Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Buffer Pressure Control via Circulation Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses like inkjet printers, the pressure in the buffer can become excessively high if the ink supply exceeds the consumption rate, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a circulation flow path and a pressure control valve that opens when the buffer pressure reaches a predetermined level, allowing liquid to circulate back and mitigate pressure increases, featuring a buffer positioned downstream of the pump and closer to the downstream connecting portion in the second liquid supplying flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the pump feeds a large amount of ink to the liquid ejecting head, then the ink supply is sufficient, but the pressure in the buffer becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple flow paths: a first liquid supply path for primary ink flow, a second liquid supply path with a pressure control valve for pressure regulation, and a circulation path for excess ink. This segmentation allows different portions of the ink flow to be managed separately, enabling sufficient ink supply while controlling buffer pressure through the pressure control valve mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the buffer stores large amounts of ink, then the supply stability is improved, but the pressure control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure control valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the pump and the buffer in the second liquid supply path. This valve acts as a mediator that regulates the flow of ink into the buffer, allowing the buffer to maintain stable ink levels while the pressure control valve prevents excessive pressure buildup. The intermediary device decouples the direct relationship between pump output and buffer pressure.
3Stress or pressure
If the pressure control valve is positioned upstream, then the pressure regulation is effective, but the buffer position affects the circulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-dimensional flow path configuration where the buffer is positioned at different locations in the circulation loop. The buffer can be disposed either on the downstream side of the pump in the first liquid supply path or closer to the downstream connecting portion in the second liquid supply path. This spatial arrangement in different dimensions of the flow path allows both effective pressure regulation and maintained circulation efficiency.
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 effectively limits pressure increases in the buffer, ensures stable ink supply to the ejecting head, reduces the risk of air bubbles, and maintains even concentration of precipitating components, enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of the printer.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer (38) in which a volume of a storage chamber (49) that stores the liquid varies by displacement of a flexible member (50)
Implementation Method 2
the pressure control valve opens when a pressure in the buffer becomes a predetermined pressure or higher
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, and a supply device that supplies the liquid from a liquid supply source to the liquid ejecting head, the supply device including a first liquid supplying flow path that supplies the liquid, a pump that feeds the liquid, a second liquid supplying flow path having one end connected to an upstream connecting portion and the other end connected to a downstream connecting portion, a pressure control valve disposed in the second liquid supplying flow path, a buffer in which a volume of a storage chamber varies by displacement of a flexible member, and a pressure applying section that applies pressure to the flexible member from an outside of the storage chamber.