Image formation device including a liquid removal belt

An image formation device includes a support to support movement of a substrate along a travel path, a fluid ejection device, and a belt. The fluid ejection device is located along the travel path to deposit droplets of ink particles within a liquid carrier onto the substrate to at least partially form an image on the substrate. The belt is a flexible belt located downstream along the travel path from the fluid ejection device and includes a contact portion to arcuately conform relative to, and be in movable contact against, a first arcuate portion of the substrate to at least partially remove the liquid carrier from the substrate.

BACKGROUND

Modern printing techniques involve a wide variety of media, whether rigid or flexible, and for a wide range of purposes. In some printing techniques, a liquid carrier may be used as part of depositing ink particles onto a substrate when forming an image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least some examples of the present disclosure comprise an image formation device comprising a belt to remove liquid after deposition of ink particles within a liquid carrier onto a substrate. In some examples, the image formation device comprises a support to support movement of a substrate along a travel path while a fluid ejection device is positioned along the travel path to deposit droplets of ink particles within a liquid carrier onto the substrate to at least partially form an image on the substrate. A flexible belt is located downstream along the travel path from the fluid ejection device. The belt includes a contact portion to arcuately conform relative to, and be in moving contact against, a first arcuate portion of the substrate to at least partially remove the liquid carrier from the substrate.

In some examples, the liquid carrier may comprise an aqueous-based fluid. In some examples, the liquid carrier may comprise a non-aqueous fluid.

In some such examples, the belt may comprise a non-porous belt which squeezes the liquid carrier out or off of the substrate, while in some examples, the belt may comprise a porous belt which may draw the liquid carrier out or off the substrate. Such liquid withdrawal may be achieved via capillary forces exerted via the porous belt and/or mechanisms.

Via such example arrangement, the contact portion of the belt establishes a belt-controlled contact zone in which the belt is in contact with the substrate over a significantly great length than a roller-to-roller-based nip, thereby providing a longer period of time over which liquid may be removed from the substrate. Moreover, such example arrangements may result in more uniform pressure along the contact zone (than a roller-to-roller nip) and a significantly lower pressure in the contact zone (than present in a roller-to-roller nip). In addition, in some examples, the belt moves at generally the same speed as the substrate such that shear forces are generally avoided, which stands in sharp contrast to a roller-to-roller nip in which shear forces may be present due to a speed differential between the belt (supported directly by a roller) and the imaging drum (e.g. roller).

Via such example arrangements, a high volume of liquid may be rapidly removed from a substrate following deposition of ink particles within a liquid carrier onto the substrate.

In some examples, the image formation device comprises a charge element(s) to emit charges onto the belt in the contact zone to increase and control the pressure of the belt against the substrate, which may enhance engagement of the belt in the contact zone relative to the substrate. In some examples, a vacuum is applied to the belt in the contact zone to increase the rate of liquid removal, such as when the belt comprises a porous structure. In one aspect, placement of the vacuum and/or of the charge element(s) in this location may be enabled, at least in part, via the absence of a roller (to support the belt) at the contact zone.

These examples, and additional examples, are further described below in association with at leastFIGS.1A-13.

FIG.1Ais a diagram including side views schematically representing at least some aspects of an example image formation device100. As shown inFIG.1A, a support107supports a substrate105for movement along a travel path T. The support107may take various forms such as, but not limited to, a rotatable drum or a plurality of rollers, as later described in association with at leastFIG.2andFIG.3, respectively.

As further shown inFIG.1A, in some examples the image formation device100comprises a fluid ejection device110and a flexible belt152. The fluid ejection device110is located along the travel path T to deposit droplets111of ink particles134within a liquid carrier132onto the substrate105to at least partially form an image on the substrate105.

In some examples, the flexible belt152is located downstream along the travel path T from the fluid ejection device110. As shown inFIG.1A, among other features the belt152includes a contact portion156to arcuately conform relative to, and be in moving contact against, a first arcuate portion106of the substrate105to remove at least a portion of the liquid carrier132from the substrate105. In some such examples, the belt152may sometimes be referred to as an endless belt because it forms a loop about a plurality of rollers in some examples, with the belt having no discrete end or beginning. In some examples, the belt152also may be referred to as rotating in an endless loop, i.e. a loop having no discrete end or beginning.

In some such examples, the moving contact may comprise rolling contact between the belt152and the substrate105. However, in some examples, the moving contact may comprise sliding contact.

Because belt152rotates in a loop (as represented by directional arrow E), the contact portion156corresponds to different portions of belt152which engage the substrate105as the belt152rotates. In other words, the contact portion156does not comprise a static portion of belt152in a static position. Similarly, at the same time that the belt152is rotating (directional arrow E) in a loop, the substrate105is moving along travel path T. In some such examples, the belt152moves (rotates in the endless loop) at a speed which is substantially the same as the speed at which substrate105travels along the travel path T. In one aspect, this arrangement may minimize or eliminate shear forces, which might otherwise be present if the belt152and substrate105were moving at substantially different speeds.

Depending upon the particular structure and/or materials forming the belt152, the belt152may absorb the liquid carrier132on the substrate105such as when the belt152is porous and/or the belt152may push the liquid carrier132off to the sides of the belt152(and/or in front of the control portion156), such as when the belt152is non-porous. At least some of these examples, will be further described below in association with at leastFIGS.4A-7B.

As further shown inFIG.1B, in some examples the belt152forms part of a belt arrangement150comprising an array of rollers154A,154B,154C, which act to drive and/or support the flexible belt152to continually rotate along path E (e.g. the endless loop) about the rollers. In some examples, the rollers154A,154B,154C are positioned relative to each other, and relative to the substrate105to cause the contact portion156of the belt152to be in arcuate conforming movable contact against the substrate105. In one aspect, the arc length AL1is at least partially determined by a position of the rollers154A and154B with respect to a center of the arc (e.g. an arc center) (AC) of the contact portion156and by the a radius of the arc (e.g. arc radius) (AR) defined by the contact portion156of belt152.

In some examples, the belt152(FIG.1A) may sometimes be referred to as a liquid removal element and/or the belt arrangement150(FIG.1B) may sometimes be referred to as a liquid removal arrangement.

Via this arrangement, the contact portion156comprises a leading edge157A at which the belt152initiates contact with the substrate105and a trailing edge157B at which the belt152terminates contact with the substrate105. In one aspect, the distance along the contact portion156of belt152between the respective edges157A,157B may sometimes be referred to as arc length (AL1). The distance (L1) through which the belt152engages the substrate105also may be referred to as a contact zone, as represented by the dashed box CZ.

