Liquid Discharge Head Airflow Partitioning for Ink Mist Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge apparatuses, ink mist generated during the discharge process can cause image quality deterioration and internal staining, and existing collection mechanisms may not effectively prevent mixing of different liquids from multiple discharge units.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first liquid discharge unit, a second liquid discharge unit, a first airflow generator, and a partition plate. The first airflow generator generates airflow in the main scanning direction between the units, and the partition plate separates the airflow generator from the second liquid discharge unit, preventing ink mist and liquid mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple liquid discharge units are disposed at different positions in the conveyance direction, then productivity is improved by enabling parallel processing, but ink mist from different units may mix and cause image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the liquid discharge apparatus is segmented into multiple discharge regions using partition plates. Each partition plate is disposed between adjacent liquid discharge units in the conveyance direction, creating separate airflow zones that prevent ink mist from mixing between units while allowing parallel operation of multiple discharge heads
Solution Approach 2:
Airflow generators are positioned between liquid discharge units to generate controlled airflow that acts as an intermediary mechanism. The airflow directs ink mist from each discharge unit toward its designated collection path, preventing cross-contamination between units while maintaining efficient mist removal
2Reliability
If airflow generators are disposed between liquid discharge units, then ink mist collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow generators serve multiple functions: they generate airflow for ink mist collection, create pressure differences for directing airflow between discharge units, and work in conjunction with partition plates to define separate collection zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow generation function is integrated into the existing structural framework of the apparatus, with airflow generators positioned to serve multiple discharge units simultaneously. The partition plates and airflow generators work as a combined system where the partition plates define zones and the airflow generators provide the driving force for mist collection in those zones
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 configuration effectively prevents ink mist from scattering and mixing between different liquid discharge units, thereby maintaining image quality and preventing internal staining, while ensuring efficient airflow circulation for mist collection.
Implementation Method 1
The first airflow generator generates an airflow flowing in the main scanning direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a first liquid discharge unit including a first liquid discharge head that moves in a main scanning direction to discharge a liquid onto a recording medium conveyed in a conveyance direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, a second liquid discharge unit at a different position with the first liquid discharge unit in the conveyance direction and including a second liquid discharge head that moves in the main scanning direction parallel to the first liquid discharge head to discharge a liquid onto the recording medium, a first airflow generator between the first liquid discharge unit and the second liquid discharge unit in the conveyance direction to generate an airflow flowing in the main scanning direction, and a partition plate between the first airflow generator and the second liquid discharge unit in the conveyance direction.