Droplet Ejector Cleaner With Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing uniformly-shaped particulate resins, such as soap-free polymerization, are inefficient due to long processing times, high water and energy consumption, and difficulties in removing solvents, leading to broadened particle diameter distributions and reduced productivity in toner and inkjet recording applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for cleaning droplet ejectors using a cleaning liquid that forms a closed space around the nozzles and nozzle plate, vibrating the cleaning liquid to effectively remove adhered materials and prevent nozzle clogging, thereby maintaining efficient droplet ejection and improving particle uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a cleaning liquid is supplied to clean the nozzle surface without vibration, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning time is long and cleaning effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration device that vibrates the cleaning liquid supplied to the nozzle surface. This mechanical vibration enhances the cleaning effectiveness by disrupting adhered toner composition and prevents smudge formation, thereby reducing cleaning time without requiring complex mechanical contact with the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cleaning liquid supply device to deliver cleaning liquid to the nozzle surface in a controlled manner. By combining hydraulic delivery with vibration, the system achieves effective cleaning without direct mechanical contact, simplifying the overall device structure while improving cleaning efficiency
2Productivity
If the nozzle surface is not cleaned periodically, then the device complexity is reduced, but the particle diameter distribution broadens and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to be integrated with the droplet ejector operation, allowing periodic cleaning to be performed automatically during the production process. The vibration-based cleaning mechanism maintains nozzle surface cleanliness without requiring separate complex cleaning procedures, thereby preserving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
By using vibration to clean the nozzle surface, the system prevents toner composition adhesion and smudge formation that would otherwise broaden particle diameter distribution. This maintains consistent droplet ejection and sharp particle diameter distribution, improving toner production efficiency
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is supplied in large amounts, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but energy consumption and liquid usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration applied to the cleaning liquid enhances its cleaning capability through mechanical action that disrupts adhered toner composition. This allows effective cleaning to be achieved with smaller amounts of cleaning liquid, reducing both liquid consumption and the energy required to supply and remove excess liquid
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 method significantly reduces cleaning time, enhances the productivity of toner and inkjet recording processes by ensuring precise droplet ejection and maintaining a sharp particle diameter distribution, thus improving the quality and efficiency of particulate material production.
Implementation Method 1
a droplet ejector having a thin film, which has multiple nozzles and which is periodically vibrated up and down by an electromechanical converter serving as a vibrator to periodically change the pressure in a chamber
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning liquid vibrator to vibrate the cleaning liquid, which is in contact with the droplet ejector, in contact vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner, such as provided in a particulate material production apparatus, for cleaning a droplet ejector, which includes nozzles to eject a particulate material composition liquid as droplets, and a nozzle plate bearing the nozzles. A substantially closed cleaning space is formed outside the nozzles and the nozzle plate, and a first cleaning liquid supplying device supplies a first cleaning liquid to the cleaning space so that the nozzles and the nozzle plate are contacted with the first cleaning liquid. In addition, a vibrator vibrates the first cleaning liquid when the nozzles and the nozzle plate are contacted with the first cleaning liquid to clean the nozzles and the nozzle plate.