Inkjet Head Temperature Uniformity via Segmented Sub Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses experience density unevenness due to temperature distributions in ejection opening arrays, where the central side temperatures are higher than the end side temperatures, leading to sub heater configuration complexities and potential decreases in ejection performance.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a recording head featuring temperature detection elements at different positions and a heating element, controlled by a unit that adjusts heating based on detected temperature differences, to maintain uniform temperature across the ejection opening array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sub heaters are provided only in both end parts of the ejection opening array, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature distribution cannot be eliminated when the central part temperature is higher than the end parts
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented between the electrothermal transducing elements (recording elements) and the sub heater. The recording elements provide primary heating for ink ejection, while the sub heater provides supplemental heating specifically at the end parts to compensate for heat dissipation to the substrate, eliminating the need for complex multi-zone heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub heater is strategically positioned only at the end parts of the ejection opening array where heat dissipation to the substrate occurs most readily. This localized heating approach addresses the specific temperature distribution problem without requiring uniform heating across the entire array, simplifying the device configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ejection amount from the end part side is set to be lower than the central side to suppress landing position deviation, then the landing position accuracy is improved, but the temperature distribution becomes more notable causing density unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The sub heater performs preliminary heating at the end parts before recording elements are activated. This pre-heating counteracts the heat dissipation to the substrate that would otherwise occur during recording, preventing the temperature distribution problem before it arises and eliminating the need to reduce ejection amount at end parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to detect the temperature at the end parts and feedback control adjusts the sub heater power to maintain optimal temperature. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent temperature distribution regardless of variations in recording conditions or ejection amounts at different positions.
3Reliability
If the number of times to drive the electrothermal transducing element at the central side is increased, then the landing position deviation is suppressed, but the temperature distribution becomes more notable
Solution Approach 1:
The sub heater acts as a counterbalancing heating source at the end parts, compensating for the excessive heat generation at the central side. By adding heat at the cooler end parts, the system balances the overall temperature distribution across the ejection opening array, allowing increased driving frequency at the central side without causing temperature-related density unevenness.
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 solution effectively suppresses density unevenness by ensuring uniform temperature distribution, reducing the risk of ejection performance degradation and simplifying the sub heater configuration, thereby improving image recording quality.
Implementation Method 1
a recording system where an electrothermal transducing element is used, and thermal energy generated when a pulse is supplied to the electrothermal transducing element is utilized to eject the ink
Implementation Method 2
a heating element that performs heating of ink in the vicinity of the plurality of recording elements arranged in the recording element array
Implementation Method 3
a first detection element that detects a temperature in a vicinity of the recording element at a first position in the predetermined direction in the recording element array, and a second detection element that detects a temperature in a vicinity of the recording element at a second position that is different from the first position
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, temperatures at a plurality of different positions in an array direction in an ejection opening array are detected, and heating by a heating element is executed in a case where a temperature difference between the temperatures is higher than a predetermined threshold.