In some examples, the pressure of the belt152exerted against the substrate105may be, at least in part, be controlled via controlling a tension of belt152, the arc radius (AR), and an arc length (AL1), as further described below. Via this arrangement, in some examples the time duration of contact (between the belt152and the substrate105) in the contact zone CZ may be controlled generally independently from the average pressure in the contact zone CZ. In some examples, for small wrap angles (e.g. arc length less than 40 degrees), the average pressure in the contact zone CZ may be approximated by the formula Pressure=2×Tbelt/AR, where Tbelt comprises the tension on belt152per unit length (N/m). In some examples, the target average pressure (between the belt152and the substrate105) in the contact zone CZ is about 1 kiloPascals to about 200 kiloPascals. These average pressures in at least some of the examples of the present disclosure are significantly less than a pressure in an ordinary belt-roller nip, which may be around 1 MegaPascals, which is at least one order of magnitude greater than the target average pressure in the contact zone in the examples of the present disclosure. The lower pressure in the examples of the present disclosure may reduce wear and tear on the belt152and substrate105to promote longevity of the liquid removal arrangement, including belt152.

In some such examples, given the above-noted target average pressure, the tension per unit length of the belt (i.e. TBelt) may be computed from the range of average pressure (i.e. about 1 to about 200 kiloPascals) according to the desired arc radius (AR). In one aspect, a decrease in the arc radius (AR) will cause a higher average pressure in the contact zone for a given (i.e. same) same belt tension (Tbelt).

In some examples, the belt tension may have an upper limit set by the yield strength of the backbone of belt152, which depends on the particular materials and/or structure forming the belt152. This yield strength may in turn limit an upper value of the recommended average pressure in the contact zone for a given belt152. For example, for a belt152made of polyimide material, the yield strength is about 70 MegaPascals in some examples. Assuming a safety factor of 0.5, and a belt152having a thickness of about 200 microns, the tension of the belt (i.e. TBelt) is to be limited to 7 kN/m, in some examples. Further assuming a drum radius in which the arc radius is AR=0.15 meters, the resulting maximum average pressure in the contact zone would be 93 kiloPascals. It will be understood that this example represents just one example in determining tension and/or pressure on belt152for a given type of material, arc radius, etc. and is not limiting on the full range of some example target average pressures (e.g. 1 kiloPascals to about 200 kiloPascals) in the contact zone, as noted above.

In some examples, the arc length (AL1) may comprise between about 3 and about 30 centimeters. In some examples, the arc length (AL1) may comprise between about 5 and about 25 centimeters. In some examples, the arc length (AL1) may comprise between about 10 and 20 centimeters.

As further shown inFIG.1B, a first non-contact portion158A of the belt152precedes the contact portion156of belt152, while a second non-contact portion158B follows the contact portion156of belt152. An arcuate portion106of the substrate105defines a region of the substrate105against which the contact portion156of the belt105engages under pressure. At least the arcuate portion106of the substrate105is supported directly by an arcuate support structure in the region coextensive with the contact portion156of belt152, with the arcuate support structure108comprising a drum, support roller, or the like, as later shown inFIGS.2and3. A first non-contact portion107A of the substrate105precedes the contact zone CZ and a second non-contact portion107B of the substrate105follows the contact zone CZ.

As shown inFIGS.1A-1B, the belt152is supported by the rollers154A,154B,154C which are spaced apart from each other along a length of the belt in a manner in which the rollers are positioned in locations other than the contact zone CZ. Stated differently, the contact portion156of the belt152is supported without a backing roller on a side of the belt152opposite to the arcuate portion106of the substrate105within the contact zone. In other words, the contact portion156of the belt152is unsupported by a roller in the contact zone CZ. This arrangement enables placing various elements (e.g. a vacuum, charge emitters, etc.) along the contact portion156of the belt152at the contact zone CZ, to facilitate removing liquid from belt152, to increase and/or control the pressure at which the belt152engages the substrate105, and/or to implement other functions relative to belt152at the contact zone CZ.

As further shown inFIG.1B, in some examples the belt arrangement150may comprise a positioner (schematically represented via box P) to control a position of at least some of the support rollers154A,154B,154C in order to control a position of the contact portion156of the belt152relative to the arcuate portion106of the substrate105. This position control may, in turn, control a pressure of the belt152against, and/or control an arc length of the contact portion156of the belt152relative to, the substrate105. In some such examples, the positioner P may be cooperative with a frame (schematically represented via box F) of the belt arrangement150to support, and control positioning of, the rollers154A,154B,154C to control pressure of the contact portion156of the belt152on the substrate105. In some examples, such positioning also may at least partially determine a tension of the belt152.

As further shown inFIG.1B, in some examples the belt arrangement150comprises a belt tensioner175to control a tension of the belt152. In some such examples, the belt tensioner175may comprise a spring176(or equivalent element) connected between a roller (e.g.154C) and an anchor or weight177.

In some examples, the belt positioner (P), belt tensioner (175), and/or other features, elements associated with the image formation device100(e.g. substrate speed, belt speed, etc.) shown inFIGS.1A,1Bmay be controlled and/or monitored via an image formation engine and/or control portion, such as but not limited to the image formation engine1250and/or control portion1400, as later described in association with at leastFIGS.12A and12B.

In some examples, the fluid ejection device110comprises a drop-on-demand fluid ejection device. In some examples, the drop-on-demand fluid ejection device comprises an inkjet printhead. In some examples, the inkjet printhead comprises a piezoelectric inkjet printhead. In some examples, the fluid ejection device110may comprise other types of inkjet printheads. In some examples, the inkjet may comprise a thermal inkjet printhead. In some examples, the droplets may sometimes be referred to as being jetted onto the media. With this in mind, at least some of the aspects and/or implementations of image formation according to at least some examples of the present disclosure may sometimes be referred to as “jet-on-media”, “jet-on-substrate”, “jet-on-blanket”, “offjet printing”, and the like.

It will be understood that in some examples, the fluid ejection device110may comprise a permanent component of image formation device100, which is sold, shipped, and/or supplied, etc. as part of image formation device100. It will be understood that such “permanent” components may be removed for repair, upgrade, etc. as appropriate. However, in some examples, fluid ejection device110may be removably received, such as in instances when fluid ejection device110may comprise a consumable, be separately sold, etc.

In some examples, the liquid carrier132may comprise an aqueous liquid carrier.

However, in some examples, the liquid carrier132may comprise a non-aqueous liquid carrier, such as in the example image formation devices described in association with at leastFIGS.10-11. In some such examples, when non-aqueous dielectric inks are used, and when electrostatic fixation (i.e. pinning) of ink particles134is implemented as shown inFIGS.10and11, an electrically conductive element separate from the substrate105is provided to contact the substrate105in order to implement grounding of the substrate105.

