JP7189799B2 - Inkjet printer and ink supply device opening method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet printer and a method for opening an ink supply device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer including an ink path connecting an ink cartridge storing ink and an ink head, and an ink supply device arranged in the ink path and supplying ink to the ink head. is disclosed. The ink supply device of Patent Document 1 includes a tube through which ink flows, and a pressing body that presses the tube to move the ink. The ink supply device here is a so-called tube pump. In a state in which the pressing body presses the tube to close the tube, the pressing body is further moved to supply the ink in the tube toward the ink head.

JP 2017-209826 A

By the way, a valve for opening and closing the ink path may be provided on the upstream side of the ink supply device (that is, on the ink cartridge side) in the ink path. Such valves, for example, open the ink path when ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the ink head, and close the ink path when replacing the ink cartridge or when printing is not performed.

Further, in a so-called tube pump, when printing is not performed, the pressing of the tube by the pressing body is released to open the tube. That is, the ink supply device is opened. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the pressing body from pressing the same portion of the tube for a long period of time, thereby suppressing plastic deformation of the tube.

Here, conventionally, as a method for opening the ink supply device, there is a case in which the pressing body is released from the tube while the ink path is closed by a valve, and a case in which the pressing body is released from the tube while the ink path is opened by the valve. There was a case where the pressure on was released. The inventors of the present application have found that when the pressure of the pressing body on the tube is released with the ink path closed by the valve, the ink in the tube may flow toward the valve when the pressing body is separated from the tube. As a result, the ink path between the ink supply device and the valve is subject to a large amount of pressure, which can cause problems. In addition, when the ink cartridge is located above the ink head and the ink path is opened by the valve, the pressing member is released from the tube (i.e., when the water head value of the ink cartridge is higher than the water head value of the ink head). ), the ink continues to be supplied from the ink cartridge to the ink head after the pressure on the tube by the pressing body is released, and the ink may leak from the ink head. Furthermore, when the ink cartridge is located below the ink head and the ink path is opened by the valve and the pressure on the tube is released (that is, when the water head value of the ink head is higher than the water head value of the ink cartridge) ), the ink continues to be supplied from the ink head to the ink cartridge after the pressure on the tube by the pressing body is released, and air may flow in from the ink head.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and its object is to suppress excessive pressure applied to the ink path when the ink supply device is opened, and to prevent ink from leaking from the ink head. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inkjet printer and an opening method for an ink supply device capable of suppressing the inflow of air into a head.

An inkjet printer according to the present invention includes an ink head that ejects ink onto a recording medium, an upstream end that is detachably connected to an ink cartridge that stores ink, and a downstream end that is connected to the ink head. , an intermediate portion located between the upstream end and the downstream end; a valve disposed in the intermediate portion to open or close the intermediate portion; an ink supply device arranged in the middle portion so as to be positioned between the ink head and supplying ink from the ink cartridge toward the ink head; a control device for controlling the valve and the ink supply device; It has The ink supply device includes a tube in which ink flows and which is elastically deformable, a closed position in which the tube is pressed by rotating in a first direction to close the tube, and the first a pusher configured to move away from the tube to an open position to open the tube by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a rotating body that rotates in the first direction and the second direction. The pressing body further rotates in the first direction while pressing the tube from the closed position to supply the ink in the tube toward the ink head, and from the closed position to the second ink head. until it rotates in the direction of ( ) for a predetermined time and separates from the tube, the tube is pressed to supply the ink in the tube toward the ink cartridge. The control device includes a pressing body control section for controlling rotation of the rotating body in the first direction and rotation in the second direction to rotate the pressing body, and rotating the rotating body in the second direction. When the pressing body is moved from the closed position to the open position by rotating, the rotary body is rotated for a first time after opening the valve when the pressing body is in the closed position. a valve control that closes the valve after rotating in the second direction.

According to the inkjet printer of the present invention, the valve control section opens the valve when the pressing body is positioned at the closed position. As a result, the ink in the tube can be returned to the ink cartridge even if the rotating body rotates in the second direction thereafter. That is, no high pressure is applied to the ink path between the ink supply and the valve. After opening the valve, the valve control unit closes the valve after the rotating body rotates in the second direction for the first time. Closing the valve prevents ink from flowing from the ink supply to the ink cartridge, but the valve remains open until the rotating body rotates for the first time, allowing that amount of ink to be directed to the ink cartridge. is flowing. In this way, less ink flows from the ink supply to the valve than when the valve is closed from the beginning, thus adding to the ink path between the ink supply and the valve after the valve is closed. Pressure is relatively small. Therefore, the occurrence of problems in the ink path is suppressed. Furthermore, by closing the valve, ink does not flow from the ink cartridge to the ink head even when the ink supply device is opened, so ink leakage from the ink head is suppressed. Alternatively, by closing the valve, the ink does not flow from the ink head to the ink cartridge even when the ink supply device is opened, so the inflow of air from the ink head is suppressed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the ink path when the ink supply device is opened, and to prevent ink from leaking from the ink head and air from flowing into the ink head. can be done.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a front view of main parts of a printer according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an ink supply system according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the supply pump according to one embodiment, showing a state where the pressing body is positioned at the closed position; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the supply pump according to one embodiment, showing a state where the pressing body is positioned at the open position; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first pressing body and the second pressing body are positioned at the open position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotating body is rotated 900° from a state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the open position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotary body is rotated 180° from the state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the open position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotary body is rotated 270° from a state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the open position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotating body rotates 360° from the state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the open position; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are positioned at the closed position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotating body rotates 900° from the state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the closed position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotating body rotates 180° from the state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the closed position; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the first pressing body and the second pressing body when the rotating body is rotated 270° from the state where the first pressing body and the second pressing body are located at the closed position; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first pressing body and the second pressing body are positioned at the closed position in another example; FIG. 4 is a plan cross-sectional view of a damper and a detection device according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the pressure in the storage chamber is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the damper and detection device according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the pressure in the storage chamber is greater than a predetermined pressure; 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the printer according to one embodiment; FIG.

