18477381. PRINTING APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
- 1 PRINTING APPARATUS
PRINTING APPARATUS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Hideaki Matsumura of Tokyo (JP)
Tsuyoshi Saeki of Kanagawa (JP)
Hiromasa Tsutsumi of Kanagawa (JP)
Taiji Maruyama of Kanagawa (JP)
PRINTING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18477381 titled 'PRINTING APPARATUS
Simplified Explanation
The printing apparatus described in the patent application includes a unique liquid tank unit, printing head, and supply tube unit. Here are the key points of the innovation:
- The liquid tank unit consists of two liquid tanks arranged in parallel to each other, storing liquid for printing.
- The printing head ejects liquid from both tanks while moving in a main scanning direction.
- The supply tube unit includes two supply tubes - one connecting the first liquid tank to the printing head, and the other connecting the second liquid tank to the printing head.
- The second supply tube can transition from a connected tube state to a single tube state by being separated from the first supply tube, passing across it, and connecting to a connection port of the second liquid tank.
Potential Applications
This technology could be applied in industrial printing, 3D printing, and large-scale graphic printing.
Problems Solved
This innovation solves the problem of efficiently supplying liquid to a printing head from multiple tanks without causing interruptions in the printing process.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved printing efficiency, reduced downtime for refilling liquid tanks, and enhanced printing quality.
Potential Commercial Applications
The potential commercial applications of this technology include large-scale printing companies, industrial manufacturers, and 3D printing service providers.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be the use of multiple liquid tanks in printing systems, but the specific configuration and transition mechanism described in this patent application appear to be unique.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology compare to traditional single-tank printing systems?
This technology allows for a more continuous printing process without the need for frequent tank refills, potentially increasing overall efficiency and productivity.
What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology on a larger scale?
One challenge could be ensuring the proper synchronization and coordination of liquid flow from multiple tanks to the printing head, especially in high-speed printing operations.
Original Abstract Submitted
A printing apparatus includes a liquid tank unit, a printing head, and a supply tube unit. The liquid tank unit includes first and second liquid tanks that store liquid and are arranged in parallel to each other. The printing head ejects liquid from the first and second tanks while moving in a main scanning direction. The supply tube unit includes a first supply tube connecting the first liquid tank to the printing head and includes a second supply tube coupled in parallel to the first supply tube and connecting the second liquid tank to the printing head. The second supply tube transitions from a connected tube state in which the second and first supply tubes are coupled in parallel to a single tube state by being separated from the first supply tube, passes across the first supply tube, and is connected to a connection port of the second liquid tank.
