Liquid ejecting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting devices, such as those described in JP-A-2018-130911, suffer from deformation issues in the cover member due to repeated switching between closed and open positions, leading to shifts in printing position and potential contact between the medium and the recording head.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting device with a flexible cover member that is displaced to close or open the liquid receiving groove using a roll body, minimizing deformation by being pulled out or wound around the roll body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover member is disposed at the retracting position (open position), then the opening of the liquid receiving groove is opened, but both end portions are disposed at positions close to each other causing the portion between both end portions to droop and deform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support member with a curved lower end portion that has a predetermined curvature radius. This curved structure supports the drooping cover member from below, preventing deformation while maintaining the ability to open and close the liquid receiving groove. The curvature radius is specifically designed to be 0.05 times to 0.2 times the width of the liquid receiving groove, optimizing the support effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the cover member and the liquid receiving groove. It provides mechanical support to the cover member's lower end portion, preventing it from drooping and deforming when the cover member is in the open position, thus mediating the structural integrity issue.
2Productivity
If the cover member is repeatedly switched between closed position and open position, then the liquid receiving groove can be opened and closed, but deformation such as fold is created at the lower end portion of the drooping portion
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lower end portion of the support member provides continuous structural support during repeated opening and closing operations. The specific curvature radius (0.05 to 0.2 times the groove width) is optimized to distribute mechanical stress and prevent fold formation, enabling reliable repeated use without deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is positioned beforehand to provide preventive support to the cover member's lower end portion. This prior support prevents deformation before it can occur during repeated switching operations, cushioning against the mechanical stress that would otherwise cause folds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover member is made flexible to cover the liquid receiving groove, then it can adapt to the groove shape, but it droops when both end portions are close together
Solution Approach 1:
The support member's curved lower end portion with optimized curvature radius (0.05 to 0.2 times the groove width) provides the necessary structural support to counteract the drooping tendency of flexible cover members, allowing them to maintain their flexibility while preventing deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the flexible nature of the cover member (thin film structure) while introducing the support member to prevent drooping. The flexible cover member can still adapt to the groove shape when closed, but the support member prevents excessive drooping when open, combining flexibility with structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting device includes: an ejecting unit configured to eject a liquid to a medium; a liquid receiving section including a liquid receiving groove opposed to the ejecting unit; and a roll body wound with a cover member having flexibility. The cover member is configured to be displaced, by being pulled out from the roll body, to a closed position to close an opening of the liquid receiving groove, and is configured to be displaced, by being wound around the roll body, to an open position to open the opening of the liquid receiving groove.