JP2006001200A - Gas exhausting structure of liquid holding chamber and liquid jetting apparatus equipped with the liquid holding chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas exhausting structure of liquid holding chamber capable of suppressing the generation of bubbles and a liquid jetting apparatus equipped with the same chamber. <P>SOLUTION: If a recording head 8 takes a posture at which a nozzle plate 10 turns sideways, a ball 39 in a second ink-chamber 28 tumbles along a bottom surface 31. Then, the ball 39 seals a top opening 29a of a first passage 29 located in the gravity direction in a filter chamber 41 and makes the first passage 29 into a non-communication state, and makes a second passage 30 located in the antigravity direction in the filter chamber 41 into a communication state. Thereby, the ink passing through a filter member 40 and introduced into the filter chamber 41 can be flowed in the antigravity direction in the filter chamber 41. Since the atomized bubbles contained in the ink can be prevented from staying in the filter chamber 41, the above bubbles can be prevented from growing to large bubbles. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas discharge structure for a liquid storage chamber and a liquid ejecting apparatus including the liquid storage chamber.

  Conventionally, in an ink jet recording apparatus, a filter is provided between an ink cartridge and a recording head so that ink stored in the ink cartridge can be supplied to the recording head and the ink can be suitably ejected from the recording head. Has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the tip of the ink supply needle 101 connected to the ink cartridge (lower side in FIG. 15) and the ink supply for supplying ink to the recording head A filter chamber 103 that is partially inclined with respect to the horizontal direction is formed at a connection point with the base end of the member 102. A filter member 104 is provided in the filter chamber 103 so as to cross the filter chamber 103 horizontally.

The opening area of the filter chamber 103 is larger than the flow path diameter of the flow path 105 of the ink supply needle 101 and the flow path diameter of the flow path 106 of the ink supply member 102. Accordingly, the ink flowing from the ink cartridge to the flow path 106 of the ink supply member 102 via the flow path 105 and the filter member 104 of the ink supply needle 101 may reduce resistance when passing through the filter member 104. it can. Normally, bubbles contained in the ink supplied from the ink cartridge are removed by atomizing the size when passing through the filter member 104.
JP 9-216375 A

  However, as shown in FIG. 15, in the corner 107 in the filter chamber 103, the ink flow rate is lower than that in the central portion 108 in the filter chamber 103, and atomized bubbles that have passed through the filter member 104 are retained. There was something to do. Further, the atomized bubbles may stay in the corner 109 when the posture of the ink jet recording apparatus is changed and the filter chamber 103 is inclined. When the atomized bubbles gradually stay in the corner 107 or the corner 109, they grow into large bubbles. If this large bubble enters the recording head via the flow path 106, it may cause solidification of the ink in the recording head, missing dots, and the like, which may cause a problem of suitable ink ejection.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gas discharge structure for a liquid storage chamber capable of suppressing the generation of bubbles and a liquid ejecting apparatus including the liquid storage chamber. Is to provide.

  The gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber according to the present invention is a gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber that introduces the liquid from the liquid introduction portion and leads the introduced liquid to the liquid discharge portion. A plurality of the liquid lead-out portions are provided at different locations, and at least one liquid lead-out portion located in the antigravity direction is selected from the plurality of liquid lead-out portions according to the posture of the liquid storage chamber, and the selected liquid Selection means for letting out the liquid in the outlet part was provided.

  According to this, the liquid introduced into the liquid storage chamber is led out from the liquid lead-out portion positioned in the anti-gravity direction selected by the selection unit in accordance with the posture of the liquid storage chamber. Therefore, when the liquid contains a gas, the gas is easily bubbled and stays in the anti-gravity direction in the liquid storage chamber, but is led out and discharged together with the liquid from the selected fluid outlet. As a result, the gas contained in the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can be prevented from growing as bubbles.

  In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber, the selection means includes a sealing member that is movably provided in the liquid storage chamber, and the sealing member is the same as the posture of the liquid storage chamber. Moving in the liquid storage chamber, from among the plurality of liquid outlets, the liquid outlet located in the gravitational direction is sealed and brought into a non-communication state, and the liquid outlet located in the anti-gravity direction is opened and communicated. State.

  According to this, the sealing member seals the liquid lead-out member positioned in the direction of gravity with the change in the posture of the liquid storage chamber to make it non-communication. As a result, the liquid outlets located in the anti-gravity direction among the plurality of liquid outlets are not sealed and are in communication. That is, a liquid lead-out portion located in the antigravity direction can be selected from a plurality of liquid lead-out portions to be in a communication state, and the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can be led out to the selected liquid lead-out portion. .

  In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber, the liquid storage chamber includes a filter member that is divided into a first storage chamber that communicates with the liquid introduction portion and a second storage chamber that communicates with the plurality of liquid outlet portions. The sealing member is movably provided in the second storage chamber.

  According to this, when gas is contained in the liquid introduced into the first storage chamber and bubbles are generated, the bubbles are introduced into the second storage chamber through the filter member. At the same time, it is atomized and removed. Further, the atomized bubbles are led out together with the liquid from the liquid lead-out portion located in the antigravity direction which is not sealed by the sealing member. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the bubbles atomized in the second storage chamber from staying in the antigravity direction and growing. On the other hand, when the liquid introduced into the first storage chamber from the liquid introduction part contains impurities, the impurities are removed by the filter member when the liquid passes through the filter member.

  In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber, the liquid storage chamber includes valve means for blocking or permitting the introduction of the liquid into the liquid storage chamber with the liquid introduction portion in a non-communication state or a communication state.

  According to this, the liquid storage device can bring the liquid introduction part into a non-communication state or a communication state by the valve means. Therefore, by setting the liquid introduction part in a non-communication state, the flow of the liquid from the liquid introduction part to the liquid outlet part via the liquid storage chamber can be restricted.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle and a liquid storing unit that stores the liquid, and the liquid ejecting head includes the gas discharge structure according to claim 3. A storage room was provided.

According to this, the liquid stored in the liquid storage means is ejected from the nozzle after being supplied to the liquid storage chamber provided in the liquid ejecting head. Thus, when bubbles or impurities are included in the liquid, the bubbles or impurities can be removed by the filter member in the liquid storage chamber when the liquid passes through the liquid storage chamber. In addition, the liquid ejecting apparatus adopts the liquid storage chamber having the gas discharge structure of the present invention, so that even when the attitude of the liquid ejecting head changes with the change in the attitude of the liquid ejecting apparatus, Bubble growth in the liquid storage chamber can be suppressed. As a result, solidification of the liquid and missing dots in the liquid ejecting head can be reduced. As a result, the liquid ejecting apparatus can realize suitable liquid ejection.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle, a liquid storing unit that stores the liquid, a guide tube that guides the liquid from the liquid storing unit and supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting head. And receiving a waste liquid discharged from the nozzle and sealing the nozzle, negative pressure generating means for applying a negative pressure to the nozzle through the cap member, and in the middle of the tube. And a liquid storage chamber having the gas discharge structure described above.

  According to this, it is possible to block the liquid from being guided to the liquid ejecting head by the guide tube by blocking the flow of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber. Further, when the nozzle is sealed with a cap member from the state where the liquid is blocked, and negative pressure is applied to the nozzle by the negative pressure means, negative pressure is accumulated in the nozzle. Then, when the flow of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber is allowed from the state in which the negative pressure is accumulated in the nozzle, the liquid induction by the induction tube is resumed. Accordingly, the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting head, and the liquid is ejected from the nozzle together with bubbles, impurities, and the like that have entered the liquid ejecting head. Further, this liquid ejecting apparatus adopts the liquid storage chamber having the gas discharge structure of the present invention, so that even if the posture of the liquid storage chamber changes with the attitude change of the liquid ejecting apparatus, Bubble growth in the liquid storage chamber can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the bubbles that have grown into the liquid ejecting head from entering, so that solidification of the liquid, missing dots, etc. in the liquid ejecting head can be reduced. As a result, the liquid ejecting apparatus can realize suitable liquid ejection.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of the printer of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the outline of the recording head of the printer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 as a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a substantially rectangular frame 2. A paper feed tray 3 is provided on the upper surface of the frame 2, and a paper discharge tray 4 is provided on the front surface of the frame 2. The paper feed tray 3 and the paper discharge tray 4 can be folded and accommodated with respect to the frame 2 by a hinge structure (not shown).

  A platen 5 is disposed in the longitudinal direction in the frame 2, and recording paper inserted into the frame 2 from the paper feed tray 3 is fed onto the platen 5 by a paper feed mechanism (not shown). The The fed recording sheet is discharged from the discharge tray 4 to the outside of the frame 2.

  A guide member 6 is installed in the frame 2 so as to be parallel to the platen 5. A carriage 7 that is movable along the guide member 6 is inserted into and supported by the guide member 6. A carriage motor similarly provided in the frame 2 is drivingly connected to the carriage 7 via a timing belt hung on a pair of pulleys attached to the frame 2. The carriage 7 receives a driving force from the carriage motor via a timing belt, and is guided by the guide member 6 to reciprocate in parallel with the platen 5 (main scanning direction).

The carriage 7 includes a recording head 8 as a liquid ejecting head. The recording head 8 supplies each ink supplied from the six ink packs (not shown) provided in the first ink cartridge 9 provided in the frame 2 through the tubes T1 to T6, respectively, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of nozzles N formed on the nozzle plate 10 is ejected as ink droplets to form dots on the recording paper.

  In the printer 1, an area for printing by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording sheet while reciprocating the carriage 7 is used as a printing area. Further, the printer 1 is provided with a non-printing area for sealing the nozzles during non-printing, and a cap holder 11 is provided in the non-printing area as shown in FIG.

  The cap holder 11 is provided with a flexible cap member 12 so as to face the nozzle plate 10 of the recording head 8. The cap holder 11 seals each nozzle N by bringing the cap member 12 into close contact with the nozzle plate 10 of the recording head 8 via a drive mechanism (not shown).

