Inkjet Head Cleaning via Localized Conveyance Plate Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges with ink adherence to the vicinity of nozzles, affecting discharge direction and amount, and existing cleaning methods may not effectively manage ink scattering and cleaning liquid supply.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a conveyance belt with through holes, a conveyance plate with recessed portions, and a cleaning unit with a flexible wiping blade that slides across the inkjet head's lower surface, utilizing a cleaning liquid supplied through the head's end portions to remove ink while minimizing ink and cleaning liquid scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning member is used to remove ink from the inkjet head, then ink removal effectiveness is improved, but ink scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance plate is designed with different ratios of recessed portions per unit area in different regions: a smaller ratio in the facing region (where the head end portion is located) and a larger ratio in other regions. This local differentiation allows the cleaning unit to effectively remove ink from the head while the recessed portions in non-facing regions capture and contain scattered ink, preventing it from spreading to other areas.
2Reliability
If cleaning liquid is supplied through holes on the head end portion, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning liquid and ink scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of cleaning liquid and ink scattering into a beneficial outcome. The recessed portions in the conveyance plate are strategically positioned to receive and contain the scattered cleaning liquid and ink mixture, preventing it from spreading to other areas. The scattered liquid is thus contained within designated zones where it can be properly managed and removed.
3Speed
If the conveyance plate has uniform recessed portions, then air suction is improved, but ink and cleaning liquid scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance plate features non-uniform distribution of recessed portions, with different ratios in different regions. The facing region has a smaller ratio to reduce scattering, while other regions have a larger ratio to enhance air suction and contain scattered materials. This local quality differentiation optimizes both air suction efficiency and scattering control.
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 ensures stable ink removal from the inkjet head, reduces ink scattering, and promotes effective cleaning by controlling airflow and liquid distribution, maintaining consistent inkjet performance.
Implementation Method 1
The suction unit sucks air from the plurality of through holes of the conveyance plate to cause the conveyance belt to suck the sheet
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning unit removes ink adhering to a lower surface of the head main body by bringing a cleaning member into contact with the lower surface of the head main body and sliding the cleaning member in the width direction
Data Source
AI summary
The inkjet recording apparatus includes a conveyance belt, a conveyance plate, a suction unit, an inkjet head, and a cleaning unit. The conveyance belt has a plurality of through holes. The suction unit causes the conveyance belt to suck the sheet. The conveyance plate includes a plurality of through holes formed in bottom portions of the plurality of recessed portions. The inkjet head includes a head main body and a head end portion adjacent to the head main body, and faces an upper surface of the conveyance plate via the conveyance belt. The cleaning unit removes ink adhering to a lower surface of the head main body. A ratio of the recessed portions per unit area in a facing region of the conveyance plate facing the head end portion is smaller than a ratio of the recessed portions per unit area in a region other than the facing region.