Decurling Device With Through Holes for Sheet Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in preventing curling of sheets due to ink attachment, which affects the printing process and requires effective drying mechanisms to maintain sheet flatness and prevent curling.
Innovation Solution
A decurling device comprising a rotating belt and roller system with heat sources that convey and dry the sheet, utilizing through holes for vapor discharge to prevent curling and enhance drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional inkjet recording apparatus is used, then the recording medium can be conveyed and ink can be ejected, but the sheet curls due to ink attachment which affects printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The decurling device performs preliminary drying action on the sheet immediately after it leaves the inkjet head, before the ink can fully cure and cause curling. The heat source applies thermal energy and the rotating members mechanically flatten the sheet in advance, preventing curling formation rather than correcting it afterward
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical conveyance systems with a thermal field-based drying mechanism. Instead of relying solely on mechanical pressure or heat from the inkjet head, a dedicated heat source creates a thermal field that accelerates moisture evaporation, while rotating members provide mechanical flattening action
2Productivity
If the ink drying unit blows hot air on the recording medium, then drying is accelerated, but the sheet may curl due to uneven heating or insufficient mechanical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal drying function with mechanical flattening function into a single integrated decurling device. The heat source and rotating members work simultaneously on the same sheet region, combining thermal energy for moisture evaporation with mechanical pressure for surface flattening, achieving both drying and anti-curling effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rotating members with curved or cylindrical surfaces that conform to the sheet shape. The rotation of these curved surfaces provides continuous mechanical flattening action as the sheet passes through, effectively counteracting curling while the heat source simultaneously performs the drying function
3Object-generated harmful factors
If through holes are added to the rotating members, then vapor discharge is improved, but the structural integrity and heat retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning through holes specifically in regions where vapor discharge is most needed, such as the inner surfaces facing the sheet contact area. The holes are strategically located to maximize vapor escape while maintaining structural integrity in load-bearing regions. Different regions of the rotating member have different properties - hole-filled areas for vapor discharge and solid areas for mechanical strength
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
The decurling device effectively prevents sheet curling and accelerates ink drying by using a rotating belt and roller system with heat sources, ensuring efficient vapor discharge through through holes, thereby maintaining sheet flatness and improving printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
The ink drying unit blows hot air on to the recording medium conveyed by the pressure drum and accelerates drying of moisture in the ink attached to the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
The heat source heats either or both of the first belt and the rotating member
Implementation Method 3
The decurling device has either or both of a plurality of first through holes penetrating the first holding surface and a plurality of second through holes penetrating the second holding surface
Data Source
AI summary
A decurling device includes a belt, a roller, and a heat source. The heat source heats either or both of the belt and the roller. The belt has a first holding surface extending in a rotational direction of the belt. The roller has a second holding surface extending in a rotational direction of the roller. The decurling device has either or both of a plurality of belt through holes penetrating the first holding surface and a plurality of through holes penetrating the second holding surface.