Inkjet Nozzle Cleaning Member for Low-Consumption Ink Removal

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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 a flexible holding member that contacts the nozzle surface, allowing efficient penetration of cleaning liquid to remove deposited ink without deforming the nozzle surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the nozzle surface is immersed in the cleaning liquid tank for cleaning, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the cleaning liquid becomes contaminated and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectVSAvoidcleaning liquid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning liquid from a large tank and applies it locally to the nozzle surface through a cloth-impregnated cleaning member. This eliminates the need for a large cleaning liquid tank and prevents contamination of bulk cleaning liquid, as the cleaning action occurs at the point of contact rather than through immersion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies cleaning liquid locally to the nozzle surface through a cloth member that is impregnated with cleaning liquid. This localized application ensures that only the necessary amount of cleaning liquid contacts the nozzle, preventing widespread contamination and reducing overall cleaning liquid consumption while maintaining effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If a rigid cleaning member is used to contact the nozzle surface, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the nozzle surface may be deformed or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidnozzle surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a cloth member as a flexible cleaning element that contacts the nozzle surface. The cloth's flexibility allows it to conform to the nozzle surface geometry and apply cleaning action without exerting excessive localized pressure that could deform or damage the precise nozzle structures, while still maintaining effective cleaning contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device effectively prevents ink deposition and clogging, maintaining ink quality by reducing the need for frequent cleaning liquid changes and minimizing nozzle surface damage.

Implementation Method 1

an impregnated member impregnated with a cleaning liquid and a holding member that holds the impregnated member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP4684969A1Cleaning liquid penetration device and inkjet recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

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AI summary

A cleaning liquid penetration device (40) includes an impregnated member (41) and a holding member (44). The impregnated member (41) is impregnated with a cleaning liquid. The holding member (44) holds the impregnated member (41) in a planar shape by a planer surface facing a nozzle surface (14F) of an inkjet head (12), and brings the planar-held portion of the impregnated member (41) into contact with the nozzle surface (14F). The holding member (44) is more flexible than the nozzle surface (14F).