In some examples, substrate105comprises a metallized layer or foil. However, in some examples, the substrate is not metallized and comprises no conductive layer.

In some examples, the substrate105comprises a non-absorbing material, non-absorbing coating, and/or non-absorbing properties. Accordingly, in some examples the substrate105is made of a material which hinders or prevents absorption of liquids, such as a liquid carrier132and/or other liquids in the droplets received on the medium. In one aspect, in some such examples the non-absorbing medium does not permit the liquids to penetrate, or does not permit significant penetration of the liquids, into the surface of the non-absorbing medium.

The non-absorbing example implementations of the substrate105stands in sharp contrast to some forms of media, such as paper, which may absorb liquid. The non-absorbing attributes of the substrate105may facilitate drying of the ink particles on the media at least because later removal of liquid from the media will not involve the time and expense of attempting to pull liquid out of the media (as occurs with absorbing media) and/or the time, space, and expense of providing heated air for extended periods of time to dry liquid in an absorptive media.

Via the above-described example arrangements in which a belt arrangement is used to remove a liquid carrier from a substrate, the example device and/or associated methods can print images on a non-absorbing medium (or some other medium) with minimal bleeding, dot smearing, etc. while permitting high quality color on color printing. Moreover, via these examples for belt-controlled liquid removal, image formation on a non-absorbing medium (or some other medium) can be performed with less time, less space, and less energy at least due to a significant reduction in drying time and capacity. These example arrangements stand in sharp contrast to other printing techniques lacking such belt-controlled liquid removal, such as high coverage, aqueous-based step inkjet printing utilizing roller-to-roller nip based liquid removal (or similar mechanical elements) which may not adequately remove the liquid unless higher cost, and lengthy drying is applied.

In some such examples, the non-absorptive substrate105may comprise other attributes, such as acting as a protective layer for items packaged within the media. Such items may comprise food or other sensitive items for which protection from moisture, light, air, etc. may be desired.

With this in mind, in some examples the substrate105may comprise a plastic media. In some examples, the substrate105may comprise polyethylene (PET) material, which may comprise a thickness on the order of about 10 microns. In some examples, the substrate105may comprise a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) material. In some examples, the substrate105may comprise a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) polyester film, which may be sold under trade name Mylar in some instances. In some examples, the substrate105may comprise other types of materials which provide at least some of the features and attributes as described throughout the examples of the present disclosure. For examples, the substrate105or portions of substrate105may comprise a metallized foil or foil material, among other types of materials.

In some examples, substrate105comprises a flexible packaging material. In some such examples, the flexible packaging material may comprise a food packaging material, such as for forming a wrapper, bag, sheet, cover, etc. As previously mentioned for at least some examples, the flexible packaging materials may comprise a non-absorptive media.

In some examples, the image formation device may sometimes be referred to as a printer or printing device. In some examples in which a media is supplied in a roll-to-roll arrangement or similar arrangements, the image formation device may sometimes be referred to as a web press and/or the print medium can be referred to as a media web.

At least some examples of the present disclosure are directed to forming an image directly on a print medium, such as without an intermediate transfer member. Accordingly, in some instances, the image formation may sometimes be referred to as occurring directly on substrate105, which may sometimes be referred to the print medium in such instances. However, this does not necessarily exclude some examples in which an additive layer may be placed on the print medium prior to receiving ink particles (within a carrier fluid) onto the print medium. In some instances, the print medium also may sometimes be referred to as a non-transfer medium to indicate that the medium itself does not comprise a transfer member (e.g. transfer blanket, transfer drum) by which an ink image is to be later transferred to another print medium (e.g. paper or other material). In this regard, the print medium may sometimes also be referred to as a final medium or a media product. In some such instances, the medium may sometimes be referred to as product packaging medium.

In some examples, the substrate105may sometimes be referred to as a non-transfer substrate, i.e. a substrate which does not act as a transfer member (e.g. a member by which ink is initially received and later transferred to a final substrate bearing an image). Rather, in some such examples, the substrate105may comprise a final print medium such that the printing or image formation may sometimes be referred as being direct printing because no intermediate transfer member is utilized as part of the printing process.

In some examples, the substrate105comprises an intermediate transfer member, such as (but not limited to) the example image formation device500further described in association with at leastFIGS.1,2-3,10. In some instances, such an intermediate transfer member may be referred to as a blanket.

As shown inFIG.1A, in some examples, there are no features, elements, etc. (along the travel path T) located between the fluid ejection device110and the belt150. However, as schematically represented by the black dots X, in some examples the image formation device100may comprise additional features, elements, etc. located along the travel path T between the fluid ejection device110and the belt arrangement150including flexible belt152. For instance, in some examples the image formation device100may comprise a charge emitter (e.g. located after the fluid ejection device110) to emit electrostatic charges onto the deposited droplets111to cause electrostatic migration toward, and electrostatic fixation of, the ink particles134relative to the substrate, as further described in association with at leastFIGS.10-11.

FIG.2is a diagram including a side view schematically representing an example image formation device200. In some examples, the image formation device200comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as the image formation device100inFIG.1, while being implemented with a substrate205supported by a rotatable drum208. In a manner consistent withFIG.1A, the image formation device200comprises a fluid ejection device110and belt arrangement250arranged in series about an external surface of substrate205which rotates (as represented by arrow R). The rotating substrate205receives, via the fluid ejection device110, deposited droplets111(of ink particles134within a liquid carrier132) to at least partially form an intended image on the substrate990. After such deposition, belt arrangement250removes at least a portion of the liquid carrier from the substrate205. In some such examples, it will be understood that at this point in the process of forming an image on the substrate, the belt152is not acting to remove ink residue from substrate105in the same manner as is to be performed later by cleaner unit243after formation of the image on the substrate105has been fully completed, such as after media transfer station260.

In some examples, the belt arrangement250may comprise at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as the belt arrangement150previously described in association withFIGS.1A-1Band/or those belt arrangements later described in association with at leastFIGS.4A-11.

As further shown inFIG.2, in some examples image formation device200may comprise a dryer270downstream from the belt arrangement250to further remove liquid (including but not limited to liquid carrier132) from the substrate205.

As further shown inFIG.2, the image formation device900may comprise a media transfer station260, which may comprise an impression roller or cylinder266which forms a nip261with drum208to cause transfer of the formed image on substrate205of drum208to print medium246moving along path W.

As further shown inFIG.2, in some examples the image formation device200may comprise a cleaner unit243, which follows the media transfer arrangement260and which precedes the fluid ejection device110. The cleaner unit245is to remove any residual ink particles132and/or components of droplets111from the substrate205prior to operation of the fluid ejection device110.

