Image forming apparatus

The image forming apparatus addresses ink non-uniformity caused by a heating section through a circulation channel and valve system, ensuring uniform ink composition and preventing clogging, thereby maintaining image quality and productivity.

JP7868414B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-02KONICA MINOLTA INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
KONICA MINOLTA INC
Filing Date
2022-06-01
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses with a heating section in the ink flow path experience non-uniformity of ink components due to heat transfer, leading to potential clogging and image quality degradation.

Method used

Incorporating a circulation channel and valve system to return ink between the main tank and heating section, controlled by a circulation valve control unit, to maintain uniform ink composition, along with sensors and pumps to manage ink levels and circulation based on predetermined conditions.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively suppresses non-uniformity of ink components, preventing clogging and maintaining image quality without interrupting the printing process, thus enhancing productivity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To suppress nonuniformity of an ink component due to a heating part in an image formation apparatus having the heating part in the middle of an ink flow channel.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: a main tank 241 which stores ink; a first storage tank 243 which stores the ink supplied from the main tank 241; an ink head 245 which discharges the ink; a first supply channel R1 which supplies the ink to the first storage tank 243 from the main tank 241; a second supply channel R2 which supplies the ink to the ink head 245 from the first storage tank 243; a heating part 242 which is provided in the first supply channel R1 and heats the ink; and a circulation channel R4 which returns the ink in the second supply channel R2 to an area between the main tank 241 and the heating part 242 in the first supply channel R1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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