JP2005186343A - Method and device for filling liquid vessel with liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for filling a liquid vessel with a liquid, which enable the liquid vessel to be filled with the liquid with a high degree of deaeration and cleanliness by efficiently using the liquid. <P>SOLUTION: When ink is filled into an ink pack 13 which is equipped with a bag part 20 and a lead-out part 21, firstly, air in the bag part 20 and the lead-out part 21 is sucked by a suction pump P2 provided in an ink injector 30. The ink, which is supplied from a main tank 31, is injected into the bag part 20 via the lead-out part 21 by a first metering tube 43. Additionally, the ink, which is injected into the bag part 20 of the ink pack 13, is sucked and discharged by a second metering tube 52. Furthermore, the ink in the metering tube 52 is mixed with ink, which is presupplied to a mixing tank 34 from the main tank 31, by using the mixing tank 34. The ink is supplied to a third metering tube 59 from the mixing tank 34, and filled into the bag part 20 from the metering tube 59 via the lead-out part 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid filling method and a liquid filling apparatus for a liquid container.

  Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus has been widely used as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a target. Specifically, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage, a recording head as a liquid ejecting head mounted on the carriage, and an ink cartridge as a liquid container that stores ink as liquid. Then, while moving the carriage relative to the recording medium, printing is performed on the recording medium as a target by supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the recording head and ejecting ink from nozzles formed on the recording head. Is to be done.

  In such an ink jet recording apparatus, a configuration in which an ink cartridge is not mounted on the carriage (so-called off-carriage type) is employed in order to reduce the load on the carriage or to reduce the size and thickness of the apparatus. There is something. An ink cartridge employed in such a printer normally includes an ink pack as a bag-like liquid storage unit that stores ink, and a case that stores the ink pack. The ink in the ink pack is supplied to the recording head via the ink supply tube (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

This ink pack is formed by forming a film into a bag shape and has a bag portion provided with a communication portion. Then, after the inside of the bag portion is filled with ink from the opening of the bag portion, the opening is thermally welded to be sealed in a sealed state. At this time, the bag portion must be filled with ink with a high degree of cleanness and a high degree of deaeration. In response to this problem, an ink pack manufacturing method has been proposed that includes a step of cleaning the inside of the bag portion using ink. In this method, before the bag portion is filled with ink, a predetermined amount of ink is injected, and air and dust remaining in the bag portion are taken into the injected ink. By discharging the ink, air and dust in the bag portion are discharged, and the degree of deaeration and cleanliness in the bag portion is increased. And the ink part is manufactured by filling the bag part with deaeration ink and sealing the opening part of the bag part.
JP 2003-53984 A

  However, the ink injected into the bag portion before filling with the deaerated ink is discharged after being discharged from the bag portion. For this reason, the amount of ink actually filled in the ink pack is smaller than the amount of ink provided for ink filling, and the ink is not efficiently used.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid filling method and a liquid filling apparatus for a liquid container that can efficiently use a liquid and can be filled with a liquid having a high degree of deaeration and cleanliness.

A liquid filling method for a liquid container according to the present invention is a liquid filling method for a liquid container comprising a liquid containing portion capable of containing a liquid and a communication portion for communicating the inside and the outside of the liquid containing portion. A step of sucking the gas in the liquid storage part through the communication part by one suction means, and a liquid supplied from the liquid storage means storing the liquid by the liquid injection means as the cleaning liquid. A step of injecting the cleaning liquid injected into the liquid storage portion by the second suction means through the communication portion, and a mixing means to A step of mixing the cleaning liquid sucked by the two suction means and a liquid in the liquid storage means, and a step of injecting the liquid mixed by the mixing means into the liquid storage portion by the liquid injection means. And I was painting.

  According to this, when the liquid container is manufactured, the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means is injected into the liquid storage part decompressed by the first suction means, and the injected liquid is second suctioned. Aspirate by means. Thereby, the dust and air in the liquid storage part and the communication part can be discharged together with the liquid. The sucked liquid is mixed with the liquid in the liquid storage means by the mixing means and injected into the liquid storage portion by the liquid injection means, so that the liquid container is filled without discarding the sucked liquid. Can be used as a liquid. For this reason, while improving the deaeration degree and cleanliness in a liquid container, the liquid can be used efficiently in the manufacturing process.

  In this liquid container filling method, the mixing unit includes a mixing tank connected to the second suction unit, the liquid storage unit, and the liquid injection unit, and the mixing tank includes the second suction unit. The cleaning liquid supplied from the means and the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means are mixed and supplied to the liquid injection means.

