摘要:
A mechanism for manifolding a vacuum force to separate surface sectors of a vacuum holddown uses subsurface ducting to apply the vacuum to separate subsurface vacuum plenums wherein each is fluidically coupled to a separate surface sectors. The plenum is segregated by a diaphragm into surface side and vacuum side cavities. Trigger ports and appropriate ducting through the holddown subjacent the surface associated with each sector determine how the vacuum is routed. Only when a trigger port is covered is the vacuum routed to the surface sector associated therewith. The system can be implemented in planar or curvilinear constructs and be provided with features to accommodate a near-continuous range of flexible material sizes. A specific implementation in an ink-jet hard copy apparatus is also described.
摘要:
A platen surface structure construct, particularly useful in a hard copy apparatus for a vacuum holddown, is configured by dimensioning print media platen surface structure channels and ports in order to ensure print media leading edge and trailing edge holddown. Moreover, the vacuum is distributed across the platen surface in accordance with predetermined dye flow characteristics based upon known dye composition and known print medium composition and such that print artifacts are not created by vacuum pulling wet dye through the capillaries of the medium.
摘要:
In a printer, liquid ink is applied to a print medium as the medium is passed through the printer. A low pressure zone is generated along one surface of the print medium to hold a portion of the print medium substantially flat for a period of time during and after the liquid ink is applied to the print medium. By subjecting the portion of the print medium to the low pressure zone, cockling of the print medium is prevented.
摘要:
A belt-type support for moving print media such as paper through a printer includes a flexible belt that is supported in a manner such that friction is minimized and such that the paper that is supported on the belt is advanced precisely through the print zone of the printer. The support is provided in conjunction with a uniform distribution of vacuum pressure to the paper carried by the belt. In one preferred embodiment, there is provided a rigid, flat platen for supporting a uniformly porous belt. The platen has a number of rollers on its surface to minimize the friction developed between the platen surface and the moving belt. The platen surface also includes ports to provide a uniform distribution of vacuum pressure to the porous belt. In another embodiment, sliders are carried in the support surface of the platen to minimize frictional contact with the moving belt. Another embodiment includes substantially flat platen surface with a low-friction material layer disposed between the belt and platen surface for facilitating movement of the belt over the platen.
摘要:
Predetermined geometric constructs reduce heat loss in a vacuum platen and assist in the reduction of paper cockle in ink-jet printing. A vacuum platen for supporting media during printing is provided with a plurality of heating elements and surfaces interspersed with vacuum ports. The heater elements are laid into surface channels of the platen such that an insulative gap separates the heaters from the main platen support structure. In an alternative embodiment, an insulative gasket is provided for the gap.
摘要:
A print media preheating method and apparatus uses heat, vacuum, and mechanisms for drying and flattening a sheet prior to ink-jet printing thereon. Pre-shrinking the media, driving out and substantially reducing inherent moisture content prior to depositing wet ink thereon provides greater flatness in the print-zone whereby ink-jet print quality is improved.
摘要:
Anisotropic thermal conditioning of print media is provided for liquid colorant printing, such as in ink-jet hard copy apparatus, by establishing discrete temperature zones across a platen surface. Heat transfer mechanisms associated with individually selectable heater elements rapidly establish substantially uniform temperature profiles in each zone.
摘要:
Predetermined geometric constructs reduce heat loss in a vacuum platen and assist in the reduction of paper cockle in ink-jet printing. A vacuum platen for supporting media during printing is provided with a plurality of heating elements and surfaces interspersed with vacuum ports. The heater elements are laid into surface channels of the platen such that an insulative gap separates the heaters from the main platen support structure. In an alternative embodiment, an insulative gasket is provided for the gap.
摘要:
Accurate advance of a media sheet is achieved by carrying the media sheet on a belt loop support. An upstream pinch roller holds the media sheet to the belt upstream of the print zone. A downstream pinch roller holds the media sheet to the belt downstream of the print zone. A guide shim extends along the media path from a position upstream of the upstream pinch roller, passed the upstream pinch roller under a printhead adjacent to the print zone. The location of a lead edge of the guide shim relative to the print zone determines the minimum bottom margin for the inkjet printing device. The guide shim presses the media sheet to the belt support and keeps the media sheet flat under the inkjet printhead as the printhead moves over the media sheet.
摘要:
A print media preheating method and apparatus uses heat, vacuum, and mechanisms for drying and flattening a sheet prior to ink-jet printing thereon. Pre-shrinking the media, driving out and substantially reducing inherent moisture content prior to depositing wet ink thereon provides greater flatness in the print-zone whereby ink-jet print quality is improved.