Recording Head Filter Air Bubble Removal via Segmented Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording heads face difficulties in effectively removing air bubbles from filters, as current methods often fail to adequately wash away air bubbles at both upstream and downstream positions of the filter, leading to clogging and ink flow issues.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a liquid supply unit and control system that includes a filter with specific passages for purging, allowing for controlled liquid flow to remove air bubbles by initiating a second liquid flow operation after the initial flow, ensuring thorough removal at both upstream and downstream positions of the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single liquid flow path is used to supply liquid through the filter, then the structure is simple, but air bubbles cannot be effectively removed from both upstream and downstream of the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple independent flow paths: a first liquid flow path for supplying liquid to the upstream of the filter, and a second liquid flow path for supplying liquid to the downstream of the filter. This segmentation allows air bubbles to be removed from both sides of the filter independently, resolving the contradiction between effective air bubble removal and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication passage is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the first and second liquid flow paths. This intermediary allows the two independent flow paths to interact and coordinate their air bubble removal operations, enabling effective purging of air bubbles from both upstream and downstream of the filter while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
2Productivity
If liquid is supplied at high flow rate to quickly remove air bubbles, then air bubble removal speed increases, but liquid consumption increases and may cause splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs partial action by directing liquid flow selectively to different portions of the filter system. The first liquid supply unit supplies liquid to the upstream side, while the second liquid supply unit supplies liquid to the downstream side. This partial targeting of liquid flow to specific areas where air bubbles are present enables efficient air bubble removal without excessive liquid consumption across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid supply function is segmented into two separate supply units, each responsible for a specific region (upstream or downstream of the filter). This segmentation allows each unit to operate at optimized flow rates for its specific task, removing air bubbles efficiently from each region without requiring high flow rates throughout the entire system, thus reducing overall liquid consumption.
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 solution effectively removes air bubbles and foreign materials from the recording head, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth ink flow, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter disposed nearby a position at which the second passage branches off from the first passage, which filtrates the liquid flowing from the first passage to the second passage
Implementation Method 2
The supply control unit controls the liquid supply unit so as to start a second liquid flow forming operation after a first liquid flow forming operation is started
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus of the present invention includes: a recording head having ejection openings which eject liquid, a liquid supply unit which supplies the liquid to the recording head, and a supply control unit which controls the liquid supply unit. The recording head includes: a liquid supply portion and first and second discharge portions; a first passage connecting the supply portion and the first discharge portion; a second passage which branches off from the first passage and communicates with the second discharge portion; a supply passage which branches off from the second passage and which supplies the liquid to the ejection openings; and a first filter disposed nearby a position at which the second passage branches off from the first passage, which filtrates the liquid flowing from the first passage to the second passage.