Recording Apparatus Maintenance Section Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses require a large space for maintenance section removal, leading to increased apparatus size due to the need for straight oblique upward movement of the maintenance section.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a maintenance section that includes a first guided section and a second guided section, guided by a guide unit, allowing pivoting around the first guided section as a pivot axis, which enables separation of the second guided section and subsequent movement of the first guided section to separate from the guide unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the maintenance section moves straight obliquely upward along the ink ejection surface to exit from the lower side of the line head, then the maintenance section can be removed, but a large space is required and the apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance section is divided into two guided sections: a first guided section that remains engaged with the guide unit during pivoting, and a second guided section that separates from the guide unit. This segmentation allows the maintenance section to pivot on the first guided section while the second guided section detaches, enabling removal without requiring large linear space.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance section transitions from linear oblique upward movement to rotational pivoting motion around the first guided section as a pivot axis. By changing the movement dimension from translational to rotational, the apparatus reduces the space required for maintenance section removal while maintaining operational ease.
2Volume of moving object
If the maintenance section is designed to pivot with the first guided section as a pivot axis, then the space required for removal is reduced, but the guide unit must allow separation of the second guided section
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit is designed to selectively engage only the first guided section during the pivoting operation, while allowing the second guided section to separate. This segmented guidance approach reduces the complexity of the guide unit compared to a system that would need to constrain all movement paths, as the guide unit only needs to provide pivot support rather than full linear constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
A maintenance section configured to perform maintenance on a recording section includes a first guided section, which is guided by the guide unit, and a second guided section, which is positioned in a first movement direction, is a direction from the retreat position toward the maintenance position with respect to the first guided section, and is guided by the guide unit, when the maintenance section moves from the maintenance position in the first movement direction, the guide unit is configured to allow pivot accompanied by separation of the second guided section from the guide unit, which is pivot of the maintenance section with the first guided section as a pivot axis, and the first guided section is configured to separate from the guide unit, by moving in the first movement direction after the pivot of the maintenance section is allowed.