Hereinafter, an inkjet printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as printer 10) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described herein are, of course, not intended to specifically limit the invention. Further, members and portions having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

In the following description, left, right, top, and bottom refer to left, right, top, and bottom, respectively, as seen from the user in front of printer 10 . Also, the direction closer to the user from the printer 10 is defined as the front, and the direction away from the printer 10 is defined as the rear. Symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. Symbol Y in the drawing represents the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the horizontal direction. Reference character X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X is a direction intersecting the main scanning direction Y (for example, a direction intersecting perpendicularly in plan view). In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-rear direction. However, the above direction is merely determined for convenience and should not be construed as limiting.

As shown in FIG. 1, printer 10 prints on recording medium 12 . The recording medium 12 is, for example, formed long and wound into a roll for use. Note that the recording medium 12 may be in the form of a sheet that is obtained by cutting a roll into a predetermined length. The recording medium 12 is, for example, recording paper. However, the recording medium 12 is not limited to recording paper. For example, the recording medium 12 includes a sheet made of a resin material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester, a sealing material made of a backing paper and a release paper laminated on the backing paper and coated with an adhesive, and the like. be

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a base member 40, a main body case 50, a right leg portion 16R, a left leg portion 16L, an ink head unit 20 (see FIG. 2), and a controller 30 (see FIG. 2). see). The base member 40 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The base member 40 has a platen 15 . The platen 15 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The right leg portion 16R and the left leg portion 16L are attached to the lower portion of the base member 40. As shown in FIG. The right leg portion 16R and the left leg portion 16L support the base member 40 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink head unit 20 is provided on the base member 40. As shown in FIG. The ink head unit 20 is arranged inside the body case 50 . The ink head unit 20 is arranged above the platen 15 . The ink head unit 20 includes a carriage 22, an ink head 21 and a damper 80, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 has guide rails 13 provided on the base member 40 . The guide rail 13 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A carriage 22 of the ink head unit 20 is engaged with the guide rail 13 . The carriage 22 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 13 by the carriage movement mechanism 8 . The carriage moving mechanism 8 has a left pulley 19 a arranged on the left end side of the guide rail 13 and a pulley 19 b arranged on the right end side of the guide rail 13 . A carriage motor 8a is connected to the pulley 19b. The carriage motor 8a may be connected to the pulley 19a. The pulley 19b is driven by the carriage motor 8a. An endless belt 16 is wound around each of the pulleys 19a and 19b. Carriage 22 is secured to belt 16 . The carriage 22 moves in the main scanning direction Y when the pulleys 19a and 19b rotate and the belt 16 runs. Thus, the carriage 22 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rails 13 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 15 is provided in the central portion of the base member 40. As shown in FIG. The platen 15 is arranged between the left front cover 54L and the right front cover 54R of the body case 50 . A recording medium 12 is placed on the platen 15 . The platen 15 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A plurality of grit rollers 17 are provided on the platen 15 . The grit roller 17 is arranged at a position facing a pinch roller (not shown) provided on the base member 40 . The grit roller 17 is connected to a feed motor 17a. The grit roller 17 is rotationally driven by a feed motor 17a. When the grit roller 17 rotates while the recording medium 12 is sandwiched between the grit roller 17 and the pinch roller, the recording medium 12 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction X (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 2, the body case 50 accommodates a plurality of ink cartridges 25 . The ink cartridge 25 is a container that stores ink. In this embodiment, eight ink cartridges 25 are accommodated in the body case 50, but the number of ink cartridges 25 is not limited to eight. The ink cartridge 25 is detachably connected to an upstream end 62 (see FIG. 3) of an ink path 60 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, when the ink cartridge 25 is attached to the upstream end 62, the ink cartridge 25 is positioned above the ink head 21, which will be described later. The ink cartridge 25 contains, for example, process color inks such as cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, light cyan ink, light magenta ink, and black ink, and special color inks such as white ink, metallic ink, and clear ink. One of these inks is stored.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 has an ink supply system 55 for each ink cartridge 25 . FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an ink supply system 55 that supplies ink from the ink cartridge 25 to the ink head 21. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the ink supply system 55 includes an ink head 21 , an ink path 60 , a valve 64 , a supply pump 68 , a damper 80 and a detection device 90 in addition to the ink cartridge 25 . The supply pump 68 is an example of an ink supply device. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink head 21 and the damper 80 are mounted on the carriage 22 and reciprocate in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the ink cartridge 25 is not mounted on the carriage 22 and does not reciprocate in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. Therefore, most of the ink path 60 (at least half of the total length) is arranged to extend in the main scanning direction Y so that the ink path 60 is not damaged even when the carriage 22 moves in the main scanning direction Y. there is In this embodiment, a total of four ink paths 60 are provided. The ink path 60 is covered with a cable protection guide device 46 .

