Printing Apparatus Guide Member for Medium Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing printing apparatuses with blowing devices, the leading end of the transported medium may deviate and lift from the transport path, causing it to get caught at the air blowing port, which can lead to improper medium transport.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus is designed with a guide member disposed downstream of the air blowing port, where the end portion of the guide member facing the medium extends along the transport direction, preventing the medium from entering the air blowing port and ensuring proper transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is blown from the air blowing port to dry the ink on the medium, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the leading end of the medium may deviate and lift from the transport path, causing it to get caught at the air blowing port
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the air blowing port and the medium. The guide member includes a guide surface that extends in the transport direction, which guides the leading end of the medium to prevent it from lifting and getting caught at the air blowing port, while allowing the air flow to effectively dry the ink
2Productivity
If the blowing device is positioned closer to the medium to improve drying efficiency, then the drying performance is enhanced, but the risk of the medium getting caught at the air blowing port increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a protective intermediary that allows the blowing device to be positioned closer to the medium for improved drying performance, while the guide surface prevents the medium from entering the air blowing port
3Device complexity
If no guide member is provided, then the device structure is simpler, but the medium transport path is not properly guided, leading to deviation and lifting
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member with a guide surface is provided to properly guide the medium transport path. The guide surface extends in the transport direction to prevent deviation and lifting, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple
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
The guide member effectively guides the medium back to its intended transport path, preventing blockage at the air blowing port and allowing for efficient drying of the medium by positioning the blowing device closer to the medium.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing device configured to blow a dry air flow to a medium on which ink has been discharged, and the dry air flow is used to dry the ink
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a transport unit configured to transport a medium in a transport direction; a printing unit configured to cause ink to adhere to the medium to perform printing; and a blowing device including an air blowing port and configured to blow air from the air blowing port to the medium to which the ink adheres. A guide member is disposed, at the air blowing port, downstream in an air blowing direction. Of end portions of the guide member, a third end portion that faces the medium extends along the transport direction.