Printer Nozzle Recovery and Discharge Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers face delays in starting print processing due to the need to complete maintenance operations, such as nozzle recovery and discharge, even when print data is input before these processes are finished.
Innovation Solution
A printer system that allows print processing to begin during maintenance operations if print data is input, with the option to complete discharge operations after printing, prioritizing quick start-up by separating nozzle recovery (important for print quality) from discharge operations (of lower priority).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge operation is continuously performed after the nozzle recovery operation, then the liquid is prevented from remaining in components, but the print processing start time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the maintenance processing into two independent parts: nozzle recovery operation (discharging liquid from nozzles to receiver) and discharge operation (pumping liquid from receiver to waste storage). This segmentation allows the print processing to start after the nozzle recovery operation completes, while the discharge operation continues or completes afterward, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring complete liquid discharge and reducing print processing delay.
2Reliability
If the maintenance processing is completed before print processing, then proper maintenance is ensured, but the transition to print processing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by completing only the essential nozzle recovery operation before starting print processing, while the discharge operation (which is less critical for immediate print quality) is performed partially during or after print processing. This ensures that the minimum necessary maintenance (nozzle clearing) is completed while minimizing the delay to print processing start.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printer including: a liquid jetting head; a receiving section; a waste-liquid storing section; a connecting channel connecting the receiving section and the waste-liquid storing section; a pump; and a controller. The controller executes: printing; recovering nozzles; discharging the liquid, which is present in at least one of the receiving section and the connecting channel, to the waste-liquid storing section, after the recovering of the nozzles. Under a condition that there is no input of the print data before the discharging of the liquid, the controller executes the discharging of the liquid continuously after the recovering of the nozzles; under a condition that there is an input of the print data before the discharging of the liquid, the controller executes the printing after the recovering of the nozzles and then executes at least a part of the discharging of the liquid after the printing.