The ink head has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) that eject ink onto the recording medium 12 placed on the platen 15 . The nozzles are exposed outside from the bottom surface of the carriage 22 (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 3 , the ink cartridge 25 and the ink head 21 communicate with each other via an ink path 60 . The ink path 60 has an upstream end 62 , a downstream end 63 and an intermediate portion 65 . The upstream end 62 is detachably connected to the ink outlet of the ink cartridge 25 . The downstream end 63 is connected to the ink head 21 . The intermediate portion 65 is positioned between the upstream end 62 and the downstream end 63 . The ink path 60 forms a flow path that guides ink from the ink cartridge 25 to the ink head 21 . The ink path 60 has softness and flexibility, and is configured to be elastically deformable. Although the configuration of the ink path 60 is not particularly limited, it is an easily deformable resin tube in this embodiment. However, it may be composed of a material other than the tube. A part of the ink path 60 may be configured by a tube.

As shown in FIG. 3, the middle portion 65 includes a tube 65A, a tube 65B, a tube 65C and a tube 65D. The tube 65A communicates the ink cartridge 25 and the valve 64 with each other. A tube 65B communicates between the valve 64 and the supply pump 68 . A tube 65C communicates the supply pump 68 and the damper 80 with each other. The tube 65D communicates the damper 80 and the ink head 21 with each other. The upstream end 62 is provided on the tube 65A. The downstream end 63 is provided on the tube 65D.

As shown in FIG. 3, the valve 64 is arranged in the middle portion 65 . The valve 64 is arranged between the ink cartridge 25 and the supply pump 68 . The valve 64 is arranged inside the body case 50 . The valve 64 is configured to open or close the intermediate portion 65 . The valve 64 opening or closing the intermediate portion 65 includes the case where the valve 64 completely opens or closes the intermediate portion 65 and the case where the intermediate portion 65 is partially opened or closed. Ink stored in the ink cartridge 25 can be supplied to the ink head 21 by opening the intermediate portion 65 with the valve 64 . On the other hand, since the valve 64 closes the intermediate portion 65 , the ink stored in the ink cartridge 25 cannot be supplied to the ink head 21 . Valve 64 is controlled by controller 30 . It should be noted that the printer 10 of this embodiment does not have a pressure control valve in the intermediate portion 65 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the supply pump 68 is arranged in the middle portion 65 . Feed pump 68 is positioned between valve 64 and damper 80 . The supply pump 68 supplies ink from the ink cartridge 25 toward the ink head 21 . That is, when the valve 64 is open, the supply pump 68 supplies ink from the ink cartridge 25 to the ink head 21 . The supply pump 68 is driven when the detection device 90 detects that the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is below a predetermined pressure. When a predetermined amount of ink is supplied to the storage chamber 81 by the supply pump 68, the pressure in the storage chamber 81 becomes higher than the predetermined pressure. In FIG. 3, feed pump 68 is open. 4 and 5, the supply pump 68 is illustrated in a simplified manner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the supply pump 68. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, feed pump 68 is a tube pump. The supply pump 68 includes a main body case 71 having an arc-shaped inner wall 71A, a tube 73 arranged in the main body case 71, a pair of pressing bodies 74 capable of pressing a part of the tube 73, and a pressing body. a rotating body 75 for supporting the pressing body 74 and moving the pressing body 74 within the main body case 71; a motor 76 (see FIG. 11) for rotating the rotating body 75; A member 77A and a second plate member 77B are provided. 4 and 5, the rotating body 75 is represented by a two-dot chain line.

