Cap Communication Valve Control for Ink Suction Overshoot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recording apparatuses require a separate waste ink tank connected to the air communication tube, leading to a complex configuration and potential issues with ink foam in the air communication tube, causing oversuction and ink discharge problems during suction recovery.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a cap that switches between communication and non-communication states with the atmosphere, using a depressurization unit to manage ink flow and prevent oversuction by opening the air communication valve during the suction operation, thereby reducing ink suction from the discharge ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate waste ink tank is connected to the air communication tube, then ink flow management is improved, but the apparatus configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste ink storage function with the ink supply system by utilizing the ink supply tank as a waste ink storage tank. The air communication tube connects both the ink supply tank and the waste ink storage location, allowing the same tank to serve dual purposes. This eliminates the need for a separate waste ink tank and simplifies the overall apparatus configuration while maintaining reliable ink flow management.
2Productivity
If the air communication valve is closed during suction operation, then suction efficiency is improved, but ink foam accumulates in the air communication tube causing oversuction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic opening and closing of the air communication valve during the suction operation. The valve is closed for most of the suction cycle to maintain suction efficiency, then periodically opened to allow air to enter the ink supply tank and prevent foam accumulation in the air communication tube. This periodic action eliminates oversuction caused by foam while maintaining high suction efficiency.
3Reliability
If the cap is opened to atmosphere during suction, then ink flow control is improved, but liquid remains in the tube connected to the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent opens the air communication valve before starting the suction operation to equalize pressure between the ink supply tank and the atmosphere. This preliminary action prevents liquid from being suctioned into the air communication tube and eliminates the need for subsequent draining operations, thereby preventing liquid loss while maintaining proper ink flow control.
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 simplifies the apparatus design, reduces oversuction, and effectively manages ink flow to prevent ink leakage and maintain accurate ink levels, ensuring proper print quality by minimizing foam-related clogging and ink wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a suction operation for forcibly sucking a liquid from discharge ports of the recording head
Implementation Method 2
a switching unit configured to switch between a communication state where an inside of the cap communicates with the atmosphere and a non-communication state where the inside of the cap does not communicate with the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording head having discharge ports for discharging a liquid, a cap configured to cap the discharge ports, a switching unit configured to switch between a communication state where an inside of the cap communicates with the atmosphere and a non-communication state where the inside of the cap does not communicate with the atmosphere, and a depressurization unit configured to depressurize the inside of the cap. After driving of the depressurization unit is started while the cap is at a capping position for capping the discharge ports and is in the non-communication state, the switching unit switches the cap to the communication state and then the driving of the depressurization unit is stopped. Idle suction is performed by driving the depressurization unit while the cap is at the capping position and is in the communication state.