Inkjet Head Startup Synchronization to Prevent Ink Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face a challenge in shortening the First Copy Out Time (FCOT) due to a standby period where image data generation in the reading process is prolonged, leading to ink drying in the inkjet head during the startup process, which affects the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed to synchronize the startup processes of the image reading and image forming devices, with a mechanism to manage the standby period by determining the execution periods for the reading and pre-printing processes based on operation modes and post-ejection periods to ensure timely initiation of the printing process, thereby preventing ink drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the startup process of the image forming device is completed before the reading process, then the FCOT is shortened, but the ink dries inside the uncapped inkjet head during the prolonged standby period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the uncapping process and initial ink ejection before the reading process completes. The controller starts the uncapping process and causes the inkjet head to eject ink droplets in advance, so that when the reading process finishes and image data becomes available, the inkjet head is already prepared and ink has not dried. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the inkjet head beforehand to eliminate the harmful standby period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the startup process timing. The controller dynamically adjusts the execution timing of the uncapping process and ink ejection based on the expected duration of the reading process. By making the startup process duration adjustable and synchronized with the reading process, the system prevents ink drying while minimizing FCOT, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Productivity
If the reading process and image forming process are started at the same time, then the FCOT is shortened, but a standby period occurs before image forming where ink may dry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the uncapping process and initial ink ejection before the reading process completes. The controller starts the uncapping process and causes the inkjet head to eject ink droplets in advance, so that when the reading process finishes and image data becomes available, the inkjet head is already prepared and ink has not dried. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the inkjet head beforehand to eliminate the harmful standby period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful standby period into a beneficial pre-preparation time. Instead of viewing the time before image data is ready as wasted time that causes ink drying, the system uses this period to perform the uncapping process and initial ink ejection, transforming the harmful standby into a useful preliminary action that ensures inkjet head readiness when printing starts.
Data Source
AI summary
In an inkjet printing apparatus, a controller causes a scanner to read an image formed on an original in response to reception of a copy instruction and generates image data representing the read image. The controller determines a standby period in response to reception of the copy instruction. In response to elapse of the standby period since the reception of the copy instruction, the controller separates a cap and an inkjet head. After the cap and the inkjet head separated each other and completion of reading at least part of the image on the original, the controller causes the recording head to eject ink droplets based on the image data.