Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Circulating Filter and Discharge Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet printers, the accumulation of foreign matter in filters can lead to increased pressure loss in the liquid supply passage, preventing sufficient liquid from being supplied, which is a common issue across various liquid ejecting devices.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a circulating passage that includes a filter unit in the return passage, allowing for the capture and removal of foreign matter, and a discharge passage to prevent gas from entering, ensuring continuous liquid supply even if the filter becomes clogged, along with a pressure sensor to determine when the filter needs replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is provided in the liquid supply passage to capture foreign matter, then the liquid supply reliability is improved, but the pressure loss increases and liquid supply may be prohibited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is divided into two separate passages: a supply passage for delivering liquid to the ejecting section, and a return passage with a filter for capturing foreign matter. This segmentation allows the filter to be isolated from the main supply path, maintaining liquid supply reliability while minimizing pressure loss in the supply passage.
Solution Approach 2:
A circulating pump is introduced as an intermediary device to drive liquid circulation through the return passage containing the filter. The pump actively manages fluid flow, ensuring that foreign matter is captured by the filter without creating excessive pressure loss that would affect the main liquid supply to the ejecting section.
2Reliability
If a filter is provided in the liquid supply passage, then foreign matter is captured, but gas accumulation may occur and prevent sufficient liquid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the filtering function into a dedicated return passage, distinct from the liquid supply path. This segmentation prevents gas accumulation in the supply passage while maintaining foreign matter capture capability in the return passage, eliminating the harmful effect of gas blocking liquid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the filter in the supply passage where it would trap both liquid and gas, the filter is inverted to the return passage. Liquid flows through the filter in the return passage after completing its circulation, allowing gas to separate and rise without being trapped by the filter, thus preventing gas accumulation that would block liquid supply.
3Ease of repair
If the filter is made replaceable, then maintenance is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return passage containing the filter is designed as a separable module. This segmentation allows the filter to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire liquid supply system, simplifying maintenance while the modular design keeps the overall device complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
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 ensures reliable liquid supply to the ejecting section by capturing foreign matter and removing gas, preventing clogging and maintaining efficient operation, while allowing for timely filter replacement to maintain performance.
Implementation Method 1
A filter unit has a filter that captures foreign matter
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting section from which liquid is ejected. A return passage has a first end connected to a supply passage at a first location and a second end connected to the supply passage at a second location. The second location is positioned closer to the liquid ejecting section than the first location. The return passage and the supply passage constitute a circulating passage. A pump can cause fluid to flow through the circulating passage. A replaceable filter unit is a portion of the return passage. A discharge passage through which the fluid is discharged to the outside is connected to the return passage. An inflow controller can suppress external fluid from entering the discharge passage.