Inkjet Wiper Prevention Structure for Cross-Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face a reduction in wiping effectiveness due to ink flowing from the first blade to the second blade during the wiping operation, leading to incomplete removal of ink from the nozzle and liquid receiving surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A wiper unit design where the first blade is positioned to wipe the nozzle surface and the second blade is positioned to wipe the liquid receiving surface, with a prevention structure, such as a through-hole and cylindrical part, to prevent ink from flowing from the first blade to the second blade, ensuring secure ink removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single mechanism is used to move both the first blade and the second blade, then the apparatus cost is reduced, but the ink wiped by the first blade flows down the second blade, deteriorating the wiping effect
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into a first space for receiving ink wiped by the first blade and a second space for receiving ink wiped by the second blade. The prevention structure segments the flow path of ink, preventing ink from the first blade from flowing to the second blade. This segmentation maintains the cost advantage of a single mechanism while improving wiping effectiveness by isolating the ink collection zones.
2Device complexity
If the first blade and second blade are positioned close together to share a mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but ink flows from the first blade to the second blade, reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The prevention structure acts as an intermediary element between the first and second spaces. It includes a first wall extending from the front face and a second wall extending from the rear face, creating a barrier that mediates the ink flow path. This intermediary structure prevents direct communication between the two spaces, ensuring that ink wiped by the first blade does not contaminate the second blade's working area, thereby maintaining high wiping effectiveness while keeping the mechanism simple.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including a head including a nozzle surface having a plurality of liquid discharge holes formed thereon, the nozzle surface being directed downward, a liquid receiving part including a liquid receiving surface directed downward to oppose the nozzle surface and configured to receive liquid discharged from the liquid discharge holes, a base, a first blade attached to the base with a tip end thereof being directed upward to wipe the nozzle surface, a second blade attached to the base with a tip end thereof being directed downward to wipe the liquid receiving surface, and a moving mechanism configured to move the base in a predetermined advancing direction between the head and the liquid receiving part. The base is provided with a prevention structure configured to prevent the liquid wiped off by the first blade flowing to the second blade.