Image recording device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image recording devices face difficulties in maintaining an appropriate peeling position of the recording medium after image reading without increasing the size of the device, leading to potential interference with the reading operation and increased conveyance distance.

Innovation Solution

An image recording device with a medium detecting unit that uses light emitting and receiving units to detect the peeling state, allowing for precise control of the peeling position through the peeling motor, ensuring the peeling occurs within a predetermined range without affecting the reading operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the peeling is performed after image reading with sufficient space, then the reading operation is not affected, but the conveyance distance is lengthened and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading operation stabilityVSAvoidconveyance distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a detection unit that uses light emitting and receiving units to detect the peeling state of the recording medium. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor peeling position in real-time and make adjustments to ensure peeling occurs within a predetermined range that does not interfere with reading operations, thereby eliminating the need for excessive conveyance distance while maintaining reading stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical peeling methods with a detection-based control system. Instead of relying on fixed mechanical peeling positions that require large conveyance distances, the system uses light-based detection to monitor and control peeling position dynamically, allowing for compact device design while ensuring reading operations are not affected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the peeling is performed by pulling the recording medium away from the conveyance member, then the recording medium is successfully peeled, but it is difficult to maintain the appropriate peeling position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeeling operationVSAvoidpeeling position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit provides continuous feedback on the peeling state by detecting light transmission changes as the recording medium peels from the conveyance member. This feedback enables precise control and maintenance of the peeling position, ensuring that peeling occurs at the appropriate location without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary to detect the peeling state. The light emitting unit sends light through the peeling region, and the receiving unit detects changes in light transmission that indicate the peeling progress. This intermediary detection method provides accurate, non-contact measurement of peeling position, enabling precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate and stable peeling of the recording medium after image reading without enlarging the device, preventing interference with the reading operation and maintaining efficient image recording and reading processes.

Implementation Method 1

a medium detecting unit (50) which detects the peeling state of the recording medium (P) from the conveyance surface in the downstream, in the conveyance direction, of the reading operation range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3556696B1Image recording device
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3556696B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3556696B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3556696B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Provided is an image recording device whereby, without increasing the size of the image recording device, a recording medium can be peeled within a suitable range after reading out an image. An inkjet recording device (1) is provided with: a transfer unit (10) that transfers a recording medium P by adhering the recording medium to a transfer surface; an image recording unit (20) that records an image on the recording medium adhered to the transfer surface; a readout unit (30) that reads out the surface of the recording medium in the downstream of an image recording operation range of the image recording unit in a recording medium transfer path of the transfer unit, said downstream being in the recording medium transfer direction of the transfer unit; a peeling operation unit (60) that peels the recording medium by peeling the recording medium from the transfer surface, said recording medium having been adhered to the transfer surface; and a medium detection unit (50) that detects a peeling state of the recording medium from the transfer surface, said peeling state being detected in the downstream of the readout operation range of the readout unit in the transfer direction.