Segmented Treatment Liquid Holding Unit for Inkjet Print Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet printing apparatuses, the elongated treatment liquid holding unit for the wiping member is prone to liquid leakage due to changes in position during transport or component replacement, even when the member for holding the treatment liquid is separated from the member for transferring it.
Innovation Solution
The treatment liquid holding unit is configured with multiple sections in a direction perpendicular to the wiping unit's movement, preventing adjacent sections from contacting each other, which reduces pressure and minimizes leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the treatment liquid holding unit is configured as a single elongated member, then it can cover the entire width of the print head, but the treatment liquid may concentrate downward due to position changes during transport or replacement, causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment liquid holding unit is divided into multiple independent holding sections (first holding section, second holding section, etc.) arranged in the width direction of the print head. Each section independently holds treatment liquid and applies it to a corresponding region of the wiping member, preventing liquid concentration and leakage while maintaining full-width coverage.
2Ease of repair
If the treatment liquid holding unit is separated into holding member and transferring member as disclosed in PTL 1, then component replacement becomes easier, but treatment liquid may still leak due to the elongated configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is segmented into multiple independent holding sections, each capable of functioning independently. This segmentation maintains ease of replacement while preventing leakage through distributed liquid storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of separating holding and transferring functions along the length of the unit, the invention distributes holding sections across the width dimension of the print head, with each section independently performing both holding and transferring functions to its local region.
3Area of stationary object
If the treatment liquid holding unit is made elongated to match the print head width, then it can apply treatment liquid across the entire ejection opening surface, but position changes during transport cause treatment liquid to concentrate downward
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated holding unit is segmented into multiple independent holding sections distributed across the width direction. Each section maintains stable liquid holding in its local region, and collectively they cover the entire application area without suffering from concentration issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single elongated structure to a distributed multi-section structure across the width dimension, with each section independently managing liquid stability while collectively achieving full coverage.
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 configuration effectively prevents treatment liquid leakage and ensures consistent application to the wiping member, maintaining the surface smoothness and sliding efficiency of the ejection opening surface.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of treatment liquid holding portions are arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction such that adjacent treatment liquid holding portions are not in contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus includes: a print head having an ejection opening surface on which an ejection opening for ejecting ink is provided; a wiping unit configured to wipe the ejection opening surface; a moving unit configured to move the wiping unit in a first direction; and a treatment liquid holding portion having a holding member for holding a treatment liquid and an applying member for applying the treatment liquid to the wiping unit by coming into contact with the wiping unit, wherein a plurality of treatment liquid holding portions are arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction such that adjacent treatment liquid holding portions are not in contact with each other.