  According to this, the mixing unit includes the mixing tank, mixes the liquid supplied from the second suction unit and the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit, and supplies the mixed liquid to the liquid injection unit. For this reason, the liquid sucked in by the second suction unit taking in the dust / gas in the liquid container is used for immediately filling the liquid container without being injected into the liquid storage unit. . Therefore, since the liquid circulated many times in the apparatus is not used, the liquid container can be filled with a liquid that is always new and of which quality is maintained.

  In this liquid container filling method, the cleaning liquid sucked from the liquid container by the second suction means is filtered by a filter before being conducted to the mixing means, or the mixed liquid after conduction is removed. Filter through a filter.

  According to this, the liquid sucked by the second suction means is filtered by the filter and guided to the mixing means or the liquid injection means. Therefore, the liquid that has taken in the dust and gas in the liquid container can be led out to the mixing means or the liquid injection means in a state where the degree of deaeration and cleanliness is improved. Can be filled.

  In the liquid filling method of the liquid container, the step of injecting the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit into the liquid storage unit injects a first predetermined amount of liquid by the liquid injection unit, The step of injecting the liquid mixed by the mixing means into the liquid storage portion injects a second predetermined amount of liquid by the liquid injection means, and the first predetermined amount is greater than the second predetermined amount. There are few.

  According to this, the first predetermined amount of liquid injected into the liquid container by the liquid injection means is smaller than the second predetermined amount of liquid actually filled in the liquid container. For this reason, since the liquid discharged from the liquid container and reused can be reduced, the quality of the liquid filled in the liquid container can be improved.

  In this liquid container filling method, the step of injecting the cleaning liquid into the liquid storage portion by the liquid injection means injects the liquid degassed by the degassing means into the liquid storage portion.

  According to this, when the liquid from the liquid storage means is injected into the liquid container, the liquid deaerated by the deaeration means is injected. That is, since the liquid deaerated in advance is injected into the liquid container, it is possible to prevent contamination in the liquid container and mixing of bubbles.

  In the liquid filling method of the liquid container, the step of injecting the liquid mixed by the mixing means by the liquid injection means into the liquid storage portion is performed by injecting the liquid deaerated by the degassing means into the liquid storage portion. To do.

According to this, since the liquid mixed by the mixing unit is deaerated by the deaeration unit and then injected into the liquid storage unit, the liquid container can be filled with a liquid having a higher deaeration degree.
The liquid container filling device according to the present invention includes a liquid container that includes a liquid container that can store a liquid and a communication unit that communicates the inside and the outside of the liquid container. In the body liquid filling apparatus, the liquid storage means for storing the liquid, the first suction means for sucking the gas in the liquid storage section via the communication section, and the liquid storage means are connected to and supplied to the body. Liquid injection means for injecting the liquid from the communication section into the liquid storage section, and the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid storage means and injected into the liquid storage section by the liquid injection means via the communication section. Second suction means for sucking, the cleaning liquid sucked by the second suction means, and the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means are mixed, and the mixed liquid is supplied to the liquid injection means Mixed hands to With the door.

  According to this, the liquid filling device of the liquid container injects the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means into the liquid storage part decompressed by the first suction means, and the second suction of the injected liquid. Aspirate by means. Thereby, the dust and air in the liquid storage part and the communication part can be discharged together with the liquid. The sucked liquid is mixed with the liquid in the liquid storage means by the mixing means and injected into the liquid storage portion by the liquid injection means. For this reason, the aspirated liquid can be used as a liquid to be filled in the liquid container without being discarded. Therefore, the degree of deaeration and cleanliness in the liquid container can be improved, and the liquid can be used without waste in the manufacturing process.

  In the liquid filling apparatus for a liquid container, the mixing unit includes a mixing tank, and the mixing tank is connected to the second suction unit and the liquid storage unit and supplied with the liquid, and the liquid injection Supply liquid to the means.

  According to this, the mixing unit includes the mixing tank, mixes the liquid supplied from the second suction unit and the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit, and supplies the mixed liquid to the liquid injection unit. For this reason, the liquid sucked up by the second suction unit that takes in the dust / gas in the liquid container is immediately mixed into the liquid container without being mixed with the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit. Used for. Therefore, since the liquid circulated many times in the apparatus is not used, the liquid container can be filled with a liquid that is always new and of which quality is maintained.

