Inkjet Printer Sensor Placement for Compact Nozzle Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges with nozzle ejection failures leading to uneven image recording, increased size due to image sensor placement, and reduced image quality, necessitating a compact design that maintains effective image reading.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a conveying mechanism, recording unit, discharge path, and reading unit positioned to reduce size in the conveying direction by using a line image sensor in the discharge path adjacent to the inkjet head, allowing for efficient image reading and nozzle failure detection without increasing the apparatus's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a line image sensor is positioned at a position adjacent to the line head on the downstream side in the conveying direction, then nozzle failure detection capability is improved, but the size of the apparatus in the conveying direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the line image sensor not in the conveying direction (which would increase apparatus length) but rather in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, adjacent to the line head. This dimensional repositioning allows the sensor to detect nozzle failures while maintaining a compact apparatus size in the conveying direction.
2Ease of operation
If a discharge unit is positioned above the line head, then the recording sheet can be discharged after image recording, but the apparatus size in the conveying direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge unit is positioned above the line head in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, rather than extending the conveying direction. This spatial arrangement allows the discharge function to be integrated without increasing the apparatus length in the conveying direction, as the discharge path utilizes the vertical space above the recording unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes a conveying mechanism configured to convey a recording medium in a conveying direction, and a recording unit configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism when the recording medium is in a first position below the recording unit. The apparatus also includes a discharge path in which the recording medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism is conveyed from the first position to a second position which is opposite the conveying mechanism and above the recording unit. Moreover, the apparatus includes a reading unit which faces the discharge path and is positioned on a side of the recording unit. The reading unit is configured to read the image recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit.