Liquid Ejection Head Humidity Control for Viscosity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection apparatuses, the discontinuation of humidifying operations leads to increased viscosity of liquids in ejection openings, affecting ejection characteristics due to residual dried liquid, which is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a capping mechanism, humid-air supplier, and controller that adjusts subsequent humidifying operations based on temperature and humidity sensors to maintain optimal liquid viscosity, ensuring sufficient humidification even after discontinuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the humidifying operation is discontinued in response to a recording command or apparatus turn-off, then the apparatus can respond quickly to operational changes, but the liquid viscosity in ejection openings increases due to insufficient humidification
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by extending the humidifying operation for a predetermined period after receiving a recording command or turn-off signal. This ensures that the liquid in the ejection openings maintains appropriate viscosity even after the humidifier stops, preventing deterioration of ejection characteristics while allowing quick response to operational changes.
2Reliability
If the humidifying operation is performed continuously, then the liquid viscosity remains low, but the apparatus cannot respond efficiently to recording commands or turn-off
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifying operation is performed periodically with a predetermined extension period after discontinuation. This periodic extension ensures adequate humidification to maintain ejection characteristics while allowing the humidifier to remain inactive during normal operation, thus maintaining operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If the humidifying operation is extended after discontinuation, then the liquid viscosity increase is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes the operation parameters by extending the humidifying operation for a predetermined period after discontinuation. This time-based parameter adjustment ensures adequate humidification to maintain ejection characteristics while limiting energy consumption to a specific extended period rather than continuous operation.
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 apparatus effectively reduces the increase in viscosity of liquids in ejection openings by adjusting humidifying operations according to environmental conditions, thereby maintaining optimal ejection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a humid-air supplier configured to perform a humidifying operation for supplying humid air into the ejection space when the capping mechanism is in the defining state
Implementation Method 2
a sensor portion configured to sense at least one of temperature and humidity in a vicinity of the liquid ejection head
Implementation Method 3
a sensor portion configured to sense at least one of temperature and humidity in a vicinity of the liquid ejection head
Implementation Method 4
the controller being configured to, when the humidifying operation performed by the humid-air supplier is discontinued, adjust a next humidifying operation based on at least one of the temperature and the humidity sensed within a period extending from the discontinuation of the humidifying operation to the next humidifying operation
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus including: a head having an ejection face having ejection openings opposed to an ejection space; a capping mechanism including: a facing portion capable of facing the ejection face; and a space definer configured to define the ejection space with the facing portion and the ejection face, the capping mechanism being switchable between a defining state and an open state; a humid-air supplier configured to perform a humidifying operation for supplying humid air into the ejection space; a sensor portion configured to sense temperature and/or humidity near the head; and a controller configured to, when the humidifying operation performed by the humid-air supplier is discontinued, adjust a next humidifying operation based on at least one of the temperature and the humidity sensed within a period extending from the discontinuation of the humidifying operation to the next humidifying operation.