Inkjet Discharge Head Curable Ink Mist Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ink-jet recording apparatuses, the coagulation or deposition of coloring agents at discharge ports can disrupt the discharge of reaction liquids and ink compositions, leading to printing unevenness and blurring.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a curable substance in the ink and image quality improving liquid, which are cured by active energy, such as ultraviolet light, to prevent coagulation or deposition of coloring agents at discharge ports, ensuring accurate discharge and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reaction liquid and ink composition are discharged to form high color density images, then image quality is improved, but mist adhesion causes coloring agent coagulation and deposition at discharge ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a mist-removal mechanism that operates continuously before mist can accumulate and cause coagulation. The removal unit is positioned to intercept mist from both the reaction liquid discharge head and ink composition discharge head, preventing it from adhering to discharge surfaces where it would cause coloring agent deposition and discharge instability.
2Manufacturing precision
If reaction liquid is discharged to react with ink composition, then color density is improved, but mist of reaction liquid adheres to ink composition discharge surface causing coloring agent coagulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by introducing a dedicated mist-removal unit that selectively removes harmful mist from the discharge environment. The removal unit is specifically positioned to extract mist from both the reaction liquid discharge head and ink composition discharge head, separating the harmful mist from the beneficial discharged materials that form the image.
3Manufacturing precision
If ink composition is discharged to react with reaction liquid, then image quality is improved, but ink mist adheres to reaction liquid discharge surface causing coloring agent deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by introducing a dedicated mist-removal unit that selectively removes harmful mist from the discharge environment. The removal unit is specifically positioned to extract mist from both the reaction liquid discharge head and ink composition discharge head, separating the harmful mist from the beneficial discharged materials that form the image.
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
The use of curable substances in the ink and improving liquid prevents coagulation, maintaining accurate discharge and enhancing image quality by suppressing blurring and maintaining optical density.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the ink and the liquid contains a curable substance which is curable by being irradiated with the active energy
Implementation Method 2
a liquid which improves image quality and which contains a component for coagulating or depositing the coloring agent
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, the image forming apparatus including: a first discharge head which discharges, toward the recording medium, an ink containing a coloring agent; a second discharge head which discharges, toward the recording medium, a liquid which improves image quality and which contains a component for coagulating or depositing the coloring agent; an energy emitting device which emits active energy; and a transport mechanism which transports the recording medium to a position opposed to the first discharge head and the second discharge head, wherein: at least one of the ink and the liquid contains a curable substance which is curable by being irradiated with the active energy.