Inkjet Head Cleaning Pressure Control to Prevent Meniscus Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers face issues with ink wastage during cleaning due to rapid pressure changes in the cleaning process, which can lead to meniscus breakage in nozzles and increased ink consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning method involving a controlled pressure change process using a first and second flow path with valves to gradually transition from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure, minimizing air influx and preventing meniscus breakage while reducing ink consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air is allowed to rapidly flow into the closed space area to quickly restore atmospheric pressure, then the pressure restoration speed is improved, but meniscus breakage occurs and ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure restoration process is segmented into multiple stages: first allowing air to flow in to quickly reduce negative pressure, then switching to natural restoration when approaching atmospheric pressure. This segmentation prevents meniscus breakage during the critical transition phase while maintaining efficient pressure restoration initially.
Solution Approach 2:
Air is pre-introduced into the closed space area before complete atmospheric pressure restoration is needed. This preliminary action reduces the negative pressure buildup during ink suction, preventing meniscus breakage before it occurs while still achieving pressure restoration.
2Productivity
If air communication valve is opened to allow air to actively flow into the closed space area, then the negative pressure state is rapidly changed to atmospheric pressure, but pressing force is applied to the nozzle opening causing meniscus breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The air communication valve's opening state is dynamically adjusted during the cleaning process. It is opened during ink suction to maintain atmospheric pressure and prevent meniscus breakage, then closed during the pressure restoration phase to control the rate of pressure change and avoid harmful pressing forces on the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The air communication valve operates periodically - opened during ink suction cycles to prevent meniscus breakage, then closed during pressure restoration. This periodic action optimizes both cleaning efficiency and prevents meniscus damage by applying the right action at the right time.
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 method effectively suppresses meniscus breakage and ink consumption by gradually changing pressure states, ensuring efficient nozzle cleaning and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
suction is performed on a closed space area enclosed and formed between a liquid ejecting head and a bottomed box-shaped cap by bringing the cap into contact with the liquid ejecting head so as to surround nozzle openings which eject liquid in the liquid ejecting head, by a suction section
Implementation Method 2
performing a pressure change in which the negative pressure state of the closed space area is subjected to a pressure change in a direction of coming to an atmospheric pressure state, by allowing the air to flow into the closed space area
Data Source
AI summary
In the printer, after ink is discharged from nozzle openings by making a closed space area, formed by bringing a cap into contact with a recording head, enter into a negative pressure state due to negative pressure accumulated in a discharge flow path by driving a pump, when making the negative pressure state of the closed space area be subjected to a pressure change in a direction of coming to an atmospheric pressure state, after the air flows into the closed space area by making a second opening and closing valve provided at an inflow flow path which makes the closed space area and an aerial space communicate with each other be in an opened state, the inflow of the air into the closed space area through the inflow flow path is stopped in a state where negative pressure remains in the closed space area.