Liquid Discharging Head Reverse Flow Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid discharging apparatuses face clogging issues due to particles accumulating at the interface between individual flow paths and common liquid chambers, leading to reduced efficiency and restricted particle size and concentration in the liquid.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a liquid discharging head with pressure chambers and a common supply flow path, where the control portion drives an energy generation element to fluctuate the pressure, allowing for reverse flow and pressurization operations to clear particles by reversing the ink flow and applying pressure from the pressure chamber to the common liquid chamber, even when nozzles are sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If particles are present in the liquid flowing through individual flow paths, then the liquid can be supplied to nozzles, but particles accumulate at the narrowed region causing flow path clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse flow operation where the liquid flow direction is inverted from the normal discharging direction. By sealing the nozzles and reversing the flow from individual flow paths back through the common liquid chamber, particles that accumulated at the narrowed regions are flushed out, effectively preventing clogging while allowing higher particle concentration in the liquid
2Productivity
If the cross-sectional area of individual flow path is narrower than common liquid chamber, then liquid can be distributed to multiple nozzles, but particles stay and accumulate at the narrowed region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation cycles that alternate between normal discharging mode and reverse flow mode. During reverse flow periods, the flow direction is inverted to clear particles from narrowed regions, while during normal operation, liquid is efficiently distributed to nozzles. This periodic switching prevents particle accumulation while maintaining high productivity
3Quantity of substance
If pressurization operation is performed from common liquid chamber side, then liquid can be supplied to individual flow paths, but particles are pushed toward nozzles and may cause clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the pressurization direction by sealing the nozzles and applying pressure from the individual flow path side rather than from the common liquid chamber side. This reverse pressurization pushes particles away from the narrowed regions and back toward the common chamber, preventing clogging while ensuring adequate liquid supply to all nozzles
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 effectively reduces clogging, allows for the use of larger particle diameters and higher concentrations in the liquid, and minimizes ink consumption and air bubble formation, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the liquid discharging process.
Implementation Method 1
a discharging operation of discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzles by driving an energy generation element that causes a pressure of the liquid inside the pressure chamber to fluctuate
Implementation Method 2
a pressurization operation of pressurizing the liquid from the individual flow path side in a state in which the plurality of nozzles are sealed by the sealing portion
Data Source
AI summary
The control portion controls (i) a discharging operation of discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzles by driving the plurality of energy generation elements and (ii) a pressurization operation of pressurizing the liquid from the individual flow path side in a state in which the plurality of nozzles are sealed by the sealing portion.