Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Sealing Protrusions Mist Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face the challenge of reducing mist entry while preventing device upsizing, as mist can cause adhesion to electronic components and lead to electric failures like short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A sealing section with protrusions and recessed portions between the liquid ejection unit and the housing effectively reduces mist entry by engaging with the liquid ejection head and housing surfaces, preventing movement of mist and dust without increasing the apparatus size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover member is provided to block the opening of the head case section, then the adhesion of mist to electronic components is prevented, but the size of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemist adhesion to electronic componentsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing section is divided into multiple protrusions (first protrusion from liquid ejection head, second protrusion from housing, third protrusion from holding member) that create separate sealing zones. This segmented approach blocks mist pathways without requiring a single large cover member, thus preventing mist adhesion to electronic components while maintaining compact device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions act as intermediary sealing elements between the liquid ejection head and housing. These protrusions create intermediate sealing zones that intercept mist before it reaches electronic components, replacing the need for a large cover member and thus resolving the contradiction between mist protection and device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the liquid ejection head is exposed to the external environment, then the ejection of liquid is efficient, but mist and dust can enter the apparatus and cause electric failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ejection efficiencyVSAvoidelectronic component functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing protrusions are strategically positioned at specific locations where mist and dust would enter the apparatus. This localized sealing approach maintains the ejection surface exposure for efficient liquid ejection while providing targeted protection against contaminant entry, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions create preliminary sealing barriers that intercept and block mist and dust before they can reach the electronic components. This preliminary protective action prevents electric failures while maintaining the ejection surface exposure needed for efficient liquid ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9855745B2Liquid ejecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejection unit including a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid, a housing accommodating the liquid ejection unit, and a sealing section provided between the liquid ejection unit and the housing.