Inkjet Recording Apparatus Valve Mechanism for Air Bubble Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in ensuring that the ink flow paths are free from air bubbles during the setup process, which can degrade image quality due to the absence of ink in the main tanks and buffer tanks before user-side installation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a flow path switching device with a first and second valve element that initially closes the outflow ports to prevent ink from flowing out, allowing the ink to fill the circulation flow path, and then switches to open the main flow path, ensuring the recording head is ready to print once the ink supply is established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ink flow path is left open during setup, then the ink can flow freely to fill the circulation path, but air bubbles enter the system and remain in the flow path, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The first valve element is preliminarily positioned at an opening position separated from the first outflow port before the ink filling operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the ink to flow freely into the valve chamber and circulation path during setup, while the valve remains in a state that prevents air bubbles from being forced into the recording head. The valve is then moved to the closing position after filling is complete, ensuring air bubbles are restricted.
Solution Approach 2:
The outflow path is segmented into two separate outflow ports (first and second outflow ports) controlled by different valve elements. The first outflow port allows ink to enter the valve chamber during filling, while the second outflow port provides a separate path that can be controlled independently. This segmentation enables selective control of ink flow and air bubble restriction without compromising either filling efficiency or image quality.
2Reliability
If the valve element is preliminarily positioned at the closing position, then air bubbles are restricted in the flow path, but the ink cannot fill the circulation path properly during setup
Solution Approach 1:
The first valve element is designed to be movable between an opening position and a closing position relative to the first outflow port. During the setup operation, the valve is dynamically positioned at the opening position to allow ink filling. After filling is complete, the valve is moved to the closing position to restrict air bubbles. This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt to different operational phases, achieving both proper ink filling and effective air bubble restriction.
3Productivity
If the ink is supplied continuously to the recording head during setup, then the recording head is ready to print quickly, but air bubbles are forced into the recording head, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The valve chamber and first valve element act as an intermediary between the ink supply and the recording head. During setup, the valve element is positioned to allow ink to fill the valve chamber and circulation path without being forced directly into the recording head. This intermediary mechanism buffers the ink flow, allowing continuous supply to maintain productivity while preventing air bubbles from reaching the recording head, thus preserving image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
In an inkjet recording apparatus, ink reserved in a reserve portion flows into a valve chamber through an inflow port. A first outflow port and a second outflow port are capable of flowing the ink from the valve chamber. The first valve element is preliminarily located at an opening position separated from the first outflow port in an inward direction directed from the first outflow port toward inside of the valve chamber. The first valve element is displaced from the opening position to the first outflow port and closes the first outflow port when the valve chamber is filled with the ink. The second valve element is preliminarily located at a closing position closing the second outflow port, and opens the second outflow port when the valve chamber is filled with the ink. Subsequently, a recording head becomes ready to record an image on a recording object with the ink.