Wiping Device for Ink Jet Franking Machine Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for ink jet nozzles in franking machines fail to prevent the accumulation of dirt and ink particles over time, leading to decreased print quality and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A wiping device with two rotating rollers, one behind the other, adapted to rotate in opposite directions and remain stationary alternately, using a polyether-based cleaning fluid and fixed brushes to maintain cleanliness, ensuring efficient periodic cleaning of the nozzles as the print module moves between printing and capping locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning device is used to wipe the nozzles, then the nozzles are cleaned, but the device itself accumulates dirt and ink particles over time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device performs self-cleaning by rotating the cleaning roller in opposite directions during forward and backward movements of the print module. The roller cleans itself by contacting the container walls and cleaning fluid, eliminating the need for separate maintenance of the cleaning device while maintaining continuous cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed periodically during each movement cycle of the print module. The roller rotates in opposite directions alternately during forward and backward movements, creating periodic cleaning action that prevents accumulation without requiring continuous intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If the print head is cleaned frequently, then print quality is maintained, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates autonomously without requiring external intervention. The print module's own movement drives the cleaning roller, and the cleaning fluid is automatically replenished from the container, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations and reducing maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action continues uninterrupted during the normal operation cycles of the franking machine. The roller is continuously cleaned during forward and backward movements, ensuring consistent print quality without stopping production or requiring separate maintenance sessions
3Reliability
If a complex cleaning mechanism is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing movement of the print module to drive the cleaning roller, eliminating the need for separate motors or actuators. The cleaning fluid container and roller arrangement leverage the natural movement cycles, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning roller serves dual functions: cleaning the nozzles during forward movement and cleaning itself during backward movement. The same mechanical movement that positions the print head also drives the cleaning operation, combining multiple functions into a single mechanism
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
The solution effectively prevents nozzle clogging and maintains the cleanliness of the print heads and their environment, ensuring consistent print quality and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a polyether-based cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 2
polyether-based cleaning fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A wiping device (20) for cleaning outer surfaces of at least one row of ejection nozzles in at least one print head (4a, 4b) of an ink jet printing module (2) of a franking machine when the module is moving above the wiping device in first and second directions (X, Y), comprising two wiping rollers (26, 28) located one behind the other in the first direction and adapted to rotate in opposite directions around respective fixed shafts (30, 32), the two wiping rollers being permanently dampened in contact with a cleaning fluid (24) contained inside a container (22); and the two wiping rollers are adapted via a one-way bearing (34, 36) to remain stationary alternatively, one during the moving of the module in the first direction and the other during the moving of the module in the second direction.