Flexible Storage Volume Control for Air-Free Ink Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, air can enter the ink supply flow path during the filling process, leading to inefficiencies and potential printing issues due to the presence of air in the upstream flow path between the main tank and the sub tank.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a storage portion that includes a flexible member, a pressure mechanism to change the volume of the storage portion, and a control portion to manage the filling process by reducing the storage portion's volume during filling and ending the pressure application, ensuring minimal air presence and efficient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid is filled into the liquid supply flow path using conventional methods, then the filling process is simple, but air enters the upstream flow path and flows into the storage portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by reducing the storage portion volume before the liquid filling process. The control portion controls the pressure mechanism to reduce the storage portion volume prior to filling, creating a state that prevents air from flowing into the storage portion during subsequent filling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the volume of the storage portion during the filling process. The control portion changes the storage portion volume from a reduced state during filling to a normal state after filling, optimizing the process to prevent air entrainment
2Productivity
If pressure is continuously applied to the storage portion, then liquid flow is maintained, but air is more likely to enter and be trapped during filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by intermittently applying pressure to the storage portion rather than continuously. The control portion reduces the storage portion volume during filling operations and restores it after filling, creating periodic pressure cycles that maintain liquid supply efficiency while preventing air entrapment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dynamics by making the storage portion volume adjustable and time-dependent. The flexible portion allows the storage portion volume to change dynamically based on operational requirements, transitioning between reduced volume during filling and normal volume during operation
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 reduces air in the storage portion and ensures a consistent liquid supply, minimizing air entry during filling and maintaining printing quality by controlling the pressure and volume of the storage portion.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure mechanism that changes the volume of the storage portion by making pressure act on the flexible portion
Implementation Method 2
the storage portion includes a flexible portion and in which a volume of the storage portion changes when the flexible portion is deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting portion that ejects a liquid, a liquid supply flow path that supplies the liquid accommodated in a liquid supply source to the liquid ejecting portion, a storage portion that is provided in the liquid supply flow path and that stores the liquid, a pressure mechanism that changes a volume of the storage portion by making pressure act thereon, a liquid filling mechanism that fills the liquid inside the liquid supply source into the liquid supply flow path, and a control portion that fills the liquid into the liquid supply flow path while the volume of the storage portion is, by making pressure act on the flexible portion, made smaller than when the pressure does not act on the flexible portion, and after the filling, ends a state in which the pressure is made to act on the flexible portion.