Inkjet Printing Apparatus Mist Reduction via Independent Ejection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-quality image formation with sufficient water resistance and preventing nozzle clogging, while also reducing the generation of processing liquid mist to avoid apparatus deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a controller to independently manage the ejection conditions of ink and processing liquid, using a first printing element array for ink containing a coloring material and a second array for processing liquid that coagulates or insolubilizes the coloring material, with distinct ejection energies and temperatures to minimize processing liquid mist generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejection speed and ejection amount of processing liquid are reduced to reduce processing-liquid mist, then the mist amount is reduced and apparatus reliability is improved, but the landing accuracy of ink is lowered and image quality is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ejection system into two independent printing element arrays: a first array for ejecting ink and a second array for ejecting processing liquid. This segmentation allows independent control of ejection conditions for each liquid type, enabling optimization of ink ejection for image quality while suppressing processing liquid mist to improve reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different ejection conditions to different printing element arrays based on their specific functions. The first array uses conditions optimized for ink ejection (higher energy, faster speed) to ensure image quality, while the second array uses conditions optimized for processing liquid ejection (lower energy, slower speed) to minimize mist generation and improve apparatus reliability
2Reliability
If ink with improved water resistance is used, then water resistance of the image is improved, but the ink can easily clog the nozzle and the water resistance is not necessarily sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces processing liquid as an intermediary substance that reacts with the coloring material in the ink. This processing liquid acts as a mediator that facilitates the water resistance improvement mechanism while allowing the ink to remain dissolved and flowable during ejection, preventing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of the coloring material from dissolved to coagulated/insolubilized form through reaction with processing liquid. This parameter change enables the coloring material to provide water resistance while the ink itself remains in a flowable state during ejection, preventing nozzle clogging
3Reliability
If a new mechanism is provided to improve water resistance and prevent nozzle clogging, then water resistance is improved and nozzle clogging is prevented, but the device is complicated and apparatus cost is drastically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water resistance improvement function and nozzle clogging prevention function into a single integrated mechanism. By using processing liquid that reacts with the coloring material, the system simultaneously achieves both water resistance and prevents clogging without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The processing liquid serves multiple functions: it provides water resistance through chemical reaction with the coloring material, prevents nozzle clogging by maintaining ink flowability, and enables high-density image formation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure
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 high-quality image formation and improved apparatus life by reducing processing liquid mist without lowering ink ejection speed or amount, thus addressing both image quality and reliability issues.
Implementation Method 1
processing liquid which coagulates or insolubilizes a coloring material in ink
Implementation Method 2
providing a processing liquid such as a print property improving liquid which causes chemical reaction with printing ink
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has an object to provide an inkjet printing apparatus that can realize both high quality image formation and improvement of a device life caused by the reduction of a mist amount of a processing liquid. The present invention is provided with a control unit that can independently control an ink ejection condition in an ink ejection unit and a processing-liquid ejection condition in a processing-liquid ejection unit. The control unit controls the ejection condition in each ejection unit so that the mist amount of the processing liquid ejected from the processing-liquid eject unit is smaller than that of the ink ejected from the ink eject unit.