Printing Apparatus Light-Shielding Plate Scattered Light Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In drum-type printing apparatuses using photocurable ink, scattered light from the light irradiation apparatus causes ink to cure on the nozzle surfaces, leading to clogging even with existing light-shielding configurations.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates a support member with a curved surface and a light-shielding plate positioned between the discharging head and the light irradiation section, with the irradiation section's housing placed farther from the curved surface than specific virtual tangent planes, ensuring all scattered light is intercepted and preventing ink curing on the nozzle surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-shielding plate is disposed between the discharging head and the irradiation section, then scattered light incident to the nozzle surface is reduced, but the light-shielding plate may contact the recording medium causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the irradiation section's housing farther from the curved support surface than a virtual tangent plane, creating a spatial buffer zone. This dimensional positioning ensures that even when the light-shielding plate is present to block scattered light, it cannot contact the recording medium on the curved surface, thus resolving the contradiction between light shielding and physical contact prevention.
2Device complexity
If the housing is disposed closer to the curved surface, then the apparatus structure is more compact, but scattered light reaches the nozzle surface causing ink curing
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding plate serves as an intermediary element between the irradiation section and the discharging head. By introducing this intermediate component, the patent can position the housing closer to the curved surface for compactness while the light-shielding plate blocks scattered light from reaching the nozzle surface, thus preventing ink curing.
3Productivity
If printing continues for a long time, then productivity is improved, but ink adhering to the nozzle surface cures due to accumulated scattered light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by positioning the housing farther than the virtual tangent plane and using a light-shielding plate to block scattered light before it can reach the nozzle surface. This preliminary anti-action prevents ink curing on the nozzle surface during continuous printing operations, maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
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 configuration effectively prevents ink curing due to scattered light, reducing maintenance frequency and improving print efficiency by minimizing light-shielding plate contact with the recording medium, thus preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a light irradiation apparatus that irradiates UV light toward a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
irradiate light for curing the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a part of light (scattered light) scattered around an irradiation port of a light irradiation apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a support member including a curved surface that supports a recording medium conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction, a discharging head that discharges liquid from a nozzle of a nozzle surface disposed in a position facing the support member to print an image on the recording medium on the curved surface, an irradiation section that includes a housing and a light emitting section and that irradiates the recording medium on the curved surface with light emitted from the light emitting section via an irradiation port, and a light-shielding plate disposed between the discharging head and the irradiation section. The housing of the irradiation section is disposed in a position farther from the curved surface than a virtual tangent plane that passes through a portion of the nozzle surface being farthest from the irradiation port and that contacts a lower end of the light-shielding plate.