Inkjet Head Flow Path with Inclined Linking Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet type recording heads and liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with air bubbles forming in corners due to level differences, leading to ink discharging failures and increased size requirements for flow-path members to accommodate groove flow paths, which can cause flow-path resistance and choking.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a liquid ejecting head with a first flow path, a linking flow path connected to the first flow path, and a second flow path with central and external flow paths, where the linking flow path has an inclined portion, allowing for the accommodation of large air bubbles without increasing the flow-path member's size, and preventing air bubbles from remaining during liquid filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove flow path is provided to accommodate air bubbles, then air bubble remaining is prevented, but the flow-path member increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical groove flow path configuration to a horizontal air bubble remaining portion configuration. By changing the spatial dimension and orientation of the air bubble accommodation structure, the design eliminates the need to increase vertical height while still effectively managing air bubbles through the horizontal arrangement of the air bubble remaining portion and groove flow path.
2Volume of moving object
If the opening of the groove flow path is made small to reduce size, then flow-path resistance increases and the path becomes choked by air bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow path into multiple segments: the first flow path, the linking flow path with inclined portion, and the second flow path with separate central and external flow paths. This segmentation allows air bubbles to be managed in specific zones (central flow path) while maintaining open, unchoked passages (external flow paths) for continuous ink supply, thus preventing flow-path resistance without requiring a small opening.
3Device complexity
If a linking flow path with level difference is used to connect flow paths, then flow path routing is simplified, but corner portions form where air bubbles remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp corners with curved transitions in the linking flow path. By using curved geometry instead of sharp angles, the design eliminates corner portions where air bubbles would otherwise remain. The curved shape allows smooth flow transition while the inclined portion maintains the level difference for simplified routing, thus preventing air bubble accumulation without compromising routing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting head may include a first flow path, a linking flow path that is provided on a downstream side of the first flow path and is connected to the first flow path, and a second flow path that is connected to the linking flow path. The first flow path, the linking flow path, and the second flow path are provided in a portion between a liquid receiving portion and a filter. The second flow path includes wall portions that partition a central flow path and external flow paths which are provided on both external sides of the central flow path. The linking flow path includes an inclined portion which is formed in a width direction and extends in a portion between the first flow path and the second flow path.