Suction Port Cleaning for Liquid Discharge Nozzle Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face inefficiencies in cleaning nozzle surfaces due to foreign matter being redeposited from upstream nozzles during the cleaning process, as air blow nozzles may inadvertently move debris to downstream nozzles during the cleaning operation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with a suction port that moves perpendicularly to the nozzle array, ensuring it does not overlap with adjacent nozzles, combined with a control unit to manage the suction port's movement and pressure, effectively removing adhering matter without redepositing it onto other nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air blow nozzle is moved along the first direction to remove adhering matter, then the cleaning operation can be performed, but foreign matter may be redeposited onto downstream nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is moved in the second direction (width direction) perpendicular to the first direction (main body length direction), changing the cleaning dimension from longitudinal to lateral. This prevents the suction nozzle from passing over multiple nozzles in sequence, thereby avoiding redeposition of foreign matter onto downstream nozzles while still achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle is extracted from the air blow nozzle assembly and positioned separately at a predetermined distance from the discharge port surface. This separation allows the suction nozzle to be positioned optimally for removing foreign matter without interfering with the air blow nozzle's cleaning action, and prevents foreign matter from being blown onto downstream nozzles
2Productivity
If the suction port is positioned close to the discharge port surface for effective suction, then adhering matter can be removed efficiently, but the suction port may interfere with the discharge ports
Solution Approach 1:
A predetermined distance is introduced as an intermediary space between the suction nozzle and the discharge port surface. This distance is optimized to be sufficient to prevent interference with the discharge ports while maintaining effective suction capability through the use of a suction fan that generates appropriate negative pressure
Solution Approach 2:
A suction fan generates negative pressure to draw foreign matter from the discharge port surface through the suction nozzle. This pneumatic mechanism enables effective removal of adhering matter without requiring direct contact between the suction nozzle and the discharge port surface, thus avoiding interference while maintaining cleaning efficiency
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 allows for efficient cleaning of the discharge port surface, preventing foreign matter from being redeposited and maintaining the integrity of the discharge process, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the liquid discharge apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a suction port performing a suction operation for the discharge port surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid discharge apparatus, including: a head having an discharge port surface in which an discharge port array is provided, the discharge port array including a plurality of discharge ports which discharges liquid and is arranged along a first direction; a suction port performing a suction operation for the discharge port surface; and a control unit causing the suction port to move in a second direction intersecting the first direction under a state in which the suction port is spaced away from the discharge port surface.