Switching Valve Bypass Cleaning in Liquid Ejecting Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink solidification occurs due to contact between ink and treatment liquid in the channel switching mechanism, interfering with the operation of the pump during purging and draining processes in liquid ejecting apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejecting apparatus is designed with a cleaning liquid bypass channel that directly supplies cleaning liquid to the switching valve, bypassing the treatment liquid and ink caps, thereby diluting ink and treatment liquid in the switching valve to prevent solidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If cleaning liquid is supplied via the treatment liquid cap and ink cap, then the nozzle surfaces are cleaned, but ink and treatment liquid mix in the channel causing solidification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning liquid supply path into separate channels: one path (via treatment liquid cap and ink cap) for cleaning nozzle surfaces, and another path (bypass channel) for cleaning the switching valve. This segmentation prevents mixing of cleaning liquid with ink and treatment liquid in the switching valve channel, eliminating solidification while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass channel as an intermediary path that allows cleaning liquid to reach the switching valve without passing through the treatment liquid cap and ink cap. This intermediary channel acts as a separate conduit that avoids the harmful interaction between cleaning liquid and the ink/treatment liquid mixture, preventing solidification.
2Productivity
If ink and treatment liquid contact in the switching valve channel, then liquid is drained, but solidification occurs interfering with pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function for the switching valve from the common cleaning path. By providing a dedicated bypass channel, the cleaning liquid can be supplied directly to the switching valve without mixing with ink and treatment liquid, preventing solidification while maintaining the liquid draining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of cleaning liquid mixing with ink and treatment liquid into a benefit by creating a separate bypass channel. This allows the cleaning liquid to perform its dilution and cleaning function in the switching valve without causing solidification, as the channel design prevents harmful contact while maintaining necessary liquid flow.
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 design effectively reduces ink solidification in the channel switching mechanism, ensuring smooth operation of the pump by diluting ink and treatment liquid with cleaning liquid, enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the ink and the treatment liquid which are present in the switching valve and the pump connected to the switching valve via a tube can be easily diluted by the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank directly to the switching valve
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a switching valve having an outlet port and inlet ports, and switching, among channels, a channel to be communicated with the outlet port. The channels include: a first liquid-draining channel connecting a treatment liquid head and the switching valve, treatment liquid discharged to a treatment liquid cap flowing therethrough; a second liquid-draining channel connecting an ink head and the switching valve, ink discharged to an ink cap flowing therethrough; a first cleaning liquid-supplying channel connecting a cleaning liquid tank to the switching valve via the treatment liquid cap; a second cleaning liquid-supplying channel connecting the cleaning liquid tank to the switching valve via the ink cap; and a cleaning liquid bypass channel connecting the cleaning liquid tank to the switching valve not via the treatment liquid and ink caps.