Variable Speed Wiping for Liquid Ejecting Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face inefficiencies in wiping operations due to prolonged time requirements and suboptimal wiping performance, particularly when dealing with large amounts of ink mist and deposits on the nozzle openings.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a movement mechanism and control unit that allows for variable wiping speeds and operations, including a first wiping speed and a second, lower speed, along with an adjusting mechanism for flight distance, to enhance wiping performance and efficiency by optimizing the relative movement speed and direction of the wiping member and liquid ejecting unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the relative moving speed between the liquid ejecting unit and the ink absorbing member is set to a low level, then the wiping performance is improved, but the time necessary for wiping becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the moving speed variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the moving speed based on the detected amount of ink deposit - using lower speed when ink deposit is large to ensure adequate wiping performance, and higher speed when ink deposit is small to reduce wiping time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between wiping performance and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of moving speed based on the amount of ink deposit detected by the sensor. When the sensor detects large ink deposit, the system switches to a lower moving speed to improve wiping performance. When ink deposit is small, the system switches to a higher moving speed to reduce wiping time. This parameter change strategy directly addresses the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If the relative moving speed is increased to reduce wiping time, then productivity is improved, but wiping performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through a sensor that detects the amount of ink deposit on the liquid ejecting unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the moving speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that wiping performance is maintained when needed while allowing speed increases to improve productivity when conditions permit, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and wiping performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the moving speed parameter based on real-time detection of ink deposit amount. The control unit switches between different speed levels (first speed for large ink deposit, second speed for small ink deposit) to optimize both wiping performance and productivity, preventing the deterioration of wiping performance while improving 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 configuration enables improved wiping performance while reducing the time necessary for wiping operations, effectively addressing the inefficiencies in existing systems by allowing for adaptable wiping strategies based on the amount of ink deposit and flight distance.
Implementation Method 1
a wiping member 40 which is formed of a liquid absorbing member
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit which has an opening face to which nozzles are open; a wiping member which can wipe off the opening face; and a movement mechanism which relatively moves the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member in a wiping direction, in which as a wiping operation in which wiping of the opening face is performed by relatively moving the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member at a speed, and it is possible to execute a movement operation in which the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member are caused to relatively move in a state in which the liquid ejecting unit and the wiping member do not come into contact with each other at a speed higher than the speed.