Filter Reverse Flow Cleaning for Ink Deposition Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image-forming apparatuses, sediment trapped on filters cannot be effectively removed, leading to reduced ink flow and poor printing quality due to the unidirectional flow of ink through the filter, causing deposits to remain and re-attach, obstructing the fluid supply path.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a branch path and a second fluid supply path that allows a cleaning fluid to flow through the filter in the opposite direction, separating deposits from the primary fluid supply path, thereby preventing re-attachment and ensuring continuous ink flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used in the ink supply path to remove sediment, then ink purification is improved, but deposits accumulate on the filter and obstruct ink flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reverse flow path that allows ink to flow through the filter in the opposite direction during a reverse circulation period. This inversion of flow direction dislodges accumulated deposits from the filter and transports them to a collection reservoir, thereby maintaining filter permeability and ensuring continuous ink supply without compromising purification function
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between a forward circulation period (normal printing operation) and a reverse circulation period (filter cleaning). This periodic switching enables the filter to maintain its purification function while periodically removing accumulated deposits, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous ink flow and sustained purification effectiveness
2Reliability
If ink flows in one direction through the filter, then filtration is effective, but sediment cannot be removed and re-attaches to the filter
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing reverse flow through the filter, the patent enables detached sediment to be carried away from the filter surface during the reverse circulation period. This prevents re-attachment of deposits and extends the filter's effective service life while maintaining consistent filtration performance throughout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse flow path extracts accumulated sediment from the filter surface and transports it to a collection reservoir separate from the main ink supply system. This extraction mechanism removes harmful deposits that would otherwise reduce filter lifespan and compromise filtration effectiveness
3Device complexity
If deposits are not removed from the filter, then filter structure remains simple, but ink flow is obstructed and printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse circulation mechanism provides an automated deposit removal function using the existing filter structure and ink flow system. This approach maintains structural simplicity while effectively preventing printing quality deterioration through periodic self-cleaning action
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own ink flow to perform the cleaning function during reverse circulation. The ink itself acts as the cleaning medium, transporting deposits away from the filter without requiring external cleaning equipment, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring continuous printing quality
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 solution effectively prevents deposits from re-attaching to the filter, maintaining ink flow and preventing poor printing quality by ensuring that the cleaning fluid separates and directs deposits away from the primary fluid supply path.
Implementation Method 1
the second fluid supplied to the second fluid supply path by the second fluid supply portion while the first fluid supply path is closed off by the first opening/closing portion flows into the branch path after passing through the second fluid supply path, the discharge outlet, and the filter in this order
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an image-forming apparatus which can remove deposits on the filter. If there is input via operation buttons indicating that ink supply paths are closed off, a CPU drives a pump while a nozzle cleaning valve and an exhaust waste fluid valve are open, and an atmospheric valve and a nozzle waste fluid valve are closed. The pressure in an exhaust waste fluid flow path and inside an exhaust cap becomes negative, such that cleaning fluid flows from a cleaning fluid bottle into a cleaning fluid flow path, a nozzle cleaning valve, a cleaning fluid flow path, a nozzle cap, a filter, an ink supply flow path, and an exhaust flow path. Therefore, deposits adhered to the filter from the ink passing through the filter separate from the filter due to the cleaning fluid passing through the filter, and these deposits flow into the exhaust flow path.