Self-Sealing Unit Asymmetry for Compact Inkjet Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet type recording apparatuses face challenges in reducing the size of the self-sealing unit when arranged in an inclined state, leading to increased installation area and size of the recording apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a self-sealing unit with chamfered end surfaces and diaphragm portions that face each other, allowing for a reduced size in the transporting direction by spacing valve bodies and optimizing the diaphragm area, which also improves air-discharge properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the self-sealing unit is arranged in an inclined state to accommodate substrate layout requirements, then the layout flexibility is improved, but the installation area in the transporting direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-sealing unit employs an asymmetric configuration where the diaphragm portions are positioned at different distances from the reference line. Specifically, the first diaphragm portion is at a first distance while the second diaphragm portion is at a second distance that is different from the first distance. This asymmetric arrangement allows the unit to be inclined relative to the transporting direction while maintaining a compact installation footprint, thereby achieving layout flexibility without significantly increasing the installation area.
2Area of stationary object
If the valve bodies are spaced apart in the transporting direction to reduce the installation area, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the ink flow path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the conflict between compact size and flow path simplicity by transitioning from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional spatial configuration. The valve bodies are spaced apart in the transporting direction, and the ink flow paths are routed at different heights or depths (another dimension), allowing them to cross or connect without interference. This dimensional approach enables compact spacing while maintaining relatively simple individual flow paths.
3Reliability
If the diaphragm portions are positioned at different distances from the reference line, then the pressure reception efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention manages the trade-off between pressure reception efficiency and manufacturing precision by treating the distances of the diaphragm portions as design parameters rather than fixed constraints. The first diaphragm portion is positioned at a first distance and the second at a second distance, where these distances can be optimized for pressure reception while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances. The design allows for parameter variation within acceptable ranges to achieve both efficient pressure reception and manufacturability.
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 effectively reduces the size of both the self-sealing unit and the liquid ejecting apparatus while maintaining efficient ink flow and pressure reception, without the need for additional fixing flanges, thus minimizing the overall apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
When the inside of the liquid flow path sealed by the film is in the negative pressure state in accordance with ejection of ink, the valve body is pressed by the film displaced by the negative pressure and opens the liquid flow path
Implementation Method 2
a type which has a liquid flow path through which liquid is supplied to a pressure generation chamber communicating with nozzles and causes ink droplets to be ejected through the nozzles, using the pressure acting on ink in the pressure generation chamber in accordance with displacement of, for example, a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a self-sealing unit which has two films in a facing state, two end surfaces intersecting with the films, and a plurality of self-sealing valves. The self-sealing valves have diaphragm chambers which are formed by the films and valve bodies which move in accordance with displacement of the films and open/close flow paths. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to a plane to which the self-sealing unit is fixed, the length of a diagonal line connecting intersection points on sides of the diaphragm chambers is set to be longer than that of a diagonal line connecting intersection points on sides of the valve bodies.