Liquid Ejecting Unit Connector Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, when the flow channel component is removed from the head body portion, ink can drip and adhere to the connectors, causing maintenance and inspection challenges.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejecting unit design includes a flow channel member that restricts the electric coupling member's movement in the removal direction, ensuring the flow channel member is removed first, preventing ink from adhering to the connectors by positioning the electric coupling member between the flow channel member and the liquid ejecting head, and using overhang portions and notches to guide and secure the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the flow channel component is removed from the head body portion, then the flow channel component can be replaced or maintained, but ink drips and adheres to the connector of the head body portion
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the flow channel member and the head body portion. The guide member includes a guide protrusion that fits into a guide groove on the connector, creating a physical barrier that prevents ink from reaching the connector during the removal process. This intermediary structure enables easy maintenance while preventing ink contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove is pre-formed on the connector surface before assembly, and the guide protrusion is pre-formed on the flow channel member. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the flow channel member is removed, the ink is channeled along the predetermined guide path away from the connector, preventing adhesion before it can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the electric coupling member is positioned to allow easy removal, then maintenance is easier, but ink can adhere to the wiring substrate and electric coupling member
Solution Approach 1:
The removal process is segmented into two distinct stages: first removing the flow channel member, then removing the electric coupling member. The guide member structure enables this sequential removal, allowing the electric coupling member to be easily accessed after the flow channel member is gone, while the guide protrusion protects it from ink during the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide protrusion acts as a protective intermediary that physically blocks ink from reaching the electric coupling member and wiring substrate during disassembly. This mediator structure allows easy removal operations while preventing harmful ink adhesion to sensitive electrical components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid ejecting unit includes: a liquid ejecting head configured to eject a liquid; a flow channel member that is attached to the liquid ejecting head and that supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting head; and an electric coupling member configured to supply a signal to the liquid ejecting head, in which the electric coupling member has a first electric coupling portion, the liquid ejecting head has a second electric coupling portion electrically coupled to the first electric coupling portion, and the flow channel member restricts the electric coupling member from moving in a direction in which the first electric coupling portion is removed from the second electric coupling portion.