Wiping Device With Projection Fibers for Nozzle Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiping devices for liquid discharging devices, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in effectively removing dried sticky matter from nozzle surfaces, leading to inefficient cleaning and potential discharge issues.

Innovation Solution

A wiping device equipped with a wiping member featuring a structure with a fiber composition that includes fibers with projections, which enhances the wiping ability by effectively removing dried adhesion from nozzle surfaces at low line pressures, minimizing damage and maintaining discharge stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional wiping member (non-woven fabric and woven fabric) is used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the wiping ability to remove dried sticky matter is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiping abilityVSAvoidwiping member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping member incorporates fibers with projections at specific locations within the fiber structure, creating localized high-point contact areas that specifically target and effectively remove dried sticky matter from nozzle surfaces, while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wiping member combines different types of fibers including fibers with projections, creating a composite structure that leverages the unique properties of each fiber type to achieve superior wiping performance for dried adhesive removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high line pressure is applied during wiping, then the removal of dried sticky matter is more effective, but damage to the nozzle surface occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidnozzle surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fibers with projections provide localized high-point contact that concentrates wiping action at specific points, enabling effective removal of dried sticky matter with lower overall line pressure, thereby preventing damage to the nozzle surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical structure of the fiber (adding projections) to alter the pressure distribution during wiping, allowing effective cleaning at lower line pressures and reducing the risk of nozzle surface damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 wiping member with fibers having projections significantly improves the wiping ability, allowing for efficient removal of dried sticky matter from nozzle surfaces, thereby maintaining the integrity and stability of the liquid discharging process.

Implementation Method 1

a cross section perpendicular to a fiber axis of the fiber with projections has projections and ditches alternately present side by side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the wiping member to contact the nozzle surface... to wipe the nozzle surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4121294B1Wiping device, liquid discharging device, and wiping method

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

A wiping device includes a wiping member configured to wipe a nozzle surface of a discharging head configured to discharge a liquid composition from nozzles formed on the nozzle surface, the wiping member comprising fiber with projections present in a cross section perpendicular to an axis of the fiber and continuous in a direction of the axis of the fiber.