Inkjet Head Cleaning via Dynamic Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet printers face discharge failure due to ink adhering to wipers during the wiping process, leading to bubble retention in nozzles and incomplete ink replenishment, which prevents effective ink discharge.
Innovation Solution
A head cleaning method involving a circulation flow path with adjustable flow rates, where the flow rate is increased for wiping and then decreased to ensure nozzle filling and bubble removal, allowing for efficient ink replenishment and prevention of discharge failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the wiping process is performed without pressurizing ink in the ink supply path, then ink consumption during wiping is suppressed, but ink in the nozzles is drawn to the wiper and bubbles remain in the nozzles causing discharge failure
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply path pressurization state is dynamically changed during the wiping process. The control section sets the pressurization state to a first state (pressurized) during wiping to prevent ink from being drawn to the wiper, and to a second state (not pressurized) at other times to reduce ink consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between suppressing ink consumption and preventing discharge failure.
2Reliability
If the flow rate of liquid in the circulation flow path is increased during wiping, then ink replenishment to nozzles is ensured preventing bubbles, but ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate of liquid in the circulation flow path is dynamically adjusted based on the wiping process state. During wiping, the flow rate is set to a first flow rate (higher) to ensure adequate ink replenishment to nozzles and prevent bubble formation. During non-wiping periods, the flow rate is reduced to a second flow rate (lower) to minimize ink consumption. This dynamic flow rate control resolves the contradiction between maintaining nozzle filling reliability and reducing ink consumption.
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 method effectively cleans nozzle surfaces, prevents discharge failure, and ensures proper ink states in nozzles for continuous printing by ensuring menisci reach proper states during the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation flow path that includes a first flow path which supplies the liquid from the storage section to the head and a second flow path which refluxes the liquid from the head to the storage section
Implementation Method 2
a pump that circulates the liquid in the circulation flow path
Implementation Method 3
a wiping section that performs a wiping process to wipe off contaminants which adhere to a nozzle opening surface by relatively moving with regard to the head while being abutted on the nozzle opening surface of the head
Implementation Method 4
a first step of setting a flow rate per unit time of the liquid which flows through the circulation flow path to a first flow rate which is greater than a flow rate in a case in which the liquid is discharged to the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a head cleaning method in a liquid discharging apparatus which includes a head, a storage section that stores liquid, a circulation flow path that includes a first flow path which supplies the liquid from the storage section to the head and a second flow path which refluxes the liquid from the head to the storage section, a circulation pump, and a wiping section. The head cleaning method includes: a first step of setting a flow rate per unit time of the liquid which flows through the circulation flow path to a first flow rate which is greater than a flow rate in a case in which the liquid is discharged to the recording medium; a second step of the wiping section performing the wiping process after the first step; and a third step of setting the flow rate per unit time of the liquid which flows through the circulation flow path to a second flow rate which is lower than the first flow rate after the second step.