Page-Wide Liquid Ejection Head Protective Member Sliding Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection head systems face issues with ink scattering and contamination during replacement, particularly with larger page-wide type heads, due to the exposure of ejection ports and the need for protective cap members that increase the size of replacement components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection head unit with a protective member that includes a second rail portion for contact with the liquid ejection head's first rail portion, allowing the ejection port surface to be covered and the unit to be removed without exposing the port, utilizing a sliding mechanism and attachment structure to facilitate safe removal and prevent ink contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective cap member is used to cover the ejection port during replacement, then ink scattering and contamination are prevented, but the size of replacement components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is integrated with the liquid ejection head to form a unified replaceable unit. The protective member includes a covering portion that covers the ejection port surface and a rail portion that engages with the liquid ejection head's rail, merging the protective function with the head unit itself to avoid separate large protective components
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member is designed to be detachably attached to the liquid ejection head, with the covering portion nesting over the ejection port surface and the rail portion nesting into the rail structure. This nested configuration allows the protective member to be compact when attached and easily separable when not needed
2Ease of operation
If the liquid ejection head is removed with exposed ejection port, then replacement is simpler, but ink scattering and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is pre-configured with the covering portion positioned to cover the ejection port surface before removal begins. The rail portion is pre-positioned to engage with the liquid ejection head's rail, enabling the protective covering to be in place before the head is pulled out, thus preventing ink scattering during the replacement operation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member acts as an intermediary between the liquid ejection head and the external environment during replacement. The covering portion serves as a barrier that mediates contact between the ink at the ejection port and the external atmosphere, preventing contamination while allowing smooth removal
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
Enables the removal of the liquid ejection head from the apparatus without exposing the ejection port, reducing ink scattering and contamination risks, and allowing for a more compact design by integrating the protective member with the head unit, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
the second rail portion of the protective member is brought into contact with the first rail portion of the liquid ejection head mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus, and the ejection port surface is covered by sliding the protective member in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head unit includes a page-wide type liquid ejection head detachably attached to a liquid ejecting apparatus and a protective member detachably attached to the liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection head includes an ejection port surface on which ejection ports are provided. The liquid ejection head includes a first rail portion, the protective member includes a second rail portion along a longitudinal direction thereof, and the protective member is made to slide in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head and cover the ejection port surface. The protective member is attached to the liquid ejection head, and then the liquid ejection head and the protective member are moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction and are removed from the liquid ejecting apparatus.