Liquid Ejection Head Bridging Channel Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection heads face challenges in achieving a simple configuration while maintaining the rigidity of channel members, particularly when multiple circulation channels are required for efficient liquid ejection, leading to complex configurations and potential rigidity degradation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates at least two nozzle lines with shared circulation channels connected through a bridging channel positioned orthogonally to the nozzle lines, allowing for a simple configuration and maintaining the rigidity of the channel member by distributing the bridging channels and circulation channels at different positions in the thickness direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple circulation channels are provided for each nozzle line to enable efficient liquid ejection, then the liquid ejection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circulation channels by having them share common circulation ports. Specifically, multiple circulation channels are connected to common circulation ports through bridging channels, allowing multiple channels to share the same port structures. This reduces the total number of separate circulation ports needed while maintaining multiple circulation paths for efficient liquid ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation ports are designed with multi-functionality by serving multiple circulation channels simultaneously. The common circulation ports can receive liquid from multiple circulation channels through bridging channels, making each port serve multiple functions. This universal design simplifies the overall configuration while preserving the ability to support multiple circulation paths.
2Device complexity
If circulation channels are shared to simplify configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rigidity of the channel member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the rigidity issue by utilizing the thickness direction (vertical dimension) to position bridging channels and circulation channels at different heights. The bridging channels extend in the thickness direction to connect circulation channels, creating a three-dimensional structure. This spatial separation in the thickness direction maintains structural rigidity while allowing configuration sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel member is segmented into multiple functional regions with bridging channels connecting circulation channels at different positions. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain rigidity in critical areas while enabling configuration sharing in other areas. The bridging channels act as structural reinforcements that segment the overall channel system while maintaining integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection head is provided. The liquid ejection head includes at least two nozzle lines configured to have a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid disposed in respective lines, a plurality of individual liquid chambers configured to be in communication with corresponding nozzles of the nozzle lines, and at least two circulation channels corresponding to the nozzle lines, configured to be in communication with the individual liquid chambers. The at least two circulation channels are in communication with each other through a bridging channel disposed in a direction intersecting with the nozzle line direction, and the bridging channel and the circulation channels are disposed at different positions in a thickness direction of a member which forms the bridging channel and the circulation channels.