Carriage-Coupled Cap Cover for Inkjet Nozzle Moisture Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face complications due to liquid adhesion and deposition in caps due to high viscosity, low solubility, and fast drying, leading to a complex configuration with motor-driven covers.
Innovation Solution
A decouplable and couplable cover is integrated with a support, allowing it to move between covering and retracting positions without a dedicated driving source, simplifying the apparatus structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-driven mechanism is used to move the cover between covering and retracting positions, then the cover can effectively protect the cap and prevent liquid adhesion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor-driven mechanism from the cover system, eliminating the need for dedicated driving sources. The cover is redesigned to move passively through engagement and disengagement with the carriage, removing complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is given multiple functions: it not only transports the liquid discharge head but also serves as the driving source for the cover through engagement and disengagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate motor-driven mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a motor-driven mechanism is used to move the cover, then the cover can maintain moisture in nozzles effectively, but the number of parts and configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system becomes self-service by utilizing the carriage's movement and engagement/disengagement mechanics to drive itself. The cover automatically moves to covering and retracting positions through the carriage's operational cycles, eliminating the need for external motors and reducing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover movement mechanism is merged with the carriage system. The engagement and disengagement between the cover and carriage are combined with the carriage's existing movement mechanisms, consolidating functions and reducing the total number of parts required.
3Reliability
If the cover is always in contact with the cap, then liquid adhesion is prevented, but the cover cannot be retracted when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static, always-contact design to a dynamic system that can engage and disengage with the carriage. This allows the cover to move between covering and retracting positions based on operational needs, maintaining liquid adhesion prevention when engaged and enabling retraction when disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover operates in periodic cycles of engagement and disengagement with the carriage, corresponding to printing operations and non-printing periods. During printing, the cover is engaged to prevent liquid adhesion; during non-printing periods, it disengages to retract, creating a periodic action that balances protection and retraction needs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus (100) includes a liquid discharge head (11), a carriage (10), a cap (21), a cover (14), and a support (12A, 12B). The liquid discharge head (11) has a discharge face (11a) and discharges a liquid from the discharge face (11a) to perform a liquid discharge operation. The carriage (10) mounts the liquid discharge head (11) and is movable in main scanning directions. The cap (21) covers the discharge face (11a) of the liquid discharge head (11). The cover (14) covers the cap (21). The cover (14) is decouplable from and couplable to the carriage (10), and movable in the main scanning directions. The support (12A, 12B) extends in the main scanning directions and supports the carriage (10) and the cover (14) movable in the main scanning directions.