The tube 73 is formed to allow ink to flow therein and to be elastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 4, one end 73A of the tube 73 is connected to the tube 65B (see FIG. 3) via a connecting tube 73X. The other end 73B of the tube 73 is connected to the tube 65C (see FIG. 3) via a connecting tube 73X. The tube 73 is closed by being pressed by the pressing body.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the rotating body 75 is rotatably provided in the body case 71 . The rotating body 75 includes a first rotating body 75A and a second rotating body 75B. A pressing body 74 is provided between the first rotating body 75A and the second rotating body 75B. That is, the first rotating body 75A and the second rotating body 75B support the pressing body 74. As shown in FIG. The first rotating body 75A and the second rotating body 75B are integrally provided so as to be rotatable. A guide hole 78 for guiding the movement of the pressing body 74 is formed in the second rotating body 75B. The outer edge shape of the first rotor 75A is shaped along the guide hole 78 . The distance between the first end 78A of the guide hole 78 and the center 75C of the rotor 75 is longer than the distance between the second end 78B of the guide hole 78 and the center 75C. That is, the distance between the pressing body 74 and the center 75C when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the first end 78A is the distance between the pressing body 74 and the center 75C when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the second end 78B. longer. Rotating body 75 rotates relative to main body case 71 in a first direction (direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 4) and a second direction (direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 4). The rotating body 75 can be rotated, for example, by 22.5°. The rotor 75 rotates at a constant speed. Motor 76 (see FIG. 11) is controlled by controller 30 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the pressing body 74 is configured to be rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 75 . The pressing body 74 rotates in the first direction as the rotating body 75 rotates in the first direction (the direction of the arrow D1 in FIG. 4, here clockwise). The pressing body 74 rotates in the second direction by rotating the rotating body 75 in the second direction (the direction of the arrow D2 in FIG. 4, counterclockwise here, opposite to the first direction). do. The pressing body 74 is configured to be movable along the rotating body 75 . The pressing body 74 is configured to be guided by a guide hole 78 and move along the rotary body 75 . The pressing body 74 is configured to be movable between a closed position CP (see FIG. 4) and an open position OP (see FIG. 5). The pushing body 74 pushes the tube 73 by rotating in the first direction to move to the closed position CP where the tube 73 can be closed. When the pressing body 74 is positioned at the closed position CP, the pressing body 74 is positioned at the first end portion 78A of the guide hole 78 . The pressing body 74 further rotates in the first direction (the direction of the arrow D1 in FIG. 4) while pressing the tube 73 from the closed position CP so as to supply the ink in the tube 73 toward the ink head 21. It is configured. At this time, the pair of pressing bodies 74 are positioned on the straight line L passing through the center 75C of the rotating body 75 . By rotating in the second direction, the pressing body 74 moves away from the tube 73 to the open position OP where the tube 73 is opened. The pressing body 74 rotates from the closed position CP in the second direction for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.3 seconds to 1.8 seconds, depending on the initial position of the pressing body 74) until it separates from the tube 73. pushes the tube 73 to supply the ink in the tube 73 toward the ink cartridge 25 . When the pressing body 74 rotates from the closed position CP in the second direction for a predetermined time, the rotating body 75 rotates in the second direction by a first angle of 22.5° (for example, about 45° to 225°). ) depending on the initial position of 74. Note that the pressing body 74 is separated from the tube 73 includes a state in which the pressing body 74 is not in contact with the tube 73 and a state in which the pressing body 74 is in contact with the tube 73 but does not press the tube 73 . . When the pressing body 74 is positioned at the open position OP, the pressing body 74 is positioned at the second end portion 78B of the guide hole 78 . At this time, the pair of pressing bodies 74 are positioned on the straight line L passing through the center 75C of the rotating body 75 . The pressing body 74 is configured to be positioned at the closed position CP by the time the rotating body 75 rotates 180° to 360° in the first direction from the open position OP. The pressing body 74 is configured to be positioned at the open position OP by the time the rotating body 75 rotates 90° to 360° in the second direction from the closed position CP.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B are fixed to the body case 71. As shown in FIG. The first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B are arranged on the locus of movement of the pressing body 74 . The first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B are members that change the position of the pressing body 74 with respect to the rotating body 75 . For example, when the rotating body 75 rotates in the second direction (direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 4) from the state shown in FIG. Then, the pressing body 74 moves from the first end portion 78A to the second end portion 78B along the guide hole 78 (see FIG. 5). Here, since the first plate member 77A is formed to be elastically deformable, when the rotating body 75 further rotates in the second direction, the pressing body 74 passes through the first plate member 77A while being elastically deformed. For example, when the pressing body 74 is positioned between the first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B and the rotating body 75 rotates in the second direction (the direction of the arrow D2 in FIG. 4), the second The plate member 77B contacts the pressing body 74. As shown in FIG. Then, the pressing body 74 moves from the first end portion 78A to the second end portion 78B along the guide hole 78 (see FIG. 5). Here, since the second plate member 77B is formed to be elastically deformable, when the rotating body 75 further rotates in the second direction, the pressing body 74 passes through the second plate member 77B while being elastically deformed. On the other hand, for example, when the rotating body 75 rotates in the first direction (direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 5) from the state of FIG. Then, the pressing body 74 moves from the second end portion 78B to the first end portion 78A along the guide hole 78 (see FIG. 4). Here, since the first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B are formed to be elastically deformable, when the rotating body 75 further rotates in the first direction, the pressing body 74 elastically deforms the first plate member 77A. Pass while transforming. The first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B are made of, for example, a rubber material. 4, the first plate member 77A and the second plate member 77B are brought into contact with the pressing member 74, but the pressing member 77A and the second plate member 77B are in contact with the pressing member 74. Body 74 does not move from first end 78A of guide hole 78 . Further, when the rotating body 75 rotates in the second direction (the direction of the arrow D2 in FIG. 4) from the state of FIG. Body 74 does not move from second end 78B of guide hole 78 .

