Ink Circulation Control for Recording Head Ejection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a recording head that ejects liquid, such as ink, is left inactive for a long period, volatile components evaporate, leading to increased concentration of solid components, which can cause viscosity issues and defective ejection, resulting in downtime and inability to start or continue printing.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a circulation flow path system that includes a storage tank, discharge flow path, waste liquid tank, and control unit to perform ink discharge during recording operations, maintaining ink circulation and preventing solid component concentration buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink discharge operation is performed to prevent solid component concentration buildup, then ink circulation and dilution are improved, but recording operation is interrupted causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous ink circulation through a circulation flow path that operates simultaneously with the recording operation. The circulation pump continuously moves ink through the circulation path (comprising first flow path 11a and second flow path 11b) without interrupting the recording process, maintaining ink dilution and preventing solid component concentration buildup while recording continues uninterrupted
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary ink circulation and dilution actions continuously before concentration problems arise. By maintaining constant circulation through the circulation flow path, the ink is continuously diluted and fresh ink is supplied to the recording head, preventing the buildup of solid components before they can cause recording defects
2Manufacturing precision
If ink discharge operation is performed after concentration becomes high, then defective ejection is prevented, but recording operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates continuously throughout the recording process, maintaining constant ink flow through the circulation flow path. This continuous circulation ensures ink is constantly diluted and fresh ink is supplied to the recording head, preventing viscosity increase and maintaining consistent ejection quality without interrupting recording operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors recording conditions and adjusts the circulation pump operation accordingly. When recording is detected, the control unit activates the circulation pump to maintain proper ink concentration. This feedback mechanism ensures ejection quality is maintained by adjusting circulation based on actual recording status
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
The system effectively prevents downtime by continuously circulating ink, diluting concentrated ink, and allowing uninterrupted printing by performing ink discharge operations during recording, thus ensuring stable recording performance.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump configured to circulate the ink in the circulation flow path
Implementation Method 2
a discharge pump configured to discharge the ink from the circulation flow path to the waste liquid tank through the discharge flow path
Implementation Method 3
If a recording head that ejects liquid such as ink is left in a state not ejecting liquid for a long period of time, volatile components in the liquid evaporate from ejection ports
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes: a recording head to eject ink; a storage tank to store the ink to be supplied to the recording head; a first flow path through which the ink flows from the storage tank to the recording head; a second flow path through which the ink from the recording head flows; a discharge flow path branched from a circulation flow path including the first and second flow paths and through which the ink is circulated; a waste liquid tank to store liquid discharged from the circulation flow path through the discharge flow path; a discharge unit to discharge the ink from the circulation flow path to the waste liquid tank; and a control unit to control recording by the recording head and discharge by the discharge unit. The control unit causes the discharge unit to perform the discharge during the recording of the recording head.