Recording Apparatus Electric Field Control for Ink Mist
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with ink mist deposition on the nozzle surface during borderless recording, leading to user-hand contamination and nozzle clogging due to the formation of an electric field, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with an electric field generating unit that applies a higher voltage in the liquid discarded region outside the medium's edge compared to the recording region, reducing mist deposition on the nozzle surface by attracting ink droplets effectively and using a conductive member and absorber to collect the ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a potential difference is applied between the recording head and electrode plate to attract liquid droplets, then mist attraction effect is improved, but satellite droplets deposit on the nozzle surface causing nozzle missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode plate into multiple independent electrode sections that can be controlled separately. Different voltage levels are applied to different regions: a first voltage to attract satellite droplets away from the nozzle, and a second voltage to attract liquid droplets onto the medium. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing simultaneous mist attraction and nozzle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode plate is segmented into multiple electrode sections that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the system to apply different electric field strengths to different spatial regions, allowing the attraction of satellite droplets while preventing their deposition on the nozzle surface.
2Productivity
If a uniform voltage is applied across the entire electrode plate, then liquid droplets are attracted effectively, but satellite droplets are not properly directed away from the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
Different voltage levels are applied to different electrode sections based on their spatial position and functional requirements. The first voltage is applied to sections where satellite droplet attraction is needed, while the second voltage is applied to sections where liquid droplet attraction is needed, achieving both goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltages applied to different electrode sections can be dynamically adjusted based on the recording state and carriage position. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the electric field distribution for different recording scenarios, improving both productivity and reducing harmful effects.
3Manufacturing precision
If the voltage applied to the electrode plate is increased to enhance mist attraction, then borderless recording quality is improved, but the risk of nozzle clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different voltage levels to different electrode sections to create a differentiated electric field. This allows strong electric fields in regions where mist attraction is needed while maintaining weaker fields near the nozzle, achieving high borderless recording quality without increasing nozzle clogging risk.
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
The solution achieves high mist attraction and collection, reducing nozzle clogging and user-hand contamination by varying the electric field based on the position of the carriage and medium, ensuring efficient borderless recording across different paper sizes and positions.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field generating unit that forms an electric field between a nozzle forming surface of the recording head and a nozzle facing section that faces the nozzle forming surface... by applying a voltage to the conductive member
Implementation Method 2
applies an increased voltage in a liquid discarded region outside the edge compared to a voltage applied in the recording region other than the liquid discarded region
Data Source
AI summary
An electric field generating unit that forms an electric field between a nozzle forming surface of a recording head and a medium support section that faces the nozzle forming surface by applying a voltage to a conductive member includes the conductive member, forms an electric field, and, during borderless recording in which ink is ejected on inside and outside of an edge of a paper sheet, applies an increased voltage in an ink discarded region outside the edge compared to a voltage applied in a recording region other than the ink discarded region.