Capping Device Fixing Member for Ink Absorber Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printers face issues with nozzle clogging and air bubbles due to ink evaporation and atmospheric air entry, leading to printing problems like missing dots, and the capping mechanism in JP-A-2000-62202 complicates ink absorber installation and fails to maintain moisture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A capping device with a fixing member that ensures the ink absorber is securely positioned within the cap, preventing it from being raised and facilitating installation, while maintaining moisture retention by ensuring the upper end of the fixing member is at or below the ink absorber's surface, allowing for efficient sealing and ink management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a push plate is heat crimped to the distal ends of pin portions to fix the ink absorber in the capping member, then the ink absorber is prevented from being raised, but the installation process becomes complicated and the space between the ink absorber and nozzle-forming surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the push plate component entirely and replaces it with a fixing member that has an engagement portion directly formed on the cap. This extracts the unnecessary intermediate component (push plate) and simplifies the fixing mechanism to only the essential elements needed to prevent ink absorber displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is divided into distinct functional portions: an engagement portion that directly contacts and secures the ink absorber, and a mounting portion that attaches to the cap. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and installation compared to the heat crimped push plate system.
2Reliability
If a push plate is used to fix the ink absorber, then the ink absorber is secured, but the space between the ink absorber and nozzle-forming surface cannot be reduced, decreasing moisture retention
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the push plate and using a fixing member with engagement portion integrated into the cap structure, the patent eliminates the space-consuming intermediate component, allowing the ink absorber to be positioned closer to the nozzle-forming surface for improved moisture retention.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a push plate that pushes the ink absorber from above (creating space), the fixing member uses an engagement portion that secures the ink absorber from the sides or below, inverting the fixing approach to minimize vertical space while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If pin portions with protruding distal ends and heat crimped push plates are used, then the ink absorber is fixed, but the installation device cannot be easily inserted into the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the push plate component that obstructed installation device access. The fixing member with engagement portion directly on the cap eliminates the need for heat crimping operations and allows the installation device to access the cap interior without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is segmented into an engagement portion for securing the ink absorber and a mounting portion for cap attachment, with the engagement portion designed to accommodate the installation device. This segmentation allows the installation device to pass through or around the engagement portion without interference from protruding push plates.
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 nozzle drying, simplifies ink absorber installation, and maintains optimal moisture levels within the cap, reducing printing errors and installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The cap has a box-like shape, and accommodates ink absorber (liquid absorber) for receiving and absorbing ink discharged from the nozzles during cleaning
Implementation Method 2
a suction pump for sucking air out of the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A capping device provided in a liquid ejection apparatus having a liquid ejection head is provided. The liquid ejection head has a nozzle-forming surface in which a nozzle for ejection liquid is formed. The capping device includes a cap, a liquid absorber, and a fixing member. The cap is capable of contacting the liquid ejection head in such a manner as to encompass the nozzle. The liquid absorber is accommodated in the cap. The fixing member fixes the liquid absorber accommodated in the cap to the cap. The fixing member is arranged in the cap such that an upper end of the fixing member is at the same height as or lower than an upper surface of the liquid absorber.