With regard to any of the examples involving a non-porous belt152, the belt arrangement (e.g.150inFIG.1A-1B, etc.) may be placed at a bottom203of a drum (e.g.208inFIG.2) or at a lower portion of a belt-type substrate (e.g.FIG.3) so that gravity may aid in the removal and collection of some of the liquid which may to accumulate (in small volumes) just prior to the leading edge of the contact zone CZ of the belt152.

FIG.3is a diagram including a side view schematically representing an example image formation device400. In some examples, the image formation device400comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as the image formation device100inFIGS.1A-1B, except with a substrate405being implemented in an endless belt arrangement407(instead of a drum-type arrangement) among other differences noted below. As shown inFIG.3, the substrate-belt arrangement407includes an array411of rollers412,414,416,418, with at least one of these respective rollers comprising a drive roller and the remaining rollers supporting and guiding the substrate405. Via these rollers, the substrate405continuously moves in travel path T to expose the substrate405to at least the fluid ejection device110and belt arrangement450, in a manner consistent with the devices as previously described in association with at leastFIGS.1A,1B, and2.

In a manner consistent with at leastFIGS.1A-1B, the image formation device400comprises a fluid ejection device110and belt arrangement450arranged along the travel path T through which the substrate405moves so that the substrate405may receive, via the fluid ejection device110, deposited droplets111(of ink particles134within a liquid carrier132) to at least partially form an intended image on the substrate405. After such deposition, belt arrangement450removes at least a portion of the liquid carrier132from the substrate405. In some examples, the belt arrangement450may comprise at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as the belt arrangement150previously described in association withFIGS.1A-1Band/or those belt arrangements later described in association with at leastFIGS.4A-11.

As further shown inFIG.3, in some examples image formation device400may comprise a dryer270downstream from the belt arrangement450to further remove liquid (including but not limited to liquid carrier132) from the substrate405. As further shown inFIG.3, in some examples the image formation device400may comprise a media transfer station460, which may comprise an impression roller or cylinder466which forms a nip461with roller418(e.g. a drum) to cause transfer of the formed image from substrate405at roller418onto print medium466moving along path W. As further shown inFIG.3, in some examples the image formation device400may comprise a cleaner unit443which follows the media transfer arrangement460and which precedes at least the fluid ejection device110. The cleaner unit443is to remove any residual ink particles132and/or components of droplets111from the substrate405prior to operation of the fluid ejection device110.

As further shown inFIG.3, in some examples the image formation device400comprises a primer unit490which precedes (i.e. is upstream from) the fluid ejection device110and which may deposit a primer layer or layer of binder material onto the substrate405and onto which the image may be formed, such as via operation of fluid ejection device110, belt arrangement450, dryer270. In some examples, this primer layer or binder layer may be transferred with the formed image onto the print medium466.

In some examples, such a primer unit490may be implemented in the image formation device200ofFIG.2with the primer unit490being located between the cleaner unit243and the fluid ejection device110.

FIG.4Ais a diagram including a side view schematically representing a belt arrangement500for removing liquid from a substrate in an example image formation device. In some examples, the belt arrangement500comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as, and/or an example implementation of, the belt arrangement150inFIGS.1A-1B,250inFIGS.2, and450inFIG.3.

In some examples, the belt152may comprise a porous belt or may comprise a non-porous belt (act like squeegee).

As shown inFIG.4A, in some examples the belt arrangement150comprises a second liquid removal element515, which is located downstream from the contact zone CZ and which may be used to remove liquid from the belt152. Removal of the liquid from portions of the belt152after it passes through the contact zone CZ prepares these portions of the belt152to again remove the liquid carrier132from the substrate105upon the next revolution (in endless loop/path E) of these portions in pressing contact against the substrate105in the contact zone CZ.

In some examples, as shown inFIG.4B, the second liquid removal element515may comprise a blade582, forced air584, and/or other mechanical element586to further remove liquid from the belt152. In some such examples, the blade582may be implemented in association with a support roller, squeegee, and the like.

FIG.4Cis a diagram including a sectional view schematically representing an example belt592and substrate105of an example image formation device, in which the belt592comprises one example implementation of belt152. In some examples, the belt592may have a thickness (T1) of about 150 microns while the substrate105may have a thickness (T2) of about 1 millimeter, as shown inFIG.4C. In some examples, belt592may be employed in the belt arrangement of the example image formation device as further described in association withFIG.4Aand/or belt592may be employed in the belt arrangement of the example image formation devices, as further described in association withFIGS.6,8.

In some examples, belt592may comprise a non-porous structure, which may comprise a polyimide material in some instances such that the belt592is strong, non-absorbing, and smooth. In some such examples, the belt592may comprise a single layer of a polyimide material. When the belt592comprises this non-porous structure, then the belt592removes the liquid carrier132from the substrate105by squeezing the liquid to the sides of the belt592before and during the contact zone CZ. In some examples, the second liquid removal element515(FIG.2B) may be implemented as a blade located after the contact zone CZ to remove liquid from the belt592to prepare the belt592for its next revolution through the contact zone CZ for removing liquid from the substrate105.

In some such examples, belt592may be used as belt152in the example image formation device700ofFIG.6, as further described later. In some examples, belt592may be used in the example image formation device1000ofFIG.9, as further described later.

FIG.5is a diagram600including a side view schematically representing an example liquid removal arrangement645including a belt arrangement150for removing liquid from a substrate105and including a vacuum arrangement640. In some examples, the liquid removal arrangement645comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as, and/or an example implementation of, the belt arrangement150inFIGS.1A-1B,250inFIG.2,450inFIG.3,545inFIG.4A, and590inFIG.4B. As shown inFIG.5, in some examples the vacuum arrangement640comprises a shell642defining a chamber647through which a vacuum (V) (e.g. negative pressure) is applied via a vacuum source (VS)644, such as a negative pressure element. In one aspect, the vacuum arrangement640is located on a side of the belt152opposite from the arcuate portion106of the substrate105being engaged by the contact portion156of the belt152, which is a location well-suited to directly and rapidly remove liquid from the belt152, which was previously removed from the substrate105via belt152. This arrangement is achieved, at least in part, by the intended absence of a support roller (e.g.154A,154B,154C) in the contact zone CZ of the belt152. This configuration, is in turn, achieved via aligning the rollers154A,154B relative to the arcuate portion106of the substrate105in a position which forces the segment153of belt152extending between rollers154A,154B into wrapping conformation contact against the arcuate portion106of substrate105to effectuate the contact portion156and contact zone CZ.

