Inkjet Head Joint Opening Positioning for Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink supply configurations for liquid ejecting heads, particularly in off-carriage methods, face challenges with increased force during joint needle insertion and removal, leading to potential damage and seal rupture, especially when handling multiple ink colors.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where the joint opening on the sub tank unit is positioned closer to the connection face than the positioning opening, minimizing the moment of force exerted on the weakest components and reducing the risk of seal failure and ink leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of ink colors is increased to handle multiple colors, then the quantity of substance (ink) increases, but the force produced in the direction of joint needle insertion and removal increases, leading to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the joint opening closer to the connection face in the direction perpendicular to the joint needle insertion direction. This dimensional repositioning reduces the moment arm and thereby reduces the force exerted on the coupling face and seal during joint needle insertion and removal.
2Reliability
If the joint needle insertion force increases, then the reliability of liquid supply decreases, but the positioning accuracy of joint needles is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the reliability issue by repositioning the joint opening in a different dimensional direction (perpendicular to the insertion direction) closer to the connection face. This reduces the moment of force in the critical direction while maintaining positioning accuracy through the positioning member engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration of a liquid ejecting head enables a stable, continuous ink supply with the off-carriage method, even if a force operates in the direction of joint needle insertion and removal. To this end, a joint opening that accepts insertion of a joint needle on a printing apparatus side is placed at a position closer to a joint face between an ejecting head and a sub tank unit than a positioning opening that engages with a positioning member on the printing apparatus side. Consequently, even if external force is produced due to coupling, the force exerted on the joint face that is a weak portion of an inkjet head may be minimized.