Ink Jet Head Module with Self-Latching Joint for Quick Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance operations, such as replacing ink jet heads, in ink jet printing apparatuses with multiple heads are cumbersome and time-consuming, often resulting in poor workability and potential engagement failures, especially for operators with varying skill levels.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet printing apparatus with a modular design featuring an ink jet head module that includes a detachable ink jet head, an ink path, a joint for connecting to the main body, an operation member for easy attachment and detachment, and a fitting mechanism that simplifies the insertion and extraction of the joint and fitting portion, facilitating quick maintenance and improving serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink jet heads are arranged side by side in a head holder with multiple heads, then printing capability is improved, but maintenance complexity increases and serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink jet printing apparatus is divided into a main body and a detachable head holder assembly containing multiple ink jet heads. This segmentation allows the head holder to be removed as a single unit for maintenance, eliminating the need to disassemble individual ink tubes and connectors during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The head holder assembly is extracted as a complete module from the main body for maintenance purposes. The joint mechanism enables the entire head holder with all ink jet heads to be detached together, allowing maintenance personnel to service multiple heads simultaneously without handling individual ink supply connections.
2Ease of repair
If individual ink tubes are disconnected from each ink jet head during maintenance, then head replacement is possible, but maintenance time increases and workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ink jet heads and their ink supply connections are merged into a single integrated head holder assembly. The joint mechanism combines all ink tube connections into one unified interface, allowing the entire assembly to be connected or disconnected in a single operation rather than handling multiple individual connections.
3Reliability
If a complex connection mechanism is used for ink tube engagement, then connection reliability is improved, but operation complexity increases and engagement failure risk varies by operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features that automatically ensure proper engagement when the head holder is attached to the main body. The operation member triggers automatic positioning and securing of the joint, eliminating the need for operator skill in manual alignment or complex manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ink jet head module for an ink jet printing apparatus that employs a plurality of ink jet heads that facilitates maintenance operations such as replacement of ink jet heads, shortens the amount of time required for maintenance work, and improves serviceability is provided. The ink jet head module 27 includes: at least one ink jet head that ejects ink; an ink path that supplies ink to the ink jet head; a joint 41 for connecting the ink path and a fitting portion 60 of a main body of a printing apparatus main body; a handle 42 which is operated according to attachment and detachment of the ink jet head module 27 to the main body of the printing apparatus; and a fitting mechanism 50 that inserts and extracts the fitting portion 60 of the main body of the printing apparatus into and out from the joint 41 in response to movement of the handle 42.