Inkjet Head Circulation Valves for Faster Ink Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording devices require laborious manual operations and increased ink consumption during ink replacement, with the need for repeated opening and closing of clamps on bypass paths and manual ink discharge to prevent meniscus collapse, leading to inefficient and time-consuming replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a system with a recording head, ink container, sub-tanks, pumps, pressurizing and depressurizing parts, syringes, and multiple flow passages with opening/closing valves to facilitate controlled ink circulation and replacement, allowing for efficient management of ink flow and reduced consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual clamp opening/closing operations are performed on the bypass path during ink replacement, then ink flow control is achieved, but laborious work and increased time requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical clamp operations with an automated valve control system. The valve unit automatically opens and closes based on control signals from the controller, eliminating the need for manual clamp operations on the bypass path during ink replacement, thereby reducing labor and time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated valve control where the controller automatically manages the opening and closing of valves based on pre-programmed sequences. During ink replacement, the system autonomously controls fluid flow paths without requiring repeated manual intervention, achieving both ease of operation and time reduction
2Loss of substance
If ink is drawn out from the supply unit to prevent meniscus collapse during replacement, then ink consumption is reduced, but additional operations and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the valve control sequence to automatically manage ink flow paths before replacement begins. The controller pre-arranges the opening and closing of valves to create proper flow paths, eliminating the need for ad-hoc ink drawing operations and simplifying the overall replacement procedure while minimizing ink consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of drawing out ink using suction jigs or similar devices is replaced by automated valve control. The valve unit automatically regulates ink flow through the supply path and circulation path, eliminating the need for complex manual ink removal operations and reducing both ink consumption and procedural complexity
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is removed to prevent meniscus collapse during ink replacement, then ink discharge is improved, but work labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical operation of removing and reattaching couplings with automated valve control. The valve unit automatically opens and closes to control ink flow paths, eliminating the need for manual coupling operations while achieving effective ink discharge and reducing work labor
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 convenient ink replacement with reduced ink consumption and time requirements by strategically controlling valve operations, enhancing the efficiency of the inkjet recording process.
Implementation Method 1
The circulating pump moves the ink from the first sub-tank to the second sub-tank
Implementation Method 2
The pressurizing part pressurizes interior of the second sub-tank to supply the ink from the second sub-tank to the recording head
Implementation Method 3
The depressurizing part depressurizes interior of the first sub-tank to circulate the ink from the recording head to the first sub-tank
Implementation Method 4
The syringe, into which the ink flows from the second sub-tank and from which the ink flows out toward the recording head, is enabled to apply to the ink a maintenance pressure higher than a recording pressure applied to the ink by the pressurizing part
Data Source
AI summary
In an inkjet recording device (1), an intermediate flow passage (53) is connected to a downstream section of a first flow passage (89), and is in communication with a recording head (52) and a second flow passage (90). A communicating flow passage (54) includes a first branch flow passage (54A) that supplies ink from the intermediate flow passage (53) to the recording head (52), a second branch flow passage (54B) that causes the ink to circulate from the recording head (52) to the second flow passage (90), and a third branch flow passage (54C) that causes the ink to flow from the intermediate flow passage (53) to the second flow passage (90). Opening/closing valves (96), (55A), (55B), (55C) are respectively provided to a third flow passage (91) and the first branch flow passage (54A), the second branch flow passage (54B), and the third branch flow passage (54C).