Inkjet Printing Apparatus Startup Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face a challenge in shortening the First Copy Out Time (FCOT) due to a standby period where image data generation in the reading process is prolonged, leading to ink drying in the inkjet head during the startup process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus optimizes the startup process by synchronizing the image reading and image forming processes, utilizing a maintenance device to prevent ink drying by managing the uncapping and ink ejection processes, and adjusting the standby period based on reading and printing conditions to ensure timely initiation of the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the startup process of the image forming device is completed quickly, then the FCOT is shortened, but the ink may dry inside the inkjet head during the standby period
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is uncapped in advance during the startup process before the image forming process begins. This preliminary action ensures that the inkjet head is in a ready state to receive ink immediately when the image forming process starts, preventing ink drying during the standby period while maintaining quick FCOT.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of the uncapping operation based on the detected standby period duration. When the standby period is detected to be longer than a threshold, the uncapping is performed earlier in the startup sequence. This dynamic adjustment prevents ink drying while optimizing the FCOT for different operating conditions.
2Productivity
If the reading process and image forming process are started at the same time, then the FCOT is shortened, but the image data generation may prolong the standby period causing ink drying
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the actual standby period duration by measuring the time between the completion of the startup process and the start of the image forming process. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the uncapping timing to ensure ink is ready immediately when printing begins, preventing drying while maintaining parallel process execution for optimal productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an inkjet printing apparatus, in response to reception of a copy instruction, a controller causes the scanner to read an image formed on an original, generates image data representing the image on the original, and determines a standby period corresponding to an operation mode. In response to elapse of the standby period since the copy instruction was received, the controller separates a cap and an inkjet head. After the cap and the inkjet head separated each other, the controller causes the inkjet head to eject ink droplets based on the image data. The controller determines the standby period such that the separation of the cap and the inkjet head executed in parallel with reading of the image on the original finishes at the same time or earlier than generation of image data necessary to start to print the read image printing process in reading the image on the original.