Liquid Ejecting Device Humidified Air Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet recording apparatuses, the removal of adhesive ink from the ink receiver is complicated, and thickened ink adhering to the nozzle cap is difficult to remove using a wiper blade alone, leading to desiccation issues in the ejection space.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device with a liquid receiving member, positional relationship adjusting unit, humidified air supplying unit, and cleaning unit that adjusts the positional relationship between the ejection surface and liquid receiving surface, supplies humidified air, and removes ink from the receiving surface based on viscosity information to prevent desiccation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wiper blade is used to scrape the liquid receiver, then the liquid receiving surface can be cleaned, but thickened adhesive liquid cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the cleaned surface by controlling humidity parameters. A humidifying unit supplies humid air to the ejection space, preventing liquid on the liquid receiving surface from thickening and adhering, thereby maintaining effective wiper blade operation throughout the device lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary humidification of the ejection space before cleaning operations. By maintaining appropriate humidity levels in advance, the liquid remains in a non-adhesive state, ensuring the wiper blade can effectively remove liquid during cleaning cycles
2Reliability
If the ejection space is sealed with an annular member, then desiccation is prevented, but liquid accumulation on the liquid receiver becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces humid air as an intermediary substance in the sealed ejection space. This humid air atmosphere acts as a mediator that prevents the liquid on the liquid receiving surface from desiccating and thickening, thereby managing liquid accumulation without requiring additional complex liquid removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the humidity parameter within the sealed ejection space to prevent liquid desiccation. By maintaining appropriate humidity levels, the liquid remains manageable and can be effectively removed by the wiper blade during cleaning operations
3Reliability
If the liquid receiving surface is cleaned frequently, then adhesive liquid is removed, but device operation time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary humidification of the ejection space to prevent liquid thickening before it occurs. This proactive approach reduces the frequency and intensity of cleaning operations needed, thereby preserving device operation time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the environmental parameters (humidity) in the ejection space to prevent liquid from reaching a state requiring intensive cleaning. By controlling humidity to keep liquid non-adhesive, the system reduces cleaning frequency and maximizes productive operation time
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 ink from the liquid receiving surface, preventing desiccation in the ejection space and ensuring efficient cleaning, even with high viscosity inks, thereby maintaining inkjet head performance.
Implementation Method 1
a humidified air supplying unit configured to supply humidified air to the ejection space through the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
some component in the remaining liquid may serve as dehydrating agent to dehumidify the air in the ejecting space
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting device including a liquid ejecting head having an ejection surface, a liquid receiving member having a liquid receiving surface, an annular member for sealing an ejection surface, a positional relationship adjusting unit for adjusting a positional relationship between the ejection surface and the liquid receiving surface, an air inlet, a humidified air supplying unit, a cleaning unit, a viscosity information obtainment unit, and a control unit is provided. The control unit conducts a liquid receiving surface cleaning action including control of the positional relationship adjusting unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the ejection surface and the liquid receiving surface to form a first positional relationship, the humidified air supplying unit for supplying humidified air to the ejection space, and the cleaning unit for removing the liquid received on the liquid receiving surface.