Ink Jet Head Communicating Path and Solvent System for Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face challenges in preventing nozzle clogging due to ink thickening or solidification, especially in large format printers, where small nozzle diameters and low discharge energy make it difficult to maintain ink flow, leading to reduced recording quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an ink jet head with communicating paths between the pressure-generating chamber and discharge port, using a self-dispersible pigment and organic solvent with specific solubility parameters to maintain ink flow and prevent clogging, along with a high discharge rate and controlled pigment content to inhibit thickening and solidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle diameter is reduced to achieve higher recording fineness, then the recording precision is improved, but the ink discharge reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink, specifically using a solvent mixture with controlled Hansen solubility parameters (δ1=14-16 cal/cm³)¹/² and (δ2=17-19 cal/cm³)¹/², and maintaining pigment concentration at 1-5% by mass. These parameter changes prevent ink thickening and solidification in small nozzles, maintaining discharge reliability while enabling fine recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solvent system combining two solvents with specific Hansen solubility parameter ranges. This composite material approach creates optimal solvation conditions for pigment particles, preventing aggregation and clogging in reduced-diameter nozzles while maintaining the desired recording fineness.
2Productivity
If the scanning length is increased to achieve larger format recording, then the productivity is improved, but the ink discharge reliability deteriorates due to longer non-discharge intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition parameters, specifically using solvents with controlled Hansen solubility parameters and optimized pigment concentration, to prevent thickening during extended non-discharge periods. This enables reliable operation over longer scanning lengths without clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary protective measures by formulating the ink with specific solvents and concentrations that preemptively prevent thickening and solidification during idle periods. This preliminary chemical protection allows the system to maintain reliability throughout extended scanning operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the discharge energy is reduced to achieve finer ink droplets, then the recording precision is improved, but the ability to prevent clogging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ink's physical-chemical parameters, specifically using solvents with specific Hansen solubility parameters and optimized pigment concentration, to maintain fluidity and prevent solidification. This allows low-energy discharge of fine droplets without compromising clogging prevention.
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
This configuration effectively prevents nozzle clogging by ensuring high-pressure ink discharge and stable dispersion, allowing for finer recording with reduced ink droplet volume and increased scanning length, thereby enhancing recording quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the ink composition contains a self-dispersible pigment and an organic solvent having a Hansen solubility parameter of 14 (cal/cm3)1/2 or more and 16 (cal/cm3)1/2 or less
Implementation Method 2
an ink jet head including a pressure-generating chamber containing an ink composition and applying a discharge pressure to the ink composition
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording apparatus performs recording by discharging an ink composition onto a recording medium. The apparatus includes an ink jet head including a pressure-generating chamber containing an ink composition and applying a discharge pressure to the ink composition, a discharge port from which the ink composition is discharged, and a communicating path for communicating between the pressure-generating chamber and the discharge port. The ink composition is discharged from the discharge port at a discharge rate of 5 m/sec or more and 15 m/sec or less. The communicating path has a length of 40 μm or more and 600 μm or less. The ink composition contains a self-dispersible pigment and an organic solvent having a Hansen solubility parameter of 14 (cal/cm3)1/2 or more and 16 (cal/cm3)1/2 or less.