Inkjet Apparatus Suction Fan Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with curled recording media causing jams and potential damage to ink ejection nozzles due to improper conveyance, leading to soiling of the conveyance path and nozzle damage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a conveyance section with a conveyance belt and suction fans, a recording section for ink ejection, a current detection system to monitor drive current, and a control section that prohibits ink ejection if the drive current exceeds predetermined threshold values, ensuring the recording medium is properly aligned and secured before ink is ejected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction fan operates to adsorb the recording medium onto the conveyance belt, then the recording medium can be conveyed without positional deviation, but the drive current increases when suction holes are covered, requiring higher drive voltage which complicates the control system
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary judgment on whether the drive current exceeds a threshold value before allowing ink ejection. This preliminary check ensures the recording medium is properly adsorbed onto the conveyance belt before the recording operation begins, preventing subsequent conveyance issues without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control section continuously monitors the drive current of the suction fan and uses this feedback to determine whether the recording medium is properly conveyed. When the drive current exceeds the threshold, the control section prohibits ink ejection, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts operation based on actual conveyance conditions
2Productivity
If ink ejection is permitted without verifying recording medium presence, then the recording process can proceed without delay, but ink may be ejected onto the conveyance path causing soiling and potential nozzle damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control section takes preliminary anti-action by prohibiting ink ejection when the drive current indicates improper recording medium conveyance. This preventive measure stops the harmful action (ink ejection) before it can occur, eliminating the risk of soiling and nozzle damage while allowing rapid resumption of recording once conditions are verified
Solution Approach 2:
The drive current measurement serves as an intermediary indicator that indirectly reflects the presence and proper conveyance of the recording medium. By monitoring this electrical parameter, the control section can infer mechanical conveyance status without direct physical contact sensors, enabling safe ink ejection decisions
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 solution effectively prevents unintended ink ejection and nozzle damage by ensuring the recording medium is correctly conveyed and aligned, reducing jam occurrences and maintaining the integrity of the inkjet recording process.
Implementation Method 1
The suction fan is disposed facing a surface of the conveyance belt opposite from a recording-medium conveyance surface of the conveyance belt, and sucks in air via the suction holes to thereby cause the recording medium to be adsorbed on the conveyance belt
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a conveyance section, a conveyance belt, a recording section, a suction fan, a current detection section, a recording-medium detection section, and a control section. After passage of a predetermined time since detection of presence of a recording medium performed by the recording-medium detection section, the control section makes a judgment on whether a drive current applied to the suction fan detected by the current detection section exceeds a first threshold value determined in advance, and in a case where the drive current applied to the suction fan does not exceed the first threshold value, the control section prohibits the recording section from ejecting ink.