Ink Jet Nozzle Cleaning Roller Gap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink removal methods for ink jet recording heads either fail to effectively remove ink from the nozzle plane, leading to potential staining of recording sheets or require contact that can damage the water-repellent layer, or involve cumbersome maintenance with cleaning solutions that need to be stored and managed.
Innovation Solution
A head cleaning device that uses a cleaning roller to remove ink from the nozzle plane in a non-contact manner by creating a minute gap between the roller and the nozzle plane, leveraging the nature of liquid movement towards a smaller contact angle, thus preventing damage to the water-repellent layer and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber blade (wiper) is used to remove ink from the nozzle plane, then ink removal is achieved, but the water-repellent layer on the nozzle plate is worn down due to repeated sliding contact
Solution Approach 1:
A blade member is introduced as an intermediary element between the nozzle plane and the cleaning mechanism. The blade member is configured to contact the nozzle plane and remove ink, while being replaceable and designed to protect the underlying water-repellent layer. This intermediary absorbs the wear and damage that would otherwise affect the critical nozzle plate surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sucking tool is used to move ink from the nozzle plane, then contact damage is avoided, but ink cannot be completely removed and recording sheets may still be stained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pure suction mechanism with a hybrid mechanical-suction system. A blade member mechanically contacts and scrapes the ink from the nozzle plane, while a suction device simultaneously draws away the displaced ink. This combination ensures complete ink removal without relying solely on suction, which was insufficient when used alone.
3Reliability
If a cleaning roller in pressure-contact with the nozzle plane is used, then ink is surely wiped off, but the water-repellent layer may be worn down due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The blade member serves as a sacrificial intermediary between the cleaning roller and the nozzle plane. The blade contacts the nozzle plane to transfer ink to the cleaning roller, preventing direct abrasion of the water-repellent layer. The blade can be replaced when worn, preserving the critical nozzle plate surface indefinitely.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a sucking tool is used to move ink, then contact damage is avoided, but the relative speed between the sucking tool and ink jet recording head must be precisely matched with sucking pressure, lengthening maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex speed-matched suction mechanism with a simpler mechanical blade scraping system assisted by suction. The blade member physically removes ink through scraping action that is less sensitive to speed variations, while the suction device handles ink removal. This eliminates the need for precise coordination between moving speed and sucking pressure, significantly reducing maintenance 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 nozzle plane without contacting the nozzle, preventing damage to the water-repellent layer and reducing maintenance complexity, thereby extending the life of the ink jet recording head and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
capable of defining a minute gap between its roller plane and the nozzle plane... leveraging the nature of liquid movement towards a smaller contact angle
Data Source
AI summary
A head cleaning device that includes: an ink jet recording head including a nozzle plane formed with nozzles for ejecting ink; a positioning member capable of being brought into contact with an area outside the nozzle plane; and a cleaning roller capable of defining a minute gap between its roller plane and the nozzle plane and capable of rotating while facing the roller plane toward the nozzle plane.