Separate Suction and Wiping Units for Recording Head Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for integrated suction and wiping units, which increase the apparatus size and risk ink dripping onto the support surface during wiping, especially in line head configurations.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with separate suction and wiping units, where the suction unit moves to a position below the recording head to receive ink and the wiping unit moves to the ink ejection surface, allowing for independent operation and reducing the apparatus size by eliminating the need for an ink receiver and widening the gap between the recording head and support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated suction unit and wiping unit are used, then the apparatus can perform both functions, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the maintenance system into separate functional units: a suction unit for removing excess ink and a wiping unit for cleaning the ink ejection surface. These units operate independently rather than being integrated, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall space required in the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the suction unit below the recording head and the wiping unit above the recording head. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both units to access the ink ejection surface from different directions without requiring horizontal space, thereby reducing the apparatus footprint while maintaining full functionality.
2Volume of stationary object
If the recording head is positioned close to the support surface, then the apparatus size is reduced, but ink may drip onto the support surface during wiping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the suction unit below the recording head in advance, ready to receive any ink that may drip during the wiping operation. The suction unit is pre-configured with a suction port facing upward, so that when the wiping unit contacts the ink ejection surface, any excess ink is immediately drawn away before it can reach the support surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction unit acts as an intermediary barrier between the recording head and the support surface. By positioning it in the space below the recording head, it intercepts and removes excess ink through suction, preventing direct contact between the ink and the support surface, thus eliminating the harmful effect of ink dripping.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a wide gap is secured between the recording head and support surface, then ink dripping is prevented, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ink reception function from the space between the recording head and support surface by introducing a dedicated suction unit. This allows the gap between the recording head and support surface to remain narrow for compactness, while the suction unit actively removes excess ink, preventing dripping without requiring additional vertical space.
4Device complexity
If the suction unit and wiping unit are integrated, then device complexity is reduced, but the apparatus cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the maintenance system into independent suction and wiping units, each with dedicated drive mechanisms and positioning systems. While this increases the number of components, it allows for more efficient spatial arrangement using vertical separation, ultimately reducing the horizontal footprint and enabling apparatus miniaturization.
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 prevents ink from dripping onto the support surface while allowing for efficient use of space, enabling miniaturization of the recording apparatus without increasing its size and reducing operational loads.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit that is capable of sucking the ink inside the nozzle
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. The recording head is moved in a direction to be separated from the support surface when sucking the ink inside the nozzle. The suction unit is moved to a suction position facing the ink ejection surface of the recording head. The suction unit is moved below the recording head when wiping the ink ejection surface.