Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Dual-Path Ink Flow and Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with ink supply shortages when the amount of ink ejected per unit time increases, leading to potential ejection failures and reduced print quality due to insufficient liquid supply to the nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a configuration that includes a liquid containing unit, a liquid ejecting unit, a liquid flow path, and a regulation portion, allowing for circulation and dual-path supply of ink between the containing unit and the ejecting unit, which includes a supply flow path and a return flow path, enabling efficient ink distribution and foreign matter collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ink is supplied from sub-tanks via ink inflow paths to ink jet heads by closing circulation valves between discharge flow paths and sub-tanks, then ejection failures are suppressed, but when the amount of ink ejected per unit time increases, liquid supply becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ink flow path is divided into multiple independent paths: a first ink inflow path for supplying ink during ejection, a second ink inflow path for supplying ink during non-ejection, and discharge flow paths. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple flow paths to increase total liquid supply while maintaining reliable ejection through dedicated supply paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation mechanism operates continuously to maintain ink flow and prevent drying, while the dual-path supply system ensures continuous ink availability during both ejection and non-ejection periods. The circulation valves switch between paths without interrupting the overall ink supply continuity.
2Reliability
If circulation valves are closed to supply ink during ejection, then stable ink supply is achieved, but foreign matters and bubbles accumulate in the flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful elements (bubbles and foreign matters) are extracted from the ink flow through a dedicated collection chamber. The circulation path allows ink to flow from the ink jet heads through discharge flow paths into the collection chamber, where bubbles and foreign matters are separated and collected, preventing their accumulation in the ejection flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection chamber acts as an intermediary between the discharge flow paths and the sub-tanks. It receives ink from the discharge paths, separates harmful elements, and returns cleaned ink to the sub-tanks, preventing direct contamination of the ejection supply paths while maintaining circulation.
3Device complexity
If a single ink inflow path is used, then the system is simple, but the amount of liquid supplied is insufficient when ejection rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink supply system is segmented into multiple independent flow paths (first ink inflow path, second ink inflow path) that can operate simultaneously. Each path has its own circulation valves and flow control, allowing the system to increase total liquid supply capacity without creating a single complex high-capacity path.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ink flow paths are merged at the ink jet heads, where ink from both the first and second ink inflow paths combines to provide sufficient liquid supply for high-rate ejection. The discharge flow paths also merge into the collection chamber, integrating the circulation system.
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 configuration prevents foreign matters like bubbles from reaching the nozzles, ensures a stable ink supply to the ejecting unit, and reduces the risk of print quality deterioration by allowing increased ink flow when needed, while also simplifying the system by minimizing the need for multiple regulation portions.
Implementation Method 1
a flowing mechanism that flows the liquid in the liquid flow path
Implementation Method 2
a regulation portion that is able to regulate flow of the liquid in the liquid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid flow path connecting a liquid containing unit that contains a liquid to a liquid ejecting unit that ejects the liquid. The liquid flow path includes a supply flow path which connects the liquid containing unit to the liquid ejecting unit and a return flow path which connects the liquid ejecting unit to the liquid containing unit. When the liquid is not ejected by the liquid ejecting unit, the liquid contained in the liquid containing unit is circulated between the liquid containing unit and the liquid flow path by allowing the liquid to flow in order of the supply flow path, the liquid ejecting unit, and the return flow path. When the liquid is ejected, the liquid contained in the liquid containing unit is supplied to the common liquid chamber via both of the supply flow path and the return flow path.