Recording Head Positioning With Independent Conveyance Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-precision positioning of recording heads and conveying portions, leading to difficulties in maintaining high-resolution text and image recording, increased apparatus size due to arc-shaped maintenance units, and compromised conveyance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a configuration that allows for precise positioning of recording heads and conveying portions using spherical members and biasing members, enabling accurate alignment and maintenance operations without enlarging the apparatus footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conveying portion is moved to follow the recording head for positioning, then positioning precision between recording head and maintenance portion is improved, but conveyance capabilities and state of conveyance are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into two independent systems: the recording head positioning system and the conveying portion positioning system. The recording head can move independently to follow the maintenance portion for precise positioning, while the conveying portion maintains its own conveyance function without being affected by the recording head's movement. This segmentation allows both positioning precision and conveyance capability to coexist.
2Device complexity
If the center of rotation is restricted in the equalizing mechanism, then the mechanism structure is simplified, but following capabilities for the recording head to follow the counter unit are limited and positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning mechanism where the recording head can move freely in both horizontal and vertical directions to follow the maintenance portion. The equalizing mechanism allows the recording head to adjust its position dynamically without being restricted by a fixed center of rotation, enabling high-precision positioning while maintaining a relatively simple mechanism structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If a plurality of recording heads are fixed in an arc form to ensure positioning precision during recording, then positioning precision is improved, but the capping unit needs to be configured in an arc form increasing placement space and apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the recording heads in an arc form to achieve positioning precision, the patent inverts the approach by making the recording heads movable on a linear guide. The recording heads can move horizontally and vertically to follow the maintenance portion, achieving precise positioning without requiring an arc-shaped configuration. This inversion allows the capping unit to be positioned directly below the recording heads, reducing the placement space and apparatus size.
4Manufacturing precision
If the recording head and conveying portion are positioned with high precision, then high-resolution text and image recording is achieved, but the apparatus requires complex positioning mechanisms that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the recording head mounting structure to serve multiple functions: it provides both positioning functionality and support for the recording head. The linear guide system serves as both a positioning mechanism and a structural support element. The equalizing mechanism integrates the positioning function with the recording head's movement capability, reducing the need for separate complex positioning components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a conveyance roller configured to convey a recording medium in a conveyance direction, and a moving portion (26) configured to move a recording head (22) between a positioning position and a non-positioning position, the moving portion having a first supporting portion (810) that supports the recording head at the non-positioning position. The first supporting portion does not support the recording head at the positioning position.