Liquid Container Filter Chamber Bubble Discharge Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with bubble accumulation in the filter chamber when the liquid container is inclined, leading to inhibited liquid supply to the ejecting head due to inadequate bubble treatment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A liquid container design with a filter chamber positioned below the liquid accommodating chamber, featuring a partition wall with communication paths and ports that guide bubbles away from the flow-out path, ensuring effective discharge of bubbles to the liquid accommodating chamber, even when the container is inclined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buffer chamber with an inclined ceiling wall is provided upstream of the filter, then bubbles can be guided to a position where they do not inhibit liquid supply, but the configuration does not fully consider the treatment of bubbles when the liquid ejecting apparatus is used in an inclined state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple communication paths at different positions and orientations, adding spatial dimensionality to bubble discharge. The communication paths are arranged at different heights and angles to handle various inclination states, transforming a single-dimension inclined ceiling into a multi-dimensional communication path system that addresses bubbles regardless of container orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single communication path into multiple communication paths with different orientations and positions. Each communication path is designed to handle bubbles under specific inclination conditions, dividing the bubble discharge function into multiple specialized channels that collectively cover all possible operating orientations.
2Productivity
If the filter chamber is positioned to receive liquid from the liquid accommodating chamber, then liquid can be filtered and supplied to the ejecting head, but bubbles enter the liquid flow path and attach to the filter forming bubbles that inhibit smooth liquid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts bubbles from the liquid flow path by providing dedicated communication paths that separate bubble discharge from liquid supply. The communication paths are positioned and oriented to allow bubbles to be removed from the system while liquid continues to flow smoothly through the filter to the ejecting head, separating the harmful bubble phase from the useful liquid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of bubbles into a beneficial discharge mechanism by utilizing the same gravity and flow dynamics that move liquid through the system. The communication paths are designed so that bubbles, naturally rising and moving with the liquid flow, are channeled to exit points where they leave the system, transforming the bubble presence from a problem into part of the flow-driven discharge solution.
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 prevents bubble accumulation in the filter chamber, reducing the likelihood of ejection defects and maintaining smooth liquid supply to the ejecting head, regardless of the container's orientation or liquid level.
Implementation Method 1
In the use orientation, the filter chamber is disposed below the liquid accommodating chamber in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
A filter for filtering the liquid is provided in the liquid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container includes a first liquid accommodating chamber 31, a filter 50, a filter chamber 42 in which the filter is disposed, and a partition wall 47 that divides the first liquid accommodating chamber and the filter chamber. The filter chamber is disposed on the −Z side of the first liquid accommodating chamber, which is vertically below the first liquid accommodating chamber. The partition wall has a flow-out path 51, which has an outlet 106 covered by the filter and through which the liquid having passed through the filter flows to the liquid ejecting head, a first communication path 48 having a first communication port 111, and a second communication path 49 having a second communication port 112. The communication paths are provided at positions different from the position of the flow-out path and communicate with the first liquid accommodating chamber and the filter chamber.