Dynamic Wiping Member Feed for Inkjet Discharge Port Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently removing ink adhesion from discharge port surfaces, which can lead to discharge failures and require frequent cleaning, thereby increasing maintenance and reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a wiping unit that includes a sheet-like wiping member, capable of relative movement with the recording unit, performs a wiping operation to remove ink adhesion, and determines the feed amount of the wiping member based on the discharge amount for each discharge port array to ensure a clean surface for subsequent wiping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed feed amount is used for the wiping member, then the wiping operation is simple to control, but the wiping member is not efficiently utilized and may leave residual ink on the discharge port surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the wiping member feed amount based on actual discharge port conditions and ink discharge amounts. The control unit calculates the optimal feed amount by considering the discharge port interval, array pitch, and measured ink discharge volume, transforming the static fixed-feed system into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes cleaning effectiveness while preventing residual ink accumulation.
2Reliability
If the wiping member is fed by a large fixed amount, then residual ink is more likely to be removed, but the wiping member is consumed faster and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the control unit measures the actual ink discharge amount from each discharge port array and uses this information to calculate and adjust the wiping member feed amount. This closed-loop control ensures that the feed amount is precisely matched to the contamination level, avoiding excessive wiping that would waste the wiping member while ensuring sufficient cleaning to maintain discharge port cleanliness and operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If the wiping member is fed by a small fixed amount, then operational efficiency is maintained, but residual ink remains on the discharge port surface causing discharge failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the feed amount parameter of the wiping member based on measured ink discharge amounts and discharge port characteristics. By adjusting this critical parameter in real-time according to actual operating conditions, the system ensures sufficient cleaning action to prevent residual ink while optimizing the feed amount to maintain operational efficiency and reduce wiping member consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit; a wiping unit configured to wipe the discharge port surface; at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor that is in communication with the at least one memory and that, when executing the instructions, cooperates with the at least one memory to perform control to cause the wiping unit to perform a wiping operation for wiping the discharge port surface, and then cause the wiping unit to feed the wiping member to enable wiping with a new region of the wiping member in a next wiping operation, acquire information about a discharge amount for each discharge port array, and determine a feed amount for feeding the wiping member after the wiping operation, based on the information about the discharge amount.