  In the liquid filling apparatus for the liquid container, a filter is provided in the middle of the first supply path connecting the second suction means and the mixing tank, or in the middle of the flow path connecting the mixing means and the liquid injection means. Is provided.

According to this, the liquid sucked by the second suction means is a filter provided in the middle of the first supply path, or a filter provided in the middle of the flow path connecting the mixing means and the liquid injection means. And led to the mixing means or the liquid injection means. Therefore, the liquid that has taken in the dust and gas in the liquid container can be led out to the mixing means or the liquid injection means in a state where the degree of deaeration and cleanliness is improved. Can be filled.

  In the liquid filling apparatus for a liquid container, the liquid injection means derives a first liquid injection means for deriving a first predetermined amount of liquid and a second predetermined amount larger than the first predetermined amount. A second liquid injection means configured to inject the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid storage means into the liquid storage portion, and the second liquid injection means includes: The liquid mixed by the mixing means is injected into the liquid storage part.

  According to this, the liquid filling device is provided with the first liquid injection means for deriving the first predetermined amount of liquid and the second liquid injection means for deriving the second predetermined amount of liquid. Yes. The first predetermined amount of liquid is smaller than the second predetermined amount of liquid filled in the liquid storage unit. For this reason, since the liquid discharged from the liquid container and reused can be reduced, the quality of the liquid filled in the liquid container can be improved.

In this liquid container filling device, degassing means for degassing the liquid is provided in the middle of the first liquid supply path connecting the liquid storage means and the communication portion of the liquid container. .
According to this, when the liquid from the liquid storage means is injected into the liquid container, the liquid deaerated by the deaeration means is injected. That is, since the liquid deaerated in advance is injected into the liquid container, it is possible to prevent contamination in the liquid container and mixing of bubbles.

In this liquid container filling device, a degassing means for degassing the liquid is provided in the middle of the second liquid supply path connecting the mixing means and the communicating portion.
According to this, since the liquid mixed by the mixing unit is deaerated by the deaeration unit and then injected into the liquid storage unit, the liquid container can be filled with a liquid having a higher deaeration degree.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an outline of an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) as a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a frame 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose upper side is open. A paper feed member 3 is installed on the frame 2, and paper is fed on the paper feed member 3 by a paper feed mechanism (not shown). A guide member 4 is installed on the frame 2 in parallel with the paper feed member 3. A carriage 5 is inserted into and supported by the guide member 4 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the guide member 4. The carriage 5 is drivingly connected to a carriage motor 7 via a timing belt 6, and is reciprocated along the guide member 4 by driving the carriage motor 7.

  A recording head 8 is mounted on the surface of the carriage 5 that faces the paper feed member 3. On the carriage 5, six valve units 9 for supplying ink as a liquid to the recording head 8 are mounted. Each valve unit 9 includes six ink units corresponding to ink colors (black ink, cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, and yellow color inks) in order to temporarily store ink therein. Yes.

  A nozzle opening (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the recording head 8, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle opening onto a paper surface as a recording medium by driving a piezoelectric element (not shown).

A cartridge holder 10 is formed at the right end of the frame 2. The cartridge holder 10 is detachably equipped with six ink cartridges 11 as liquid containers. As shown in FIG. 2, these ink cartridges 11 are configured by a case 12 in which the inside is airtight and an ink pack 13 accommodated in the case 12. Each ink pack 13 stores the black ink or each color ink described above. These ink packs 13 and each of the valve units 9 are connected via a supply tube 14 having flexibility.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a pressurizing pump 15. The pressure pump 15 is connected to each case 12 of each ink cartridge 11 through six air supply tubes 16. Accordingly, the air pressurized by the pressurizing pump 15 is introduced into the case 12 of each ink cartridge 11 via each air supply tube 16, and the space S (between the case 12 and the ink pack 13 is formed. (See FIG. 2).

  That is, when air is introduced into the case 12 by driving the pressurizing pump 15, the ink pack 13 is crushed by the pressurized air. By this pressing, the ink stored in each ink pack 13 is pushed out from the ink pack 13 and supplied to each valve unit 9 via each supply tube 14.

