Liquid Ejecting Head Flow Path Structure for Ink Settlement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with liquid components settling in flow paths, leading to potential failure in ejecting liquids with desired characteristics, particularly in configurations where pigmented inks are used.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting head with a flow path structure formed by stacking substrates, including supply, common, collection, and communication flow paths, which efficiently distributes and circulates ink among multiple liquid storage chambers and nozzles, reducing the likelihood of component settlement and ensuring consistent ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a liquid distributing portion distributes liquid to multiple ejecting head portions, then liquid supply efficiency is improved, but liquid components may settle in the flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a circulation mechanism that dynamically moves liquid through the flow paths between common flow paths and liquid storage chambers. This continuous circulation prevents components from settling by maintaining constant fluid motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficient liquid distribution and prevention of component settlement.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation mechanism ensures continuous movement of liquid through the distribution flow paths. By maintaining uninterrupted liquid circulation between the common flow paths and liquid storage chambers, the system prevents component settlement while sustaining efficient liquid supply to multiple ejecting head portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pigmented ink is used for ejection, then color printing capability is improved, but pigment components may settle in the flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation mechanism dynamically circulates pigmented ink through the flow paths, preventing pigment particles from settling. This continuous motion maintains ink homogeneity and ensures reliable ejection of pigmented ink while preserving color printing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous circulation of pigmented ink through the distribution flow paths prevents pigment settlement. The uninterrupted fluid motion ensures that pigment particles remain suspended and evenly distributed, maintaining both color printing versatility and ejection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head including: a first liquid ejecting portion including a first liquid storage chamber storing a liquid and a first nozzle; a second liquid ejecting portion including a second liquid storage chamber storing the liquid and a second nozzle; and a flow path structure being formed by stacking substrates and including a distribution flow path that supplies the liquid to the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber. The distribution flow path includes a common flow path through which the liquid flows, a supply flow path that supplies the liquid to the common flow path, a collection flow path that collects the liquid from the common flow path, a first communication flow path communicating the common flow path with the first liquid storage chamber, and a second communication flow path communicating the common flow path with the second liquid storage chamber.