Inkjet Recording Head Dynamic Positioning for Cleaning Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face difficulties in cleaning the cleaning unit due to interference from the recording head, which is typically positioned near the standby position, making it challenging to effectively clean the area.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control device that moves the recording head to an arbitrary position on the moving path, allowing for the cleaning of the cleaning unit without interference, and includes a mechanism to retract the recording head from the standby position during cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning unit is arranged near the standby position of the recording head, then the cleaning unit can be positioned for effective cleaning, but it becomes difficult to perform cleaning work for the cleaning unit because the recording head interferes with the work
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head is made movable along the head moving path, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned between a standby position (for normal operation) and a retracted position (for cleaning access). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the recording head to occupy different spatial locations based on operational requirements, thereby allowing cleaning personnel to access the cleaning unit without interference when needed.
2Productivity
If the recording head is positioned at the standby position, then it is ready for printing operation, but the cleaning unit cannot be accessed for cleaning work
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head's position along the head moving path is made dynamic, allowing rapid transition between the standby position (optimizing printing readiness) and a retracted position (optimizing cleaning accessibility). This dynamic repositioning capability enables the system to switch between operational states as needed, resolving the spatial conflict between printing readiness and cleaning access.
3Reliability
If the cleaning unit is cleaned periodically, then ink mist stains can be removed, but cleaning work is difficult due to recording head interference
Solution Approach 1:
By making the recording head position dynamic along the head moving path, the system enables cleaning personnel to access the cleaning unit without interference from the recording head during cleaning operations. The recording head can be retracted to a specific position that provides unobstructed access to the cleaning unit, thereby facilitating periodic cleaning maintenance while maintaining printing readiness when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a conveying mechanism that is provided in this apparatus body and conveys a sheet, a recording head that moves along a moving path orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet, ejects an ink to the sheet to print an image on the sheet, and, after the printing is finished, stands by in a first standby position on one end side of the moving path, and a CPU that moves the recording head that is on standby in the first standby position to an arbitrary position of the moving path.