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6E, the movement of the pressing body 74 when moving from the open position OP to the closed position CP will be described. Here, an example in which the pressing body 74 includes a first pressing body 74A and a second pressing body 74B will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B are positioned at the second end portion 78B of the guide hole 78, the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B do not contact the tube 73. . That is, in FIG. 6A, the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B are positioned at the open position OP. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the rotating body 75 rotates 90 degrees in the direction of arrow D1, the second pressing body 74B comes into contact with the first plate member 77A, and the second pressing body 74B moves along the guide hole 78. to move from the second end 78B toward the first end 78A. At this time, the first pressing body 74A is positioned at the second end portion 78B of the guide hole 78 . Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the rotating body 75 rotates further 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow D1 (rotates 180 degrees in the direction of the arrow D1 from the state of FIG. 6A), the second pressing body 74B moves toward the guide hole 78. , and then passes through the first plate member 77A. At this time, the first pressing body 74A is positioned at the second end portion 78B of the guide hole 78 . Next, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the rotating body 75 rotates further 90 degrees in the direction of arrow D1 (rotates 270 degrees in the direction of arrow D1 from the state of FIG. 6A), the second pressing body 74B moves toward the second plate. It moves to a position where it passes through the member 77B and presses the tube 73 . Then, the first pressing body 74A contacts the first plate member 77A, and the first pressing body 74A moves along the guide hole 78 from the second end portion 78B toward the first end portion 78A. In FIG. 6D, the second pusher 74B is in the closed position CP. Next, as shown in FIG. 6E, when the rotating body 75 rotates further 90 degrees in the direction of arrow D1 (rotates 360 degrees in the direction of arrow D1 from the state of FIG. 6A), the second pressing body 74B pushes the tube 73. Move while pushing. Then, the first pressing body 74A moves to the first end portion 78A of the guide hole 78 and then passes through the first plate member 77A. In the above example, the second pressing body 74B is configured to be positioned at the closed position CP when the rotor 75 is rotated 270° from the open position OP. Also, when the rotating body 75 rotates 360 degrees, the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B rotate 270 degrees.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7D, the movement of the pressing body 74 when moving from the closed position CP to the open position OP will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B are positioned at the first end portion 78A of the guide hole 78, the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B are in contact with the tube 73. obtain. In FIG. 7A, the first pusher 74A is in contact with the tube 73 and the second pusher 74B is not in contact with the tube 73. In FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the rotating body 75 rotates 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow D2, the second pressing body 74B comes into contact with the first plate member 77A, and the second pressing body 74B moves along the guide hole 78. to move from the first end 78A toward the second end 78B. At this time, the first pressing body 74A is positioned at the first end portion 78A of the guide hole 78 . Therefore, when the rotating body 75 is rotated 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow D2, the tube 73 is pressed by the first pressing body 74A, and the ink in the tube 73 is directed toward the ink cartridge 25 (see the arrow in FIG. 7B). F direction) is supplied. Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the rotating body 75 rotates further 90 degrees in the direction of arrow D2 (rotates 180 degrees in the direction of arrow D2 from the state of FIG. 7A), the second pressing body 74B moves toward the guide hole 78. , and then passes through the first plate member 77A. At this time, the first pressing body 74A contacts the second plate member 77B, and the first pressing body 74A moves along the guide hole 78 from the first end portion 78A toward the second end portion 78B. The body 74A and the second pressing body 74B are located at the open position OP. Next, as shown in FIG. 7D, when the rotating body 75 rotates further 90 degrees in the direction of arrow D2 (rotates 270 degrees in the direction of arrow D2 from the state of FIG. 7A), the first pressing body 74A moves toward the guide hole 78. , and then passes through the second plate member 77B. In the above example, the first pressing body 74A presses the tube 73 to direct the ink in the tube 73 toward the ink cartridge 25 until the rotating body 75 rotates approximately 135° from the closed position CP. supply. In the supply pump 68, the rotating body 75 is moved from the state where the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B are positioned at the closed position CP to the arrow D2 for a first time (for example, about 0.5 seconds to 1.5 seconds). At least one of the first pressing member 74A and the second pressing member 74B is positioned at the open position OP when rotated in the direction of . The predetermined period of time described above can be shorter than the first period of time, the same as the first period of time, or longer than the first period of time.

Although the printer 10 of this embodiment does not have a sensor for detecting the position of the pressing body 74, the rotating body 75 is rotated at least 360 degrees in the direction of the arrow D1 in FIG. The first time is longer than half of the second time, the second time is, for example, about 2 to 3 seconds, the second time is longer than the predetermined time, for example, the second time is 2 8 seconds, the first time is 1.5 seconds, and the predetermined time is 1.4 seconds), the pressing body 74 can be positioned at the closed position CP. By rotating the rotating body 75 by 180° to 360° in the direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 4 from the state where the pressing body 74 is located at the closed position CP, the pressing body 74 can be positioned at the open position OP. Regardless of the position of the pressing body 74 with respect to the main body case 71 when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the closed position CP, the rotating body 75 is rotated 360 degrees in the direction of arrow D2 in FIG. ), the pressing body 74 is always positioned at the open position OP. The rotation angle of the rotating body 75 necessary for the pressing body 74 to be positioned at the open position OP varies depending on the position of the pressing body 74 with respect to the main body case 71 when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the closed position CP. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B press the tube 73, the rotating body 75 rotates 225° in the direction of the arrow D2, so that the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B The second pressing body 74B moves to the open position OP (see FIG. 7D). In the above example, the first pressing body 74A presses the tube 73 to direct the ink in the tube 73 toward the ink cartridge 25 until the rotary body 75 rotates approximately 225° from the closed position CP. The second pressing body 74B presses the tube 73 and supplies the ink in the tube 73 toward the ink cartridge 25 until the rotating body 75 rotates about 45° from the closed position CP. . Thus, the amount of ink supplied to the ink cartridge 25 varies depending on the position of the pressing body 74 with respect to the main body case 71 when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the closed position CP. Further, the rotation angle in the second direction required to move to the open position OP differs depending on the position of the pressing body 74 with respect to the main body case 71 when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the closed position CP.

As shown in FIG. 3, the damper 80 is arranged in the middle portion 65 . A damper 80 is arranged between the supply pump 68 and the ink head 21 . The damper 80 has a storage chamber 81 in which ink is temporarily stored. Ink supplied from the ink cartridge 25 is temporarily stored in the storage chamber 81 . The damper 80 communicates with the ink head 21 . The damper 80 is provided above the ink head 21, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the detection device 90 is arranged on the side of the damper 80 . The detection device 90 detects the pressure inside the storage chamber 81 of the damper 80 (in other words, the amount of ink flowing into the storage chamber 81). The supply pump 68 is controlled based on the pressure inside the storage chamber 81 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the damper 80 and the detection device 90. As shown in FIG. The damper 80 moderates pressure fluctuations of the ink and stabilizes the ejection operation of the ink from the ink head 21 . In this embodiment, the damper 80 includes a case body 82 and a pressure sensitive film 83, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the case main body 82 has a hollow structure in which an opening 82A is formed on one surface (the right surface in FIG. 9). The case main body 82 is typically made of a resin material. The pressure sensitive film 83 is attached to the outer wall surface of the case main body 82 so as to cover the opening 82A. The storage chamber 81 is a space surrounded by the case body 82 and the pressure sensitive membrane 83 . The pressure-sensitive film 83 is made of, for example, a flexible resin film. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pressure-sensitive film 83 is configured to be flexibly deformable according to the amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 81 and the pressure within the storage chamber 81 . The pressure-sensitive membrane 83 is flexibly deformable inside and outside the storage chamber 81 . The pressure-sensitive membrane 83 is attached to the case main body 82 with such tension that it can be bent both inside and outside the storage chamber 81 .