Next, the ink pack 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink pack 13 in the present embodiment includes a bag portion 20 as a liquid storage portion and a lead-out portion 21 as a communication portion. In this embodiment, the bag portion 20 includes two rectangular film members 22 and 23 having the same size, and the film members 22 and 23 are overlapped and the edges of the four sides are heat-welded. Thus, it is formed in a bag shape. In addition, the lead-out portion 21 is thermally welded to the side 24 which is one of the four sides of the bag portion 20 while being sandwiched between the film members 22 and 23. As a result, the internal space of the bag portion 20 is sealed, and the internal space is filled with ink. Moreover, the film members 22 and 23 are formed by vapor-depositing gas barrier layers, such as aluminum, on thermoplastic resin layers, such as a polyethylene film, for example. And the derivation | leading-out part 21 is formed from resin which can be heat-welded with the said thermoplastic resin layer of the film members 22 and 23. FIG. The ink capacity of the ink pack 13 is 15 ml.

  Next, each step of manufacturing the ink pack 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an ink injection device 30 as a liquid filling device for injecting ink into the ink pack 13. The ink injection device 30 includes a main tank 31, a first deaeration unit 32, a second deaeration unit 33, and a mixing tank 34. The main tank 31 as the liquid storage means stores ink therein. The first and second degassing units 32 and 33 as degassing means are provided with a vacuum pump and a hollow fiber bundle (not shown), and are units for degassing ink. The main tank 31 and the first degassing unit 32 are connected via a first ink pipe 35 and a second ink pipe 36 that constitute a second liquid supply path. An ink pressure pump P1 is provided in the middle of the first ink pipe 35, and a first stop valve 38 is provided between the first ink pipe 35 and the second ink pipe 36. Yes.

A fourth ink pipe 40 is connected to the first degassing unit 32 via a third ink pipe 39 constituting the first liquid supply path. The third ink pipe 39 is provided so as to branch from the fourth ink pipe 40. In the middle of the third ink pipe 39, a second stop valve 41 and a third stop valve 42 are provided. A first metering tube 43 as a first liquid injection means is provided in the middle of the third ink pipe 39 and between the second and third stop valves 41 and 42. Yes. The first measuring tube 43 includes a cylinder 43a and a piston 43b. The capacity of this cylinder 43a is 5 ml (first predetermined amount),
Less than the ink capacity (15 ml) of the ink pack 13.

  In the middle of the fourth ink pipe 40, a fourth stop valve 44 and a fifth stop valve 45 are provided. Further, in the middle of the fourth ink pipe 40, a connection is made between the fourth stop valve 44 and the fifth stop valve 45 so that the ink injection pipe 46 branches from the fourth ink pipe 40. Has been. A hollow needle (not shown) is provided at the end of the ink injection tube 46.

  Further, an air pipe 47 is connected to the fourth ink pipe 40 so as to branch. An air stop valve 48 is provided in the middle of the air pipe 47, and a suction pump P2 serving as a first suction means is connected to the end thereof. The fourth ink pipe 40 is connected so that a fifth ink pipe 49 constituting the first supply path and the mixing means branches.

The fifth ink pipe 49 is connected to the mixing tank 34 constituting the mixing means. In the middle of the fifth ink pipe 49, a sixth stop valve 50 and a seventh stop valve 51 are provided. A second metering pipe 52 serving as a second suction unit is provided in the middle of the fifth ink pipe 49 and between the sixth stop valve 50 and the seventh stop valve 51. The second measuring tube 52 includes a cylinder 52a and a piston 52b, and the capacity of the cylinder 52a is 5 ml. A filter F is provided in the middle of the fifth ink pipe 49 and between the seventh stop valve 51 and the mixing tank 34.

  The mixing tank 34 is connected to the main tank 31 via the first ink pipe 35 and the sixth ink pipe 53 constituting the mixing means. An eighth stop valve 54 is provided in the middle of the sixth ink pipe 53. The mixing tank 34 is connected to the second deaeration unit 33 via a seventh ink pipe 55 that constitutes the first liquid supply path. The second deaeration unit 33 is connected to the fourth ink pipe 40 via an eighth ink pipe 56 that constitutes the first liquid supply path. In other words, the third ink pipe 39 and the eighth ink pipe 56 are connected to the fourth ink pipe 40 so as to branch.

  In the middle of the eighth ink pipe 56, a ninth stop valve 57 and a tenth stop valve 58 are provided. A third metering pipe 59 is provided as a second liquid injection means in the middle of the eighth ink pipe 56 and between the ninth stop valve 57 and the tenth stop valve 58. ing. The third measuring tube 59 includes a cylinder 59a and a piston 59b, and the capacity of the cylinder 59a is 15 ml (second predetermined amount).

