Ink Jet Recording Apparatus Nozzle Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face issues with printing omissions due to dust, dirt, bubbles, and large pigment particle sizes in the ink, which can lead to nozzle clogging and reduced functionality, especially in side-shooter type ink jet heads where ink circulation is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording apparatus with a circulating unit that includes a pressure chamber, nozzle plate, and discharging unit, where the ink has an average particle size between 0.4 μm to 6.5 μm, ensuring the particle size in 90% integrated value is double or less than the 50% integrated value, and the nozzle diameter is between 20 μm to 40 μm, facilitating effective ink circulation and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink with large pigment particle size is used, then ink circulation is improved, but printing omission occurs due to nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size distribution of pigment particles in the ink. Specifically, it limits the maximum particle size to 1/10 or less of the nozzle diameter (e.g., maximum 2 μm for 20 μm nozzles) and controls the particle size distribution so that 90% of particles are within a specific range. This parameter optimization allows larger pigment particles to circulate effectively while preventing nozzle clogging, thus resolving the contradiction between circulation efficiency and printing quality.
2Reliability
If side-shooter type ink jet head is used with ink circulation, then nozzle clogging is suppressed, but printing omission occurs due to large pigment particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing strict control over pigment particle size parameters. It specifies that the maximum particle size should be 1/10 or less of the nozzle diameter and that the particle size distribution should be controlled so that 90% of particles fall within a specific range. This precise parameter control enables the side-shooter type head to circulate ink with larger pigment particles effectively while preventing printing omissions, thus maintaining both nozzle functionality and printing accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple maintenances are performed to remove bubbles, then ink jet head function is recovered, but dust and dirt enter the ink chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-controlling the particle size distribution of pigment particles before they enter the ink jet head. By ensuring that 90% of particles are within a specific size range and the maximum particle size is limited to 1/10 or less of the nozzle diameter, the ink is prepared in advance to prevent clogging and printing omissions. This preliminary control reduces the frequency of maintenance operations needed to remove bubbles and restore functionality, thereby minimizing opportunities for dust and dirt to enter the ink chamber during maintenance procedures.
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 solution allows for the suppression of printing omissions by ensuring the ink's particle size is within optimal limits, enabling the use of inks with larger pigment sizes while maintaining efficient ink circulation and discharge, thus enhancing the reliability and performance of the ink jet recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The circulating unit circulates the ink in the supply unit, the pressure chamber, and the discharging unit
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a pressure chamber which accommodates ink, and changes volume of the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment includes an actuator, a nozzle plate, a supply unit, a discharging unit, and a circulating unit. The actuator includes a pressure chamber which accommodates ink, and changes volume of the pressure chamber. The nozzle plate opens to the pressure chamber and includes a nozzle having a diameter of 20 μm to 40 μm. The supply unit supplies the ink to the pressure chamber. The discharging unit collects the ink from the pressure chamber. The circulating unit circulates the ink in the supply unit, the pressure chamber, and the discharging unit. In the ink, an average particle size in laser diffraction type particle distribution measurement is from 0.4 μm to 6.5 μm, the average particle size is substantially the same as a particle size in 50% integrated value, and a particle size in 90% integrated value is double or less the particle size in 50% integrated value.