Inkjet Print Head Cleaning With Solvent Vapor Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording devices face issues with solvent vapor floating around the print head during cleaning and ink stains on the periphery due to beam bending abnormalities during ink ejection.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a print head with a charging electrode, deflection electrode, and a gutter system, along with a control unit that regulates ink and solvent flow, includes a cleaning tank for solvent discharge and air drying, and an electric charge sensor to manage the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If air is discharged to dry the print head after solvent cleaning, then the drying effect is improved, but solvent vapor floats around the print head causing odor and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A suction unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the cleaning nozzle and the environment. This suction unit actively draws solvent vapor away from the print head during the drying process, mediating the interaction between the drying air flow and the surrounding environment to prevent vapor accumulation and odor.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful solvent vapor is extracted from the system during the drying process. The suction unit removes solvent vapor that would otherwise float around the print head, separating the harmful vapor from the beneficial drying function and directing it away from the workspace.
2Productivity
If ink ejection is started immediately after system startup, then productivity is improved, but beam bending abnormalities occur causing ink stains on the periphery
Solution Approach 1:
A preliminary stabilization period is implemented after system startup before ink ejection begins. During this period, the charging electrode and deflection electrode are activated and stabilized, ensuring that the electric field is properly established before ink particles are ejected, thereby preventing beam bending abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the operational status of the charging and deflection electrodes and adjusts the ink ejection timing based on this feedback. The system determines when the electrodes have stabilized and are ready for accurate ink particle manipulation, ensuring precision is maintained before full productivity is achieved.
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
Reduces solvent vapor release and ink stains by effectively cleaning the print head, ensuring minimal contamination and odor during the process.
Implementation Method 1
a charging electrode that charges ink particles discharged from the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a deflection electrode that deflects the ink particles charged by the charging electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of solvent vapor floating around when a print head is cleaned in an inkjet recording device. In addition, an object is to reduce ink stains on a periphery of the print head. An inkjet recording device includes a main body portion and a print head. The main body portion includes an ink container that contains ink, and a solvent container that contains a solvent. The print head includes a nozzle connected to the ink container to discharge the pressurized and supplied ink, a charging electrode that charges ink particles discharged from the nozzle, a deflection electrode that deflects the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter that collects the ink. In addition, a head mounting unit for cleaning the print head is provided. The head mounting unit is connected to a solvent vapor suction path for suctioning solvent vapor generated therearound.