Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Multi-Position Cap Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, cannot specify multiple relative positional relations between the print head and the cap, limiting maintenance and operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a print head, a cap unit, and a moving unit that allows for two distinct relative positions between the print head and the cap unit, enabling different positions for capping, preliminary ejection, and maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single relative position between print head and cap is specified, then the structure is simple, but multiple operations (capping, preliminary ejection, maintenance) cannot be performed efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure is segmented into multiple discrete positioning portions (first positioning portion, second positioning portion, etc.) on both the print head and cap. Each positioning portion corresponds to a specific relative position, allowing the system to achieve multiple positions through discrete contact points rather than continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The same cap and print head assembly can perform multiple functions (capping, preliminary ejection, maintenance operations) by utilizing different relative positions. The universal positioning structure allows a single hardware configuration to support diverse operational modes without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
2Productivity
If multiple relative positions are enabled, then maintenance and operation efficiency improve, but the positioning structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure is divided into multiple discrete positioning portions that can be independently engaged. This segmentation allows the system to switch between positions quickly without complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, improving maintenance efficiency while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portions are pre-configured on both the print head and cap to enable quick engagement at specific relative positions. This preliminary arrangement of positioning features allows rapid switching between capping, preliminary ejection, and maintenance positions without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple relative positions are specified, then ink distribution and prevention of thickening improve, but the positioning mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete positioning portions are provided on both the print head and cap, creating distinct relative positions for different operations. This segmentation ensures proper ink distribution during preliminary ejection by positioning the ejection openings at appropriate locations relative to the cap, preventing ink thickening without requiring complex continuous positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different positioning portions are designed with specific local characteristics suitable for different operations. The first positioning portion may be optimized for capping alignment, while the second positioning portion is optimized for preliminary ejection alignment, ensuring proper ink distribution and preventing thickening at each specific location.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including: a print head having an ejection opening surface on which an ejection opening array for ejecting a liquid is provided in a first direction; a cap unit for protecting the ejection opening array; a moving unit configured to relatively move the print head and the cap unit; a first positioning portion for locating the print head and the cap unit in a first relative position where the print head and the cap unit come into contact with each other; and a second positioning portion for locating the print head and the cap unit in a second relative position where the print head and the cap unit come into contact with each other, the second relative position being different from the first relative position.