Ink Circulation Control After Printing to Prevent Heat-Induced Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses, the temperature of the heat sources, such as the heat exchanger and drying units, remains high after a printing operation, leading to potential changes in the properties of the ink due to prolonged high-temperature conditions, which can cause ink aggregation and ejection failures.
Innovation Solution
A control system is implemented with temperature detection units to monitor the difference between the printing unit temperature and the circulation flow passage temperature, initiating circulation and ventilation operations if the temperature difference exceeds a threshold, thereby maintaining stable ink temperature and preventing aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circulation drive unit and ventilation unit are continuously driven to maintain ink temperature stability, then ink ejection stability is improved, but power consumption and equipment wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation drive unit and ventilation unit are operated periodically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors temperature differences and elapsetime since printing completion, driving the circulation and ventilation units only when the temperature difference exceeds the threshold and a predetermined time has elapsed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining ink stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from temperature detection units to monitor the temperature difference between the printing unit and circulation flow passage. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of the circulation drive unit and ventilation unit, driving them only when temperature instability is detected, thus optimizing power consumption while ensuring ink ejection stability
2Reliability
If the circulation drive unit and ventilation unit are driven immediately after printing completion, then ink temperature stability is maintained, but equipment wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic operation based on time intervals since printing completion. The control unit checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed before driving the circulation and ventilation units, avoiding unnecessary immediate operation and reducing equipment wear while maintaining ink stability when temperature differences indicate a need for intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from temperature monitoring and time tracking to determine when to operate the circulation drive unit and ventilation unit. By driving these units only when both the temperature difference threshold is exceeded and the predetermined time has elapsed, the system minimizes equipment wear while ensuring ink temperature stability when necessary
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 system effectively maintains ink stability by controlling the temperature difference, preventing ink aggregation and ensuring consistent ejection performance without excessive power consumption or equipment wear.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation flow passage configured to include at least part of the supply passage, supply the liquid from the liquid reservoir unit to the printing head through the supply passage, and cause the liquid passed through the print head to again pass through the supply passage; a circulation drive unit configured to circulate the liquid in the circulation flow passage
Implementation Method 2
a ventilation unit configured to ventilate an atmosphere inside a printing unit provided with the printing head and the circulation flow passage
Implementation Method 3
a method for stably ejecting the ink by controlling the temperature at a constant level by using a heat exchanger or the like
Data Source
AI summary
Change in properties of a liquid after completion of a printing operation is suppressed. A printing apparatus includes: a printing head; a liquid reservoir unit; a supply passage; a circulation flow passage; a circulation drive unit; a ventilation unit; a first temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the printing unit; a second temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the liquid in the circulation flow passage; and a control unit configured to control the circulation drive unit and the ventilation unit. When a difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit and the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit is equal to or more than a first temperature difference, and a first time has not elapsed from completion of a printing operation of the printing head, the control unit drives the circulation drive unit and the ventilation unit.