In some such examples, opposite end portions643A,643B of the shell642are spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than an arc length (AL1) of the contact portion156, which enables the shell642to at least partially surround the contact portion156of the belt150. Accordingly, a distance between the ends643A,643B generally correspond to a length (L1) of the contact zone CZ. In some examples, the applied vacuum pressure acts to draw liquid from the belt152, which has been removed from the substrate105in the contact zone CZ via the pressing engagement of contact portion156of belt152. The liquid drawn by the vacuum may be recycled, reused, and/or discarded depending on the type and/or volume of such liquid. It will be understood thatFIG.5omits the dashed box CZ for illustrative simplicity and clarity but that the contact zone CZ is still present in the example image formation device ofFIG.5in a manner similar to that shown inFIG.4A.

In some such examples, the belt152comprises a porous belt to permit liquid to be drawn from, and through, the contact portion156of the belt152in the contact zone CZ. In some such examples, the belt152may comprise a single layer while in some examples, the belt152comprises a double layer structure where a backing layer of the belt152provides strength. In some examples, a top portion of the single layer structure or of a double layer structure may comprise a coating to further tune the belt152for its expected chemical interaction with the image on substrate105in order to minimize any effects on the formed image on substrate105. In some such examples, the coating may comprise a low energy coating.

FIG.6is a diagram700including a side view schematically representing a liquid removal arrangement745for removing liquid from a substrate105in an example image formation device, and which includes a charge emitting element array771to facilitate engagement of belt152against substrate105. In some examples, the liquid removal arrangement745comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as, and/or an example implementation of, the belt arrangement150inFIGS.1A-1B,250inFIG.2,450inFIG.3,545inFIG.4A, and590inFIG.4B, while further comprising the charge emitting element array771.

As shown inFIG.6, in some examples the charge emitting element array771comprises a plurality of charge emitting elements770A,770B,770C spaced apart along the contact zone CZ and positioned to emit charges773onto the contact portion156of the belt152. In some such examples, the substrate105may carry positive charges while the charge emitting elements770A,770B,770C emit negative charges773as shown inFIG.6. However, in some examples, the substrate105may carry a negative charges and the charge emitting elements770A,770B,770C may emit positive charges.

With further reference toFIG.6, each charge emitter (e.g.770A,770B,770C) may comprise a corona, plasma element, or other charge generating element to generate a flow of charges. The charge emitter may sometimes be referred to as a charge source, charge generation device, and the like. The generated charges may be negative or positive as desired. In some examples, the charge emitter comprises an ion head to produce a flow of ions as the charges. It will be understood that the term “charges” and the term “ions” may be used interchangeably to the extent that the respective “charges” or “ions” embody a negative charge or positive charge (as determined by the emitters770A,770B,770C).

In general terms, the emitted charges773act to at least partially control the pressure of the contact portion156of the belt152against the substrate105in the contact zone CZ. In particular, the emission of charges773onto the belt152is to cause electrostatic attraction of the belt152(in the contact zone CZ) against the substrate105, which is grounded (e.g. GND) via a conductive backing and which exhibits positive charges779in at least the arcuate contact portion106of the substrate105. In some examples, this pressure, which is at least partially caused by the electrostatic attraction, may comprise pressures up to the order of 100,000 Pascals. In some examples, the pressure may comprise up pressures up to the order of 90,000 Pascals, while in some examples the pressure may comprise up to the order of 80,000 Pascals. In some examples the pressure may comprise up to the order of 70,000 Pascals.

In some examples, when charging the belt152via emitted charges, a maximum voltage of the charge emitters may comprise on the order of 2 kiloVolts. In some such examples, for a belt152having a thickness T1(e.g.FIG.4C) of 150 microns and a dielectric constant of 3, a maximum charge/area may comprise about 0.4 103Coulumb/m2and a pressure on the order of 7×103Pascals. In another example, assuming the belt152has a dielectric constant of 30, a thickness T1of 150 microns, and a dielectric thickness of 5 microns, then with a maximum voltage (for the charge emitters) of 2 kiloVolts, a maximum charge/area may comprise about 4×10 3 Coulumb/m2and a pressure of 7×105Pascals.

In general terms, a different dielectric strength of the belt152may be selected depending on the various materials and structures forming the belt152. In some examples, a belt152comprising a parylene material may comprise a dielectric strength of about 200 Volts/micron while in some examples, a belt152comprising a polyimide material may comprise a dielectric strength of about 100 Volts/micron. Meanwhile, in some examples in which the belt152comprises various plastic materials, the dielectric strength may comprise on the order of tens of V/micron. With such dielectric strengths, the applied voltage will not result in a breakdown through the belt152. For instance, with an applied voltage of 2 kiloVolts (via applied charges773) on a belt152having a thickness of 150 microns, the electric field across the belt152may comprise about 13 Volts/microns, which is at a level unlikely to cause deterioration of the belt152due to applied charges773.

In some examples, the belt152may comprise a resistivity tuned to achieve a response time (to discharge the applied charges) on the order of a few milliseconds (e.g. 3, 4, 5) so as to avoid immediate discharge of the belt. In some such examples, this response time is applicable for a contact portion156having an arc length (AL1) of about 10 to about 20 centimeters and a belt speed of about 1 meter/seconds. Given this relatively quick response time of the belt152, several charge emitters770A,770B,770C are arranged in series in a spaced apart relationship to ensure that enough charges773are emitted onto the belt152over the arc length (AL1) of the contact portion156to ensure it remains sufficiently charged to result in the desired electrostatic attraction (relative to substrate105) to create the desired pressure of the contact portion156of the belt152against the substrate105.

In some examples, the response time of the belt105may be on the order of tens of milliseconds, assuming a contact portion of about 10 to about 20 centimeters and a belt speed of 1 meter/second. In some such examples, just the first charge emitter770A (and emitters770B,770C) may be implemented since the response time of the belt152(to discharge the applied charges) is slow enough for the charges773to remain in and/or on the contact portion156of belt105through the length (L1) of the contact zone CZ to achieve the desired electrostatic attraction and pressure of belt152against substrate105. However, in some such examples, the response time of the belt105is less than 100 milliseconds, assuming a contact portion of about 10 to about 20 centimeters and a belt speed of 1 meter/second, to facilitate recombination of the charges not long after a given portion of the belt152leaves the contact zone CZ.

In some examples of the arrangement in the example ofFIG.6, the belt152may comprise a porous belt such as the belt782inFIG.7A, or may comprise a non-porous belt.

In one aspect, the charge emitters770A,770B,770C are located on a side of the belt152opposite from the arcuate portion106of the substrate105being engaged by the contact portion156of the belt152, which is a location well-suited to directly and rapidly remove liquid from the belt152which was in turn removed from the substrate105. This arrangement is achieved, at least in part, by the intended absence of a support roller (e.g.154A,1548,154C) in the contact zone CZ of the belt152. This configuration, is in turn, achieved via aligning the rollers154A,154B relative to the arcuate portion106of the substrate105in a position which forces the segment153of belt152extending between rollers154A,154B into wrapping conformation contact against the arcuate portion106of substrate105to effectuate the contact portion156and contact zone CZ.