  Further, the cap member 12 is formed with first and second communication ports (not shown) communicating with the inside of the cap member 12 at the bottom, and the cap opening valve 13 is connected to the first communication port via a tube T7. Is connected. The cap opening valve 13 appropriately opens a space formed by bringing the cap member 12 and the nozzle plate 10 into close contact with each other. Furthermore, the 2nd communicating port is connected to the suction port (not shown) of gear pump GP as a negative pressure generation means via tube T8. The gear pump GP is driven when a driving force is transmitted from a driving motor (not shown) so as to apply a negative pressure to the cap member 12. Accordingly, when the cap pump 12 is driven when the cap opening valve 13 is closed and the nozzles N are sealed by the cap member 12, the nozzles N are cleaned by applying a negative pressure. be able to.

  A check valve 14 is connected to a discharge port (not shown) of the gear pump GP via a tube T9, and the first ink cartridge 9 is connected to the check valve 14 via a tube T10.

  With this configuration, when the gear pump GP is driven, waste ink and air are sucked from the cap member 12, and the waste ink and air suppress the cap member 12, the tube T8, the gear pump GP, the tube T9, and the backflow. After the check valve 14 and the tube T10 are guided in order, they flow into the first ink cartridge 9. At this time, the waste ink is absorbed and held by an absorber made of a porous material such as a sponge provided in the first ink cartridge 9. Further, the air that has flowed into the first ink cartridge 9 (hereinafter referred to as pressurized air) pressurizes each ink pack in the first ink cartridge 9.

  An opening device 15 is connected to the first ink cartridge 9 via a tube T20. The opening device 15 is an electromagnetic solenoid valve or the like, and is opened or closed in accordance with a drive current from a control circuit (not shown). The pressurized air is appropriately released. That is, when the gear pump GP is driven, each ink pack in the first ink cartridge 9 is pressurized by the above-described pressurized air, and the stored ink (in this embodiment, black, cyan, magenta, Yellow, light cyan, and light magenta) are pumped toward the recording head 8 through tubes T1 to T6, respectively.

  Next, the configuration of the recording head 8 provided on the carriage 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the recording head 8. FIG. 4 is a main part front longitudinal sectional view of the recording head 8.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the recording head 8 includes first to fourth housings 21 to 24 and the nozzle plate 10 formed in a square shape.
The first housing 21 has six cylindrical ink introduction portions 25 provided at equal intervals on the upper surface 21a. Each ink introduction part 25 as a liquid introduction part is formed with a flow passage 25a, which is connected to each of the tubes T1 to T6. The first housing 21 has six dome-shaped first ink chambers 26 recessed in the lower surface 21 b of the first housing 21. The first ink chambers 26 as the first storage chambers communicate with the flow paths 25a of the corresponding ink introduction portions 25, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, first space portions 27 are respectively provided in the lower surface 21 b of the first housing 21 on the left side of each first ink chamber 26. And the 2nd housing 22 is attached to the lower surface 21b of the 1st housing 21. As shown in FIG.

  The second housing 22 has six box-shaped second ink chambers 28 recessed in the upper surface 22a. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom surface 31 of each second ink chamber 28 as the second storage chamber is inclined so that the left side is deeper. Each of the second ink chambers 28 overlaps with the corresponding first ink chamber 26 of the first housing 21 when the second housing 22 is attached to the first housing 21, thereby forming a filter chamber 41. .

  In each of the second ink chambers 28, a first flow path 29 and a second flow path 30 as a liquid outlet are formed so as to open to the lower surface 22b. The upper opening 29 a of the first flow path 29 is formed at the upper right corner (the shallowest portion) in FIG. 3 in the second ink chamber 28, and the lower opening 29 b is at the lower right corner of the second housing 22. It is formed on the lower surface 22b. Further, the upper opening 30 a of the second flow path 30 is formed in the lower left corner (the deepest place) in FIG. 3 of the second ink chamber 28, and the lower opening 30 b is the lower left corner of the second housing 22. Is formed on the lower surface 22b.

  Further, on the upper surface 22a of the second housing 22 and on the left side of each second ink chamber 28, as shown in FIG. 4, second space portions 32 are formed penetrating toward the lower surface 22b. The second space portion 32 overlaps and communicates with the corresponding first space portion 27 of the first housing 21 when the second housing 22 is attached to the first housing 21. The third housing 23 is attached to the lower surface 22b of the second housing 22.

  Six third rectangular ink chambers 33 are recessed in the upper surface 23a of the third housing 23, respectively. Each third ink chamber 33 has a first flow path 29 and a second flow path 30 formed in the corresponding second ink chamber 28 of the second housing 22 when the third housing 23 is attached to the second housing 22. The lower openings 29b and 30b overlap and communicate with each other. And the flow path 35 is penetrated and formed in the center position of the bottom face 34 in each 3rd ink chamber 33 so that it may each open to the lower surface 23b.

  Further, on the upper surface 23a of the third housing 23 and on the left side of each third ink chamber 33, as shown in FIG. 4, six third space portions 36 are formed penetratingly so as to open to the lower surface 23b. ing. The third space 36 overlaps and communicates with the corresponding second space 32 of the second housing 22 when the third housing 23 is attached to the second housing 22. The fourth housing 24 is attached to the lower surface 23b of the third housing 23.

