Separate Suction and Wiping Units for Inkjet Head Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization due to the large volume of integrated suction and wiping units, which can lead to space constraints and interference with recording medium curling, potentially damaging both the medium and apparatus components.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus design featuring a transportation mechanism with a separate suction unit and wiping unit, where at least one of these units is positioned downstream of the recording head, allowing for a wider gap and independent operation to prevent medium curling and reduce apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suction unit and wiping unit are integrated into a single maintenance unit, then the functional integration is improved, but the apparatus volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the maintenance unit into separate suction unit and wiping unit components. The suction unit is positioned downstream of the recording head while the wiping unit is positioned upstream, allowing each unit to be independently configured and positioned. This segmentation enables the apparatus to maintain functional integration while reducing overall volume by optimizing the spatial arrangement of separate components rather than using a single bulky integrated unit.
2Volume of moving object
If the recording medium is transported through a narrow space, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the curled recording medium interferes with configuration members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between compact apparatus size and preventing medium curling interference by utilizing the vertical dimension. The suction unit is positioned in a lower position (downstream side) while the wiping unit is positioned in an upper position (upstream side), creating a multi-level arrangement. This vertical spatial distribution allows the recording medium to be guided through a compact horizontal path while providing sufficient clearance above and below the medium to prevent curling interference with configuration members.
3Volume of moving object
If the gap between configuration members and support surface is reduced, then the apparatus is miniaturized, but the recording medium curling interferes with configuration members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the maintenance functions into separate units positioned at different locations relative to the recording medium path. The suction unit is located downstream while the wiping unit is located upstream, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows each unit to be positioned optimally for its specific function while maintaining sufficient clearance from the recording medium to prevent damage, even in a miniaturized apparatus configuration.
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 configuration effectively suppresses recording medium curling and allows for efficient space utilization within the apparatus, preventing damage and enabling miniaturization without increasing the apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit that is capable of sucking the ink inside the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a wiping unit that is capable of wiping the ink ejection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a transportation mechanism that supports and transports a recording medium by a support surface; a recording head that is disposed in a region facing the support surface and is capable of ejecting an ink from a nozzle provided on an ink ejection surface to the recording medium; a suction unit that is capable of sucking the ink inside the nozzle; and a wiping unit that is provided as a separate body from the suction unit and is capable of wiping the ink ejection surface. At least one of the suction unit and the wiping unit is provided on a farther downstream side of the recording medium in a transportation direction than the recording head and a gap between the one and the support surface is wider than a gap between the ink ejection surface and the support surface.