Thermal Head Pressurizing Force Adjusting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in adjusting thermal head pressurizing forces effectively, leading to wear and difficulty in discharging and loading recording media, especially when thermal heads are continuously pressurized during medium conveyance and discharge processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a head pressurizing force adjusting device with a cam mechanism, controlled by sensors and motors, which adjusts the pressurizing force of thermal heads based on the position and presence of the recording medium, allowing for dynamic adjustment of pressure to prevent wear and facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermal heads continue to be pressurized to the platen during recording medium conveyance and discharge, then the recording medium can be conveyed and printed, but the thermal heads wear out due to contact with the platen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressurizing force of thermal heads adjustable rather than fixed. The pressurizing force is dynamically changed based on the presence and position of the recording medium, detected by sensors. When the medium is present, sufficient pressure is applied for conveyance and printing; when the medium is absent or being discharged, the pressure is reduced or released, preventing wear on the thermal heads while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If thermal heads are continuously pressurized to ensure printing readiness, then printing can be performed without delay, but it becomes difficult to draw the recording medium out when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cyclically adjusting the pressurizing force based on operational phases. During normal printing operations, the thermal heads are pressurized to maintain printing readiness. When discharge is required, the system periodically releases or reduces the pressurizing force, enabling easy removal of the recording medium. This periodic adjustment between pressurized and released states resolves the contradiction between maintaining printing readiness and facilitating easy discharge.
3Productivity
If two sets of thermal heads and platens are used for continuous two-sided printing, then both sides of the recording medium can be printed, but the control system becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized pressurizing force control system that can be applied to both thermal heads (first and second sets). The same sensor-based detection and control logic is used for both sides of the printing apparatus, allowing independent control of each thermal head's pressurizing force. This universal approach enables two-sided printing capability while avoiding the need for completely separate control systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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 enables efficient adjustment of thermal head pressurizing forces, preventing wear, ensuring smooth recording medium discharge and loading, and optimizing the use of thermal heads by adapting to different recording medium conditions.
Implementation Method 1
there has been proposed a technique that can adjust a pressurizing force of a head using a cam
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first head, a first head pressurizing force adjusting device, a second head, a second head pressurizing force adjusting device, and a control unit. The first and second sensors detect a recording medium. The first head forms an image on a first surface of the recording medium and the second head forms an image on a second surface of the recording medium. The first head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the first head to the first platen and the second head pressurizing force adjusting device adjusts a pressurizing force of the second head to the second platen. The control unit controls the first head pressurizing force adjusting device and the second head pressurizing force adjusting device based on outputs of the first and second sensors.