Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Filling Sequence for Filter-Beam Bubble Clearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid ejecting apparatuses face issues with air bubbles getting trapped between a beam portion and a filter due to the circulation operation during the filling process, which can disrupt the flow of liquid and affect the ejection performance.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a common liquid chamber partitioned by a filter into upstream and downstream chambers, with a beam portion coupling inner walls at an angle, and performs a first circulation operation followed by a directional movement of liquid within the downstream chamber before pressurization discharge, ensuring complete filling and discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a circulation operation is performed during the filling process, then the liquid can be circulated between the liquid storage section and the liquid ejecting head, but air bubbles may stay between the filter and the beam portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling efficiencyVSAvoidair bubble trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a preliminary circulation operation before the main filling process to pre-position the liquid and eliminate air bubbles from critical areas. The circulation path is designed to flow liquid through the downstream chamber multiple times, pushing air bubbles out before they can be trapped between the filter and beam portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filling process is divided into multiple periodic stages: initial circulation phase, main filling phase, and final pressurization phase. Each phase serves a specific purpose in ensuring complete liquid filling while preventing air bubble entrapment. The periodic operation allows the system to methodically eliminate air pockets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the common liquid chamber is partitioned by a filter into upstream and downstream chambers, then the liquid can be filtered, but air bubbles may be trapped between the filter and beam portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid filtrationVSAvoidair bubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the local geometry of the downstream chamber by adding a beam portion that extends from the filter toward the nozzle array. This creates a specific flow path configuration where liquid flows along the beam portion surface, preventing air bubbles from adhering to the beam-filter interface. The local flow dynamics are optimized to eliminate dead zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The beam portion introduces a new spatial dimension to the flow path, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern rather than simple planar flow. Liquid flows in multiple directions around and along the beam portion, ensuring that air bubbles are swept away from the filter-beam interface by multi-directional flow forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If a beam portion is provided in the downstream chamber, then the structure can be reinforced, but air bubbles may stay between the filter and beam portion during circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path structureVSAvoidair bubble trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beam portion is designed with specific dimensional proportions and positioning that optimize fluid dynamics. The beam extends partway across the downstream chamber rather than spanning the entire width, creating controlled flow separation and preventing large air bubble formation. The dynamic flow pattern around the beam eliminates stagnation zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach effectively prevents air bubbles from forming, ensuring smooth liquid flow and optimal ejection performance by addressing the trapping issue, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the liquid ejecting process.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurization discharge operation for discharging the liquid from the plurality of nozzles by pressurizing the supply flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

a first circulation operation for circulating the liquid in a circulation path including the liquid storage section, the supply flow path, the common liquid chamber, and the recovery flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12415363B2Liquid ejecting apparatus and filling method

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a filter that partitions a common liquid chamber communicating with a nozzles into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber, an inlet, an outlet, a liquid storage section, a supply flow path, and a recovery flow path. A beam portion is provided inside the downstream chamber. A pressurization discharge operation for discharging the liquid from the nozzles and a circulation operation for circulating the liquid in a circulation path are performed. In the filling process of filling the circulation path with the liquid, after the first circulation operation is performed, a predetermined operation for moving the liquid inside the downstream chamber in a direction different from a direction in which the liquid inside the downstream chamber is moved by the circulation operation is performed, and thereafter, the pressurization discharge operation is performed.