FIG.7Ais a diagram780including a sectional view schematically representing an example belt782of a liquid removal arrangement and an example substrate105of an example image formation device. In some examples, belt782may be used as the belt152of belt arrangement150of liquid removal arrangement745inFIG.6, while in some examples, belt782may be used as the belt152of belt arrangement150of liquid removal arrangement945inFIG.8. The belt782may comprise a single layer as shown inFIG.7A, or may comprise several layers having an overall resistivity which is substantially the same as a resistivity of a single layer. In some examples, a conductivity of the belt782may be tuned to have a discharge response time across a thickness (T1) of belt782slower than a few tens of millimeters, depending on the arc length (AL1) of the contact zone CZ. For instance, if the contact zone CZ has an arc length (AL1) of about 10 centimeters to about 20 centimeters, and a speed of 1 meter/second, then in some examples the discharge response time may be greater than a few tens of milliseconds, and less than the belt period time which is a circumference of belt782(e.g. belt152) divided by the belt speed which can be on the order of 100's of milliseconds. In some examples, the resistivity of the belt152may be on the order of 10∧11-10∧12 ohm-cm).

FIG.7Bis a diagram790including a sectional view schematically representing an example belt791of a liquid removal arrangement and an example substrate105of an example image formation device. In some examples, the belt791may comprise a porous belt. Accordingly, in some examples, belt791may be used as the belt152of belt arrangement150of liquid removal arrangement745inFIG.6, while in some examples, belt782may be used as the belt152of belt arrangement150of liquid removal arrangement945inFIG.8. In some examples, the belt791may comprise a double layer such as layers792and793as shown inFIG.7B. The first layer793(to contact the substrate784) may comprise a porous layer and the second layer792may comprise a porous layer as well. In some such examples, the first layer793may comprise an electrically insulative layer or a partially conductive layer, while the second layer792may comprise a support layer. However, in some examples, the belt791may comprise a single layer, such as a mesh fiber structure that is both porous and strong. In a manner similar to that described in previous examples, the resistivity of the belt791may be tuned to get the desired response time.

In some examples, the second layer792(e.g. a support layer) may be conductive, such as having a resistivity less than 10∧6 ohm-cm, such as but not limited to examples in which support rollers (e.g.154A,154B,154C inFIGS.6,8) are in an electrically floating configuration and the layer792is conductive enough to keep a constant voltage in the contact zone CZ. As noted in the example ofFIGS.6and9, one charge emitter (e.g.770A) will suffice to maintain enough electrostatic charge on the contact portion156of the belt152, and therefore achieve sufficient electrostatically-induced pressure of belt152against the substrate105.

However, in some examples, the second layer792(e.g. a support layer) may be conductive, such that a 2 kiloVolt charge may be provided directly to the belt791from a power supply via a conductive brush.

FIG.8is a diagram900including a side view schematically representing a liquid removal arrangement945for removing liquid from a substrate105in an example image formation device. In some examples, the liquid removal arrangement945comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as, and/or an example implementation of, the belt arrangement150inFIGS.1A-1B,250inFIG.2,450inFIG.3,545inFIG.4A, and590inFIG.4B, while further comprising both the charge emitting element array770of the liquid removal arrangement of745ofFIG.6and the vacuum arrangement640of the liquid removal arrangement645ofFIG.5. Accordingly, the liquid removal arrangement945may enhance the removal of liquid from substrate105by belt152by the assistance of electrostatically-enhanced application (via the charge emitters770A,770B,770C) of pressurized contact of belt152against the substrate105and by the assistance of the vacuum arrangement640to remove liquid from the contact portion156of the belt152. Via this combined arrangement, contact of the belt152against the substrate105is ensured while large volumes of liquid can be rapidly removed from the substrate105in an efficient, effective manner. As in the example ofFIGS.4A, and5-7, the liquid removal arrangement945also may comprise a second liquid removal element515to further remove liquid from the belt152after the contact zone CZ.

In some such examples, the belt152comprises a porous belt to facilitate liquid to be drawn from, and through, the contact portion156of the belt152in the contact zone CZ.

FIG.9is a diagram including a side view schematically representing a liquid removal arrangement1045for removing liquid from a substrate105in an example image formation device. In some examples, the liquid removal arrangement1045comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as, and/or an example implementation of, the belt arrangement150inFIGS.1A-1B,250inFIG.2,450inFIG.3,545inFIG.4A, and590inFIG.4B, while further comprising a charge emitting element770A (e.g. such as element770A of the liquid removal arrangement of745ofFIG.6) and a discharge element1085. In some such examples, as in the previous examples associated withFIGS.6and8, the single charge emitting element770A may emit charges to cause electrostatic attraction of contact portion156of belt105to substrate105with the response time of the belt152being slow enough such that just a single charge emitting element770A may apply enough charges773to maintain sufficient electrostatic attraction of contact portion156of belt152against substrate105throughout the arc length (AL1) of the contact zone CZ. In some such examples, the response time of the belt152may be greater than a few tens of milliseconds, such as when the arc length of the contact portion156comprises about 10 to about 20 centimeters and the belt speed is about 1 meter/second. In some such examples, the belt152comprises a non-conductive belt having a resistivity greater than 10-8 ohm-cm.

However, in order to ensure that such charges773become sufficiently discharged after the contact zone CZ, in some examples the liquid removal arrangement1045may comprise a discharge element1085. As shown inFIG.9, the discharge element1085may comprise a conductive roller or drum forming a nip1087or may otherwise be in movable contact against a roller of the belt arrangement150, such as roller154B, with both the discharge roller1085and roller154B being connected to ground GND. As belt152moves through nip1087, any remaining charges on belt152will become discharged to help the belt152return to neutral state.

In some examples, the liquid removal arrangement1045may comprise additional charge emitting elements such as charge emitting elements770B and/or770C inFIGS.6and8to enhance pressurized application of belt152again substrate105, depending on the relative speed of the response time of the belt152.

