Cleaning Liquid Supply Apparatus with Pressure-Accumulating Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cleaning liquid supplying systems for print heads face instability in flow rate and pressure due to the varying number of opened valves, leading to inconsistent cleaning liquid distribution, and require multiple pumps, which increases space and cost requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning liquid supplying apparatus with a first storage section, a pressure-accumulating second storage section, and individual flow channels, where the second storage section is pressurized by a liquid sending section, maintaining a constant pressure to stabilize the flow rate to each ejecting section, regardless of the number of opened valves, using a single pump and simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cleaning liquid pump is used to supply multiple cleaning liquid pipes, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the flow rate stability and pressure consistency deteriorate due to varying valve configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the flow control by providing individual opening/closing valves for each cleaning liquid pipe, allowing independent control of each branch while using a single pump. This segmentation enables the pump to maintain constant total flow while individual pipes receive stable flow rates regardless of how many valves are open.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from variable flow rate to constant pressure. By maintaining constant pressure in the cleaning liquid supply system through proper pump selection and system design, the flow rate to each pipe becomes stable and predictable, eliminating the instability caused by varying valve configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple opening/closing valves are opened simultaneously, then the cleaning liquid can be supplied to multiple pipes, but the flow rate and pressure to each pipe become unstable and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
Each cleaning liquid pipe is equipped with an individual opening/closing valve, enabling independent control of each branch. This segmentation allows the system to adaptively supply cleaning liquid to any combination of pipes while maintaining stable flow rates through the constant pressure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow rate detection means to monitor the actual flow rate of cleaning liquid and control means to adjust the pump operation based on detected flow rate variations. This feedback mechanism ensures that flow rate consistency is maintained even when multiple valves are opened simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pump sends cleaning liquid to multiple pipes with varying valve configurations, then the system can handle different cleaning scenarios, but the ejection flow rate and pressure become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from variable flow rate control to constant pressure control. By designing the pump and system to maintain constant pressure regardless of how many valves are open, the ejection pressure stability is ensured while retaining the ability to adapt to different cleaning scenarios by opening or closing individual valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means uses flow rate detection to monitor system performance and adjusts pump operation to maintain stable ejection pressure. This feedback loop ensures that pressure stability is maintained across varying operational conditions and valve configurations.
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 ensures a stable flow rate of cleaning liquid to each ejecting section, reducing the need for multiple pumps and minimizing space and cost, while preventing bubble formation and air entry into the system.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid sending section is provided midway along the first flow channel and sends the cleaning liquid in the first storage section to the second storage section. The control section controls the liquid sending section so that a pressure in the air reservoir becomes a predetermined pressure.
Implementation Method 2
the second storage section includes an air reservoir formed at an upper part of the second storage section and a liquid reservoir formed at a lower part of the second storage section by the cleaning liquid when a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid is stored in the second storage section
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning liquid supplying apparatus includes a first storage section, a pressure-accumulating second storage section, a plurality of cleaning liquid ejecting sections, a liquid sending section, a plurality of individual flow channel opening/closing sections, and a control section. The first storage section stores cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid ejecting sections are connected to the second storage section via a plurality of individual flow channels having upstream ends located at positions where the upstream ends are open to a liquid reservoir when a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid is stored in the second storage section. The liquid sending section is provided midway along a first flow channel and sends the cleaning liquid in the first storage section to the second storage section. The individual flow channel opening/closing sections open/close the respective individual flow channels. The control section controls the liquid sending section so that a pressure in an air reservoir becomes a predetermined pressure.