Wiper Scraper Ink Absorption Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection devices like ink jet printers, the performance of the wiper is degraded due to adhesion of solidified ink fragments and liquid absorbing material, which hinders effective absorption of ink from the wiper.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a wiper and liquid collection portion, where the wiper is displaced along the nozzle formation surface, and a scraper scrapes off ink from the wiper, allowing it to adhere to a scraping surface that is then absorbed by a liquid absorbing material without direct contact, preventing ink and material fragments from adhering to the wiper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the wiper comes in contact with the ink absorbing material to absorb ink, then the ink absorption function is achieved, but the wiper performance is degraded due to adhesion of fragments and solidified ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scraper as an intermediary component between the wiper and the ink absorbing material. The scraper has a scraping surface that contacts the wiper to scrape off adhered ink, while the ink absorbing material contacts only the scraping surface, not the wiper directly. This intermediary structure prevents fragments and solidified ink from adhering to the wiper, maintaining its performance while still achieving ink absorption through the scraping and absorption process.
2Productivity
If the wiper continuously absorbs ink to maintain nozzle cleanliness, then the cleaning function is improved, but the wiper degrades due to repeated contact with solidified ink
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper serves as a mediator that transfers the ink absorption function from direct wiper-contact to indirect wiper-contact via the scraping surface. The wiper's role is limited to scraping ink off the nozzle formation surface, while the scraper handles the transfer of ink to the absorbing material. This separation extends the wiper's service life by preventing it from continuously absorbing and retaining solidified ink, thereby maintaining cleaning efficiency without degradation.
3Device complexity
If the wiper is used to both wipe the nozzle surface and absorb ink, then the device structure is simplified, but the wiper performance degrades due to dual function usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink removal function into two distinct parts: the wiper performs the wiping function by contacting the nozzle formation surface, while the scraper and ink absorbing material perform the ink absorption function. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, with the wiper maintaining its performance by not being responsible for ink absorption, while still achieving the overall goal of keeping the nozzle surface clean through the coordinated action of all components.
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 effective absorption of ink from the wiper without degrading the wiper's performance, preventing ink and solidified fragments from adhering to it, thus maintaining wiper efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid absorbing material that is disposed at a position that does not come in contact with the wiper and at a position that comes in contact with an end portion of the scraping surface
Implementation Method 2
the liquid adhered to the scraping surface is absorbed by the liquid absorbing material from the end portion of the scraping surface
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection unit including a nozzle formation surface in which an opening of a nozzle for ejecting liquid is formed; a wiper disposed so that the wiper can come in contact with the nozzle formation surface; and a liquid collection portion, which is capable of collecting liquid adhered to the wiper, disposed on an end side of the nozzle formation surface of the liquid ejection unit so as to be spaced apart from the nozzle formation surface in a wiping direction. The liquid collection portion includes a scraper having a scraping surface that scrapes off the liquid adhered to the wiper by coming in contact with the wiper, and a liquid absorbing material disposed at a position that does not come in contact with the wiper and at a position that comes in contact with an end portion of the scraping surface.