Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Ink Wastage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face the issue of liquid wastage during filling and cleaning processes, as they rely on pressurizing the supply flow path, which can lead to unnecessary ink discharge.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a liquid supply mechanism with dual supply flow paths and on-off valves, allowing for controlled pressurization and ink distribution to the liquid ejecting head, minimizing wastage by optimizing the timing and duration of ink discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the supply flow path is pressurized during filling or cleaning processes, then the liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejecting head, but liquid wastage occurs due to uncontrolled discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by closing the on-off valve before pressurizing the supply flow path. This ensures that the liquid is pressurized only after the flow path is sealed, preventing uncontrolled discharge and liquid wastage during filling and cleaning processes. The valve closure precedes the pressurization action, allowing controlled liquid supply to the ejecting head.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the state of the on-off valve and coordinates it with the pressurization mechanism. When the valve is closed, the control unit activates the pressurization; when open, pressurization is prevented. This feedback-based coordination ensures liquid is only pressurized when the flow path is properly sealed, eliminating wasteful discharge while maintaining filling and cleaning efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the on-off valve is opened to supply liquid, then the liquid ejecting head can be filled or cleaned, but excessive liquid discharge occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the on-off valve state and coordinating it with the pressurization mechanism. The valve is closed before pressurization and opened only when appropriate, ensuring liquid flows only when needed and preventing excessive discharge. This coordinated control maintains ease of operation while eliminating ink wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-off valve is closed as a preliminary action before pressurization begins. This ensures the flow path is sealed before liquid is forced through the system, preventing uncontrolled discharge. The valve is then opened at the appropriate moment to allow controlled liquid supply, combining operational ease with waste prevention.
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 solution effectively reduces ink wastage during maintenance processes by ensuring precise control over ink distribution, allowing for efficient filling and cleaning without excessive ink consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing mechanism that can pressurize the inside of the supply flow path
Implementation Method 2
a liquid ejecting head having nozzles and an opening surface through which the nozzles are opened, the liquid ejecting head being configured to eject liquid from the nozzles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a first nozzle row, a first tank storing a first liquid, a first supply flow path, a first on-off valve provided in the first supply flow path and configured to open and close the first supply flow path, and a first pressurizing mechanism configured to pressurize the first tank. A pressure inside the first tank is set to a predetermined positive pressure by driving the first pressurizing mechanism in a closed state of the first on-off valve. Thereafter, a discharge process of discharging the first liquid from the first nozzle row is performed by bringing the first on-off valve into an open state. In the discharge process, the first on-off valve is switched from the open state to the closed state at a timing at which the first liquid is being continuously discharged from the first nozzle row.