Dual Head Cleaning for Resin Inkjet Nozzle Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining low maintenance costs while effectively cleaning nozzles due to the use of inks with high adhesive strength, leading to durability issues and increased maintenance frequency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual cleaning system with a first cleaning device for ink droplets containing resin and a second cleaning device for resin-free droplets, utilizing different cleaning mechanisms to reduce maintenance frequency and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an ink high in adhesive strength is used to enhance adhesion to recording medium, then adhesion is improved, but it becomes difficult to remove the ink dried and fixed to nozzle face, leading to reduced durability of recording heads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cleaning process into two distinct segments: a first cleaning device that contacts the nozzle face at a first pressure, and a second cleaning device that contacts the nozzle face at a second pressure higher than the first. This segmentation allows each cleaning device to perform its specific function without causing damage, resolving the contradiction between removing high-adhesion ink and protecting nozzle durability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different cleaning pressures at different locations or stages of the cleaning process. The first cleaning device applies a lower pressure suitable for routine cleaning, while the second cleaning device applies a higher pressure only when needed for removing dried ink. This local differentiation of cleaning intensity maintains nozzle durability while effectively removing adhesive ink
2Ease of operation
If a cleaning device with a cleaning roller and a cleaning blade is used to clean recording heads, then cleaning capability is improved, but excessive maintenance is performed, increasing maintenance cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the cleaning system dynamic by selectively activating the second cleaning device only when the first cleaning device cannot sufficiently clean the nozzle face. The control unit monitors cleaning effectiveness and dynamically adjusts whether to engage the second cleaning device, thereby avoiding unnecessary maintenance operations and reducing maintenance costs while maintaining effective cleaning capability
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 approach effectively reduces maintenance costs and prevents excessive wear on the recording heads by optimizing the cleaning process for each type of droplet, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning device that wipes the first discharge face to clean the first recording head
Implementation Method 2
a second cleaning device that is different from the first cleaning device and that wipes the second discharge face to clean the second recording head
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that discharges droplets, while moving a recording head relative to a recording medium in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction, to form an image, includes: a carriage; a first recording head that has a first discharge face having a hole, is disposed on the carriage, and discharges a first droplet containing resin through the hole; a second recording head that has a second discharge face having a hole, is disposed on the carriage, and discharges, through the hole, a second droplet containing resin less than the resin contained in the first droplet; a first cleaning device that wipes the first discharge face to clean the first recording head; and a second cleaning device that is different from the first cleaning device and that wipes the second discharge face to clean the second recording head.