Next, a method for filling the ink pack 13 with ink using the ink injection device 30 configured as described above will be described.
First, the ink supplied from the main tank 31 is stored in the mixing tank 34 in advance. At this time, the first stop valve 38 is closed and the eighth stop valve 54 is opened to drive the ink pressure feed pump P1. Then, the ink in the main tank 31 is supplied to the mixing tank 34 via the sixth ink pipe 53.

  When filling the ink pack 13 with ink, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the ink pack 13 in which no ink is stored is inserted, and the hollow needle of the ink injection tube 46 is inserted into the lead-out portion 21. I will attach it. Then, the process proceeds to a pressure reduction stage, and the second stop valve 41, the seventh stop valve 51, and the ninth stop valve 57 are closed, and the third stop valve 42, the fourth stop valve 44, and the fifth stop valve 57 are closed. The stop valve 45, the sixth stop valve 50, the tenth stop valve 58 and the air stop valve 48 are opened. Then, the suction pump P2 is driven. Then, the air pipe 47, the fourth ink pipe 40, the ink injection pipe 46, the ink pack 13, the third ink pipe 39, and the first metering pipe 43 are depressurized sequentially. Further, the pressure in the fifth ink pipe 49 and the second measuring pipe 52 is sequentially reduced. Further, the pressure in the third metering pipe 59 and the eighth ink pipe 56 is sequentially reduced.

  When the pressure decreases to a predetermined pressure, the eighth stop valve 54, the tenth stop valve 58, and the fifth stop valve 45 are closed, and the first stop valve 38 and the second stop valve 45 are closed. The valves 41 to 4 are opened.

  When the ink pumping pump P1 is driven, the ink stored in the main tank 31 is supplied to the first degassing unit 32 via the first ink pipe 35 and the second ink pipe 36, and is removed. I care. Then, the deaerated ink is supplied to the first measuring pipe 43 through the third ink pipe 39. Subsequently, the process proceeds to a small liquid injection step, and the second stop valve 41 is closed. Then, the piston 43b of the first measuring tube 43 is pressed to derive 5 ml (first predetermined amount) of ink (cleaning ink) as the cleaning liquid. Then, the derived 5 ml of ink is supplied into the ink pack 13 through the third ink pipe 39 and the fourth ink pipe 40. At this time, the ink pack 13 is injected with a smaller amount of ink than the ink capacity of 15 ml, thereby minimizing the ink that takes in dust, bubbles, and the like. Further, by introducing degassed ink, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being mixed into the ink pack 13.

  Subsequently, when the ink pushed out from the first metering tube 43 is supplied to the ink pack 13, the operation proceeds to a small liquid discharge stage, the fourth stop valve 44 and the air stop valve 48 are closed, and the first 5 is opened. Further, the piston 52b of the second measuring tube 52 is pulled. Then, the ink (cleaning ink) in the ink pack 13 is sucked into the second metering tube 52 that is also decompressed through the decompressed fifth ink pipe 49. At this time, dust, air, etc., which are slightly present in the ink pack 13 together with the ink, are also transferred to the second measuring tube 52, and the degree of deaeration and cleanliness in the ink pack 13 is improved.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to a mixing stage where the sixth stop valve 50 is closed and the seventh stop valve 51 is opened. Then, the piston 52 b of the second measuring pipe 52 is pressed to transfer 5 ml of ink (cleaning ink) contained therein to the mixing tank 34 via the fifth ink pipe 49. At this time, since the discharged ink is sent to the mixing tank 34 via the filter F, dust and air present in the ink are removed by the filter F to improve the degree of deaeration and cleanliness. It is supplied to the mixing tank 34 in a state. Since a predetermined amount of ink previously supplied from the main tank 31 is stored in the mixing tank 34, 5 ml of ink discharged from the ink pack 13 is mixed with the ink supplied from the main tank 31. That is, the ink used for increasing the degree of deaeration and cleanliness is used again without being discarded.

  Then, the process proceeds to the injection stage, where the tenth stop valve 58 is closed and the ninth stop valve 57 is opened. Also, the piston 59b of the third measuring tube 59 is pulled. Then, the ink (mixed liquid) supplied from the mixing tank 34 and degassed by the second degassing unit 33 is supplied to the third measuring tube 59. At this time, 15 ml of ink is stored in the third measuring tube 59. When ink is injected into the third metering tube 59, the ninth stop valve 57 and the fifth stop valve 45 are closed, and the tenth stop valve 58 and the fourth stop valve 44 are opened. Then, the piston 59b of the third metering tube 59 is pressed to transfer all 15 ml (second predetermined amount) of ink in the cylinder 59a to the ink pack 13. Then, the hollow needle is removed from the lead-out portion 21 of the ink pack 13, and the ink filling operation into the ink pack 13 is completed.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, when the ink pack 13 is filled with ink, the inside of the ink pack 13 is decompressed by the suction pump P <b> 2 via the air pipe 47. Further, cleaning ink was injected into the ink pack 13 through the first measuring tube 43, and the ink injected into the ink pack 13 was sucked out through the second measuring tube 52. For this reason, the dust and gas that were slightly present in the ink pack 13 are discharged together with the ink, and the degree of deaeration and cleanliness in the ink pack 13 before the ink is filled can be improved.