The fourth housing 24 has six rectangular fourth ink chambers 37 formed therethrough. Each fourth ink chamber 37 overlaps and communicates with the corresponding flow path 35 of the third housing 23 when the fourth housing 24 is attached to the third housing 23. At this time, each fourth
The ink chamber 37 overlaps and communicates with the corresponding third space 36 of the third housing. The nozzle plate 10 is attached to the lower surface 24b of the fourth housing.

  In the nozzle plate 10, nozzle rows composed of a plurality of nozzles N are formed so as to correspond to the respective fourth ink chambers 37 of the fourth housing 24. That is, six nozzle rows are formed on the nozzle plate 10 corresponding to the fourth ink chambers 37, and the ink supplied from the fourth ink chambers 37 is supplied from the nozzles N of the nozzle rows. Each is designed to be discharged.

  The recording head 8 is formed by attaching the first to fourth housings 21 to 24 and the nozzle plate 10 thus configured to each other. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are attached to each other, the second ink chamber 28 accommodates a selection means and a ball 39 as a sealing member in each second ink chamber 28. And the first ink chamber 26 are respectively attached to the filter members 40.

  The filter member 40 removes impurities, bubbles, and the like by introducing the ink introduced into the first ink chamber 26 through the ink introducing portion 25 into the second ink chamber 28 through the filter member 40. It is supposed to be. That is, in the recording head 8, the first ink chamber 26, the second ink chamber 28, and the filter member 40 form a filter chamber 41 as a liquid storage chamber.

  The balls 39 accommodated in the second ink chambers 28 are made of a metal such as stainless steel and are formed to be slightly larger than the opening diameters of the upper openings 29a and 30a of the first flow path 29 and the second flow path 30. In addition, the inside of the second ink chamber 28 can roll. The ball 39 moves in the second ink chamber 28, contacts the upper opening 29a or the upper opening 30a, and seals the upper opening 29a or the upper opening 30a. As a result, the first flow path 29 or the second flow path 30 can be brought out of communication. When the recording head 8 is in the normal posture and the nozzle plate 10 faces downward (see FIG. 3), the ball 39 abuts on the upper opening 30a of the second flow path 30, and the second The flow path 30 is brought into a non-communication state.

  On the other hand, as described above, when the first to third housings 21 to 23 are connected to each other, the first to third space portions 27, 32, and 36 communicate with each other. The first to third space portions 27, 32, and 36 communicate with each other, whereby a pressure generation chamber 42 corresponding to the left side of each filter chamber 41 is formed. That is, six pressure generation chambers 42 are formed in the recording head 8, and a piezoelectric element 44 attached to the lower end portion of the substrate 43 and the substrate 43 is accommodated in each pressure generation chamber 42. It is like that. A drive circuit for driving the piezoelectric element 44 is mounted on the substrate 43. When the recording head 8 is formed, the pressure generating chamber 42 is flexible from the state in which the substrate 43 and the piezoelectric element 44 are accommodated to the opening of the pressure generating chamber 42 (the lower surface 23b of the third housing 23). The film material 45 having the property is fixed and sealed. When the film material 45 is fixed to the lower surface 23b of the third housing 23, the fourth housing 24 is attached to the lower surface 23b of the third housing 23, and the nozzle plate 10 is further attached. .

With this configuration, when the piezoelectric element 44 receives a driving voltage from a control circuit (not shown), the piezoelectric element 44 expands and contracts in response to the volume and compresses the volume of the fourth ink chamber 37 via the film material 45. The ink flowing into the fourth ink chamber 37 is pressurized. The pressurized ink is ejected as ink droplets from each nozzle N formed on the nozzle plate 10. That is, the inks (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta in this embodiment) supplied from the respective ink packs of the first ink cartridge 9 to the recording head 8 via the tubes T1 to T6 are respectively After passing through each filter chamber 41 of the same recording head 8, the ink is discharged from the nozzles N of each nozzle row.

Next, the operation of the filter chamber 41 of the recording head 8 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
5 and 6 are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the filter chamber 41 of the recording head 8. In the following description, only the filter chamber 41 connected to the tube T4 will be described, and the operation of the other filter chambers 41 configured in the same manner will be omitted for convenience of description.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the printer 1 is in a normal posture, the nozzle plate 10 of the recording head 8 faces downward. At this time, the second flow path 30 connected to the filter chamber 41 (second ink chamber 28) is in a non-communication state with its upper opening 30a sealed by the ball 39, while the first flow path 30 The road 29 is in a communication state. When the gear pump GP is driven from this state, each ink pack in the first ink cartridge 9 is pressurized, and each ink is pumped from the ink pack to the recording head 8 via the tubes T1 to T6. .

