Inkjet Print Head Wiper Bubble Removal via Liquid Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face challenges in removing adhered substances like viscosity ink from print head nozzles without introducing air bubbles, which can degrade image quality.
Innovation Solution
A recovery processing method involving wet wiping and bubble removal steps, where a wiper member slidably touches the print head's ink ejection opening surface while ink is ejected, followed by a bubble removal process to eliminate any generated bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a wiper member is used to clean the ink ejection opening forming surface during preliminary ejection, then the cleaning performance is improved, but air bubbles are generated inside the ink ejection openings
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid ejection unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the wiper member and the ink ejection openings. This unit ejects liquid onto the ink ejection openings to suppress air bubble generation while the wiper cleans the surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and air bubble prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid ejection unit performs preliminary anti-action by ejecting liquid onto the ink ejection openings before the wiper member contacts them. This pre-wetting action prevents air bubbles from being pushed into the openings during the wiping process, thus preventing the harmful effect before it occurs
2Manufacturing precision
If the wiper member touches the ink ejection opening forming surface, then adhered substances are removed, but air is pushed into the ink ejection openings
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid ejection unit serves as a mediator that applies liquid to the ink ejection openings simultaneously with or before the wiper contact. This liquid layer acts as a buffer that allows the wiper to remove adhered substances without directly pushing air into the openings
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the interface between the wiper and ink openings is changed by introducing liquid. This parameter change from dry to wet contact modifies the interaction dynamics, enabling effective cleaning while preventing air bubble formation
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
Effectively removes adhered substances without leaving air bubbles inside the nozzles, enhancing the cleaning performance and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper member for removing an adhered substance by coming into contact with the ink ejection opening forming surface
Implementation Method 2
while ink is ejected from the ink ejection openings toward the wiper member
Implementation Method 3
a bubble removal processing for removing a bubble generated near the ink ejection opening forming surface
Data Source
AI summary
Wet wiping processing is performed on an ink ejection opening forming surface of a print head by use of a wiper. Then, as bubble removal processing, the print head is heated by use of either an electrothermal conversion element or a heat generating element located inside the print head, and then a control unit causes the print head to perform preliminary ejection K1 and preliminary ejection K2.