UV Printer Mist Control via Gap Reducing Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses that use ultraviolet-curable ink, air flow generated during the transport of the printing medium can cause mist to adhere to the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, leading to curing issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a suction unit and a gap reducing portion between the ink head and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, which generates air flow in a direction opposite to the transport direction, effectively preventing mist from reaching the ultraviolet light irradiation unit by enhancing suction efficiency and reducing air flow in the transport direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction unit is provided between the head and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit to suction mist, then mist collection is improved, but air flow generated during printing medium transport causes mist to reach and adhere to the ultraviolet light irradiation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a gap reducing portion that modifies the spatial dimension between the head and suction unit. By reducing the gap in the transport direction (one dimension), the air flow path is altered, causing air flow to occur substantially in the width direction instead. This dimensional change in air flow pattern prevents mist from reaching the ultraviolet light irradiation unit while maintaining effective mist suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap reducing portion acts as an intermediary element between the head and suction unit. It modifies the air flow characteristics in the gap region, creating a flow pattern that directs air (and trapped mist) toward the suction unit rather than allowing it to reach the ultraviolet light irradiation unit. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by changing the air flow mediation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gap between the head and suction unit is reduced, then air flow in transport direction is suppressed, but device complexity increases due to additional gap reducing portion
Solution Approach 1:
The gap reducing portion is constructed using a flexible board with an elastic body, which can be compressed by the head during printing medium passage. This flexible structure achieves gap reduction without requiring complex rigid mechanical components, thereby suppressing air flow in the transport direction while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap reducing portion is designed to be dynamically compressible by the head during operation. The elastic body compresses when the head passes through, reducing the gap temporarily when needed, then returns to its original state. This dynamic behavior achieves gap reduction functionality without permanent structural 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 configuration suppresses mist adherence to the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, ensuring consistent printing quality across various transport speeds and suction modes, regardless of the selected printing mode, thereby maintaining the integrity of the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit with a suction port configured to suction mist of the ink and provided between the head and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit in the transport direction
Implementation Method 2
a gap reducing portion disposed in a gap between the head and the suction unit in the transport direction and configured to at least partially close the gap... air flow traveling in a direction opposite to the transport direction is generated in an opposing region
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a transport unit for a printing medium, a head configured to discharge ultraviolet-curable ink, an ultraviolet light irradiation unit disposed downstream of the head, a suction unit provided between the head and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, and a gap reducing portion disposed in a gap between the head and the suction unit and configured to at least partially close the gap by a first region being in contact with the suction unit and a second region, located upstream of the first region, being in contact with the head. In response to the suction unit suctioning mist while the head discharges ink onto the printing medium to be transported, air flow traveling in a direction opposite to the transport direction is generated in a region where the ultraviolet light irradiation unit and the printing medium oppose each other.