UV-Curable Ink Printing Device With Electrostatic Flocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing devices that use ultraviolet-curable ink, stray light from reflections can cause ink clogging due to the curing of ink in the head.
Innovation Solution
The printing device incorporates an electrostatic flocking part on the facing portions between the light-emission area and the head, an inclined irradiation face, and a duct with a suction port to absorb and redirect stray light and ink mist, utilizing a cooling fan's negative pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light irradiation device is used to cure ultraviolet-curable ink, then ink curing is achieved, but stray light is generated that causes ink clogging in the head
Solution Approach 1:
A black body radiation absorber is introduced as an intermediary component between the light irradiation device and the head. This absorber captures stray ultraviolet light through radiation absorption, preventing it from reaching the head and causing ink clogging, while allowing the main curing light to pass through to the medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The stray ultraviolet light that would normally cause harmful effects (ink clogging) is converted into a beneficial effect by having it absorbed by the black body radiation absorber. The absorbed radiation energy is dissipated as heat, effectively neutralizing the harmful stray light while maintaining the useful curing function.
2Productivity
If the light irradiation device is positioned close to the head, then curing efficiency is improved, but stray light generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The black body radiation absorber serves as a mediator that allows the light irradiation device to be positioned close to the head for efficient curing while simultaneously blocking stray light from reaching the head. The absorber is strategically placed to intercept reflected and scattered ultraviolet light without interfering with the direct curing path.
3Illumination intensity
If reflective surfaces are used in the light irradiation device, then light distribution is improved, but stray light reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The black body radiation absorber acts as an intermediary that captures stray light reflected from other surfaces in the system. By placing the absorber in the path of potential stray light, it prevents these reflected light rays from reaching the head, effectively neutralizing the harmful reflections while maintaining the beneficial light distribution.
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
Stray light and ink mist are effectively suppressed, preventing ink clogging and ensuring stable ink ejection.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic flocking part arranged in at least a part of a facing portion facing the mounting face between the light-emission area and the head
Implementation Method 2
a duct arranged between the head and the light irradiation device, that has a suction port for sucking mist generated from the head
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device 100 equipped with: a head 30 that ejects an ink which cures by being irradiated with light, toward a mounting face 11a on which a medium M is mounted; a light irradiation device 50 that is arranged side by side with the head 30 and irradiates the mounting face 11a with the light which cures the ink from a light-emission area 51b disposed on an irradiation face 51a facing the mounting face 11a; and electrostatic flocking parts 45 and 55 arranged in at least a part of a facing portion facing the mounting face 11a between the light-emission area 51b and the head 30; the printing device 100 inhibits generation of a stray light which irradiates the head, with electrostatic flocking parts 45 and 55.