Print Head Lock Unit Interlock for Ink Tank Exchange Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in preventing erroneous user procedures during print head exchange, leading to potential ink leakage and safety concerns due to the lack of effective interlocks that prevent unauthorized access and operation during pressurization changes.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a head holder, holder moving unit, ink tank, pressurizing supply unit, openable cover, and a lock unit controlled by a unit that switches to an unlocked state and stops pressurization when instructed to detach the ink tank, ensuring the print head is securely positioned and inaccessible for exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the print head exchange cover is opened and pressurization is cancelled to allow ink tank exchange, then the ink tank can be easily exchanged, but the print head also enters a detachable state creating a risk of erroneous print head exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover function into two independent covers: a print head exchange cover and an ink tank exchange cover. The print head exchange cover is locked during pressurization and only unlockable when pressurization is cancelled, while the ink tank exchange cover can be opened independently. This segmentation allows independent control of access to each component, preventing erroneous print head exchange while maintaining easy ink tank exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary locking of the print head exchange cover before ink tank exchange operations. The control unit automatically locks the print head exchange cover when pressurization is activated, and only unlocks it after pressurization is cancelled. This preliminary protective action prevents users from erroneously attempting to exchange the print head during pressurized operations, while still allowing straightforward ink tank exchange through the separate ink tank exchange cover.
2Productivity
If pressurization is maintained during operation to ensure ink supply, then printing productivity is improved, but the risk of ink leakage increases if erroneous operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that mediates between the pressurization system and the cover locking mechanism. When pressurization is activated to maintain high printing productivity, the control unit automatically locks the print head exchange cover, preventing erroneous operations that could cause ink leakage. This intermediary control ensures that the beneficial pressurized ink supply operates safely without exposing the system to leakage risks from user errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by automatically locking the print head exchange cover before any erroneous operations can occur during pressurized printing. The control unit detects pressurization activation and preemptively secures the print head exchange cover, counteracting potential harmful user actions before they can cause ink leakage. This preliminary protective measure maintains high printing speed through continuous pressurization while eliminating the leakage risk associated with erroneous operations.
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 solution allows for safe and easy exchange of the print head and ink tank while preventing erroneous operations by ensuring the print head is securely locked and pressurization is stopped, reducing the risk of ink leakage and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing supply unit configured to pressurize and supply ink from the ink tank to the print head
Data Source
AI summary
The printing apparatus of the present invention includes: an openable cover that covers a head holder that mounts a print head detachably and an ink tank, detachable from the apparatus, configured to store ink to be supplied to the print head; a lock unit capable of switching between a lock state where the cover is fixed to a closed position and an unlocked state where the cover is not fixed to the closed position; and a control unit configured to control, in a case of receiving instructions to detach the ink tank, the lock unit to switch to the unlocked state after controlling a holder moving unit to move the head holder to a position at which the print head is undetachable, as well as controlling a pressurizing supply unit to stop pressurization and supply ink from the ink tank to the print head.