Inkjet Printhead Pump for Ink Supply and Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet printing apparatuses require both a pressurization unit and a depressurization unit for ink replenishment, increasing the size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus with a tank unit comprising a flexible film separating a liquid storage tank and a gas chamber, a liquid ejection head with bubble accumulation and removal chambers, and a pump that pressurizes the gas chamber to supply ink while depressurizing the bubble removal chamber through an air channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressurization unit is added to the bubble removal chamber, then ink can be supplied to the print head, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed to perform both pressurization of the ink supply tank and depressurization of the bubble removal chamber through a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate pressurization and depressurization units. This merging of functions directly reduces the overall apparatus size while maintaining reliable ink supply and effective bubble removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump unit is configured to execute multiple functions: pressurizing the ink supply tank during ink replenishment, depressurizing the bubble removal chamber during bubble extraction, and controlling ink flow to the print head. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing apparatus size.
2Productivity
If a separate pressurization unit is added for ink replenishment, then ink can be supplied to the intermediate tank, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump integrates both pressurization and depressurization capabilities in a single unit, reducing the number of pressure control components from two separate units to one. This integration maintains the ability to perform ink replenishment and bubble removal operations while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump dynamically switches between pressurization mode (for ink replenishment) and depressurization mode (for bubble removal) based on operational requirements. This dynamic functionality allows a single unit to perform multiple roles that would traditionally require separate static components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
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 allows for stable ink ejection without the need for a separate pressurization unit, reducing the apparatus size and enabling efficient ink supply and bubble removal.
Implementation Method 1
the pump pressurizes the inside of the gas chamber to thereby pressurize the tank and supply the liquid from the tank to the liquid ejection head through the supply path
Implementation Method 2
the pump performs depressurization to thereby depressurize an inside of the bubble removal chamber through the air channel
Implementation Method 3
a tank unit formed partly of a flexible film and having a tank storing a liquid and a gas chamber, the tank and the gas chamber abutting each other with the flexible film therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention is an inkjet printing apparatus including: a tank unit formed partly of a flexible film and having a tank storing a liquid and a gas chamber, which abut each other with the flexible film therebetween; a liquid ejection head that ejects the liquid supplied from the tank through a supply path and has a bubble accumulation chamber in which bubbles inside the head accumulate and a bubble removal chamber adjoining the bubble accumulation chamber; a pump that pressurizes an inside of the gas chamber; and an air channel linking the pump and the bubble removal chamber. The pump pressurizes the inside of the gas chamber to thereby pressurize the tank and supply the liquid from the tank to the head through the supply path, and the pump performs depressurization to thereby depressurize an inside of the bubble removal chamber through the air channel.