HEATED INKJET PRINT MEDIA SUPPORT SYSTEM

摘要

To maintain a uniform spacing between the print media, such as paper or fabric, and an inkjet printhead having a large print swath, for instance about 25 millimeters (one inch) wide, a new media support system is provided for inkjet printing mechanisms, such as printers or plotters. The support system employs an endless belt (62) driven from the belt interior surface by a roller drive system that uniformly supports the print media under the reciprocating printhead (54, 56). The belt may be lined with anti-cockle ribs or it may be foraminous, with a vacuum applied thereunder to pull the media onto the belt. An ink drying system is included for heating the belt and thus the media to avoid ink bleed. A method is also provided for supporting and transporting a large sheet of print media through a printzone of an inkjet printing mechanism having such a large swath inkjet head.