Liquid Ejection Nozzle Wiping for Solidified Liquid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection devices face issues with mist or liquid clinging to the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, which solidifies and is difficult to wipe off effectively using conventional wiping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A wiping device with a band-shaped absorbing member that includes an impregnated section and a wiping section, moved by a movement mechanism, is used to contact and wipe the nozzle surface, accompanied by a control method to manage the movement and impregnation of the absorbing member to enhance wiping efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cloth sheet is used to wipe the nozzle surface, then the device structure is simple, but the wiping effectiveness is poor when liquid solidifies on the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbing member is divided into two distinct functional sections: an impregnated section for applying liquid and a wiping section for removing solidified liquid. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in its function, improving overall wiping effectiveness without requiring complex external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The impregnation function and wiping function are merged into a single absorbing member that performs both operations sequentially. This integration maintains device simplicity while achieving reliable wiping of solidified liquid through the coordinated action of both sections.
2Reliability
If the absorbing member continuously contacts the nozzle surface, then wiping effectiveness improves, but the risk of liquid solidification on the absorbing member increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the absorbing member into impregnated and wiping sections, the system ensures that only the wiping section contacts the nozzle surface during the wiping operation. This prevents large amounts of liquid from remaining on the absorbing member, reducing solidification risk while maintaining effective wiping.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing member performs periodic contact with the nozzle surface through the movement mechanism, alternating between impregnation, wiping, and separation phases. This periodic action prevents continuous liquid accumulation on the absorbing member, maintaining liquid stability.
3Reliability
If separate impregnation and wiping mechanisms are used, then each function can be optimized, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both impregnation and wiping functions are combined into a single absorbing member with two functional sections, controlled by a unified movement mechanism. This merging achieves function optimization without requiring separate mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the impregnation tool (applying liquid) and the wiping tool (removing solidified liquid). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining optimized performance for each function.
4Reliability
If the absorbing member is moved frequently between contact and separation positions, then wiping effectiveness improves, but the time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impregnated section is prepared in advance with liquid before the wiping operation begins. This preliminary impregnation allows the wiping section to immediately contact and remove solidified liquid without delay, reducing overall maintenance time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement mechanism continuously cycles the absorbing member through impregnation, contact, and separation phases without idle time. This continuous operation maximizes wiping effectiveness while minimizing total maintenance time through efficient sequencing of actions.
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 effectively reduces the viscosity of clinging liquid, improves wiping performance, and reduces the size of the liquid ejection device by integrating impregnation and wiping functions, thereby enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing residual liquid.
Implementation Method 1
an impregnated section configured to contact the nozzle surface in a state of being impregnated with liquid
Implementation Method 2
a wiping section configured to wipe the nozzle surface by moving relative to the liquid ejection head
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The wiping device includes a wiping device 30 configured to wipe a nozzle surface 25 of a liquid ejection head 22 which ejects a liquid, an absorbing member 39 configured to absorb liquid, and a movement mechanism that moves the absorbing member 39 to a contact position Pc configured to contact the nozzle surface 25 and a separated position separate from the nozzle surface 25, wherein the absorbing member 39 includes an impregnated section 56 configured to contact the nozzle surface 25 in a state in which the liquid is impregnated and a wiping section 55 configured to wipe the nozzle surface 25 by moving relative to the liquid ejection head 22.