Elastic Sealed Liquid Ejecting Head Cleaning Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting heads, such as ink jet heads, face issues with air bubbles and dust residues in the cleaning passage leading to liquid ejection failures due to the maintenance of a communication state between nozzles and cleaning passages even during operation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head design incorporating a nozzle, a liquid flow path, a communication chamber, and a partitioning wall with an opening portion that communicates between the flow path and the chamber, sealed by an elastic member, which allows for cleaning and subsequent closure to prevent foreign matter entry during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cleaning passage remains in communication with the nozzles during operation, then cleaning can be performed continuously, but air bubbles and dust residues cause liquid ejection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The passage structure is segmented into a cleaning passage and a communication passage that are separated by a partition wall. The cleaning passage can be closed off from the nozzles during operation while maintaining access to the communication passage for cleaning fluid supply. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be isolated when not in use, preventing air bubbles and dust from interfering with ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful elements (air bubbles and dust residues) are extracted from the ejection path by providing a separate communication passage that allows cleaning fluid to reach the nozzles without requiring the cleaning passage to remain open during operation. The partition wall extracts the cleaning function from the ejection path, allowing independent control.
2Reliability
If a closing member is used to seal the cleaning passage opening, then foreign matter entry is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member is extracted from the main body and integrated into the elastic member that naturally seals the opening portion. The elastic member serves dual functions: allowing passage of cleaning fluid when pressed and sealing the opening when at rest. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by combining sealing and cleaning access functions into a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is provided with an opening portion that is selectively open or closed based on local requirements. The elastic member provides local sealing at the opening portion without requiring a complete closure system. This localized approach reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the elastic member is pressed to close the opening portion, then sealing is achieved, but cleaning fluid flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides dynamic sealing that adapts to operational requirements. When cleaning is needed, the elastic member is pressed to open the passage, allowing cleaning fluid to flow. When cleaning is complete, the elastic member returns to its natural state, providing automatic sealing. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for manual intervention and maintains both sealing effectiveness and cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides self-service sealing by automatically returning to its sealed position after cleaning. The system uses the pressure differential created during cleaning to drive the elastic member back to its sealing position, eliminating the need for additional actuation mechanisms. This self-service capability maintains productivity while ensuring reliable sealing.
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 design effectively cleans the nozzles and flow paths, preventing air bubbles and dust from interfering with ink ejection by ensuring the opening portion is securely closed, thus maintaining the reliability of the liquid ejection process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that closes the opening portion
Implementation Method 2
press-fitting the elastic member in the opening portion by supplying a gas to the communication chamber through the communication port
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head including a nozzle configured to eject a liquid, a liquid flow path communicating with the nozzle, a communication chamber including a communication port configured to communicate with atmospheric air, a partitioning wall portion provided between the liquid flow path and the communication chamber, the partitioning wall portion including an opening portion that communicates the liquid flow path and the communication chamber to each other, and an elastic member closing the opening portion.