Conveying Device Air Flow Control for Sheet Curling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses face challenges in effectively conveying sheets with inkjet recording, as air flows can cause curling and conveyance failures due to uneven air distribution and momentum, leading to instability in sheet handling and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a conveying device with a blower, conveyor, and upstream/downstream blowers that control air flow direction and momentum to stabilize sheet entry and exit from the blowing region, using sandwiching units and air flow guides to manage air flow and prevent curling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is blown to the sheet material using a single blower, then the drying function is provided, but curling and conveyance failures occur due to uneven air distribution and momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The single blower is segmented into multiple blowers positioned at different locations (upstream and downstream of the blowing region). Each blower is responsible for a specific zone, creating localized air flows that work together to maintain sheet stability throughout the entire conveyance path, eliminating the uneven air distribution problem of a single blower.
Solution Approach 2:
Different blowers are configured with different blowing directions and intensities according to the local requirements of the sheet conveyance process. The upstream blower provides air flow to prevent leading-end curling, while the downstream blower prevents trailing-end curling, creating locally optimized conditions for sheet stability at each position.
2Reliability
If air flow momentum is not controlled, then the drying process can proceed, but sheet entry and exit from the blowing region become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream blower generates air flow in advance before the sheet enters the blowing region, creating a protective air cushion that prevents the sheet from curling or fluctuating upon entry. This preliminary action counteracts the harmful effects of uncontrolled air flow momentum before they can affect sheet stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow is prepared and positioned in advance by the upstream blower, and the downstream blower is pre-configured to provide air flow at the appropriate moment as the sheet exits the blowing region. This preliminary preparation ensures that air flow momentum is controlled and directed to prevent sheet fluctuation and curling at critical transition points.
3Manufacturing precision
If air flow is not balanced, then the blowing region can function, but curling occurs at the leading or trailing end of the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow control system is segmented into multiple independent blowers, each controlling air flow to a specific region. This segmentation allows precise control of air flow distribution along the sheet length, enabling the upstream blower to prevent leading-end curling while the downstream blower prevents trailing-end curling, thereby achieving accurate sheet alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowers are configured to dynamically adjust air flow direction and intensity based on the sheet's position and state. The upstream blower directs air flow to counteract leading-end curling tendencies, while the downstream blower adjusts to prevent trailing-end curling, creating a dynamic balance that maintains sheet alignment throughout the conveyance process.
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 configuration reduces curling and conveyance failures by balancing air flow momentum, ensuring stable sheet conveyance and proper alignment with sandwiching members, enhancing the overall printing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a blower to blow air to a sheet material
Implementation Method 2
an upstream blower to blow air toward a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the sheet material
Implementation Method 3
a downstream blower to blow air toward an upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet material
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying device includes a blower, a conveyor, and an upstream blower. The blower blows air to a sheet material. The conveyor includes a sandwiching unit to sandwich the sheet material, and conveys the sheet material to a blowing region of the blower. The upstream blower blows air toward a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the sheet material, from an upstream side of the blowing region in the conveyance direction of the sheet material to the blowing region.