Inkjet Nozzle Flow Path Design for Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink clogging in recording apparatuses is a persistent issue due to the mixing of inks and cleaning liquids in nozzles, leading to inefficiencies in ink replacement and cleaning, especially when storing the devices.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus incorporates an air release path, ink supply path, cleaning liquid supply path, and storage liquid supply path, allowing for efficient switching and replacement of liquids, using a cleaning liquid with strong cleaning power and a less volatile storage liquid to prevent clogging and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning liquid is supplied to the nozzle to clean ink deposits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ink and cleaning liquid may mix in the nozzle causing ink clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful mixing of ink and cleaning liquid by providing a separate discharge path that allows complete removal of cleaning liquid from the nozzle before ink is replenished. The discharge path enables the cleaning liquid to be fully evacuated, preventing it from remaining in the nozzle where it could mix with subsequent ink supplies and cause clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by completely discharging the cleaning liquid from the nozzle before supplying fresh ink. The discharge operation is performed as a preliminary step to ensure the nozzle is fully cleared of cleaning liquid, preventing any potential mixing with ink that would occur if ink were supplied while cleaning liquid remained in the nozzle.
2Productivity
If ink is fully supplied from the common flow path to the nozzle, then ink replacement efficiency is improved, but air bubbles may remain in the system causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts air bubbles from the system by providing a dedicated discharge path that allows complete evacuation of air bubbles along with the liquid. The discharge operation removes not only excess cleaning liquid but also any air bubbles that may have been introduced during the ink or cleaning liquid supply process, preventing malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge path acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the removal of air bubbles without interfering with the normal ink supply function. By providing this separate evacuation route, the system can efficiently remove air bubbles while maintaining the integrity of the ink supply path and nozzle operation.
3Productivity
If multiple paths (ink supply, cleaning liquid supply) are provided to the nozzle, then cleaning and ink replacement efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discharge function with the existing supply paths by using the common flow path for both supply and discharge operations. The discharge path utilizes the same flow route as the ink and cleaning liquid supply, eliminating the need for a completely separate discharge pipeline and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The common flow path is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the ink supply path, the cleaning liquid supply path, and the discharge path. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths for each function, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining efficient operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a discharge section configured to discharge an ink from a nozzle onto a medium, a common flow path configured to supply a liquid to the nozzle, an ink supply path configured to supply the ink to the common flow path, filling liquid supply paths configured to supply a filling liquid to the common flow path, an air release path configured to release air in the common flow path, and a switching between section configured to switch the opening and closing of the ink supply path, the filling liquid supply paths, and the air release path.