  Then, the ink supplied to the recording head 8 via the tube T4 is introduced into the first ink chamber 26 from the ink introduction part 25. The first ink chamber 26 is filled with the introduced ink, and the introduced ink passes through the filter member 40 and is introduced into the second ink chamber 28. The ink introduced into the second ink chamber 28 is filled in the ink chamber 28 and guided to the third ink chamber 33 via the first flow path 29 in a communicating state, and then the flow path. The third ink chamber 33 and the fourth ink chamber 37 are filled into the fourth ink chamber 37 through 35. The ink that has flowed into the fourth ink chamber 37 receives pressure from the piezoelectric element 44 in the pressure generating chamber 42 and is ejected from the nozzle N.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the posture of the printer 1 changes from the normal posture and the nozzle plate 10 of the recording head 8 faces sideways (when facing the left in FIG. 6), the ball 39 Rolls on the bottom surface 31 and comes into contact with the upper opening 29a of the first flow path 29 from the upper opening 30a of the second flow path 30 so that the first flow path 29 is in a non-communication state. To the communication state. When the gear pump GP is driven from this state, the ink that is pumped from each ink pack in the first ink cartridge 9 to the recording head 8 passes through the filter member 40 from the first ink chamber 26 and passes through the second ink chamber. After being introduced into 28, it is guided into the third ink chamber 33 through the second flow path 30 and further flows into the fourth ink chamber 37. The ink filled in the fourth ink chamber 37 receives pressure from the piezoelectric element 44 in the pressure generating chamber 42 and is ejected from the nozzle N.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
(1) In the recording head 8 of the present embodiment, the ball 39 is slidably accommodated in the second ink chamber 28 constituting the filter chamber 41, and either the upper opening 29 a or the upper opening 30 a is accommodated by the ball 39. It was comprised so that could be sealed. As a result, when the recording head 8 takes the downward posture of the nozzle plate 10, the first flow path 29 located in the anti-gravity direction in the filter chamber 41 of the recording head 8 is brought into a communicating state, and the inside of the filter chamber 41 The second flow path 30 located in the gravitational direction can be in a non-communication state. Further, when the recording head 8 takes the horizontal orientation of the nozzle plate 10, the first flow path 29 located in the gravity direction in the filter chamber 41 of the recording head 8 is brought into a non-communication state, and the inside of the filter chamber 41 The 2nd flow path 30 located in an antigravity direction can be made into a communication state. That is, the ink can always flow in the anti-gravity direction in the filter chamber 41 according to the posture of the recording head 8. Therefore, the filter chamber 41
Since the gas discharge structure which suppresses that the atomized bubble which passed the filter member 40 stays in the antigravity direction in the filter chamber 41 (inside the second ink chamber 28) is configured. Bubbles can be prevented from growing into large bubbles in the filter chamber 41. As a result, even when the posture of the recording head 8 changes with the change of the posture of the printer 1, solidification of ink in the recording head 8, dot missing of the nozzles N, and the like can be reduced. The printer 1 can realize suitable printing.

(2) In the second ink chamber 28 of the present embodiment, the bottom surface 31 is inclined leftward from the upper opening 29 a of the first flow path 29 toward the upper opening 30 a of the second flow path 30. Formed. Thus, the ball 39 can be smoothly rolled in the second ink chamber 28 along the bottom surface 31. Accordingly, the ball 39 can immediately bring the first flow path 29 or the second flow path 30 into a non-communication state in accordance with the change in posture of the recording head 8. As a result, the growth of large bubbles in the filter chamber 41 can be further suppressed.
(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The printer of this embodiment is characterized in that a choke valve is further provided in the printer 1 of the first embodiment.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer 50 as the liquid ejecting apparatus includes six choke valves 51. Each choke valve 51 is a three-port valve, and includes one introduction port and two outlet ports. The introduction port of each choke valve 51 is connected to the ink pack of the first ink cartridge 9 via the corresponding tubes T1 to T6. Two lead-out ports of each choke valve 51 are connected to the recording head 8 via corresponding tubes T11 to T16, respectively. One end of each of the tubes T11 to T16 is formed to be bifurcated, and is connected to the two outlet ports of each choke valve 51, respectively. That is, each choke valve 51 is disposed between the first ink cartridge 9 and the recording head 8. Each ink supplied from the first ink cartridge 9 is introduced into the recording head 8 via the corresponding tubes T1 to T6, the choke valve 51, and the tubes T11 to T16.

Next, the configuration of the choke valve 51 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the outline of the choke valve 51 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the choke valve 51 in FIG. 8 in the CC line direction. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the choke valve 51 in FIG. 8 in the DD line direction. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the choke valve 51. FIG. In the following description, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, only the choke valve 51 connected to the tubes T1 and T11 will be described, and the other choke valves 51 are configured similarly. Therefore, it is omitted for convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the choke valve 51 includes first to fourth housings 52 to 55 and a diaphragm 56.
The first housing 52 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and an ink introduction port 60 as a liquid introduction portion is provided at the center position of the outer surface 52a. The ink introduction port 60 is formed with a flow path 60 a communicating with the valve chamber 61 as a liquid storage chamber recessed in the first housing 52, and a tube T 1 is connected to the ink introduction port 60. Is done. Further, the first housing 52 is provided with first and second ink outlet ports 62 and 63 as liquid outlet portions on the outer peripheral surface 52b. The first and second ink outlet ports 62 and 63 are formed with flow paths 62 a and 63 a communicating with the inside of the valve chamber 61, respectively. The first and second ink outlet ports 62 and 63 are connected to the connecting portions T11a and T11b of the tube T11 formed in a bifurcated manner as described above. The first housing 5
2, the second housing 53 is fixed.

