Paper Pressing Member for Ink-Jet Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet recording apparatuses face issues with paper corrugation and image distortion due to positional deviations between the paper and the ink-jet head, leading to reduced printable area and potential damage to the head from paper contact.
Innovation Solution
A paper conveying apparatus with pressing members that press the paper's side portions downward, maintaining flatness and preventing paper from rising, while supporting members and limiting mechanisms adjust the pressing force to ensure consistent alignment with the ink-jet head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conveyor rollers are provided in the upstream and downstream end of the paper along the conveying direction, then the paper flatness is maintained, but the printable area becomes smaller due to larger non-printed zones
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the paper support function into multiple segments: conveyor rollers at upstream and downstream ends, and additional support rollers positioned at intermediate locations. This segmentation allows better distribution of support points without requiring large non-printed zones at the ends only, thereby maintaining paper flatness while preserving more printable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces support rollers positioned at intermediate locations along the paper conveying path, adding another dimension of support (intermediate positioning) rather than relying solely on upstream and downstream end rollers. This dimensional addition enables effective paper flatness control with reduced margin requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the paper is allowed to become corrugated, then the printable area is maximized, but the image quality degrades and the ink-jet head may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary support actions by positioning conveyor rollers and support rollers at strategic locations before the paper reaches the printing zone. This preliminary support prevents corrugation from developing in the first place, ensuring image quality and head safety while allowing maximum printable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rollers act as intermediary elements between the paper and the printing system, providing continuous support and preventing direct contact between corrugated paper and the ink-jet head. This intermediary support maintains reliability while preserving printable area.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger margins are allocated at the upper and lower portions of the paper, then the paper flatness is maintained, but the printable area becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local support quality by positioning support rollers at specific intermediate locations rather than requiring uniform large margins throughout. This localized support approach maintains paper flatness in critical printing zones while minimizing the impact on overall printable area.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet of paper is conveyed by a convey roller to a print receiving member and pushed forward thereon while being supported by ribs and pressed downward by pressing members so as to keep a predetermined distance between the paper and a recording head while an image is printed on the paper. Since the pressing members press respective side portions of the paper, the paper can be bent downward outside the outmost ribs and prevented from rising at the side portions.