Valve Unit Guidance Gap Design for Inkjet Sealing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid ejecting apparatuses, such as ink jet recording devices, the valve unit's stability is compromised due to interference between the valve body and seat, leading to sealing deterioration and reduced operational longevity.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit design featuring a valve seat with a hole and a valve body that includes a first portion for opening/closing, a second portion for guidance, and a third portion with a larger gap, reducing interference and inclining/displacement, along with an elastic member and a contact member with enhanced liquid repellency, to ensure smooth operation and extended durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve body is made to contact the valve seat for sealing, then sealing ability is improved, but interference between the valve body and valve seat occurs during opening/closing, reducing operational stability
Solution Approach 1:
A shaft section is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve body and the valve seat. This shaft section extends in the opening/closing direction and is inserted into the communication hole, guiding the valve body's movement. The intermediary shaft section prevents direct interference between the valve body and valve seat edge, allowing smooth opening/closing while maintaining sealing contact between the valve body and valve seat surface.
2Productivity
If the valve body repeatedly opens and closes, then valve operation is achieved, but gradual abrasion and displacement occur, deteriorating sealing ability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft section is preliminarily positioned and fixed to the valve body before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the valve body is pre-aligned with the communication hole, preventing inclination and displacement during repeated opening/closing operations. The guide structure is established in advance to maintain proper alignment throughout the valve's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft section inserted into the communication hole acts as a cushioning guide structure that prevents direct impact and abrasion between the valve body and valve seat edge during opening/closing. This beforehand cushioning through the guide shaft protects the sealing surfaces from gradual wear, maintaining sealing durability even after repeated operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve body is guided to prevent inclination, then sealing stability is improved, but interference with the valve seat edge may occur, hampering smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into functional portions: a shaft section for guidance, a valve body portion for sealing, and associated components. The shaft section is specifically designed to be inserted into the communication hole for alignment, while the valve body portion contacts the valve seat for sealing. This segmentation allows the guidance function and sealing function to be performed by separate portions, preventing interference while maintaining both alignment stability and smooth operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve unit includes a valve seat that has a hole provided therethrough, the hole serving as part of a flow path, and a valve body that moves in a first direction relative to the valve seat. In the valve unit, the valve body includes a first portion that opens/closes the hole in collaboration with the valve seat, a second portion that is located inside the hole when viewed in the first direction, and a third portion that is located between the first portion and the second portion in the first direction and is located inside the hole while the hole is closed by the first portion. When viewed in the first direction, a gap between the hole and the third portion is larger than a gap between the hole and the second portion.