Conveying Belt Flushing Timing Control for Inkjet Nozzle Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording devices face issues with nozzle clogging due to thickened ink, and misalignment of the conveying belt in the main scanning direction can lead to ink contamination during flushing, as the ink may not be accurately discarded through flushing openings.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a conveying belt featuring multiple flushing openings in two rows along the main scanning direction and a detection hole, where a sensor detects the position of the detection hole to identify corresponding flushing openings and control the ink discharge timing to ensure proper flushing, even if the belt is misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flushing is performed through flushing openings formed on the conveying belt, then nozzle flushing can be achieved, but ink may contaminate the conveying belt when the belt is misaligned in the main scanning direction
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect the position of the detection hole in the main scanning direction and feeds back this information to the discharge timing controller. The controller then adjusts the ink discharge timing based on the detected position to ensure ink is discharged through the correct flushing opening, preventing contamination even when the conveying belt is misaligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assumption of precise alignment with an optical detection and electronic control system. Instead of relying on mechanical precision to ensure ink discharges through the correct opening, the system uses a sensor to detect position and electronically controls the discharge timing to compensate for misalignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveying belt is misaligned in the main scanning direction, then operational flexibility is maintained, but ink discharge accuracy through flushing openings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the actual position of the detection hole and provides feedback to the discharge timing controller, which adjusts the ink discharge timing to compensate for misalignment. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain discharge accuracy despite variations in belt alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the ink discharge timing based on the detected position of the detection hole. Instead of using a fixed timing schedule, the controller adapts the discharge timing in real-time to match the actual position of the flushing openings, allowing the system to handle misalignment dynamically.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures effective flushing of nozzles without contaminating the conveying belt, maintaining apparatus performance even when the belt is misaligned, by accurately timing the ink discharge to match the position of the flushing openings.
Implementation Method 1
detect a position of the detection hole in the main scanning direction with a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying belt has a plurality of flushing openings and a detection hole, and the plurality of flushing openings are arranged in at least two rows along the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the discharge timing controller (a) detects a position of the detection hole in the main scanning direction with a belt sensor, (b) identifies the flushing opening corresponding to the nozzle based on the position of the detected detection hole in the main scanning direction, and (c) causes the print engine to perform flushing of the nozzle at a timing corresponding to the flushing opening.