Recording apparatus, and cleaning method of recording apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses perform excessive or wasteful cleaning of transporting belts due to a lack of adaptability in cleaning methods based on the type of recording medium, image specifications, and ink characteristics, leading to rapid belt deterioration and unnecessary water or power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with multiple cleaning units that operate based on a cleaning requirement level, determined by attributes of the recording medium, ink, and image data, ensuring cleaning is performed in a necessary and sufficient range, with units selectively activated according to the detected state of the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning is performed continuously or at fixed intervals regardless of actual need, then the transporting belt is maintained clean, but the belt deteriorates rapidly and cleaning resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to detect the actual contamination state of the transporting belt and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts cleaning unit operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary cleaning when the belt is clean and ensures cleaning when contamination is detected, thereby extending belt life while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system transitions from a static, fixed-interval cleaning approach to a dynamic, condition-based cleaning approach. The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of cleaning units based on real-time contamination detection, enabling the system to adapt cleaning frequency and intensity to actual operational needs, thus reducing unnecessary cleaning cycles that cause belt deterioration.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning units operate continuously, then the transporting belt is thoroughly cleaned, but cleaning water and power are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent cleaning units that can operate individually or in combination. The control unit selectively activates only the necessary number of cleaning units based on detected contamination levels and patterns, rather than running all units continuously. This segmentation allows for optimized resource usage while maintaining thorough cleaning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which cleaning units are active, their rotation speeds, and cleaning fluid flow rates) based on detected contamination conditions. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically to match the actual cleaning requirement, reducing water and power consumption when contamination is minimal while ensuring adequate cleaning resources are allocated when contamination is severe.
3Ease of operation
If cleaning is performed without considering recording medium type or ink characteristics, then the transporting belt is cleaned uniformly, but excessive cleaning occurs for materials requiring minimal cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of recording medium type, ink characteristics, and expected contamination patterns before the actual cleaning process. Based on this preliminary information, the control unit pre-configures which cleaning units should operate and at what intensity levels. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt to different media types without complicating the actual cleaning operation, maintaining ease of use while achieving versatility.
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 approach prevents excessive cleaning, reduces belt deterioration, and conserves cleaning resources by ensuring only the necessary cleaning units operate, maintaining the belt in an optimal state.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor senses when the belt needs cleaning
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning section which has a plurality of cleaning units for cleaning the transporting belt
Implementation Method 3
a wiping roller of which the peripheral surface is formed from a polymeric porous material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
There is provided a recording apparatus which includes a transporting belt on which a recording medium and which transports the recording medium and performs efficient cleaning of the transporting belt without an excess cleaning. The recording apparatus (printing apparatus (100)) includes a recording section (10) performing recording by applying liquid (ink) to a recording medium (fabric (1)), a transporting belt (34) transporting the recording medium, and a cleaning section (50) having a plurality of cleaning units (51) cleaning the transporting belt (34). A cleaning unit (51) which is selected in accordance with a cleaning requirement level operates.