Inkjet Nozzle Check Patterning During Non-Image Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face challenges with nozzle clogging and drying, necessitating efficient and appropriate confirmation of nozzle states to ensure stable printing.
Innovation Solution
The printing device employs an inkjet head to discharge ink to regions other than the image region for nozzle state confirmation, utilizing multiple main scanning operations with varying ink discharge amounts and patterns to prevent nozzle drying and confirm nozzle states effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flushing is performed to discharge ink from nozzles separately from printing operation, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but printing efficiency is reduced due to additional maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flushing operation with the printing operation by utilizing the non-image region during normal printing passes. The inkjet head discharges ink in the non-image region while performing regular printing in the image region, merging maintenance function with production function without requiring separate flushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-image region is given dual functionality: it serves both as a maintenance area for nozzle flushing and as a potential area for nozzle state confirmation patterns. This multi-functional use of the same region eliminates the need for dedicated separate regions or operations for maintenance purposes.
2Measurement precision
If nozzle state confirmation is performed by discharging ink to non-image region, then nozzle state can be confirmed, but ink is wasted in the non-image region
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the non-image region that would otherwise be wasted space to serve the dual purpose of nozzle confirmation and potential flushing. The ink discharged for confirmation patterns in the non-image region can simultaneously serve as flushing ink, making the ink discharge serve multiple functions rather than being purely wasteful.
3Reliability
If ink discharge amount to non-image region is increased for flushing purposes, then nozzle drying is prevented, but more ink is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial flushing action by discharging ink only in the non-image region rather than across the entire printing width. This partial action provides sufficient flushing effect to prevent nozzle drying while minimizing unnecessary ink consumption in areas where flushing is not needed.
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
This approach allows for efficient and appropriate confirmation of nozzle states, reducing drying and enhancing printing quality by ensuring optimal nozzle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet head, having multiple nozzles that discharge ink
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
To print more appropriately on a medium. A printing device 10 is provided with an inkjet head 102, a main scanning drive unit 18, a sub-scanning drive unit 20, and a control unit 30, wherein, in at least some main scanning operations, the main scanning drive unit 18 causes the inkjet head 102 to discharge ink to a region other than an image region on a medium 50, and, as a main scanning operation for causing the inkjet head 102 to discharge the ink to the region other than the image region, causes the inkjet head 102 to perform at least a first main scanning operation for causing the inkjet head 102 to draw a nozzle state confirmation pattern in the region other than the image region, and a second main scanning operation for causing an amount of ink discharged to the region other than the image region to differ from that in the first main scanning operation.