Two-Step Wiping Device for Inkjet Nozzle Cleaning

Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording apparatuses face contamination issues due to ink entering gaps between the recording head and head cover, leading to ink droplets contaminating the recording medium during the wiping process.

Innovation Solution

A wiping device with a wiping member and moving part that performs a two-step wiping operation: first, the wiping member contacts only the ink adhering to the nozzle surface without touching it, and second, it contacts the nozzle surface after the initial wiping, with cleaning liquid supplied between the steps to efficiently remove ink and prevent it from moving to the side surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single wiping operation is performed with the wiping member contacting the nozzle surface, then the wiping action is simple and quick, but ink may enter the gap between the recording head and head cover causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiping efficiencyVSAvoidink contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping operation is divided into two distinct phases: a first wiping operation where the wiping member contacts only the ink on the nozzle surface, and a second wiping operation where the wiping member contacts the nozzle surface itself. This segmentation prevents ink from being forced into the gap between the recording head and head cover, thereby eliminating contamination while maintaining wiping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the wiping member contacts only the ink without contacting the nozzle surface, then ink contamination is prevented, but the wiping action is insufficient for complete cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink contaminationVSAvoidcleaning quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping operation is divided into two distinct phases: a first wiping operation where the wiping member contacts only the ink on the nozzle surface, and a second wiping operation where the wiping member contacts the nozzle surface itself. This segmentation prevents ink from being forced into the gap between the recording head and head cover, thereby eliminating contamination while maintaining wiping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If a two-step wiping operation is performed, then cleaning quality is improved and ink contamination is prevented, but the wiping process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoidwiping process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping operation is divided into two distinct phases: a first wiping operation where the wiping member contacts only the ink on the nozzle surface, and a second wiping operation where the wiping member contacts the nozzle surface itself. This segmentation prevents ink from being forced into the gap between the recording head and head cover, thereby eliminating contamination while maintaining wiping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first wiping operation is performed as a preliminary action to remove the majority of ink from the nozzle surface before the second wiping operation contacts the nozzle surface. This preliminary removal of ink prevents contamination while the subsequent second wiping ensures complete cleaning, optimizing both cleanliness and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12097707B2Wiping device, image forming apparatus and wiping method

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A wiping device includes a wiping member and a moving part. The wiping member wipes a liquid off a nozzle surface of a recording head. The moving part moves the wiping member along the nozzle surface in a predetermined moving direction. The wiping member performs a first wiping operation in which the wiping member is moved while not coming into contact with the nozzle surface but coming into contact with the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface, and a second wiping operation in which the wiping member is moved while coming into contact with the nozzle surface after the first wiping operation.