Inkjet Wiping Mechanism Guide Path Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet image forming apparatuses, the existing wiping mechanisms require multiple lifting and lowering operations when wiping ink ejection ports multiple times, leading to increased wiping time and reduced lifespan of the lifting mechanism due to increased load.
Innovation Solution
A moving mechanism with a first drive source and guide part that moves the wiping unit in a first direction to wipe the ink ejection ports and then in a second direction to separate from the nozzle area, allowing for repeated wiping without the need for lifting and lowering the recording head, utilizing a separation guide and retreat guide to facilitate downward separation and recontact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lifting mechanism is used to separate the wiping mechanism from the nozzle area, then the wiping operation can be performed, but the wiping time increases and the lifting mechanism life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the movement function into two independent parts: the head unit remains stationary while only the wiping unit moves. This is achieved by providing a separate moving mechanism (first drive source) for the wiping unit, independent of the lifting mechanism. The wiping unit can now move toward and away from the nozzle area without requiring the head unit to be lifted or lowered, thus eliminating the time-consuming lifting operations while extending the lifting mechanism's service life.
2Productivity
If the wiping mechanism is lifted and lowered for each wiping operation, then the wiping can be performed multiple times, but the load on the lifting mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the wiping function from the positioning function. The head unit's position remains fixed, while the wiping unit independently moves to perform wiping operations. This is achieved by providing a dedicated moving mechanism with a first drive source that controls the wiping unit's movement toward and away from the nozzle area, eliminating the need for the lifting mechanism to be repeatedly activated and thereby reducing its load while maintaining high wiping operation frequency.
3Loss of time
If the wiping unit moves repeatedly without separation from the nozzle area, then the wiping time is reduced, but the wiping operation cannot be completed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the wiping unit's position through a moving mechanism with a first drive source. The wiping unit can dynamically adjust its position to move toward the nozzle area for wiping operations and away from it for retraction, all while the head unit remains stationary. This dynamic positioning capability ensures complete wiping operations are performed efficiently without unnecessary lifting movements, optimizing both time and operational completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a wiping unit and a moving mechanism. The recording head has a nozzle area where a plurality of ink ejection ports is opened downward. The wiping unit is moved in a first direction with coming into contact with the nozzle area and wipes the ink ejection ports. The moving mechanism performs a wiping operation and a returning operation. The moving mechanism includes a first drive source and a guide part. The first drive source moves the wiping unit in the first direction and in the second direction. The guide part guides the wiping unit in the first direction in the wiping operation, and guides the wiping unit in the first direction so as to separate the wiping unit from the nozzle area downward and then guides the wiping unit in the second direction in the returning operation.