Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Lock Mechanism Nozzle Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ejecting apparatuses face contamination issues due to ink dripping from the recording head when not in use, leading to potential cracking and contamination of the apparatus during storage or transportation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a lock mechanism that regulates the reciprocation of the head, allowing it to face a liquid saucer while separated, preventing contact and movement, and featuring a liquid saucer with a discharge port and atmosphere release path to manage ink flow and prevent drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is mounted on the recording head to protect the discharge surface, then the nozzle is protected from contamination, but cracking may occur in the pressure generating chamber due to ink expansion when frozen
Solution Approach 1:
A cap with an atmosphere release path is introduced as an intermediary component. This cap allows ink to escape through the atmosphere release path when the ink expands due to freezing, preventing cracking in the pressure generating chamber while still protecting the nozzle discharge surface from contamination.
2Strength
If the recording head is left uncovered to prevent freezing damage, then the pressure generating chamber is protected from cracking, but the apparatus is contaminated by ink dripping from the recording head
Solution Approach 1:
A cap with an atmosphere release path serves as an intermediary that allows controlled ink escape while preventing uncontrolled dripping. The atmosphere release path directs ink escape in a controlled manner, preventing contamination of the apparatus while still allowing pressure relief from frozen ink expansion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap is tightly sealed to prevent contamination, then the nozzle is protected from dirt and debris, but ink may drip from the recording head during movement or transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The cap with an atmosphere release path acts as an intermediary that balances sealing and venting functions. It provides a tight seal to prevent contamination while the atmosphere release path allows controlled pressure equalization, preventing ink dripping during movement or transportation.
4Reliability
If the atmosphere release path is blocked by thickened liquid, then the cap can maintain its sealing function, but the liquid may block the atmosphere release path and cause pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid saucer is introduced as an intermediary component to receive and manage thickened liquid that escapes through the atmosphere release path. The liquid saucer prevents the thickened liquid from blocking the atmosphere release path, maintaining both the sealing function and the pressure relief capability of the cap.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid ejecting apparatus including: a head configured to reciprocate and having a nozzle surface provided with a nozzle for discharging a liquid; a lock configured to regulate reciprocation of the head; and a liquid saucer configured to receive the liquid, in which the nozzle surface of the head faces the liquid saucer and is separated from the liquid saucer in a state where reciprocation is regulated by the lock.