Liquid Ejecting Flow Path Coupling for Compact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharge apparatuses face challenges with increased size due to the positioning pin being longer than the liquid supply path, leading to larger dimensions in both the insertion and removal directions, which complicates the assembly and alignment of the liquid supply member and discharge head.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus design that couples flow path members by relative movement, utilizing a first flow path member with a base portion and protruding pipes, and a second flow path member with insertion and guide portions, where the guided portions are positioned between the insertion portion and the base, allowing for precise alignment and reducing the risk of erroneous coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the positioning pin is provided at a position different from the liquid supply path to position the liquid supply member and the liquid discharge head, then the positioning function is improved, but the size of the liquid supply member increases in a direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function with the liquid supply path structure itself. The liquid supply path is designed to protrude from the base portion, and this protruding path serves as both the liquid supply conduit and the positioning element. By combining these two functions into a single structure, the patent eliminates the need for a separate positioning pin, thereby preventing increase in the liquid supply member size while maintaining positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If the length of the positioning pin is made longer than the length of the liquid supply path to enable insertion into the positioning opening portion before the liquid supply path, then the assembly sequence is improved, but the size of the liquid supply member increases in the insertion and removal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional positioning approach by making the liquid supply path itself protrude from the base portion rather than having a separate positioning pin extend from the liquid supply member. This inversion allows the liquid supply path to serve dual purposes: as the fluid conduit and as the positioning element that guides insertion into the opening portion. The guided portion is disposed between the insertion portion and the base portion, enabling proper alignment without requiring excessive length.
3Manufacturing precision
If a positioning pin is used to position the liquid supply member and liquid discharge head, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the liquid supply path to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The protruding liquid supply path serves as both the fluid transport conduit and the positioning element that aligns the liquid supply member with the liquid discharge head. The guided portion of the path provides alignment guidance during insertion, while the opening portion receives the path for secure connection. This eliminates the need for separate positioning pins and other alignment components, reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head including one of a first-flow path member and a second-flow path member, and a flow path structure body including another of the first-flow path member and the second-flow path member. The first-flow path member has a base portion and a first-flow path pipe protruding from the base portion in an insertion direction. The second-flow path member has a coupling surface having a first-opening portion that the first-flow path pipe is inserted and a first-guide portion disposed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction with respect to the coupling surface. The first-flow path pipe includes a first-insertion portion inserted into the first-opening portion and a first-guided portion that is guided by the first-guide portion before the first-insertion portion is inserted into the first-opening portion. The first-guided portion is disposed between the first-insertion portion and the base portion.