Inkjet Head Cover Member Prevents Nozzle Reattachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses using an ink-jet method, ink deposits on nozzle surfaces can dry and solidify when the head is in an inclined posture, leading to clogging and reduced printing quality due to ink reattachment during purging processes.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus is designed with a head part arranged in an inclined posture, where the ink ejected during purging drips onto a lower surface peripheral edge and is collected by a cover member, preventing reattachment to the nozzle surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head part is arranged in an inclined posture for printing, then the printing can be performed on the upper surface of the base material, but the ink may drip along the inclined nozzle surface during purging and attach to the cover member, causing solidification and reduction in printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the upper end of the side wall away from the long side of the head part in the longitudinal direction, creating a three-dimensional configuration that redirects ink flow paths and prevents contact between dripping ink and the cover member upper end
2Reliability
If the purging process is performed in the inclined posture, then the ink can be pushed out to maintain nozzle functionality, but the ink drips and attaches to the upper part of the side wall of the cover member, causing solidification and troubles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful ink drip phenomenon into a beneficial outcome by designing the cover member structure so that ink naturally drips along the inclined nozzle surface and collects at the bottom of the cover member interior space, where it cannot solidify on critical surfaces, thus maintaining nozzle functionality without generating harmful solidification
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 effectively prevents ink reattachment and solidification on the nozzle surface, maintaining printing quality and reducing maintenance issues.
Implementation Method 1
the ink may drip along the inclined nozzle surface before dropping from the nozzle surface during the purging process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
Since a head part (2) is arranged in an inclined posture, the ink ejected from a nozzle surface (21) of the head part may drip to a first lower surface peripheral edge portion (251) along the nozzle surface, and then drops from a first long side (243) of a lower surface (24) of the head part toward a first side wall (33) of a cover member (30) being arranged below the head part. The first side wall having an upper end portion (331) is located away from the first long side. Thus, the dropped ink is collected by the cover member without being attached to the upper end portion of the first side wall. Therefore, the ink can be prevented from being solidified at the first lower surface peripheral edge portion and the reattachment of the ink to the nozzle surface can be effectively prevented.