Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Supply Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face challenges in supplying pressurized ink to ink jet recording heads, leading to air bubbles being pushed into corners of the flow path during cleaning, which are not effectively discharged, and lack flexibility in ink supply methods.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with individual flow paths, a manifold, a switching unit, a pressure regulating unit, and a control unit that allows for different supply modes, including pressurized and non-pressurized ink supply, and a suctioning unit for effective air bubble discharge, enabling improved air bubble discharging properties and varying ink supply methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If pressurized liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting head through the pressure regulating valve, then liquid supply pressure is improved, but air bubbles are pushed into corners of the flow path and cannot be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is divided into two separate flow paths: a first flow path with a pressure regulating valve for normal operation, and a second flow path without the valve for air bubble discharge. This segmentation allows each path to serve its specific function optimally without the harmful effects of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching unit acts as an intermediary that directs liquid flow to either the first flow path or the second flow path based on operational requirements. This mediator enables selective activation of pressurized supply or air bubble discharge modes without interference.
2Productivity
If the pressure regulating valve is used for cleaning by pressurizing liquid, then cleaning capability is improved, but air bubbles are pushed into corners of the flow path and are not discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is separated from the pressure regulation function by providing a dedicated second flow path without the pressure regulating valve. This allows cleaning operations to be performed using pressurized liquid from the bypass path without causing air bubbles to become trapped in the valve-containing first flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different flow paths based on operational needs. The switching unit enables the system to select the appropriate flow path for cleaning operations, optimizing cleaning effectiveness while avoiding air bubble entrapment issues.
3Device complexity
If a single flow path with pressure regulating valve is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the degree of freedom in ink supply methods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dual flow path configuration provides multi-functionality: the first flow path handles normal pressurized liquid supply through the pressure regulating valve, while the second flow path enables alternative supply methods including direct pressurized supply and air bubble discharge. This universal design accommodates multiple operational modes within a single integrated 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
The apparatus enhances air bubble discharge efficiency and increases the degree of freedom in ink supply, allowing for reliable filling and discharging of air bubbles while minimizing unnecessary liquid consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a suctioning unit which suctions liquid from the nozzle opening
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-feeding unit which sends liquid in a pressurizing manner toward the switching unit from the liquid storage unit
Implementation Method 3
a pressure regulating unit which is provided between the switching unit of the first and second flow paths and the liquid ejecting head, and includes a valve which is open due to negative pressure on the manifold side of the first flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head which communicates with a nozzle opening, and includes individual flow paths which are arranged in a line along a first direction, and a manifold; a first flow path and a second flow path which are connected to the manifold; a switching unit which switches a communication state between a liquid storage unit and the respective first and second flow paths; a pressure regulating unit which includes a valve which is open due to negative pressure on the manifold side of the first flow path; a pressure-feeding unit which sends liquid in a pressurizing manner toward the switching unit from the liquid storage unit; and a control unit which controls the switching unit, in which the control unit is capable of performing switching between a first mode in which liquid is supplied to the manifold through the valve by causing the liquid storage unit and the first flow path to communicate with the switching unit and a second mode in which liquid is supplied to the manifold without going through the valve by causing the liquid storage unit and the second flow path to communicate with the switching unit.