Capping Unit Restriction Mechanism for Inkjet Head Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses, such as inkjet printing systems, face issues where the capping mechanism applies significant load on the moving components during the capping process, potentially damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a capping unit that includes a rotating mechanism to move between capping and retreat positions while maintaining a predetermined posture, and a restriction unit that supports the capping unit to reduce the load on the moving components, allowing the capping unit to cap the ejection port surface without applying excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capping unit is moved by pressing against the liquid ejection head during capping, then the capping function is achieved, but the moving mechanism is subjected to excessive load that may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
A restriction member is introduced as an intermediary element between the capping unit and the liquid ejection head. This restriction member, fixed to the apparatus body, contacts the capping unit during movement and limits its displacement in directions other than toward the second position. This intermediary structure absorbs and redirects forces, preventing excessive load on the moving mechanism while enabling effective capping operation.
2Ease of operation
If the capping unit is moved horizontally to face the cap and then raised, then the capping function is achieved, but both the cap and print head must press against each other during capping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the capping unit vertically upward to cap the liquid ejection head, the invention inverts the movement approach by having the capping unit approach from above and cap the ejection ports while moving downward or horizontally. The restriction member ensures the capping unit maintains proper orientation and limits unnecessary movement, achieving capping with reduced mutual pressure between the cap and print head.
3Device complexity
If the capping unit moves freely during capping, then the operation is simple, but the moving mechanism experiences damaging loads
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member serves as a simple intermediary structure fixed to the apparatus body that contacts the capping unit during operation. This addition does not significantly complicate the overall device structure but effectively limits the capping unit's movement in unwanted directions, thereby protecting the moving mechanism from damaging loads while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction member creates a constrained movement path for the capping unit, ensuring it moves along an optimal trajectory where forces are evenly distributed. By limiting movement to directions toward the second position, the system achieves a more balanced force distribution that reduces peak loads on the moving mechanism components.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid ejection apparatus achieving a reduction of the load applied during capping to a moving mechanism of a liquid ejection head or a cap, whichever is pressed. The inkjet ejection apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head that includes an ejection port surface in which ejection ports for ejecting a liquid are provided; a capping unit that caps the ejection port surface; a moving unit that moves the capping unit to a first position at which the capping unit is capable of capping the ejection port surface and to a second position at which the capping unit is separated from the ejection port surface; and a restriction unit that is fixed to a body of the apparatus and, when the capping unit is located at the first position, contacts the capping unit to thereby restrict movement of the capping unit in a direction different from a direction toward the second position.