Inkjet Head Unit Layout for In-Line and Staggered Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers require different base members for in-line and staggered arrangements of inkjet heads, reducing versatility and complicating switching between arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A head unit with a common base member that allows for both in-line and staggered arrangements of inkjet heads, using adjustable openings and adjustment members to facilitate easy switching and prevent dust/ink mist entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate base members are used for in-line and staggered arrangements, then each arrangement can be optimized, but versatility of the base member is reduced and switching becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is designed with a single opening that can accommodate both in-line and staggered arrangements of inkjet heads. The opening width is specifically configured to allow the inkjet head to be positioned at different locations (in-line or staggered) while maintaining proper exposure and alignment, thereby enabling one base member to serve multiple arrangement functions without requiring separate specialized base members for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed opening position is used in the base member, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to switch between in-line and staggered arrangements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base member incorporates an adjustable opening mechanism that can be repositioned or reconfigured to accommodate different inkjet head arrangements. The opening can be adjusted between positions corresponding to in-line arrangement and staggered arrangement, allowing the base member to adapt to different configurations without requiring multiple fixed-opening base members, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling arrangement flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
In the head unit 15, an opening 14a for exposing the nozzle surface of an inkjet head 3 and an opening 14b for exposing the nozzle surface of an inkjet head 4 are formed in a base member 14, and the width of the opening 14a in the sub scanning direction is set to a width at which the inkjet head 3 can be arranged at a first position 3A where the inkjet head 3 and the inkjet head 4 are arranged at the same position in the sub scanning direction and a second position where the inkjet head 3 and the inkjet head 4 are arranged at positions shifted in the sub scanning direction.