As shown in FIG. 9, the storage chamber 81 is provided with a spring 85 . A spring 85 is arranged in the storage chamber 81 in a compressed state and imparts elastic force toward the pressure sensitive membrane 83 . Here, the spring 85 is in contact with the surface of the pressure-sensitive membrane 83 on the storage chamber 81 side. The type of spring 85 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the spring 85 is a coil spring. A pressing body 86 is provided on the pressure sensitive film 83 . The pressing body 86 is supported by the spring 85 . The pressing body 86 can move inside and outside the storage chamber 81 by following the bending deformation of the pressure sensitive film 83 .

As shown in FIG. 9, detection device 90 includes lever 84 . The lever 84 is provided on the case main body 82 so as to be able to contact the pressing body 86 . In this embodiment, the case main body 82 is provided with a support spring 87 , and the lever 84 is supported by the support spring 87 . The shape of the lever 84 is not particularly limited. Here, the lever 84 is formed in a substantially U shape. Specifically, on the right side of the pressing body 86, the lever 84 includes a contact portion 84A extending in the front-rear direction, a support portion 84B extending leftward from the rear end of the contact portion 84A, and a support portion 84B extending leftward from the front end of the contact portion 84A. It has a detected part 84C extending to. A pressing body 86 can come into contact with the contact portion 84A. The support portion 84B is supported by a support spring 87. As shown in FIG. The detected portion 84C is a portion detected by a detecting portion 95, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 9, the lever 84 moves toward the storage chamber 81 when the pressure-sensitive film 83 bends toward the storage chamber 81 (that is, when the ink in the storage chamber 81 decreases and the pressure decreases). move to As shown in FIG. 10, the lever 84 moves away from the storage chamber 81 when the pressure-sensitive film 83 bends toward the outside of the storage chamber 81 (that is, when the ink in the storage chamber 81 increases and the pressure increases). move to

As shown in FIG. 9 , the detection device 90 includes a detection section 95 . The detection unit 95 includes, for example, a light-emitting unit 91 having a light-emitting element that emits light such as infrared light, and a light-receiving unit 92 having a light-receiving element that detects the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 91 . The light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92 are arranged so as to face each other. A detection region 93 is provided between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92 . The detector 95 can detect whether the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure based on the change in the position of the lever 84 . As shown in FIG. 10, as the pressure in the storage chamber 81 increases, the pressure-sensitive membrane 83 bends outward from the storage chamber 81 . At this time, the pressing body 86 pushes the lever 84 to the outside of the storage chamber 81 , so that the lever 84 rotates around the support spring 87 . Then, when the pressure in the storage chamber 81 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the detected portion 84C of the lever 84 moves out of the detection area 93 of the detection device 90 . The detection unit 95 detects that the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is higher than a predetermined pressure when the detected portion 84C of the lever 84 is not positioned between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92 (that is, the detection area 93). to detect

As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 18 is provided behind the right front cover 54R in the main body case 50. As shown in FIG. The operation panel 18 is provided with a display section (not shown) for displaying the status of the printer and input keys (not shown) operated by the user. The operation panel 18 is connected to a control device 30 (see FIG. 2) that controls various operations of the printer 10 .

As shown in FIG. 11, the overall operation of printer 10 is controlled by control device 30 . The configuration of the control device 30 is not particularly limited. The control device 30 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited. central processing unit), ROM (read only memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU, RAM (random access memory) that is used as a working area for developing programs, and memory that stores programs and various data a storage device; As shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 30 is provided inside the body case 50 . However, the control device 30 may not be provided inside the main body case 50 . For example, the control device 30 may be a computer or the like installed outside the printer 10 . In this case, the control device 30 is communicably connected to the printer 10 via wire or wireless.

As shown in FIG. 11, the control device 30 is communicably connected to the ink head 21, the carriage motor 8a, the feed motor 17a, the valve 64, the motor 76 of the supply pump 68, the detection device 90 and the operation panel 18. FIG. The control device 30 controls the ink head 21, the carriage motor 8a, the feed motor 17a, the valve 64, and the motor .

As shown in FIG. 11, the control device 30 includes a storage unit 31, a pressing body control unit 32, a valve control unit 33, a print control unit 34, a first determination unit 35, a second determination unit 36, and a third determination unit 37 . The functions of each part of the control device 30 are realized by a program. This program is read from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD. Note that this program may be downloaded through the Internet. Also, the function of each unit of the control device 30 may be realized by a processor and/or a circuit or the like. The specific functions of these units will be described later.

The storage unit 31 stores image data of a predetermined image to be printed on the recording medium 12 . The image data is, for example, data in raster format. The image data is created using software installed in a computer provided separately from the printer 10, for example.

