Inkjet Print Head Mist Suppression via Upstream Blowing and Downstream Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face issues with ink mist spatter, leading to reduced image quality and internal staining due to gas flows affecting nozzle positions and inefficient mist collection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a blowing-out unit and suction unit, where the ejection opening, blowing-out opening, and suction opening are arranged in a specific order along the movement direction, allowing the ink mist to land on the medium while minimizing spatter and enabling stable gas flow for efficient mist collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas flow is generated between blowing-out opening and suction opening to collect ink mist, then ink mist collection is improved, but ink droplets may land on printing medium at deviated positions lowering printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by arranging the blowing-out opening and suction opening in the upstream-downstream direction along the medium movement direction, rather than positioning them facing each other. This dimensional arrangement allows gas flow to act on ink mist after ejection without interfering with the precise positioning of ink droplets during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing-out opening is positioned upstream to pre-establish a gas flow field before the ink mist reaches the suction opening. This preliminary action of blowing gas toward the medium creates a controlled environment that guides ink mist deposition while the suction opening subsequently collects excess mist.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blowing-out opening and suction opening are positioned to collect ink mist, then ink mist spatter is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blowing-out opening and suction opening into a single integrated unit that moves together with the liquid ejection head. This merging of functions into one coordinated system reduces the need for separate fixed collection systems and simplifies the overall apparatus structure while maintaining effective mist suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated blowing-out and suction unit serves multiple functions: it suppresses ink mist spatter, guides ink droplet deposition, and can be positioned at optimal locations relative to the ejection head. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mist collection systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If ejection opening, blowing-out opening, and suction opening are arranged in specific order, then ink mist lands on medium with suppressed spatter, but gas flow rate must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the relative movement between the liquid ejection head and medium to automatically maintain optimal positioning of the blowing-out and suction openings. This self-positioning mechanism reduces the need for complex active control systems, as the motion itself ensures the openings remain in correct spatial relationships.
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 arrangement suppresses ink mist spatter, maintains image quality, and allows for a more compact printing apparatus by eliminating the need for ink mist collection and disposal systems.
Implementation Method 1
blowing out gas from the blowing-out opening... at least a portion of the mist moves toward the medium together with the gas blown out from the blowing-out opening
Implementation Method 2
a suction unit including a suction opening for sucking gas on the medium... sucking, into the suction opening, gas on the medium including the gas blown out from the blowing-out opening
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention suppresses the spread of a mist of a liquid ejected from a liquid ejection head. Air is blown out toward a printing medium from a blowing-out opening relatively moving together with a print head, as the liquid ejection head, with respect to the printing medium. Air on the printing medium is sucked into a suction opening relatively moving together with the print head with respect to the printing medium. An ink ejection opening of the print head, the blowing-out opening, and the suction opening are arranged in the order from an upstream side to a downstream side in a moving direction of the printing medium with respect to the print head.