Liquid Ejection Apparatus Air Position Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet printers face performance deterioration and increased ink consumption due to air entering the ink passages, with the degree of deterioration and ink consumption varying based on the gas permeability of the liquid-passage defining members and the position of air within the passages, leading to inefficient purging operations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a head having nozzles, distinct liquid-passage members with varying gas permeability, and a controller that adjusts the purging operation based on air-position information to minimize air volume and ink consumption by optimizing the amount and frequency of purging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If purging is performed at regular intervals to discharge air from ink passages, then air volume entering the printing head is reduced, but ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the purging parameters (amount and frequency) based on the detected position of air in the ink passages. When air is detected in the first liquid passage, a first purging amount is applied; when air is in the second liquid passage, a second purging amount is applied. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching purging intensity to actual air position, avoiding unnecessary ink consumption while effectively removing air.
Solution Approach 2:
The purging operation transitions from a static regular-interval approach to a dynamic position-based approach. The controller dynamically adjusts purging characteristics based on real-time air position detection, making the system responsive to actual conditions rather than following a fixed schedule, thereby optimizing the balance between air removal and ink conservation.
2Reliability
If purging amount is increased to ensure air discharge, then air entering printing head is reduced, but unnecessary ink consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different purging amounts based on air position: a first purging amount when air is in the first liquid passage and a second purging amount when air is in the second liquid passage. This ensures reliable air discharge by matching the purging intensity to the actual air location, avoiding both insufficient purging and excessive ink consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always applying a large purging amount to ensure air discharge, the system applies a partial purging amount (second purging amount) when air is detected in the second liquid passage, and a larger amount (first purging amount) when air is in the first liquid passage. This partial action approach maintains reliability while reducing unnecessary ink consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If purging is performed frequently to remove air quickly, then air volume entering printing head is reduced, but ink consumption and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines purging timing and amount based on detected air position rather than following a fixed frequent schedule. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary purging operations when air is not present or when less purging is needed, thereby reducing time loss while still effectively removing air when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes purging parameters based on air position detection results. When air is detected in specific positions, appropriate purging amounts are applied; when air is not detected or is in positions requiring minimal intervention, purging is reduced or skipped. This parameter adaptation eliminates unnecessary frequent purging while maintaining effective air removal.
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
The solution effectively reduces air volume growth and ink consumption by tailoring purging operations to the specific location of air within the ink passages, maintaining print quality and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a gas permeability of the second-liquid-passage member being less than that of the first-liquid-passage member; Air remaining in the ink passage increases in size with time by penetration of atmosphere through an outer wall of a liquid-passage defining member defining the ink passage
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a head; a first-liquid-passage member defining a first liquid passage as a portion of a liquid passage connecting between the head and a tank; a second-liquid-passage member, as another portion of the liquid passage, defining a second liquid passage and having a gas permeability less than the first-liquid-passage member; a purging device; and a controller configured to: obtain air-position information relating to a position of air having flowed into the liquid passage from a liquid inlet opening; and execute a liquid discharge processing in which the controller controls the purging device to execute a liquid purging operation such that an amount of the liquid discharged when the air position indicated by the air-position information is located in the second liquid passage is less than that of the liquid discharged when the air position is located in the first liquid passage.