Liquid Ejection Apparatus Duplex Drying Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid ejection apparatuses experience uneven drying of recording media due to the time required for the output roller to return to normal temperature after heater shutdown, leading to curl and discoloration.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a controller that manages a conveyor system and dryer to control the ejection head, conveyors, and heaters, ensuring the recording medium is dried uniformly by adjusting the conveyor direction and speed, and applying heat strategically to prevent uneven drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the output roller is rotated in reverse direction after temporary stop to supply the sheet again, then the sheet can be reused for image recording on the second surface, but a large amount of heat is applied to the trailing edge of the sheet causing uneven drying
Solution Approach 1:
The controller temporarily stops the output roller before reversing its rotation, allowing the heater to be turned off in advance. This preliminary action prevents excessive heat accumulation on the trailing edge of the sheet during the reversal process, enabling duplex recording while maintaining drying uniformity.
2Loss of energy
If the heater is turned off after the output roller is rotated in reverse direction, then energy is saved, but the output roller takes time to return to normal temperature causing uneven drying
Solution Approach 1:
The controller turns off the heater before reversing the output roller rotation. This timing sequence allows the heater to be deactivated in advance, saving energy while preventing temperature-induced uneven drying during the reversal process.
3Device complexity
If the output roller temperature is not controlled during reversal, then the structure remains simple, but curl and discoloration occur due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the output roller temperature and adjusts the heater operation accordingly. During reverse rotation, the controller detects temperature changes and turns off the heater to prevent excessive heat accumulation, eliminating curl and discoloration without adding complex temperature control hardware.
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 reduces unevenness in the drying of recording media, preventing curl and discoloration, and maintains high image quality by ensuring consistent drying across both surfaces during duplex recording.
Implementation Method 1
a dryer configured to dry the recording medium conveyed by the second conveyor, at a drying position located downstream of the recording position in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a dryer configured to dry the recording medium conveyed by the second conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head; a first conveyor for conveying a recording medium in a first direction to a recording position; a second conveyor disposed downstream of the recording position; a third conveyor for returning the recording medium to the first conveyor; and a dryer disposed at a drying position located downstream of the recording position in the first direction. A controller controls: image recording on a first surface of the recording medium opposite its second surface (first processing); the second conveyor to convey the recorded recording medium in the first direction until its upstream edge portion reaches a downstream side of the drying position in the first direction (second processing); the second conveyor to convey the recording medium in a second direction (third processing); and image recording on the second surface (fourth processing). The dryer dries the recording medium in the second processing.