Inkjet Ink Receiver Flushing to Prevent Drying and Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with ink drying and reduced flowability on the ink receiver, leading to contamination of the recording medium and clogging of the ink discharging flow path, which are not adequately addressed by previous methods.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a liquid supply mechanism that supplies a dissolving liquid to the ink receiver to wash away residual ink, preventing drying and maintaining flowability, thereby reducing contamination and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flushing is performed to prevent nozzle clogging, then nozzle reliability is improved, but ink dries on the ink receiver causing flowability degradation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid supply mechanism introduces a liquid (such as water or solvent) as an intermediary substance to the ink receiver. This liquid mixes with the accumulated ink, preventing drying and maintaining flowability. The liquid acts as a mediator between the ink and the environment, solving the contradiction by enabling continuous flushing without the harmful side effect of ink drying on the receiver surface.
2Productivity
If ink is periodically ejected through nozzles, then clogging is prevented, but the ejected ink accumulates and dries on the ink receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply mechanism operates continuously or periodically to supply liquid to the ink receiver, ensuring that the ink remains in a liquid state throughout the flushing process. This continuous action prevents the interruption of ink flowability that would occur if flushing stopped and ink began to dry, thereby maintaining productivity while preserving ink composition stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of liquid changes the physical parameters of the ink in the receiver, specifically maintaining lower viscosity and preventing phase change from liquid to solid/dried state. By controlling the liquid supply rate, the system adjusts the ink's flow parameters to remain optimal for both flushing efficiency and prevent drying.
3Quantity of substance
If an ink receiver is provided to collect ejected ink, then ink collection efficiency is improved, but dried ink adheres to the conveyance belt causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The supplied liquid acts as an intermediary that prevents direct contact and adhesion between dried ink and the conveyance belt. By maintaining the ink in a liquid state through continuous liquid supply, the system prevents the harmful adhesion effect while preserving the ink collection function of the receiver.
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 collects and dissolves dried ink, preventing contamination and clogging, ensuring efficient operation of the inkjet recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid capable of dissolving the ink is supplied into the ink receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a conveyance belt, a control portion, an ink receiver, an ink discharging flow path, and a liquid supply mechanism. The recording head includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink. The conveyance belt has a plurality of first openings and conveys a recording medium. The control portion executes flushing in which the ink is ejected through the nozzles of the recording head to pass through any of the plurality of first openings. The ink receiver is opposite disposed to be opposed to the recording head via the conveyance belt and receives the ink that has passed through the first openings during execution of the flushing. The ink discharging flow path is connected to the ink receiver. The liquid supply mechanism supplies a liquid capable of dissolving the ink into the ink receiver.