Liquid Ejection Device Spatial Layout for Maintenance Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection devices, the maintenance unit tends to occupy a larger space due to its complex configurations, leading to inefficient utilization of space within the device, as it is often located in the same area as the receiving unit, which can hinder effective operation and printing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejection device is configured such that the standby cap and receiving unit are located in the first area, while the maintenance unit is in the second area, allowing for efficient use of space and maintaining the ejection performance by including a cleaning unit that sucks liquid from the nozzles and a wiping unit to remove adhering substances, with the first mounting unit occupying a larger portion of the first area and the second mounting unit occupying a smaller portion of the second area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the maintenance unit is located in the same area as the receiving unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional areas: the first area contains the standby cap and receiving unit, while the second area contains the maintenance unit. This spatial segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function, improving overall space utilization while maintaining structural organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the maintenance unit is enlarged to include all necessary functions, then the maintenance capability is improved, but the space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the scanning direction as an additional spatial dimension to arrange components. By positioning the maintenance unit in the second area and the standby cap with receiving unit in the first area along the scanning direction, the patent achieves efficient space utilization without compromising the comprehensive maintenance capability of the enlarged maintenance unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for effective space utilization and maintains the ejection performance by ensuring the maintenance unit is separate from the standby cap and receiving unit, enabling efficient printing and maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning unit configured to suck the liquid from the nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection device includes: a head including a nozzle surface in which a nozzle is opened, the head being configured to eject liquid from the nozzle; a standby cap that covers the nozzle by coming into contact with the head; a receiving unit that receives the liquid ejected from the nozzle; and a maintenance unit that performs maintenance of the head. The head moves in a first area, a second area, and a printing area by moving in a scanning direction, and performs printing on a medium by ejecting the liquid onto the medium while moving in the printing area. The printing area is located between the first area and the second area in the scanning direction. The standby cap and the accommodation unit are located in the first area. The maintenance unit is located in the second area.