Recording Head Holder Positioning via Reference Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with liquid-ejection recording heads face challenges in achieving high positioning accuracy, especially when replacing recording heads, due to complex configurations and difficulties in positioning multiple head holders relative to each other.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a carriage with a guide member and a reference member, where head holders are removably hooked onto a reference shaft member and pressed against the carriage using a pressing unit, allowing for precise positioning and easy replacement of recording heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning portions are provided for multiple head holders in the carriage, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference member is designed as a universal positioning component that can accommodate multiple head holders through a standardized interface. The reference member includes a reference surface and positioning features that work with corresponding features on each head holder, allowing the same reference member to position multiple different head holders with consistent accuracy without requiring unique positioning portions for each head holder type.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged into the head holder itself through the integration of positioning protrusions or features directly into the head holder structure. This eliminates the need for separate, complex positioning mechanisms in the carriage, as the head holder incorporates its own positioning elements that engage with the reference member.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning portions are provided in the carriage, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into modular components: a reference member with standardized positioning features and corresponding positioning features on each head holder. This segmentation allows head holders to be independently replaced without affecting the positioning accuracy of other head holders, as each head holder has its own dedicated positioning interface that engages with the reference member.
Solution Approach 2:
The head holder incorporates self-positioning features such as protrusions, keys, or alignment marks that automatically align with the reference member during installation. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures, allowing users to easily replace head holders while maintaining high positioning accuracy through the inherent alignment features of the head holder itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a head holder, a carriage, a guide member, a reference member, and a pressing unit. The recording head has a plurality of nozzles to eject liquid droplets. The head holder holds the recording head. The carriage is reciprocally movable in a main scanning direction and holds the head holder. The guide member is disposed along the main scanning direction to guide the carriage along the main scanning direction. The reference member is disposed parallel to the guide member in the carriage to rotatably hold the head holder. The pressing unit presses the head holder toward the carriage. The head holder is pressed against the reference member and the carriage by the pressing unit.