  The second housing 53 is formed in an annular plate shape, and its right side surface 53 a is fixed to the first housing 52. An outer peripheral portion of a diaphragm 56 as a valve means is fixed to the left side surface 53 b of the second housing 53, and the valve chamber 61 is sealed by the diaphragm 56. The diaphragm 56 is made of a flexible member such as rubber and is formed in a disk shape. The center portion of the diaphragm 56 can be bent, and the center portion can reciprocate with respect to the valve chamber 61. A contact projection 56 a is formed at the center of the diaphragm 56 so as to protrude toward the valve chamber 61. When the central portion of the diaphragm 56 moves to the valve chamber 61 side, the abutment convex portion 56a abuts against an end portion 60b of the ink introduction port 60 that is formed to protrude into the valve chamber 61, and the ink introduction port 60 The flow path 60a is sealed.

  Therefore, when the diaphragm 56 moves to the valve chamber 61 side and the contact convex portion 56a and the end portion 60b of the ink introduction port 60 are in contact, the flow path 60a of the ink introduction port 60 is in a non-communication state. That is, the introduction of ink from the first ink cartridge 9 into the valve chamber 61 is blocked. On the contrary, when the diaphragm 56 moves away from the valve chamber 61 and the abutment convex portion 56a and the end portion 60b of the ink introduction port 60 are separated, the flow path 60a of the ink introduction port 60 is in a communication state. Thus, the introduction of ink from the first ink cartridge 9 into the valve chamber 61 is allowed. A third housing is fixed to the diaphragm 56. The third housing 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and supports and fixes the fourth housing 55.

  The fourth housing 55 is a case of an electromagnetic solenoid, is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and has a double structure including an outer ring portion 55a and an inner ring portion 55b. In the fourth housing 55, a space portion 55c is recessed so as to separate the outer ring portion 55a and the inner ring portion 55b. A bobbin 57 around which a coil 57a is wound is inserted into the space 55c. The coil 57a generates a magnetic force when a drive current is supplied from a drive circuit (not shown). A yoke 58 is movably inserted into the inner ring portion 55b of the fourth housing 55.

  The yoke 58 is provided with a disk-shaped pedestal 58a at the base end protruding from the left side of the inner ring portion 55b. A stopper member 54a is fixed to the tip 58b of the yoke 58 that protrudes into the third housing 54 from the right side of the inner ring portion 55b. The front end surface of the yoke 58 is formed in a hemispherical shape and abuts against the abutment convex portion 56 a of the diaphragm 56.

  A coil spring 59 is disposed between the base 58 a of the yoke 58 and the left end surface of the inner ring portion 55 b of the fourth housing 55. The coil spring 59 biases the pedestal 58 a of the yoke 58 in a direction away from the opening 55 e of the fourth housing 55. Therefore, the yoke 58 is urged by the coil spring 59 in a direction away from the abutting convex portion 56 a of the diaphragm 56.

  When a drive current is supplied to the coil 57a, the yoke 58 moves to the valve chamber 61 side against the biasing force of the coil spring 59. By this movement, the contact convex portion 56a of the diaphragm 56 is pressed and the end portion 60b of the ink introduction port 60 in the valve chamber 61 is brought into a non-communication state. As a result, the introduction of ink from the first ink cartridge 9 into the valve chamber 61 is blocked.

When the supply of the drive current to the coil 57 a is stopped, the yoke 58 is separated from the valve chamber 61 side by the biasing force of the coil spring 59, and the contact convex portion 56 a and the end portion 60 b of the ink introduction port 60 are separated. Release the contact. Accordingly, the flow path 60a of the ink introduction port 60 is in a communication state, and the introduction of ink from the first ink cartridge 9 into the valve chamber 61 can be permitted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, a plate 64 as a selection means and a sealing member is accommodated in the valve chamber 61 of the first housing 52 so as to be rotatable in the valve chamber 61. The plate 64 is formed in an annular plate shape, and a notch 64a is formed in a part thereof. A weight part 64b is formed at a position facing the notch part 64a of the plate 64, and the weight part 64b is heavier than the edge part 64c on the notch part 64a side. Further, a hollow portion 65 is formed by forming the plate 64 in an annular shape at the center of the plate 64, and the ink that protrudes toward the valve chamber 61 is formed in the hollow portion 65. An end 60b of the introduction port 60 is inserted. The plate 64 can rotate in the valve chamber 61 while its outer peripheral surface is in sliding contact with the inner wall of the valve chamber 61. That is, the plate 64 rotates in the valve chamber 61 so that the weight portion 64b is always located on the lowermost side by gravity.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the choke valve 51 is in such a posture that the first ink outlet port 62 is positioned in the antigravity direction, the plate 64 has the same weight portion 64 b. The inside of the valve chamber 61 is rotated so that the first ink outlet port 62 and the end 60b are opposed to each other. By this rotation, the notch portion 64 a of the plate 64 faces the first ink outlet port 62, so that the flow path 62 a of the first ink outlet port 62 passes through the notch portion 64 a and the hollow portion 65. Thus, the ink introduction port 60 is in communication with the flow path 60a. In this case, since the outer peripheral surfaces of the second ink lead-out port 63 are opposed to each other, the flow path 63a of the second ink lead-out port 63 is sealed and is in a non-communication state. On the contrary, when the choke valve 51 is in such a posture that the second ink outlet port 63 is positioned in the antigravity direction (see FIG. 14), the second ink outlet port 63 The notches 64 a face each other, and the flow path 63 a is in communication with the flow path 60 a of the ink introduction port 60 through the notch 64 a and the hollow portion 65. In this case, since the outer peripheral surface of the plate 64 is opposed to the first ink lead-out port 62, the flow path 62a of the first ink lead-out port 62 is sealed by the same outer peripheral surface and is not in communication.

