Ink Jet Recording Apparatus Sequential Capping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face increased driving load due to simultaneous adherence and separation of multiple recording heads and caps, leading to inefficient capping mechanisms that can cause ink drying and clogging, affecting recording quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a carriage with two recording heads and corresponding caps, where the caps are adhered and separated in a sequential manner, with distinct capping positions to distribute the driving load, allowing the carriage to move between first and second capping positions to manage adherence and separation forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple recording heads and caps are simultaneously adhered and separated, then capping operation is completed efficiently, but driving load of carriage increases remarkably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simultaneous capping operation into sequential stages. The slider moves to a first capping position where only a first cap adheres to its recording head, then to a second capping position where both first and second caps adhere to their recording heads. This segmentation of the capping process reduces the peak driving load while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning of the slider with multiple capping positions (first and second capping positions) to optimize the capping process. By dynamically adjusting the slider position, the system achieves sequential adherence and separation of caps, reducing the driving load compared to fixed-position simultaneous capping.
2Reliability
If recording head and cap are excessively adhered to prevent ink drying, then capping effectiveness improves, but separation becomes difficult and increases driving load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adherence process into controlled stages at different capping positions. By adhering caps sequentially rather than simultaneously, the system achieves reliable sealing while managing the separation force through staged detachment, reducing the peak force required for separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capping actions at the first capping position before completing the capping at the second position. This preliminary action allows gradual establishment of adherence, ensuring effective sealing while preparing for easier separation through controlled sequential detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
When recording heads are away from caps, a black ink recording head is first set into a capping state and a color ink recording head is subsequently set into a capping state from this state. When the recording heads are adhered to the caps, the capping state of the color ink recording head is first cancelled and the capping state of the black ink recording head is subsequently cancelled from this state.