Liquid Ejecting Head Coupling With Leak-Blocking Displacement Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The simple valve mechanism in existing liquid ejecting apparatuses can inadvertently be opened or closed during the replacement of the liquid ejecting head, leading to potential ink leakage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a flow channel member featuring a displacement member that can be displaced between opening and closing positions to restrict or allow disconnection of the coupling between the liquid ejecting head and the flow channel coupling member, ensuring secure detachment and attachment without ink leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple valve is provided in the supply pipe to close the supply channel when replacing the liquid ejecting head, then ink leakage can be prevented, but the valve may be inadvertently opened or closed during replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve mechanism with the flow channel coupling member, integrating the closing function into the coupling structure itself. The displacement member is formed as an integral part of the coupling member, merging the valve operation with the coupling/découpling operation to eliminate separate valve controls that could be inadvertently operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement member is configured to close the supply channel in advance before the coupling between the liquid ejecting head and flow channel coupling member is completely disconnected. This preliminary closing action ensures that ink leakage is prevented before the replacement operation is completed, while the displacement member's geometry prevents it from being inadvertently moved during the coupling process.
2Reliability
If the displacement member restricts disconnection when at the opening position, then coupling integrity is maintained, but the displacement member must be moved to the closing position for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement member is designed to be movable between the opening and closing positions, allowing it to dynamically change its function. When in the opening position, it maintains coupling integrity by restricting disconnection. When moved to the closing position, it allows detachment while closing the supply channel. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement member serves multiple functions: it acts as a connector that maintains coupling integrity when in the opening position, and as a valve that closes the supply channel when in the closing position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall operation while maintaining both coupling integrity and detachment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head configured to eject a liquid; and a flow channel member including a flow channel coupling member detachably coupled to the liquid ejecting head, a supply channel coupled to a flow channel inside the flow channel coupling member, and a displacement member configured to be displaced between a closing position at which the displacement member closes the supply channel and an opening position at which the displacement member opens the supply channel. The displacement member restricts disconnection of coupling between the liquid ejecting head and the flow channel coupling member when the displacement member is located at the opening position. The displacement member does not restrict disconnection of coupling between the liquid ejecting head and the flow channel coupling member when the displacement member is located at the closing position.