  That is, in the choke valve 51 of the present embodiment, the plate 64 rotates in the valve chamber 61 in accordance with the posture of the choke valve 51, so that the first ink outlet port 62 or the second ink outlet port 62 positioned in the antigravity direction is used. Any one of the ink outlet ports 63 is selected to be in a communication state. Therefore, the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61 from the ink introduction port 60 via the tube T1 is caused to flow through the flow path 62a of the first ink outlet port 62 or the second ink outlet port 63 in accordance with the attitude of the choke valve 51. The recording head 8 is guided from one of the flow paths 63a through the tube T11.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the normal posture of the choke valve 51 in the present embodiment is such that the first ink outlet port 62 is in the antigravity direction and the first ink outlet port 62 is in a communicating state. Say. Further, the sealing of the flow paths 62a and 63a by the plate 64 of the present embodiment does not completely seal the flow paths 62a and 63a, but the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61 is in a communicating state. The sealing is performed to the extent that it can flow mainly through the flow path 62a or the flow path 63a, and the movement of the plate 64 in the valve chamber 61 is not hindered.

The printer 50 according to the present embodiment uses the choke valve 51 configured as described above for cleaning the nozzles N of the recording head 8 described above. Specifically, the printer 50 closes the cap opening valve 13 and seals each nozzle N of the nozzle plate 10 with the cap member 12 to drive the gear pump GP. As a result, a negative pressure is applied to each nozzle N. Further, the printer 1 supplies a driving current to the choke valve 51 from a state in which negative pressure is applied to each nozzle N, thereby bringing the flow path 60a of the ink introduction port 60 into a non-communication state. As a result, the introduction of ink from the first ink cartridge 9 into the valve chamber 61 is blocked, and the nozzle N, the first to fourth ink chambers 26, 28, 33, and 37, the tubes T11 to T16, and each valve chamber. In 61, the negative pressure is accumulated. Next, the printer 50 stops the supply of the drive current to the choke valve 51, sets the flow path 60 a of the ink introduction port 60 to the communication state, and is supplied from the first ink cartridge 9 into the valve chamber 61. Ink is introduced. At this time, the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61 flows from the nozzle N after flowing through the tubes T11 to T16 and the first to fourth ink chambers 26, 28, 33, and 37 at a stretch by the accumulated negative pressure. Discharged. By this discharge, the printer 1 is configured to discharge and clean the thickened ink or the like adhering in the nozzles N.

Next, the operation of the choke valve 51 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the choke valve 51. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the printer 50 takes a normal posture, the first ink outlet port 62 located in the antigravity direction is in a communicating state when the choke valve 51 is in the normal posture. . Furthermore, when the supply of drive current from the drive circuit to the choke valve 51 is stopped and the flow path 60a of the ink introduction port 60 is in communication, the ink supplied from the first ink cartridge 9 is It is introduced into the valve chamber 61 through the tube T1 and the flow path 60a. At this time, the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61 flows from the flow path 62a of the first ink outlet port 62 to the recording head 8 via the tube T11, and then is ejected from the nozzle N by the pressurization from the piezoelectric element 44. Is done.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when the choke valve 51 takes a posture in which the second ink lead-out port 63 is positioned in the antigravity direction as the posture of the printer 50 changes, the second ink lead-out is performed. The flow path 63a of the port 63 is in a communication state, and the flow path 62a of the first ink outlet port 62 is in a non-communication state. As a result, the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61 flows from the flow path 63a of the second ink outlet port 63 into the recording head 8 via the tube T11 and is then ejected from the nozzle N.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment mentioned above, in addition to the effect of 1st Embodiment, there exist the following effects.
In the choke valve 51 of this embodiment, a plate 64 is rotatably provided in the valve chamber 61. Then, in accordance with the posture of the choke valve 51, the plate 64 is moved in the valve chamber 61, and the first ink outlet port 62 or the second ink outlet port 63 located in the antigravity direction is selected to be in the communication state. The gas exhaust structure is configured. Thereby, the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61 from the first ink cartridge 9 through the flow path 60a of the ink introduction port 60 can be caused to flow in the antigravity direction. Therefore, even if fine bubbles are included in the ink introduced into the valve chamber 61, the bubbles can be prevented from staying in the valve chamber 61. Bubbles can be prevented from growing into large bubbles. As a result, even when the posture of the choke valve 51 is changed with the change of the posture of the printer 50, the generation of bubbles is suppressed and the solidification of ink in the recording head 8 and the missing dots of the nozzles N are reduced. In addition, cleaning can be performed by accurately applying a negative pressure to the nozzle N. As a result, the printer 50 provided with the choke valve 51 can realize suitable printing.

