Liquid Ejecting Head Layout for High-Density, Low-Ripple Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in achieving high nozzle density for high-resolution printing while minimizing the occurrence of wind ripples and maintaining a manageable head size, particularly when nozzle rows of the same color are closely spaced.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a liquid ejecting head with multiple head chips, each containing nozzle rows arranged in specific configurations where nozzles of different types are shifted by half a pitch along orthogonal axes, and a movement mechanism to adjust relative positions, allowing for high-resolution printing with reduced wind ripple occurrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between nozzle rows is shortened to increase nozzle density, then printing resolution is improved, but wind ripples easily occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by arranging nozzle rows in an interlaced pattern where odd and even numbered rows are offset from each other. This dimensional arrangement allows nozzle rows to be closely spaced (improving resolution) while the offset positioning prevents wind ripple interference between adjacent rows of the same color, thus resolving the contradiction between high density and wind ripple suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nozzle rows into odd and even numbered groups, each handling different colors. By separating the arrangement patterns of these segments and offsetting their positions, the system achieves high overall nozzle density while preventing wind ripple issues that would occur with uniform close spacing of all nozzle rows.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between adjacent nozzle rows is reduced to arrange nozzles at high density, then printing resolution is improved, but head size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes offset positioning in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the ejection direction) to achieve high nozzle density without increasing head size. By arranging odd and even nozzle rows at different positions along the transverse axis, the system packs more nozzles into the same head footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between high density and compact size.
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzle rows of the same color are closely spaced, then printing resolution is improved, but wind ripples easily occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments nozzle rows by color and position, assigning odd numbered rows to one set of colors and even numbered rows to another set. This segmentation allows closely spaced physical arrangement for high resolution while the alternating pattern ensures that same-color nozzles are not adjacent, preventing wind ripple formation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a first head chip having a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row; a second head chip having a third nozzle row and a fourth nozzle row; and a movement mechanism moving relative positions of the first and second head chips and a printing medium along a second axis. The first to fourth nozzle rows are parallel to a third axis intersecting the second axis. Positions of the nozzles of the first nozzle row the nozzles of the fourth nozzle row along a seventh axis orthogonal to a second axis are shifted by half a pitch. The first and fourth nozzle rows eject a first liquid. Positions of the nozzles of the second nozzle row and the nozzles of the third nozzle row along the seventh axis are shifted by half a pitch. The second and third nozzle rows eject a second liquid.