The print control unit 34 starts printing a predetermined image on the recording medium 12 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 31 . The print control unit 34 performs printing by ejecting ink from the ink head 21 toward the recording medium 12 based on the image data. The print control unit 34 drives the carriage motor 8a to move the carriage 22 in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The print control unit 34 moves the recording medium 12 in the sub-scanning direction X by driving the feed motor 17a.

The pressing body control unit 32 controls the rotation of the rotating body 75 of the supply pump 68 in the first direction (direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 4) and in the second direction (direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 4). The pressing body 74 is rotated. That is, the pressing body control section 32 rotates the pressing body 74 in the first direction by driving the motor 76 (see FIG. 11) to rotate the rotary body 75 in the first direction. Further, the pressing body control section 32 rotates the pressing body 74 in the second direction by driving the motor 76 to rotate the rotary body 75 in the second direction. The pressing body control section 32 moves the pressing body 74 from the closed position CP (see FIG. 4) in the first direction by 22 when the first determination section 35 determines that the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is equal to or lower than the predetermined pressure. Rotate by a second angle (typically between 45° and 90°, eg 67.5°) in 0.5° increments. That is, the pressing body control section 32 rotates the pressing body 74 from the closed position CP (see FIG. 4) for a third period of time (eg, about 0.35 to 0.7 seconds, eg, about 0.5 seconds). As a result, a predetermined amount of ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 25 to the storage chamber 81 of the damper 80, and the pressure in the storage chamber 81 becomes higher than the predetermined pressure. When the supply pump 68 is released, that is, when the pressure on the tube 73 by the pressing body 74 is released, the pressing body control section 32 rotates the rotary body 75 in the second direction for the second time. That is, for example, the rotating body 75 is rotated by 360°. As a result, the pressing body 74 is reliably separated from the tube 73 regardless of the position of the pressing body 74 when the rotating body 75 is rotated.

The valve control section 33 opens and closes the valve 64 . The valve control unit 33 rotates the rotating body 75 in the second direction (the direction of the arrow D2 in FIG. 4) to move the pressing body 74 from the closed position CP (see FIG. 4) to the open position OP (see FIG. 5). In the case of movement, after the valve 64 is opened when the pressing body 74 is located at the closed position CP, the rotating body 75 rotates in the second direction for the first time (i.e., rotates by the first angle). later), the valve 64 is closed. That is, the valve control section 33 is configured to close the valve 64 after at least one of the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B is positioned at the open position OP.

The first determination unit 35 determines whether the pressure in the storage chamber 81 detected by the detection device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure when ink is being ejected from the ink head 21 (for example, during printing or cleaning). judge. In this embodiment, when the lever 84 of the detection device 90 blocks the detection area 93 (see FIG. 9), the first determination unit 35 determines that the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure. When the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is less than the predetermined pressure, the amount of ink in the storage chamber 81 is about to run out. It can be determined whether ink needs to be supplied to the chamber 81 .

The second determination unit 36 moves the pressing body 74 from the closed position CP (see FIG. 4) to a second angle (eg, 67.5°) by 22.5° in the first direction (direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 4). After rotating for the third time in the first direction, it is determined whether the pressure in the storage chamber 81 detected by the detecting device 90 is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure. The second determination unit 36 determines that the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is equal to or less than a predetermined pressure when the detection area 93 is blocked by the lever 84 of the detection device 90 .

The third determination unit 37 determines that the ink in the ink cartridge 25 has run out when the second determination unit 36 determines that the pressure in the storage chamber 81 is equal to or lower than the predetermined pressure. Here, when ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 25, and ink is present in the ink cartridge 25 that is being supplied with ink, the ink is supplied toward the ink head 21 by driving the supply pump 68. Therefore, the pressure in the storage chamber 81 becomes higher than the predetermined pressure. However, when the ink in the ink cartridge 25 during ink supply runs out, even if the supply pump 68 is driven, no ink is supplied to the ink head 21, and the pressure in the storage chamber 81 remains below the predetermined pressure. . In this manner, the third determination unit 37 determines whether or not the ink in the ink cartridge 25 being supplied has run out based on the pressure in the storage chamber 81 .

As described above, according to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the valve control section 33 opens the valve 64 when the pressing body 74 is positioned at the closed position CP. As a result, the ink in the tube 73 can be returned to the ink cartridge 25 even if the rotor 75 subsequently rotates in the second direction (the direction of the arrow D2 in FIG. 4). That is, high pressure is not applied to the ink path 60 between the supply pump 68 and the valve 64 . After opening the valve 64 , the valve control unit 33 closes the valve 64 after the rotor 75 rotates in the second direction for the first time. By closing the valve 64, no ink flows from the supply pump 68 to the ink cartridge 25, but since the valve 64 is open until the rotating body 75 rotates for the first time, that much ink is It flows toward the ink cartridge 25 . In this way, less ink flows from the supply pump 68 to the valve 64 than when the valve 64 is closed from the beginning. The pressure applied to ink path 60 is relatively small. Therefore, the occurrence of problems in the ink path 60 is suppressed. Furthermore, by closing the valve 64, ink does not flow from the ink cartridge 25 to the ink head 21 even when the supply pump 68 is opened, so ink leakage from the ink head 21 is suppressed.

