Pressure Regulating Unit Valve Dynamics for Ink Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulating units for liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as inkjet printing systems, face challenges in maintaining stable negative pressure during the stoppage of the printing apparatus and head exchange, leading to potential ink leakage from the ejection port.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulating unit comprising a first and second pressure chamber, a communication path, a valve, and an urging unit that adjusts the communication path's opening degree based on pressure changes, ensuring a predetermined negative pressure range is maintained in the liquid ejection head to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure regulating unit regulates negative pressure to a low level during stoppage and head exchange, then the ink can be easily supplied to the print head, but ink leakage from the ejection port occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulating unit dynamically adjusts the negative pressure level based on operational state. During printing operation, it maintains high negative pressure to prevent leakage. During stoppage or head exchange, it reduces negative pressure to facilitate ink supply. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between preventing leakage and enabling easy ink supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter according to operational conditions. By varying the negative pressure level (from high during operation to low during stoppage), the system adapts to different operational requirements, preventing ink leakage during printing while ensuring easy ink supply during maintenance operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a valve is disposed on the supply path to regulate pressure, then the negative pressure can be stabilized during operation, but the valve requires complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulating unit is configured to automatically adjust the valve opening based on the operational state of the printing apparatus. When the apparatus stops or during head exchange, the unit automatically reduces negative pressure without requiring external control signals. This self-service mechanism stabilizes pressure while minimizing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the pressure regulating unit monitors operational state and automatically adjusts valve positioning accordingly. The unit detects when the printing apparatus is stopped or when head exchange is occurring, and responds by adjusting the valve to maintain appropriate negative pressure levels, achieving stable pressure control through automated feedback.
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 stabilizes the pressure in the second pressure chamber, maintaining a sufficient negative pressure during both operation and stoppage, thereby preventing ink leakage and enhancing the reliability of the ink supplying and printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an urging unit configured to apply an urging force to the valve, the urging force acting in a direction in which the communication path is closed and increasing according to a decrease in pressure in the first pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure chamber capable of introducing liquid; a second pressure chamber capable of leading out the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pressure regulating unit capable of applying a stable pressure so as to supply liquid, a liquid supplying apparatus, and a liquid ejecting apparatus. An ink communication path allows an ink introducing chamber communicating with an ink inlet and a pressure chamber communicating with an ink outlet to communicate with each other. A valve including a valve body and a valve seat adjusts the opening degree of the ink communication path. An urging member applies, to the valve, an urging force that acts in a direction in which the ink communication path is closed and increases according to an decrease in pressure in the ink introducing chamber.