Inkjet Printer Sub Tank Displacement Detection for Ink Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using liquid-ejection recording methods face inefficiencies in ink supply management, leading to reduced printing speed due to inaccurate detection of ink levels, resulting in excessive or insufficient negative pressure, and increased apparatus size and weight from additional detection and control components.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a recording head, sub tank, main tank, liquid feed device, displacement member, detectors, and a supply controller that measures liquid consumption and adjusts ink supply based on differential displacement amounts without relying on a second detector, allowing continuous ink supply during printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second detector is used to accurately detect the ink full position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and apparatus size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ink full position detection function from the carriage-mounted second detector and relocates it to the apparatus body. This allows the carriage to be lighter and simpler while maintaining accurate detection capability through the stationary second detector that detects the displacement member's return position
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement member serves as an intermediary that translates ink level changes in the sub tank into detectable positional changes. Both the first and second detectors monitor the displacement member's position to determine ink consumption and ink full state respectively, eliminating the need for direct ink level measurement
2Measurement precision
If the carriage is moved to the ink full position for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to printing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the ink full position using the second detector on the apparatus body before printing begins. The displacement member's position is monitored in advance, and the ink full state is determined before the carriage needs to return for refilling, allowing continuous printing without interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous ink supply monitoring during printing by using the displacement member that moves continuously with ink level changes. The first detector on the carriage monitors ink consumption in real-time during printing, while the second detector on the apparatus body monitors the ink full position without requiring carriage movement, maintaining uninterrupted printing operation
3Reliability
If ink supply is increased to prevent insufficient supply, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to excessive ink supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by using the displacement member to provide real-time information about ink level changes. The first detector monitors the displacement amount during printing to calculate actual ink consumption, while the second detector confirms when the ink full position is reached after refilling. This feedback mechanism allows precise control of ink supply amounts, preventing both insufficient and excessive supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct ink volume measurement to displacement member position measurement. By detecting the position of the displacement member at different ink levels (during printing with the first detector and at ink full with the second detector), the system can precisely determine ink consumption and control refilling amounts, optimizing ink supply parameters to match actual 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 enables precise ink supply management, maintaining optimal negative pressure and enhancing printing speed by accurately detecting ink levels and adjusting supply amounts, while reducing the need for additional detection components, thus minimizing apparatus size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement member (205) that displaces with a remaining amount of liquid in the sub tank (35)
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member to urge the flexible member outward
Implementation Method 3
an inkjet recording apparatus that uses a recording head (liquid ejection head or liquid-droplet ejection head) for ejecting droplets of ink or other liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording head, a sub tank, a carriage, a main tank, a liquid feed device, a displacement member, a first detector, a second detector, a detection retainer, a liquid consumption amount measuring device, and a supply controller. The measuring device measures a consumption amount of liquid in the sub tank when the displacement member displaces from a first position in a direction in which the consumption amount of liquid in the sub tank decreases. When a detection output of the first detector continues to be, for a predetermined time or number of times, in a detection state in which the first detector detects the displacement member and shifts from the detection state to a non detection state in which the first detector does not detect the displacement member, the measuring device starts measuring the consumption amount of liquid in the sub tank.