Inkjet Head Arrangement for Reducing Roller Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face image quality deterioration due to ink re-adhering to conveyance rollers, especially during high-speed printing, as the ink adhering to the rollers can re-deposit onto subsequent papers, leading to print quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of color inkjet heads, with the one discharging ink containing resin-encapsulated pigment particles of the largest number average particle diameter positioned at the most downstream in the conveyance direction, reduces ink adherence to conveyance rollers by minimizing re-deposition onto paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed printing is performed, then productivity is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to ink re-adhering to conveyance rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by strategically arranging the inkjet heads in a specific sequence before printing begins. The inkjet head discharging ink with the largest particle diameter is positioned at the most downstream location, so that this ink is deposited first on the paper. This preliminary arrangement prevents subsequent inks from re-adhering to conveyance rollers and transferring to following sheets, thus maintaining image quality during high-speed printing without requiring post-processing adjustments
2Device complexity
If ink is discharged in conventional order, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to re-deposition on subsequent papers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the arrangement parameter of the inkjet heads based on the particle diameter of the ink they discharge. Specifically, the inkjet head discharging ink with the largest particle diameter is positioned at the most downstream location in the conveyance direction. This parameter-based arrangement ensures that larger particle diameter inks, which are more prone to re-adhesion, are deposited first, preventing image quality deterioration from re-deposition on subsequent papers
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 minimizes ink re-adhering to conveyance rollers and subsequent paper surfaces, thereby enhancing print quality and reducing the likelihood of image quality deterioration, especially in high-speed printing scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
ink containing at least a pigment, a resin, and water
Implementation Method 2
Another technique specifies the ink order based on the viscosities
Implementation Method 3
the color inkjet head discharging the ink containing resin-encapsulated pigment particles with a largest number average particle diameter among the at least two color inkjet heads is arranged in a most downstream of the conveyance direction
Data Source
AI summary
An ink-jet recording apparatus for recording on a recording sheet with an ink containing at least a pigment, a resin, and water includes at least two color inkjet heads. The at least two color inkjet heads are arranged in a conveyance direction of the recording sheet. The color inkjet head discharges the ink containing resin-encapsulated pigment particles with a largest number average particle diameter among the at least two color inkjet heads is arranged in a most downstream of the conveyance direction of the recording sheet.