FIG.10is a diagram schematically representing an example image formation device1100. In some examples, the image formation device1100comprises an example image formation device comprising at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as, and/or an example implementation of, the liquid removal arrangement150(FIGS.1A-1B),250(FIG.2),450(FIG.3),545(FIG.4A),645(FIG.5),745(FIG.6),945(FIG.8),1045(FIG.9),1100(FIG.10), and/or1200(FIG.11). Moreover, the image formation device1100comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as the image formation devices described in association withFIGS.1A,2,3. Moreover, in some examples, downstream from the fluid ejection device110, the image formation device1100may comprise a charge emitter1140to emit charges onto deposited droplets111(of ink particles134within a liquid carrier132) to cause electrostatic migration of the ink particles134through the liquid carrier132toward the substrate105as shown in portion1122ofFIG.10, and to cause electrostatic fixation of the ink particles134against the substrate105, as shown in portion1124ofFIG.10. In some examples, the liquid carrier132may comprise a non-aqueous fluid, which in some examples may comprise a low viscosity, dielectric oil, such as an isoparaffinic fluid. Some versions of such dielectric oil may be sold under the trade name Isopar®. Among other attributes, the non-aqueous liquid carrier may be more easily removed from the substrate105, at least to the extent that the substrate105may comprise some aqueous absorptive properties.

As further shown in dashed box B of portion1122ofFIG.10, the deposited charges1143become attached to the deposited ink particles134, which then migrate to substrate105due to the electrostatic forces of the charges1143being attracted to the grounded substrate105. Moreover, as shown in dashed box C in portion1124ofFIG.10, upon all of the deposited ink particles134(with attached charges1143) becoming electrostatically fixed relative to the substrate105, the liquid carrier132exhibits a supernatant relationship relative to the ink particles134, which are electrostatically fixed against the substrate105. With the liquid carrier132in this arrangement, the liquid carrier132can be readily removed from the substrate105without disturbing (or without substantially disturbing) the electrostatically fixed ink particles134in their desired, targeted position on the substrate105by which an image is at least partially formed. With this in mind, the liquid removal arrangement1145acts to remove the liquid carrier132from the substrate105in a manner consistent with the previously described examples of a liquid removal arrangement, such as but not limited to liquid removal arrangement150(FIGS.1A-1B),250(FIG.2),450(FIG.3),545(FIG.4A),645(FIG.5),745(FIG.6),945(FIG.8),1045(FIG.9),1100(FIG.10), and/or1200(FIG.11).

With further reference toFIG.10, the charge emitter1140may comprise a corona, plasma element, or other charge generating element to generate a flow of charges. The charge emitter1140may sometimes be referred to as a charge source, charge generation device, and the like. The generated charges may be negative or positive as desired. In some examples, the charge emitter1140comprises an ion head to produce a flow of ions as the charges. It will be understood that the term “charges” and the term “ions” may be used interchangeably to the extent that the respective “charges” or “ions” embody a negative charge or positive charge (as determined by emitter1140).

In the particular instance shown inFIG.10, the emitted charges1143can become attached to the ink particles134to cause all of the charged ink particles to have a particular polarity, which will be attracted to ground. In some such examples, all or substantially all of the charged ink particles134will have a negative charge or alternatively all or substantially all of the charged ink particles134will have a positive charge.

FIG.11is a diagram including a side view schematically representing an example image formation device1200, which comprises at least one example implementation of the image formation device1100ofFIG.10. In some examples, the image formation device1200comprises at least some of substantially the same features and attributes as image formation device200inFIG.2, while further comprising a charge emitter1140located along the travel path T of substrate105(on rotatable drum208) between the fluid ejection device110and the belt arrangement250. In a manner similar to that represented inFIG.10, the charge emitter1140emits charges (e.g.1143inFIG.10) to cause electrostatic migration of the ink particles134through the liquid carrier132, and electrostatic fixation of, ink particles134relative to substrate105in manner described in association withFIG.10. As in the example ofFIG.10, the liquid carrier132may be a non-aqueous fluid.

With regard to both of the examples described in association withFIGS.10and11in which the charge emitter1140may be implemented with example liquid removal arrangements associated withFIGS.6,8,9, the polarity of charges773emitted by emitters770A,770B,770C (to cause pressurized contact of belt152against substrate105) may be selected to be the same polarity of charges1143emitted by the emitter1140(for electrostatic fixation) upstream from the liquid removal arrangement. By doing so, the emitted charges773may enhance the electrostatic fixation of the ink particles134(relative to the substrate105) which was first caused by the charges1143.

FIG.12Ais a block diagram schematically representing an example image formation engine1250. In some examples, the image formation engine1250may form part of a control portion1400, as later described in association with at leastFIG.12B, such as but not limited to comprising at least part of the instructions1411. In some examples, the image formation engine1250may be used to implement at least some of the various example devices and/or example methods of the present disclosure as previously described in association withFIGS.1-11and/or as later described in association withFIGS.12B-13. In some examples, the image formation engine1250(FIG.12A) and/or control portion1400(FIG.12B) may form part of, and/or be in communication with, an image formation device.

In general terms, the image formation engine1250is to control at least some aspects of operation of the image formation devices and/or methods as described in association with at leastFIGS.1-11and12B-13.

As shown inFIG.12A, the image formation engine1250may comprise a fluid ejection engine1252, a charge source engine1254, and/or a liquid removal engine1280.

In some examples, the fluid ejection engine1252controls operation of the fluid ejection device110(e.g. at leastFIG.1) to deposit droplets of ink particles134within a liquid carrier132onto a substrate105(e.g. at leastFIG.1) as described throughout the examples of the present disclosure.

In some examples, the charge emitter engine1254comprises a belt attraction parameter1256to control operation of the charge emitter(s) (e.g.770A,770B,770C inFIGS.6,8) to cause electrostatic attraction of the control portion156of belt152against the substrate105to at least partially control a pressure of the contact portion156of belt152against the substrate105. This arrangement may facilitate liquid removal from the substrate105and/or further liquid removal from the belt152after the liquid has been removed from the substrate105. In some such examples, the belt attraction parameter1256and/or portion of the charge emitter engine1254may cooperate with, and/or form part of, the liquid removal engine1280to the extent that the charge emitters facilitate liquid removal via the pressurized contact of belt152relative to the substrate105.

In some examples, the charge emitter engine1254comprises a fixation parameter1258to control operation of a charge emitter (e.g.1140inFIGS.10,11) to emit airborne electrical charges to induce electrostatic migration of ink particles134toward the substrate105and electrostatic fixation of the migrated ink particles134at their target locations in a pattern at least partially forming an image, such as described in association withFIGS.10-11and/or various examples throughout the present disclosure.

In some examples, in general terms the liquid removal engine1280controls operation of at least a liquid removal arrangement to remove the liquid carrier132from the substrate105. Such control may comprise control of operation of at least the various elements, portions, aspects of the liquid removal throughout the examples of the present disclosure, such as but not limited to the examples of150(FIGS.1A-1B),250(FIG.2),450(FIG.3),545(FIG.4A),645(FIG.5),745(FIG.6),945(FIG.8),1045(FIG.9),1100(FIG.10), and/or1200(FIG.11).

