Liquid Discharge Apparatus Nozzle Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge apparatuses, maintaining optimal nozzle pressure is crucial to prevent liquid leakage or air entry, which can deteriorate image quality. However, frequent interruptions to stop and maintain the liquid circulation due to pressure fluctuations lead to increased downtime and ink consumption.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus equipped with a controller that monitors nozzle pressure and controls a negative pressure regulating valve to adjust the gas layer pressure in the reservoir, thereby maintaining suitable nozzle pressure without unnecessary interruptions in liquid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid circulation is stopped and maintenance processing is performed each time nozzle pressure falls below predetermined level, then nozzle pressure can be maintained within appropriate range, but image recording time becomes longer and amount of liquid consumed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors nozzle pressure and provides feedback to the control unit. When pressure deviates from the appropriate range, the control unit automatically adjusts the negative pressure pump operation or opens the negative pressure regulating valve to restore pressure, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation of nozzle pressure through automatic control mechanisms. The control unit independently manages pressure fluctuations by adjusting pump operation or valve opening without requiring external maintenance intervention, enabling the system to service itself and maintain continuous operation
2Reliability
If liquid circulation is stopped and maintenance processing is performed each time nozzle pressure falls below predetermined level, then nozzle pressure can be maintained within appropriate range, but amount of liquid consumed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous pressure monitoring and feedback control mechanism detects pressure deviations early and makes minor adjustments through the negative pressure regulating valve or pump modulation, preventing the need for complete circulation stops and maintenance cycles that would waste significant liquid volume
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely stopping circulation for maintenance, the system applies partial corrections by slightly adjusting pump speed or valve opening degree to restore pressure to the appropriate range, using minimal liquid adjustment rather than full circulation interruption
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 solution allows for the appropriate stopping of liquid circulation based on nozzle pressure, reducing downtime and ink consumption by minimizing unnecessary interruptions and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid circulator includes a negative pressure pump. The liquid circulator is configured to circulate the liquid between the reservoir and the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The negative pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate communication between a gas layer of the reservoir and an atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including: a reservoir configured to store a liquid; a head in which a nozzle is opened; a liquid circulator including a negative pressure pump, the liquid circulator being configured to circulate the liquid between the reservoir and the nozzle; a negative pressure regulating valve configured to regulate communication between a gas layer of the reservoir and an atmosphere; and a controller configured to perform: obtaining a nozzle pressure in an area, of the liquid circulator, near the nozzle; and controlling the negative pressure regulating valve to open, in response to the nozzle pressure being less than a first threshold value that is a negative value and greater than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value.