Image Forming Apparatus Slide Cam Elevation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-size and wide-width image forming apparatuses, it is challenging to elevate the carriage with high precision due to the weight of the main scanning guide member and frame, which affects the stability and size of the apparatus when increasing the number of recording heads.
Innovation Solution
The use of plural slide cam members movably positioned in a horizontal direction to elevate the base member holding multiple recording heads, allowing for stable elevation without increasing the carriage size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the carriage is elevated to increase the number of recording heads, then the recording capacity is improved, but the apparatus width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from elevating the entire carriage (horizontal dimension) to elevating only the base member holding recording heads (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows multiple recording heads to be arranged vertically rather than horizontally, increasing recording capacity without expanding apparatus width.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the main scanning guide member and frame are used to elevate the carriage, then the structural stability is improved, but the weight increases making precise elevation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elevation function from the main scanning guide member and frame to a dedicated base member. This segmentation allows the heavy carriage structure to remain stationary while only the lighter base member with recording heads is elevated, achieving precise elevation without moving the entire heavy carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevation function is extracted from the main scanning mechanism and assigned to a separate base member. This extraction allows the main scanning guide member and frame to maintain structural stability without bearing the additional weight and complexity of the elevation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the carriage size is increased to accommodate elevation mechanisms, then the elevation capability is improved, but the apparatus becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base member as an intermediary between the carriage and recording heads. This base member serves as a dedicated platform for elevation, allowing the carriage itself to remain compact while still achieving the required elevation capability through the base member's vertical movement.
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
This solution enables stable elevation of multiple recording heads relative to the carriage without enlarging the carriage, maintaining precision and reducing the overall apparatus width, thus addressing the challenge of weight and size constraints in large-size image forming systems.
Implementation Method 1
the elevating part is a plurality of slide cam members provided movably in a horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a base member where a plurality of recording heads is provided, the recording heads being configured to jet liquid drops onto a recording medium; a carriage configured to elevatably support the base member; and an elevating part configured to elevate the base member relative to the carriage, wherein the elevating part is a plurality of slide cam members provided movably in a horizontal direction.