According to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the pressing body 74 is moved in the second direction (direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 4) from the closed position CP to the rotating body 75 for the second time longer than the first time. It is configured to be located at the open position OP when it rotates to the left. Here, the first time is longer than half the second time. This results in less ink flowing from supply pump 68 to valve 64 after valve 64 is closed, and thus less pressure on ink path 60 between supply pump 68 and valve 64 after valve 64 is closed. can do.

According to the printer 10 of this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 25 is attached to the upstream end 62 , the ink cartridge 25 is positioned above the ink head 21 . Since the ink cartridge 25 is positioned above the ink head 21, when the pressing member 74 is positioned at the open position OP and the valve 64 is opened, ink flows from the ink cartridge 25 toward the ink head 21 due to the weight of the ink. can flow However, by appropriately closing the valve 64 as described above, the amount of ink flowing to the ink head 21 due to the weight of the ink can be reduced.

According to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, when the rotating body 75 rotates in the second direction (direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 4) for the first time, at least one of the first pressing body 74A and the second pressing body 74B is rotated. is located at the open position OP. This reduces the flow of ink from supply pump 68 to valve 64 after valve 64 is closed, thus reducing the pressure on ink path 60 between supply pump 68 and valve 64 after valve 64 is closed. can be done.

The printer 10 of this embodiment has a storage chamber in which ink is temporarily stored, and includes a damper disposed midway between the ink supply device and the ink head. The ink in the damper is returned to the ink cartridge through the ink path by rotating the pressing body in the second direction. This decompresses the storage chamber. As a result, leakage of ink from the ink head is more reliably suppressed.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in various other forms.

In the embodiment described above, the detection device 90 includes the lever 84, the light emitter 91, and the light receiver 92, but is not limited to this. The structure of the detection device 90 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sensor that can detect the pressure in the storage chamber 81 .

In the above-described embodiment, the rotation angle of the rotating body 75 and the rotation angle of the pressing body 74 were not the same when the pressing body 74 was moved from the closed position CP to the open position OP (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D). In the illustrated example, the pressing member 74 rotates only 180° when the rotary member 75 rotates 270°), but may be configured to be the same.

10 Printer 21 Ink head 25 Ink cartridge 30 Control device 32 Pressing body control section 33 Valve control section 60 Ink path 64 Valve 68 Supply pump 73 Tube 74 Pressing body 75 Rotating body

Claims (6)

an ink head for ejecting ink onto a recording medium;
An upstream end detachably connected to an ink cartridge that stores ink, a downstream end connected to the ink head, and a midpoint located between the upstream end and the downstream end an ink path having a portion;
a valve disposed in the middle portion for opening or closing the middle portion;
an ink supply device arranged in the middle portion between the valve and the ink head and supplying ink from the ink cartridge toward the ink head;
a control device that controls the valve and the ink supply device,
The ink supply device
a tube in which ink circulates and which is elastically deformable;
rotating in a first direction to push the tube into a closed position closing the tube; and rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the tube. a pusher configured to move away from the tube to an open position to open the tube;
A rotating body provided with the pressing body and rotating in the first direction and the second direction,
The pressing body further rotates in the first direction while pressing the tube from the closed position to supply the ink in the tube toward the ink head, and from the closed position to the second ink head. until the tube is separated from the tube by rotating for a predetermined time in the direction of and the ink in the tube is supplied toward the ink cartridge,
The control device is
a pressing body control unit that controls the rotation of the rotary body in the first direction and the rotation in the second direction to rotate the pressing body;
when the pressing body is moved from the closed position to the open position by rotating the rotating body in the second direction, after opening the valve when the pressing body is in the closed position, and a valve control section that closes the valve after the rotating body rotates in the second direction for a first time. The pressing body is positioned at the open position when the rotating body rotates in the second direction for a second time longer than the first time from a state in which the pressing body is positioned at the closed position. configured to
2. The inkjet printer of claim 1, wherein said first time period is longer than half of said second time period. 3. An inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein when said ink cartridge is attached to said upstream end, said ink cartridge is positioned above said ink head. The pressing body includes a first pressing body and a second pressing body,
When the rotating body rotates in the second direction for the first period of time from the state in which the first pressing body and the second pressing body are positioned at the closed position, the first pressing body and the second pressing body 4. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the pressing bodies is positioned at the open position. 5. A damper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a storage chamber in which ink is temporarily stored, and a damper disposed in said midway portion so as to be positioned between said ink supply device and said ink head. 1. The inkjet printer according to claim 1. an ink head for ejecting ink onto a recording medium;
An upstream end detachably connected to an ink cartridge that stores ink, a downstream end connected to the ink head, and a midpoint located between the upstream end and the downstream end an ink path having a portion;
a valve disposed in the middle portion for opening or closing the middle portion;
an ink supply device that is arranged in the middle portion between the valve and the ink head and that supplies ink from the ink cartridge toward the ink head, wherein the ink supply device comprises: A method of opening a device, comprising:
The ink supply device
a tube in which ink circulates and which is elastically deformable;
rotating in a first direction to push the tube into a closed position closing the tube; and rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the tube. a pusher configured to move away from the tube to an open position to open the tube;
A rotating body provided with the pressing body and rotating in the first direction and the second direction,
The pressing body further rotates in the first direction while pressing the tube from the closed position to supply the ink in the tube toward the ink head, and from the closed position to the second ink head. until the tube is separated from the tube by rotating for a predetermined time in the direction of and the ink in the tube is supplied toward the ink cartridge,
An opening method, comprising closing the valve after the rotating body rotates in the second direction for a first period of time after opening the valve when the pressing body is located in the closed position. .

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