Wet Cleaning Members for Ejection Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face damage to the ejection surface due to matter absorbed by cleaning members being dried and fixed, leading to deteriorated ejection and cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with multiple cleaning members that remain in a wet state, utilizing a wetting liquid to prevent absorption matter from being fixed, and an adjuster to control the water content of these members to optimize cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cleaning members are used to wipe the ejection surface, then cleaning performance is improved, but the ejection surface may be damaged due to fixed matter in the cleaning members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the cleaning members by maintaining them in a wet state rather than allowing them to dry. This parameter change prevents the matter absorbed by the cleaning members from being fixed, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning performance and ejection surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic wetting of the cleaning members through a wetting liquid supply mechanism. This periodic action ensures that the cleaning members remain in a wet state during cleaning operations, preventing matter fixation while maintaining continuous cleaning capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cleaning members are kept wet to prevent matter fixation, then ejection surface damage is prevented, but water content control becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning members are designed to automatically absorb wetting liquid from the ejection surface during the cleaning operation itself. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate water supply systems, maintaining the cleaning members in a wet state without adding significant device complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple cleaning members are used to improve cleaning effectiveness, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but the risk of ejection surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the moisture parameter of multiple cleaning members to a wet state, the patent prevents matter fixation in each member. This resolves the contradiction by allowing multiple cleaning members to work together effectively without increasing the risk of ejection surface damage from fixed matter.
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
Prevents damage to the ejection surface by keeping cleaning members wet, enhancing cleaning performance and reducing nozzle damage, while allowing for adjustable water content to suit different cleaning types.
Implementation Method 1
matter absorbed by the contact members wiping the ejection surface is dried and fixed
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a plurality of cleaning members that come into contact with an ejection surface of a droplet ejector that ejects droplets to clean the ejection surface, in which the plurality of cleaning members are in a wet state.