Liquid Ejecting Head Nozzle Plate Segmentation for Color Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, the wiping mechanism can cause mixed liquids from different nozzles to be rubbed into the nozzle, leading to increased liquid consumption during cleaning operations, which can result in deteriorated image quality due to color mixing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head with a configuration that includes a first region of nozzles and a second region with an inhibiting portion, which prevents the movement of adhered liquid and mixed liquids, reducing the need for excessive liquid discharge during cleaning by separating nozzle groups and using a liquid repellent film on the nozzle plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiping mechanism is provided to remove liquid from the nozzle surface, then liquid adhering to the nozzle surface is removed, but mixed liquid from different nozzles is rubbed into the nozzle causing increased liquid consumption during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate surface is divided into multiple independent regions by partition walls, with each region corresponding to a specific nozzle. This segmentation prevents liquid from different nozzles from mixing on the surface, allowing the wiping mechanism to remove adhered liquid without causing color mixing or requiring excessive cleaning liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls are introduced as intermediary structures between adjacent nozzles. These walls act as barriers that prevent liquid from spreading laterally between nozzles during ejection and wiping operations, thereby eliminating the need for aggressive cleaning that would consume excessive liquid.
2Ease of operation
If the recessed portion is filled with liquid before wiping, then the wiping mechanism can remove adhered liquid, but the filled liquid may be rubbed into the nozzle causing color mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is divided into multiple separate compartments by partition walls, with each compartment corresponding to a specific nozzle. This segmentation allows liquid to be present in the recessed portion for effective wiping while preventing mixing between different nozzle liquids, eliminating color mixing during the wiping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment in the recessed portion is designed with specific local characteristics corresponding to its associated nozzle. This local quality ensures that liquid in each compartment remains isolated and can be effectively removed by the wiping mechanism without contaminating other nozzles.
3Reliability
If a liquid repellent film is applied to the nozzle plate, then liquid movement is suppressed and adhered liquid is prevented from rubbing into the nozzle, but the film may affect liquid ejection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid repellent film is applied selectively to specific regions of the nozzle plate where it is needed for liquid containment, such as the recessed portion and areas adjacent to nozzles. This localized application provides liquid repellent properties to prevent adhered liquid from rubbing into nozzles while avoiding excessive film coverage that could interfere with liquid ejection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the nozzle plate are modified by applying the liquid repellent film, changing the surface energy and wettability parameters. This parameter change creates a hydrophobic surface that repels liquid and prevents adhered liquid from spreading or rubbing into nozzles, while the controlled application ensures ejection performance is maintained.
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 suppresses the movement of adhered and mixed liquids, reducing the amount of liquid consumption required for cleaning and preventing color mixing, thereby maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid repellent film on the nozzle plate
Implementation Method 2
the liquid repellent property of the inhibiting portion is higher than a liquid repellent property of the second region and lower than a liquid repellent property of the first region
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head having a plurality of nozzles ejecting a liquid toward a medium, the head includes a first region including the plurality of nozzles and a second region surrounding the first region, the first and second regions being provided in a portion of the liquid ejecting head opposed to the medium in which the second region has an inhibiting portion inhibiting a movement of the liquid.