Printhead Wiper Control for Low-Scatter Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording devices require complex configurations to manage the amount of cleaning liquid during wipe processing, leading to scattering of cleaning liquid or contaminants when the wiper separates from the nozzle surface.
Innovation Solution
A controller executes a pressing-against processing to abut a wiper on a region without nozzles at a first speed, followed by a moving processing at a faster second speed to squeeze the cleaning liquid impregnated wiper, eliminating the need for dedicated members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of cleaning liquid is provided to the nozzle surface, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the cleaning liquid or contaminants scatter when the wiper separates from the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is pressed against the non-nozzle region before the actual wiping operation to pre-impregnate it with cleaning liquid. This preliminary action ensures the wiper has the appropriate amount of cleaning liquid ready for the subsequent wiping motion, preventing both excess and deficiency of cleaning liquid during the actual cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle surface is divided into two regions: a first region without nozzles and a second region with nozzles. The wiper is selectively pressed against the first region to receive cleaning liquid, then moved to the second region for wiping. This local differentiation allows the wiper to be impregnated with cleaning liquid in a controlled manner without causing scattering during the separation phase.
2Quantity of substance
If a squeezing roller is pressed against the wiping member to squeeze the cleaning liquid, then the amount of cleaning liquid is controlled, but a plurality of dedicated members are required making the configuration complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper serves dual functions: it is both the wiping member and the element that receives cleaning liquid by being pressed against the non-nozzle region. The wiper self-impregnates with cleaning liquid through the pressing action against the first region, eliminating the need for separate squeezing rollers or dedicated liquid application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper is designed to perform multiple functions: it is pressed against the non-nozzle region to receive cleaning liquid, then moved to the nozzle region to perform the actual wiping. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components (squeezing mechanism and wiping member) into a single integrated wiper component.
3Productivity
If the wiper is moved at a high speed during wiping, then productivity is improved, but the cleaning liquid may not be effectively applied to the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is pressed against the non-nozzle region at a slower speed or held stationary to allow thorough impregnation with cleaning liquid before the high-speed wiping phase. This preliminary slow-speed pressing ensures the wiper is fully saturated with cleaning liquid, which is then applied effectively during the subsequent high-speed wiping motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiping process is divided into distinct phases: a first phase where the wiper is pressed against the non-nozzle region to receive cleaning liquid, and a second phase where the wiper is moved at high speed to wipe the nozzle region. This periodic alternation between slow impregnation and fast wiping optimizes both cleaning liquid application and productivity.
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
This approach allows for effective wipe processing with a suitable amount of cleaning liquid using a simple configuration, reducing scattering and maintaining efficient nozzle cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper (51) capable of being impregnated with a cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 2
a pressing-against processing of abutting the wiper (51) on the first region (45) in a state in which a speed of a relative movement in the first direction (9) between the carriage (41) and the wiper (51) is a first speed
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a controller for an image recording device. The image recording device includes: a carriage capable of moving in a first direction; a head mounted on the carriage and configured to discharge a liquid from a nozzle; and a wiper capable of being impregnated with a cleaning liquid, a nozzle surface of the head including a first region not having the nozzle and a second region having the nozzle. The controller is configured to execute: a pressing-against processing of abutting the wiper on the first region in a state in which a speed of a relative movement in the first direction between the carriage and the wiper is a first speed; and a moving processing of moving the carriage and the wiper relative to each other in the first direction at a second speed faster than the first speed, while abutting the wiper on the second region.