Inkjet Liquid Circulation Flow Control for Temperature Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variation in temperature among different types of liquids discharged onto a recording medium can occur, affecting the viscosity and discharge properties of inks and treatment liquids in inkjet printers.

Innovation Solution

A circulation device is implemented to regulate the circulation flow rates of inks and treatment liquids differently to match the heat generation profiles of the respective heads, thereby reducing temperature variations and maintaining consistent discharge properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different types of liquids (inks and treatment liquids) are discharged onto a recording medium, then the functionality and versatility of the printing device is improved, but temperature variations occur among the liquids affecting their discharge properties

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtemperature variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation device applies different circulation flow rates to different liquid types (inks and treatment liquids) based on their specific heat generation characteristics. Each liquid type receives customized circulation treatment to compensate for its thermal properties, ensuring uniform temperature control across all discharged liquids despite their functional differences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the circulation flow rates of inks and treatment liquids are regulated differently to match heat generation profiles, then temperature variations are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidcirculation control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation device dynamically adjusts circulation flow rates based on real-time or pre-determined heat generation profiles of different liquid types. The system adapts circulation parameters to match the specific thermal characteristics of inks and treatment liquids, enabling temperature control without requiring overly complex structural modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 circulation device effectively reduces temperature variations among inks and treatment liquids, ensuring stable and uniform discharge performance by adjusting flow rates based on the heat generation characteristics of each head.

Implementation Method 1

temperature variations among inks and treatment liquids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

circulation flow rates of inks and treatment liquids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4488067B1Circulation apparatus, printing apparatus, circulation method, and printing method

Publication Date: 2026.04.08 KYOCERA CORP

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AI summary

A circulation device according to an aspect includes an ink circulation unit that circulates ink via an ink head that discharges the ink, and a treatment liquid circulation unit that circulates a non-color-developing treatment liquid via a treatment liquid head that discharges the treatment liquid. In an embodiment, in the circulation device, a circulation flow rate of the ink in the ink circulation unit is different from a circulation flow rate of the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid circulation unit.