Printer Maintenance Cap Drive Timing for Wiper Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting devices, such as printers, face issues where operating one wiper unit simultaneously with another reduces the durability of both units, leading to premature wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance device with a cap, cap moving portion, suction portion, and drive transmission unit that allows independent operation of the cap and switching portion, using first and second transmission mechanisms with drive delay units to control the timing of operations, forming a closed space for nozzle protection and controlled suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the opening surface wiper and side surface wiper are operated simultaneously through a shared drive mechanism, then the structure is simplified, but the durability of individual wiper units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shared drive mechanism into two independent transmission paths: one for the opening surface wiper and another for the side surface wiper. Each wiper has its own drive delay unit that can be independently controlled, allowing selective operation of individual wipers without affecting the other, thus improving durability while maintaining structural organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drive source drives by a certain amount to perform switching of the switching portion, then the switching function is achieved, but the cap moving portion cannot be operated independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs drive delay units with controllable delay amounts in both transmission mechanisms. By dynamically adjusting the delay amount in the first transmission mechanism (cap moving portion) and the second transmission mechanism (switching portion), the system can independently control the timing of each component's operation, enabling both switching functionality and independent operation capability.
3Productivity
If the first drive delay unit and second drive delay unit both transmit driving when the drive source drives, then both cap moving and switching operations are performed, but the durability of individual components is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the drive delay units, which can be controlled to transmit or not transmit driving based on the maintenance operation phase. During switching operations, the first drive delay unit is controlled to not transmit driving, protecting the cap moving portion. During cap moving operations, the second drive delay unit is controlled to not transmit driving, protecting the switching portion. This periodic control enables both efficient maintenance operations and component durability.
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
Enhances the durability of the liquid ejecting device by allowing independent operation of wipers, reducing wear and tear, and minimizing liquid scattering through controlled suction and idle suction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a suction portion (36) configured to suction the liquid in the closed space
Data Source
AI summary
A maintenance device includes a cap, a cap moving portion, a suction portion, a switching portion, and a drive transmission unit, wherein the drive transmission unit includes a drive source, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism, the first transmission mechanism includes a first drive delay unit that does not transmit driving of the drive source even when the drive source drives by a certain amount when the drive source performs switching of the switching portion via the second transmission mechanism, and the second transmission mechanism includes a second drive delay unit that does not transmit driving of the drive source even when the drive source drives by a certain amount when the drive source performs moving of the cap via the first transmission mechanism.