External Ink Tank Connector Bubble Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses that use an external ink tank instead of cartridges face issues with bubble formation in the ink channel, leading to ejection problems due to the lack of automatic maintenance, such as replacement cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a carriage-mounted connector connected to an external ink tank via a flexible channel, featuring a maintenance unit that includes a detection system to assess the attachment status of the ink receptacle and perform maintenance based on the detection results, allowing for reduced frequency of maintenance operations and optimized ink ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a connector is mounted on the carriage and connected to an external tank via a flexible supply channel, then the ink supply capacity is improved, but bubbles are produced at the widened ink channel between the ink supply pin and the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned to contact the liquid absorption member before ink flow begins, ensuring that the ink channel is pre-prepared for filtration. This preliminary positioning prevents bubble formation by establishing proper fluid dynamics from the start of ink supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid absorption member acts as an intermediary between the ink supply pin and the filter. It facilitates smooth ink transfer and prevents direct contact between the ink supply pin and filter, thereby eliminating the widened channel that causes bubble formation while maintaining adequate filtration surface area.
2Productivity
If the filter surface area is increased to reduce pressure loss, then the ink flow efficiency is improved, but maintenance operations are required more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-maintenance through automatic bubble discharge functionality integrated into the ink jet apparatus. The maintenance unit automatically discharges bubbles from the ink channel during operation, eliminating the need for frequent manual maintenance operations while maintaining high ink flow efficiency through adequate filter surface area.
3Reliability
If cartridges are replaced frequently for maintenance, then bubble discharge is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink jet apparatus incorporates an automatic maintenance unit that performs bubble discharge operations without requiring cartridge replacement. This self-service capability maintains reliable bubble discharge effectiveness while eliminating the operational complexity associated with frequent cartridge changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance unit operates based on detection unit signals that monitor the ink supply system status. This feedback mechanism ensures bubble discharge is performed at appropriate intervals based on actual system conditions rather than fixed schedules, optimizing reliability while minimizing unnecessary maintenance operations.
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 enables favorable ink ejection properties by minimizing unnecessary maintenance and preventing ink leakage, even when using an external ink tank, by integrating a detection system for timely maintenance and adjusting suction force or discharge amount based on the receptacle's removal time.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid absorption member that comes into contact with the liquid in the ink tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a carriage having a removable liquid receptacle that holds a liquid or a removable connector connected via a flexible liquid channel to an external liquid receptacle that holds a liquid, an ejecting head, mounted in the carriage, that has a nozzle that ejects the liquid, and a maintenance unit that runs maintenance on the ejecting head; the ejecting head has a filter disposed so as to be capable of contact with a liquid absorption member provided in the liquid receptacle and in the connector.