Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Wiping Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet-type printers face challenges in maintaining ink ejection characteristics due to the saturation of wiping members when large amounts of ink adhere to the nozzle forming surface, leading to ineffective removal of ink and potential clogging of nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a wiping mechanism that adjusts the relative moving velocity between the liquid ejecting head and the wiping member based on the opposing distance, and includes a wiper cassette with rollers to manage the wiping member's winding and pressure, ensuring effective ink removal regardless of the ink amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiping member capable of absorbing ink is used to wipe the nozzle forming surface, then ink can be removed from the surface, but the wiping member becomes saturated when large amounts of ink are present, causing it to push ink into nozzles and deteriorate ejection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wiping member movable relative to the nozzle forming surface through a movement mechanism. The relative moving velocity between the wiping member and nozzle forming surface can be adjusted based on the amount of ink present, allowing the system to adapt its wiping action dynamically rather than using a fixed wiping approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of relative moving velocity between the wiping member and nozzle forming surface. When a large amount of ink is detected, the system reduces the relative moving velocity to prevent the wiping member from becoming saturated too quickly, thereby preventing ink from being pushed into the nozzles
2Productivity
If the wiping member slides quickly on the nozzle forming surface, then wiping efficiency is improved, but the wiping member saturates with ink more rapidly, pushing ink into nozzles and causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the relative moving velocity between the wiping member and nozzle forming surface based on real-time conditions. When ink accumulation is detected, the velocity is reduced to maintain reliable nozzle operation, while under normal conditions higher velocities can be used for efficient wiping
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion monitors the wiping process and adjusts the relative moving velocity based on the amount of ink detected on the nozzle forming surface. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize wiping efficiency while preventing nozzle clogging by adjusting velocity in response to actual ink conditions
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
The solution allows for efficient ink removal from the nozzle forming surface, even when a large amount of ink is present, thereby maintaining the liquid ejection characteristic and preventing nozzle clogging.
Implementation Method 1
a wiping member that is capable of wiping the nozzle forming surface
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects a liquid from a nozzle toward a target which is positioned away from a nozzle forming surface where the nozzle is formed; a wiping member that is capable of wiping the nozzle forming surface; a movement mechanism that relatively moves the liquid ejecting head and the wiping member when wiping is carried out; and a control portion that controls the movement mechanism so as to cause a relative moving velocity between the liquid ejecting head and the wiping member to be lower when wiping is carried out in a case where the liquid is ejected at a second distance of which an opposing distance between the nozzle forming surface and the target is longer than a first distance compared to a case where the liquid is ejected at the first distance of the opposing distance.