Movable Cleaning-Liquid Supply for Inkjet Printhead Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with nozzle clogging due to ink viscosity increase during non-use periods, leading to ink contamination or damage from contact with supply members, and require large apparatus configurations for effective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance device with a blade, supply member, link member, biasing member, cleaning liquid supply source, and lifting device, which separates and positions the supply member to prevent contamination while effectively wiping the nozzle surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply member is provided in the inkjet head to supply cleaning liquid to the nozzle surface, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the sheet may come into contact with the supply member during the image forming job, causing contamination or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The supply member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of moving between a supply position (above the blade) and a contact position (contacting the blade). This dynamic positioning allows the system to avoid sheet contamination during image forming while enabling effective cleaning when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The blade serves as an intermediary between the supply member and the nozzle surface. The supply member supplies cleaning liquid to the blade, which then applies it to the nozzle surface during wiping operations, preventing direct contact between the supply member and the sheet
2Reliability
If the supply member is fixed in position to ensure cleaning function, then the cleaning effect is maintained, but the apparatus size increases when washing configuration is added
Solution Approach 1:
The movable supply member structure serves multiple functions: it supplies cleaning liquid to the blade during wiping operations and can be positioned to avoid interfering with image forming operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate washing configurations, preventing apparatus size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning mechanism allows the supply member to adapt its position based on operational requirements, enabling one component to perform multiple roles (cleaning supply and spatial reconfiguration) without requiring additional dedicated structures for washing functions
3Productivity
If the supply member remains in contact with the blade during wiping operation, then cleaning liquid supply is effective, but the supply member may be damaged by ink or contaminate the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The supply member is positioned above the blade at the supply position before the wiping operation begins, allowing cleaning liquid to be supplied in advance to the blade. This preliminary positioning prevents the supply member from being exposed to ink damage or sheet contamination during the actual wiping process
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
Prevents ink contamination and damage to supply members, ensuring efficient cleaning without increasing apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member biases the link member rearward in a moving direction of the wiping operation
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning liquid supply source pushes the supply member forward in the moving direction against the biasing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A maintenance device (30) includes a blade (82), a supply member (41), a link member (42), a biasing member (43), a cleaning liquid supply source (13), and a supply source lifting device (13L). The supply member (41) is in contact with the blade (82) to supply a cleaning liquid to the blade (82). The link member (42) supports the supply member (41) and is turned around a shaft provided below the supply member (41). The biasing member (43) biases the link member (42) rearward in a moving direction of a wiping operation. The cleaning liquid supply source (13) supplies the cleaning liquid to the supply member (41). When the cleaning liquid supply source (13) is lifted, the supply member (41) is separated upward from the blade (82), the cleaning liquid supply source (13) pushes the supply member (41) forward in the moving direction against the biasing member (43), and the supply member (41) is moved to a position where the blade (82) can be in contact with during the wiping operation.