Inkjet Marking System with Automatic Ink Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet marking apparatuses in production environments face challenges such as prolonged startup times due to ambient temperature fluctuations and poor usability when power is interrupted, requiring manual settings via input panels, which hinder immediate printing operations.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet marking apparatus with a print head, charging and deflecting electrodes, and a gutter, controlled by a main unit controller, connected to a server via communication networks, allowing remote setup and automated ink circulation processes, enabling quick startup and settings from external control appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If startup processing is performed immediately before actual printing process, then the apparatus can be used quickly, but it takes 10 to 20 minutes to warm up at low temperatures making immediate printing impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The ink circulation process is executed automatically during the warm-up period before printing is requested. The system detects print head installation and automatically starts ink circulation without requiring operator intervention, preparing the ink flow system in advance so that printing can begin immediately when needed.
2Reliability
If power is interrupted, then the apparatus stops operation, but manual setting of ink circulation process via input panel is required causing poor usability
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the print head is installed and autonomously starts the ink circulation process without requiring operator intervention. The main unit controller monitors the print head detector signal and automatically controls the ink circulation, eliminating the need for manual panel operations even after power interruptions.
3Ease of operation
If operator goes to apparatus location to set ink circulation process, then settings can be made, but this causes poor usability due to requiring physical presence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic ink circulation process setup by detecting print head installation and autonomously controlling the circulation parameters. The main unit controller automatically adjusts the ink circulation based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for operators to physically access the apparatus for routine setup tasks.
4Extent of automation
If ink circulation process is set manually via input panel, then the process can be configured, but this requires operator intervention increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The main unit controller automatically detects print head installation through the print head detector and autonomously initiates and controls the ink circulation process. The system self-regulates the circulation parameters based on detected conditions, reducing the need for complex manual configuration interfaces while maintaining effective ink circulation control.
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
Facilitates immediate and automated ink circulation, quick startup, and remote management, eliminating the need for manual settings and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a print head which is supplied with ink and makes a print and has a nozzle which spouts out the ink while the ink turns into particles
Implementation Method 2
a charging electrode which gives charge to the ink particles spouted out from the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
a deflecting electrode which changes the flying direction of the thus charged ink particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an inkjet marking apparatus and an inkjet marking system enabling it to remotely perform maintenance management including a print head cleaning process and the like. There is disclosed an inkjet marking apparatus equipped with a print head including a nozzle which spouts out ink while the ink turns into particles, a charging electrode which gives charge to ink particles spouted out, a deflecting electrode which deflects the charged ink particles, and a gutter which collects non-used ink; a main unit equipped with an ink supply path to supply ink in an ink container to the print head, an ink collection path to collect ink not used for printing into the ink container, a solvent supply path to supply a solvent in a solvent container to the ink container, and flow rate regulators which regulate flows of the ink and the solvent in these respective paths; a main unit controller which controls operation of the flow rate regulators in the main unit and the print head; and a head receptacle unit including a head holding part to set and hold the print head secured in place and a print head detector which detects that the print head has been set secured in place, wherein the main unit controller starts jetting of the ink from the nozzle when a preset start time comes, provided that it is detected that the print head has been set secured in the head receptacle unit.