Overlapping Nozzle Columns Inkjet Recording Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses with multiple nozzle columns experience stripe-shaped defects in image quality due to large gaps between the recording head and medium, leading to ink deviation and uneven image density, especially during reciprocating movements.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a configuration of first and second recording heads having overlapping nozzle columns, where the number of nozzles is adjusted based on recording duty, carriage speed, and gap settings to maintain appropriate image density and prevent stripe-shaped defects, using a control unit to calculate and adjust the recording duty and nozzle counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between recording head and medium is set to be large to correspond to various types of mediums, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to ink landing position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different recording duties for different nozzle columns based on their specific positions. The first nozzle column (at the end in the transport direction) has a lower recording duty than the second nozzle column, compensating for the radial expansion effect that causes ink to land farther from the nozzle at the end position. This localized adjustment of recording duty for different regions resolves the precision issue while maintaining the large gap for versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of recording duty based on the nozzle column position and transport direction. By dynamically adjusting the recording duty parameter - setting it lower for the first nozzle column and higher for the second nozzle column - the system compensates for ink landing deviation caused by the large gap, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving adaptability to various mediums.
2Productivity
If bidirectional recording is performed with reciprocating movement, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to stripe-shaped defects at boundary portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the stripe-shaped defect issue by applying local quality through position-dependent recording duty adjustment. The first nozzle column operates with a lower recording duty to prevent excessive ink deposition at boundary portions during reciprocating movement, while the second nozzle column uses a higher recording duty to ensure adequate coverage. This localized differentiation eliminates the stripe defects and maintains image quality uniformity while preserving bidirectional recording productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If ink is ejected with high recording duty to ensure coverage, then quantity of substance is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to radial expansion causing thick records at boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between ink coverage and image density uniformity by implementing local quality through differentiated recording duties. The second nozzle column uses a higher recording duty to ensure adequate ink coverage, while the first nozzle column uses a lower recording duty to prevent excessive ink deposition and thick records at boundary portions. This localized adjustment maintains both sufficient coverage and uniform image density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the recording duty parameter based on nozzle column position to balance ink coverage and image density uniformity. By setting the recording duty lower for the first nozzle column and higher for the second nozzle column, the system optimizes the quantity of ink deposited in different regions, preventing both insufficient coverage and excessive thick records at boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
A recording apparatus which includes a recording head including a first nozzle column and a second nozzle column in which nozzles which eject ink are aligned in a first direction, and in which partial regions of the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column overlap each other when viewed in a second direction which intersects the first direction; a transport unit which intermittently transports a medium for recording in the first direction; and a carriage which is attached with the recording head, and moves in the second direction at a time of stopping of a relative movement in the intermittent transport, the apparatus further including a unit for changing the number of nozzles which changes the number of nozzles of which ejecting amounts are controlled in at least one of the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column at a periphery of the partial region, based on a movement speed of the carriage.