Liquid Ejecting Apparatus Return Valve Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid discharge apparatuses, the pressure lowering operation after a pressurization discharge operation leads to ink flowing from the nozzle surface into the liquid return flow path, causing issues with ink circulation and nozzle clogging.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus with a return valve in the liquid return flow path that blocks the flow during pressure lowering operations, preventing ink from entering the return path and maintaining nozzle cleanliness through controlled pressurization discharge and pressure lowering operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure lowering operation is performed by circulating ink after pressurization discharge, then the pressure in the liquid discharge head is reduced, but ink remaining on the nozzle surface flows into the liquid return flow path causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
A three-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the liquid return flow path. The valve selectively blocks or allows ink flow based on the operational phase: during pressure lowering operations, the valve blocks the return flow path to prevent nozzle surface ink from entering the circulation system, while during normal operation it allows proper ink return and circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by blocking the liquid return flow path before the pressure lowering operation begins. The three-way valve is positioned to prevent ink from the nozzle surface from entering the return flow path during pressure reduction, thereby preemptively avoiding the clogging problem that would otherwise occur during circulation
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
Effectively prevents ink from flowing into the return flow path during pressure lowering, reducing clogging and maintaining nozzle integrity, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the liquid discharge process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization mechanism that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid ejecting portion
Implementation Method 2
a return valve provided in the liquid return flow path and configured to take a valve-closed state blocking a flow of the liquid and a valve-opened state allowing the flow of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting portion that has a supply port, a second discharge port, a plurality of nozzles, and a nozzle surface on which a plurality of the nozzles are open, and that discharges the liquid from the nozzles, a liquid supply flow path coupled to the supply port so that the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting portion, and a liquid return flow path coupled to the second discharge port so that the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting portion is returned to the liquid supply flow path, in which a pressure lowering operation of lowering a pressure in the liquid ejecting portion is performed in a state where a flow of the liquid in the liquid return flow path is blocked after performing a pressurization discharge operation of pressurizing the liquid in the liquid ejecting portion and discharging the liquid from the nozzle.