Inkjet Printer Fixing Device Merging for Smearing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of line printers with a seven-color separation system faces challenges in size and cost due to the need for multiple inkjet heads and fixing devices, which can lead to increased inter-color smearing and degraded printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus configuration where inkjet heads for different colors are arranged side by side, with a single fixing device placed downstream to fix ink after it has passed the inkjet heads, reducing the number of fixing devices and preventing inter-color smearing by using instant-drying type ink and ultraviolet light for drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple inkjet heads and fixing devices are arranged side by side for seven-color separation system, then printing quality is improved, but apparatus size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing devices into a single fixing device positioned downstream of all inkjet heads. This merging approach maintains the ability to fix ink for multiple colors while significantly reducing the number of fixing devices from multiple to one, thereby decreasing apparatus size and cost while preserving printing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from arranging fixing devices in the lateral dimension (side by side with inkjet heads) to positioning the fixing device in the longitudinal dimension (downstream after inkjet heads). This dimensional change allows the same fixing function to be applied to all colors sequentially as the medium moves through the system, reducing the number of fixing devices needed.
2Reliability
If multiple fixing devices are arranged side by side for seven-color separation system, then ink fixation is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fixing devices into a single fixing device that serves all inkjet heads. This consolidation maintains reliable ink fixation for all seven colors while significantly reducing the total number of fixing devices, thereby lowering cost without sacrificing fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fixing device is designed to perform the fixation function for all seven colors sequentially as the medium passes through. This universal fixing device replaces multiple color-specific fixing devices, achieving multi-functionality that reduces cost while maintaining fixation reliability across all colors.
3Manufacturing precision
If inks of different colors are ejected to the same position, then color mixing is improved, but inter-color smearing occurs and printing quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by fixing the ink immediately after ejection through the downstream fixing device before subsequent inks are ejected. This preliminary fixation prevents different colored inks from mixing and smearing on the medium, while still allowing proper color representation through controlled ejection timing and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the concept of rushing through by quickly fixing the ink after ejection through the downstream fixing device, minimizing the time ink remains in liquid state on the medium. This rapid fixation prevents inter-color smearing while maintaining color mixing quality through controlled ejection sequences.
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 increase in apparatus size and cost while maintaining high-definition printing quality by reducing the number of fixing devices and preventing inter-color smearing, even with a large number of inkjet heads.
Implementation Method 1
an ink ejection portion 102 and an ultraviolet light source 104... the ink ejected on the medium by each inkjet head is fixed to the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus and a printing method are provided. The printing apparatus that performs a printing through an inkjet method includes: a conveyor driver which is a medium conveyor device; a plurality of ink ejection portions arranged side by side along a conveyance direction; and a plurality of ultraviolet light sources which are a plurality of fixing devices. Each of the ink ejection portions includes a plurality of inkjet heads arranged side by side along the conveyance direction. Each of the plurality of ultraviolet light sources is disposed on a downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to any one of the ink ejection portions. After the medium passes a position facing the plurality of inkjet heads in one of the ink ejection portions, the ink ejected by the one of the ink ejection portions is fixed to the medium.