Ink Tank Sensor Shielding Against Spills
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Solution Overview
Problem
In recording apparatuses, the installation position of the optical unit under the carriage is not clear, leading to ink spills during ink replenishment, which can cause ink to adhere to the optical unit and deteriorate its function.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a carriage-mounted ink tank and a sensor positioned under the carriage, where the sensor is hidden by the carriage during ink replenishment to prevent ink adhesion, and an eaves structure above the sensor in the second embodiment to further protect it from ink spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is installed under the carriage to detect ink level, then the ink level detection function is achieved, but ink can adhere to the sensor during replenishment causing deterioration of function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the sensor in the main scan direction rather than directly under the ink tank. This dimensional repositioning allows the carriage to physically block ink flow paths while the sensor remains in a location where it can still detect ink levels through the transparent ink tank wall, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage body acts as an intermediary protective element between the ink replenishment process and the sensor. When the carriage is positioned at the ink replenishment location, its physical structure blocks spilled ink from reaching the sensor, while the sensor continues to function by detecting light transmission through the ink tank from its protected position.
2Reliability
If the sensor is positioned to be hidden by the carriage during replenishment, then ink adhesion is prevented, but the installation position becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is given a dual function: it serves both as the mounting structure for the ink tank and recording head, and as a protective shield for the sensor during replenishment. By utilizing the existing carriage structure for protection rather than adding separate protective elements, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving reliable sensor protection.
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
The solution effectively prevents ink adhesion to the sensor, maintaining its function during ink replenishment and ensuring accurate ink level detection.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor located under the carriage and having a light-emitting portion that emits light toward the prism and a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected by the prism
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a carriage having a recording head and an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head, which are mounted on the carriage, wherein the ink tank has an inlet port provided in an upper part of the ink tank, and a prism provided in a lower part of the ink tank, the recording apparatus includes a sensor located under the carriage and having a light-emitting portion that emits light toward the prism and a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected by the prism, and, when the carriage is located at an ink replenishment position where the ink in the ink tank is replenished via the inlet port, the sensor is disposed at a position hidden by the carriage in plan view of the carriage as viewed from above the carriage.