Inkjet Printing Apparatus Cap and Carriage Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems face delays due to the need to switch driving force transmission paths before starting a printing operation, which increases the time from receiving a user instruction to executing the printing operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switching mechanism that allows the driving force transmission paths to be switched automatically based on the position of the carriage and the cap, enabling immediate preparation for printing upon receiving user instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driving force transmission paths are switched manually before starting printing, then the printing operation can be executed, but the time from receiving user instruction to executing printing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is configured to automatically switch driving force transmission paths to the printing operation path in advance when the carriage moves to the printing position, so that when printing is instructed, the system is already prepared and can execute immediately without manual intervention or waiting time
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap is maintained in spaced position after printing completion, then the system is ready for next printing, but manual switching of driving force transmission paths is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism automatically determines and switches driving force transmission paths based on the current system state (cap position, carriage position), eliminating the need for manual switching operations and making the system self-managing
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of an inkjet printing apparatus is configured to receive first data, which an information processing apparatus transmits in response to receipt of a print instruction. The first data includes an instruction to move the cap from a covering position to a spaced position. Upon receipt of the first data, the controller determines a location of the cap. Then, upon determination that the cap is located at the spaced position, the controller determines the state of the driving force transmission assembly. The controller switches the state to the first state by moving the carriage to the non-recordation area in response to determination that the state is not the first state. Then, the controller receives second data, which includes image recordation condition, from the information processing apparatus, in response to determination that the state is the first state or after switching of the state to the first state is started.