Liquid Ejection Head Circulation Pump Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejection apparatuses that circulate ink, there is a risk of ink leakage from connection parts, especially when these parts are positioned higher than the circulation pump, potentially leading to electrical issues with the pump.
Innovation Solution
The liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head with a circulation path that has a supply channel, a collection channel, a circulation pump positioned higher than the inlet, and a pressure adjustment unit to manage ink pressure, preventing ink leakage and electrical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circulation pump is positioned higher than the inlet to facilitate ink circulation, then the circulation function is improved, but ink leakage from connection parts increases and electrical contact reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the circulation pump from direct contact with the ink inlet by positioning it higher than the inlet. This spatial separation removes the pump from the harmful environment where leaked ink could reach electrical contacts, while preserving the pump's circulation function through the ink path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate spatial arrangement where the pump is positioned at a higher elevation than the inlet, creating a gravitational barrier that prevents ink from reaching the pump's electrical contacts even if leakage occurs at the connection parts.
2Productivity
If connection parts are provided in the pressurized ink path to enable ink circulation, then the circulation function is improved, but ink leakage from these connection parts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of ink leakage into a beneficial gravitational barrier. By positioning the pump higher than the inlet, the gravity-driven flow direction actually prevents leaked ink from reaching the pump, transforming the leakage risk into a protective mechanism.
3Reliability
If the circulation pump is positioned higher than the inlet, then ink leakage is prevented from reaching the pump, but the complexity of the ink path configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the pump to a different vertical dimension (higher position) rather than complicating the horizontal ink path configuration. This dimensional change simplifies the overall system while achieving reliable leakage prevention.
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 effectively prevents ink leakage and subsequent electrical issues, ensuring stable operation of the liquid ejection apparatus by maintaining the circulation pump out of contact with the inlet and using pressure adjustment units to manage ink pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The circulation pump is disposed at a position which is higher than the inlet in a direction of gravity and at which the circulation pump is out of contact with the inlet
Implementation Method 2
a pressure adjustment unit configured to adjust a pressure on the liquid to be supplied to the supply channel
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a liquid storage unit; a liquid ejection head; a liquid communication path to communicate the liquid storage unit with the liquid ejection head; and a liquid pressurization unit to supply a liquid in the liquid storage unit to the liquid ejection head through the liquid communication path by pressurization. The liquid ejection head includes: an inlet; a pressure chamber; and a circulation path through which the liquid supplied from the liquid communication path is circulated. The circulation path includes a supply channel, the pressure chamber, a collection channel, a circulation pump, and a pressure adjustment unit. The circulation pump is disposed at a position which is higher in the direction of gravity than a liquid inlet provided in a liquid channel extending from the liquid storage unit to the pressure adjustment unit and where the circulation pump is not in contact with the inlet.