In some examples, the liquid removal engine1280comprises a belt engine1281, which may comprise pressure parameter1282by which a pressure of the belt (e.g.152inFIG.1A) is controlled (and/or tracked) via various elements such as but not limited to, a positioner (P) and/or tensioner (175) inFIG.1B, charge emitters (e.g.770A,770B,770C inFIGS.6,8), the support rollers (e.g.154A,154B,154C), and/other elements described throughoutFIGS.1A-11related to applying and/or controlling the belt pressure.

In some examples, the belt engine1281may comprise a speed parameter1284by which a speed of the belt (e.g.152inFIG.1A) is controlled (and/or tracked) via operation of the support and/or drive rollers of one of the various example belt arrangements described in association with at leastFIGS.1A-11.

In some examples, the liquid removal engine1280may comprise a vacuum parameter1286to control (and/or track) a vacuum pressure (e.g. negative pressure) applied to the contact portion156of the belt152to remove liquid from the belt152, such as described in association withFIGS.5,8.

It will be understood that, in at least some examples, the image formation engine1250is not strictly limited to the particular grouping of parameters, engines, functions, etc. as represented inFIG.12A, such that the various parameters, engines, functions, etc. may operate according to different groupings than shown inFIG.12A.

FIG.12Bis a block diagram schematically representing an example control portion1400. In some examples, control portion1400provides one example implementation of a control portion forming a part of, implementing, and/or generally managing the example image formation devices, as well as the particular portions, fluid ejection devices, charge emitters, belts, vacuums, liquid removal elements, elements, devices, user interface, instructions, engines, parameters, functions, and/or methods, as described throughout examples of the present disclosure in association withFIGS.1-12A and12C-13.

In some examples, control portion1400includes a controller1402and a memory1410. In general terms, controller1402of control portion1400comprises at least one processor1404and associated memories. The controller1402is electrically couplable to, and in communication with, memory1410to generate control signals to direct operation of at least some the image formation devices, various portions and elements of the image formation devices, such as fluid ejection devices, charge emitters, belts, vacuums, liquid removal elements, user interfaces, instructions, engines, functions, and/or methods, as described throughout examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, these generated control signals include, but are not limited to, employing instructions1411stored in memory1410to at least direct and manage depositing droplets of ink particles and liquid carrier to form an image on a media, jetting droplets, directing charges onto ink particles, removing liquids (e.g. via a belt, charge emitters, vacuum, dryer, etc.), etc. as described throughout the examples of the present disclosure in association withFIGS.1-12A and12C-13. In some instances, the controller1402or control portion1400may sometimes be referred to as being programmed to perform the above-identified actions, functions, etc. In some examples, at least some of the stored instructions1411are implemented as a, or may be referred to as, a print engine, an image formation engine, and the like, such as but not limited to the image formation engine1250inFIG.12A.

In response to or based upon commands received via a user interface (e.g. user interface1420inFIG.12C) and/or via machine readable instructions, controller1402generates control signals as described above in accordance with at least some of the examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, controller1402is embodied in a general purpose computing device while in some examples, controller1402is incorporated into or associated with at least some of the image formation devices, portions or elements along the travel path, fluid ejection devices, charge emitters, belts, vacuums, liquid removal elements, user interfaces, instructions, engines, functions, and/or methods, etc. as described throughout examples of the present disclosure.

For purposes of this application, in reference to the controller1402, the term “processor” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processor (or processing resources) that executes machine readable instructions contained in a memory or that includes circuitry to perform computations. In some examples, execution of the machine readable instructions, such as those provided via memory1410of control portion1400cause the processor to perform the above-identified actions, such as operating controller1402to implement the formation of an image as generally described in (or consistent with) at least some examples of the present disclosure. The machine readable instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processor from their stored location in a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage (e.g., non-transitory tangible medium or non-volatile tangible medium), as represented by memory1410. The machine readable instructions may include a sequence of instructions, a processor-executable machine learning model, or the like. In some examples, memory1410comprises a computer readable tangible medium providing non-volatile storage of the machine readable instructions executable by a process of controller1402. In some examples, the computer readable tangible medium may sometimes be referred to as, and/or comprise at least a portion of, a computer program product. In other examples, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with machine readable instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller1402may be embodied as part of at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or the like. In at least some examples, the controller1402is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and machine readable instructions, nor limited to any particular source for the machine readable instructions executed by the controller1402.

In some examples, control portion1400may be entirely implemented within or by a stand-alone device.

In some examples, the control portion1400may be partially implemented in one of the image formation devices and partially implemented in a computing resource separate from, and independent of, the image formation devices but in communication with the image formation devices. For instance, in some examples control portion1400may be implemented via a server accessible via the cloud and/or other network pathways. In some examples, the control portion1400may be distributed or apportioned among multiple devices or resources such as among a server, an image formation device, and/or a user interface.

In some examples, control portion1400includes, and/or is in communication with, a user interface1420as shown inFIG.12C. In some examples, user interface1420comprises a user interface or other display that provides for the simultaneous display, activation, and/or operation of at least some of the image formation devices, portions thereof, elements, user interfaces, instructions, engines, functions, and/or methods, etc. as described in association withFIGS.1-12B and13. In some examples, at least some portions or aspects of the user interface1420are provided via a graphical user interface (GUI), and may comprise a display1424and input1422.

FIG.13is a flow diagram schematically representing an example method. In some examples, method1500may be performed via at least some of the same or substantially the same image formation devices, portions, fluid ejection devices, charge emitters, belts, vacuums, liquid removal elements, elements, control portion, user interface, etc. as previously described in association withFIGS.1-12C. In some examples, method1500may be performed via at least some of the same or substantially the same image formation devices, portions, fluid ejection devices, charge emitters, belts, vacuums, liquid removal elements, elements, control portion, user interface, etc. other than those previously described in association withFIGS.1-12C.

As shown at1502inFIG.13, in some examples method1500may comprise moving a substrate along a travel path. As shown at1504inFIG.13, method1500may comprise depositing, via a fluid ejection device, droplets of ink particles within a liquid carrier onto the substrate to at least partially form an image on the substrate.

As shown at1506inFIG.13, method1500may comprise removing at least a portion of the liquid carrier from the substrate via applying a contact portion of a flexible first belt in pressured conformable engagement against the substrate to define an arcuate contact zone between the contact portion and a first portion of the substrate.

In some such examples, method1500may further comprise supporting the belt via a plurality of rollers spaced apart from each other along a length of the belt, wherein the rollers are positioned in locations other than the contact zone.

In some such examples, method1500may further comprise at least one of: emitting, via at least one charge emitter on a side of belt opposite the support/substrate in the contact zone, emit airborne charges onto the contact portion of the belt; and applying a vacuum on the side of the belt opposite the substrate in the contact zone to remove the liquid carrier from the belt.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein.