Inkjet Recording Apparatus Switch for Damper Chamber Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face delays in starting the ink suction process due to the need for a sufficient ink volume to prevent air from entering the recording head, which can be delayed if the ink supply to the tank takes a long time.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a cartridge with a storage space and a first air flow path, a tank with a storage chamber and a second air flow path, a recording portion with a damper chamber, and a pump controlled by a switch and a controller to perform an initial ink introduction process that includes a first suction process and an open process to efficiently supply ink to the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a certain amount of ink is stored in the tank during the ink supply process to prevent air from flowing out toward the recording head during the suction process, then air prevention is improved, but the timing when the suction process starts is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ink supply system into multiple chambers (cartridge storage space, tank storage chamber, and damper chamber) with separate air flow paths. This segmentation allows independent air venting in each chamber, enabling the suction process to start immediately without waiting for the tank to fill with ink, thus resolving the contradiction between air prevention and timing delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper chamber acts as an intermediary between the tank and the recording head. It includes a one-way valve that allows ink to flow from the tank to the damper chamber but prevents backflow. This intermediary structure enables the suction process to begin immediately while the tank is still filling, as the damper chamber can be filled quickly from the tank without requiring the tank to be completely full first.
2Quantity of substance
If the ink supply process takes a long time to fill the tank, then sufficient ink volume is achieved, but the suction process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-filling the damper chamber with ink from the tank before the suction process begins. The controller opens the communication between the tank and damper chamber, allowing ink to flow into the damper chamber in advance. This preliminary filling of the damper chamber enables the suction process to start immediately without waiting for the tank to be completely filled, thus reducing the overall initial ink introduction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the one-way valve and communication switches. The one-way valve dynamically allows ink to flow from the tank to the damper chamber only when needed, while the communication between chambers can be opened or closed by the controller based on process requirements. This dynamic control enables efficient ink distribution and allows the suction process to begin as soon as the damper chamber is sufficiently filled, reducing the time required for initial ink introduction.
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 rapid ink supply to the tank, preventing air from entering the recording head and ensuring timely ink distribution to the recording head, thereby reducing the time required for the initial ink introduction process.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is configured to suck fluid in the damper chamber
Implementation Method 2
The first switch in the first state is configured to interrupt fluid communication of the damper chamber with the atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
The damper chamber is positioned higher than the outlet port in an up-down direction and fluidly communicated with the storage chamber. The ink stored in the storage chamber is supplied to the damper chamber through the outlet port and the ink passage.
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus to which a cartridge is attachable includes: a tank including a storage chamber and an outlet port; a recording portion including a damper chamber and a recording head; an ink passage; a pump configured to suck fluid in the damper chamber; a first switch; and a controller. After attachment of the cartridge, the controller is configured to perform an initial ink introduction process to supply the ink from the cartridge to the storage chamber. The initial ink introduction process includes: a first suction process to drive the pump for a first period of time in a state where the first switch is in a first state to allow ink in the storage chamber to be sucked toward the damper chamber; and after performing the first suction process, an open process to switch the first switch to a second state.