Inkjet Recording Apparatus Holding-Down Unit for Thermal Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal deformation of recording media during the drying process can cause damage to the recorded matter when the gap between the chamber and the sheet passing surface is minimized for higher drying efficiency in inkjet recording apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus is equipped with a conveyance unit, a recording head, a fixing unit, a sheet discharge guide, and a holding-down unit to hold down the recording medium, preventing contact with the fixing unit and minimizing thermal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gap between the bottom face of the chamber and the sheet passing surface is minimized to acquire higher drying efficiency, then drying efficiency is improved, but thermally deformed recording medium contacts the bottom face of the chamber causing damage to recorded matter
Solution Approach 1:
A holding-down unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the fixing unit and the recording medium. This unit includes a holding-down member that presses down on the recording medium to prevent thermal deformation from causing contact with the chamber bottom face, while still allowing the warm air to pass through for effective drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding-down member is designed with specific local characteristics: it has a pressing surface that contacts the recording medium and a support surface that rests on the sheet passing surface. The member is configured to press down only when needed to prevent damage, while allowing air flow through its structure to maintain drying efficiency.
2Productivity
If the gap between the bottom face of the chamber and the sheet passing surface is minimized to acquire higher drying efficiency, then drying efficiency is improved, but thermally deformed recording medium contacts the bottom face of the chamber causing jams
Solution Approach 1:
The holding-down unit serves as a mediator that prevents the recording medium from contacting the chamber bottom face even when thermally deformed. The holding-down member maintains appropriate spacing while allowing the drying process to continue efficiently through the warm air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding-down member is positioned in advance to prevent thermal deformation from causing contact with the chamber bottom. By pressing down on the recording medium before it can deform sufficiently to cause jams, the system proactively prevents the problem rather than reacting after it occurs.
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 holding-down unit effectively reduces damage to the recorded matter by maintaining the recording medium in a stable position, reducing thermal deformation and preventing jams during the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
A fan 5102 and a heater 5103 are used to generate warm air in a chamber 5101. The warm air is sprayed toward a sheet passing surface 5007 from a pattern hole 5101a on a bottom face of the chamber 5101.
Implementation Method 2
The recording medium conveyed to the sheet passing surface 5007 receives the warm air from the pattern hole 5101a, and the ink which has been provided to the recording medium is dried and fixed onto the recording medium.
Implementation Method 3
a holding-down unit disposed between the fixing unit and the sheet discharge guide and configured to hold down the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce recorded matter damage associated with deformation of a recording medium, a recording apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a recording medium, a recording head configured to record an image by ejecting ink to the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, a fixing unit configured to fix the ink onto the recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head, a sheet discharge guide disposed opposite the fixing unit and configured to support the recording medium, and a holding-down unit disposed between the fixing unit and the sheet discharge guide and configured to hold down the recording medium.