Ink Degassing Tank Structure for Stable Nozzle Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording apparatuses face issues with ink degassing efficiency due to the narrowing of the liquid surface area by floating bodies, leading to reduced degassing efficiency and potential nozzle clogging from dissolved gas bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A degassing device with a liquid tank having a small and large sectional part, a pressure decreasing mechanism, and a lifting/lowering device to manage the liquid surface, enhancing degassing efficiency by circulating ink through a circulation flow pass without affecting the recording head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a floating body is used to suppress re-dissolution of air into ink, then air removal is promoted, but the liquid surface area is narrowed and degassing efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid tank is divided into a small sectional part and a large sectional part with different horizontal sectional areas. The small sectional part has a smaller surface area to suppress re-dissolution of air, while the large sectional part provides a larger surface area for efficient degassing. This segmentation allows both functions to be achieved simultaneously without conflict.
2Productivity
If the liquid surface area is increased to improve degassing efficiency, then air removal is enhanced, but re-dissolution of air into the ink increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid tank is divided into a small sectional part and a large sectional part with different horizontal sectional areas. The small sectional part has a smaller surface area to suppress re-dissolution of air, while the large sectional part provides a larger surface area for efficient degassing. This segmentation allows both functions to be achieved simultaneously without conflict.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a floating body is introduced to maintain liquid level, then ink supply stability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid tank is divided into a small sectional part and a large sectional part with different horizontal sectional areas. The small sectional part has a smaller surface area to suppress re-dissolution of air, while the large sectional part provides a larger surface area for efficient degassing. This segmentation allows both functions to be achieved simultaneously without conflict.
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 solution improves degassing efficiency by promoting air removal from ink without disturbing the meniscus in the recording head, reducing noise, and maintaining consistent ink ejection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure decreasing device (62) that decreases pressure in the liquid tank (32)
Implementation Method 2
a lifting/lowering device (92) that lifts and lowers the liquid surface in the liquid tank (32) to the small sectional part (32S) and the large sectional part (32L)
Data Source
AI summary
A degassing device removes air dissolved in liquid under a pressure decreased atmosphere. The degassing device includes a liquid tank, a pressure decreasing device, and a lifting/lowering device. The liquid tank has a small sectional part and a large sectional part provided above or below the small sectional part and having a horizontal sectional area larger than that of the small sectional part, and stores the liquid. The pressure decreasing device decreases pressure in the liquid tank. The lifting/lowering device lifts and lowers the liquid surface in the liquid tank to the small sectional part and the large sectional part.