Inkjet Nozzle Cleaning Pad for Low-Contamination Liquid Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses using water-based ink face issues with ink viscosity increase leading to ejection failure and clogging due to contamination of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank, necessitating frequent replacement and high consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning liquid penetration device with an impregnated member and holding member, where the impregnated member is wider than the nozzle surface region, efficiently penetrates cleaning liquid onto the nozzle surface to remove ink deposits, using a flexible material to ensure even contact and minimize liquid outflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid tank repeatedly, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the cleaning liquid becomes contaminated and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning liquid from a bulk tank immersion system and applies it locally to only the necessary nozzle surface area through a penetration device. This prevents the entire cleaning liquid volume from becoming contaminated, as only a minimal amount contacts the nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid is applied locally to the specific region of the nozzle surface that requires cleaning, rather than immersing the entire nozzle in bulk cleaning liquid. This localized application reduces overall contamination and extends cleaning liquid life.
2Reliability
If a wiping member is used to remove deposits from the nozzle surface, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the entire cleaning liquid in the tank becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wiping function from the bulk cleaning liquid tank system and implements it through a targeted penetration device that applies cleaning liquid only where needed on the nozzle surface, minimizing the quantity of cleaning liquid that becomes contaminated.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using excessive cleaning liquid through full immersion, the patent applies cleaning liquid partially and precisely only to the nozzle ejection ports area, achieving effective cleaning while minimizing liquid consumption and contamination.
3Reliability
If the impregnated member is brought into contact with the nozzle surface, then cleaning liquid penetration is improved, but the impregnated member must be wider than the nozzle region
Solution Approach 1:
The impregnated member is designed as a flexible thin film or sheet that can conform to the nozzle surface geometry. This flexibility allows effective penetration and contact with the nozzle ejection ports while keeping the overall member area minimal, exceeding the nozzle region only as necessary for proper contact.
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 effectively prevents inkjet head clogging and ejection failure by thoroughly penetrating cleaning liquid onto the nozzle surface, reducing the need for frequent liquid changes and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an impregnated member which is impregnated with a cleaning liquid FL and brings a planar-held portion into contact with a nozzle surface 14F of an inkjet head 12
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning liquid penetration device includes an impregnated member and a holding member. The impregnated member is impregnated with a cleaning liquid. The holding member holds the impregnated member in a planar shape, and brings the planar-held portion of the impregnated member into contact with a nozzle surface of an inkjet head. The planer-held portion of the impregnated member is wider than a region where an ejection port is provided on the nozzle surface.