In addition, embodiment of invention is not limited to said each embodiment, You may change as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, the first flow path 29 and the second flow path 30 that communicate with the second ink chamber 28 are formed in the second housing 22 of the recording head 8. May be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, a third flow path communicating with the third ink chamber 33 may be formed in the upper left corner of the second ink chamber 28 in FIG. At this time, it is desirable that the upper opening of the third flow path be configured to be sealed by the contact of the ball 39.

  In the second embodiment, the first ink outlet port 62 and the second ink outlet port 63 communicating with the valve chamber 61 are provided in the first housing 52 of the choke valve 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of ports may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, a third ink outlet port may be further formed on the outer peripheral surface 52 b of the first housing so as to communicate with the valve chamber 61. At this time, it is desirable to appropriately change the plate 64 so that the flow path of the third ink outlet port can be in a non-communication state or a communication state.

  In each of the above embodiments, the ball 39 is accommodated in the second ink chamber 28, and the upper opening 29a of the first flow path 29 or the upper opening 30a of the second flow path 30 can be sealed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other ones may be used as long as the upper openings 29a and 30a can be sealed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the printer 1 and the printer 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid ejecting apparatus may be embodied in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects another liquid. For example, as a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquids such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL displays, and surface-emitting displays, as a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacturing, and as precision pipettes The sample injection device may be used. At this time, it is desirable to appropriately change the configuration of the recording head 8 and the choke valve 51.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of the printer of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of a recording head of the printer. FIG. 3 is a side longitudinal sectional view of the recording head in the AA line direction in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a front vertical sectional view of an essential part of the recording head in FIG. 2 in the BB line direction. Sectional drawing for demonstrating an effect | action of the filter chamber of the recording head. Sectional drawing for demonstrating an effect | action of the filter chamber of the recording head. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a printer according to a second embodiment. The perspective view for demonstrating the outline of the choke valve of the embodiment. Sectional drawing of the CC valve | bulb direction of the choke valve in FIG. Sectional drawing of the DD valve | bulb direction of the choke valve in FIG. Sectional drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the choke valve. Sectional drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the choke valve. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the effect | action of the choke valve. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the effect | action of the choke valve. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the conventional filter chamber.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,50 ... Printer as liquid ejecting apparatus, 8 ... Recording head as liquid ejecting head, 9 ... First ink cartridge as liquid storing means, 12 ... Cap member, 25 ... Ink introduction part as liquid introduction part, 26: a first ink chamber as a first storage chamber, 28: a second ink chamber as a second storage chamber, 29, 30 ... first and second flow paths as liquid outlets, 39: selection means and sealing Ball as member, 40 ... Filter member, 41 ... Filter chamber as liquid storage chamber, 56 ... Diaphragm as valve means, 60 ... Ink introduction port as liquid introduction part, 61 ... Valve chamber as liquid storage chamber, 62 , 63 ... first and second ink outlet ports as liquid outlet parts, 64 ... plates as selection means and sealing members, GP ... gear pump as negative pressure generating means, N ... Le, T1~T6, T11~T16 ... tube as a guide tube.

Claims (6)

In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber that introduces the liquid from the liquid introduction part and leads the introduced liquid to the liquid lead-out part,
While providing the liquid outlet part in a plurality of different locations with respect to the liquid storage chamber,
In accordance with the posture of the liquid storage chamber, there is provided selection means for selecting at least one liquid lead-out portion positioned in the antigravity direction from the plurality of liquid lead-out portions and letting the selected liquid lead-out portion lead out the liquid. A gas discharge structure for a liquid storage chamber. In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber according to claim 1,
The selection means includes a sealing member provided movably in the liquid storage chamber,
The sealing member moves in the liquid storage chamber in accordance with the posture of the liquid storage chamber, and seals the liquid lead-out portion located in the gravitational direction from the plurality of liquid lead-out portions to be in a non-communication state. A gas discharge structure for a liquid storage chamber, wherein the liquid outlet portion located in the anti-gravity direction is opened to be in a communicating state. In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber according to claim 2,
The liquid storage chamber includes a filter member that divides into a first storage chamber that communicates with the liquid introduction portion and a second storage chamber that communicates with the plurality of liquid outlet portions.
A gas discharge structure for a liquid storage chamber, wherein the sealing member is movably provided in the second storage chamber. In the gas discharge structure of the liquid storage chamber according to claim 2,
The liquid storage chamber includes valve means for blocking or permitting the introduction of the liquid into the liquid storage chamber with the liquid introduction portion in a non-communication state or a communication state. Construction. A liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle;
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid,
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: the liquid ejecting head including a liquid storage chamber having the gas discharge structure according to claim 3. A liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle;
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid;
A guide tube for guiding the liquid from the liquid storage means and supplying the liquid to the liquid jet head;
While receiving the waste liquid discharged from the nozzle, a cap member for sealing the nozzle;
Negative pressure generating means for applying a negative pressure to the nozzle through the cap member;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising the liquid storage chamber having the gas discharge structure according to claim 4 in the middle of the tube.

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