an image recording section capable of recording an image all over the recording width of a recording medium, and a platen section which holds the recording medium and which conveys the recording medium perpendicularly to a width direction of the recording medium. A platen driving unit can vary a space between the image recording section and the platen section. Positioning pins of a carriage are engaged with slide hooks to set a space between the platen driving unit and the image recording section.