  Further, the suctioned ink for cleaning is sent to the mixing tank 34 in which the ink previously supplied from the main tank 31 is stored, and is mixed with the ink already stored. Furthermore, the mixed ink was injected into the ink pack 13 through the third measuring tube 59. For this reason, the ink used for increasing the degree of deaeration and cleanliness can be used to fill the liquid container without being discarded. Therefore, the ink pack 13 can be filled with ink having a high degree of deaeration and cleanness, and the ink can be used efficiently in the manufacturing process.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the mixing tank 34 is connected to the second measuring pipe 52, the main tank 31, and the third measuring pipe 59. Then, the ink supplied from the main tank 31 and the ink (cleaning ink) supplied from the second measuring tube 52 are mixed in the mixing tank 34 and supplied from the mixing tank 34 to the third measuring tube 59. I did it. For this reason, the ink that has taken in the dust and gas in the ink pack 13 is led to the mixing tank 34 without being returned to the ink in the main tank 31 for reuse, and is immediately filled in the ink pack 13. Used as. For this reason, since the ink is circulated many times in the apparatus and is not used repeatedly, it is possible to always fill the ink pack 13 with ink having a new quality.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the filter F is provided in the middle of the fifth ink pipe 49 and between the second measuring pipe 52 and the mixing tank 34. Then, the cleaning ink taken in from the second measuring tube 52 and taking in dust and the like is filtered by the filter F and sent to the mixing tank 34. Accordingly, the ink delivered from the second metering tube 52 is mixed with the ink in the mixing tank 34 in a state where the degree of deaeration and cleanliness is improved, so that high quality ink is injected into the ink pack 13. be able to.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the amount of ink (cleaning ink) injected from the first metering tube 43 for cleaning the ink pack 13 is determined by the third metering tube 59 to fill the ink. The amount of ink injected into the pack 13 was smaller. That is, the ink amount that improves the degree of deaeration and cleanliness in the ink pack 13 is smaller than the ink filling amount of the ink pack 13. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the quality of the ink filled in the ink pack 13 from deteriorating by minimizing the ink that takes in dust and air.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the main tank 31 is connected to the first degassing unit 32, and ink is supplied from the first degassing unit 32 to the first metering tube 43. For this reason, ink deaerated in advance can be injected into the ink pack 13, so that bubbles can be prevented from being mixed into the ink pack 13. In addition, by degassing ink before injection, it is possible to prevent the degree of deaeration of the ink discharged from the ink pack 13 from being significantly reduced. A decrease in the degree of deaeration can be prevented.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the mixing tank 34 is connected to the second degassing unit 33, and ink is supplied from the second degassing unit 33 to the third measuring tube 59. For this reason, since the ink sent from the mixing tank 34 can be deaerated and then injected into the ink pack 13, the ink pack 13 can be filled with ink having a higher degree of deaeration.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, a filter may be provided in the middle of the seventh ink pipe 55 or the eighth ink pipe 56 as a flow path. In this way, the ink pack 13 can be filled with ink having a higher degree of cleanliness.

  In the above embodiment, the amount of ink (first predetermined amount) injected into the ink pack 13 by the first metering tube 43 is 5 ml, but may be appropriately changed to other amounts. That is, the amount of ink for discharging dust and air bubbles in the ink pack 13 may be less than 5 ml, or more than 5 ml and less than 15 ml. The ink amount (first predetermined amount) may be 15 ml or more.

  In the above embodiment, each ink cartridge 11 is constituted by each case 12 and the ink pack 13 accommodated in each case 12. The ink cartridge may be configured to accommodate a plurality of ink packs in one case. Further, the number of ink packs 13 is not limited to six, and may be changed as appropriate according to the type of ink used in the printer 1.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid container has been described as an ink pack. However, the liquid container has a film attached to the opening of a concave case having a communication portion, and the liquid is stored in the sealed recess. It may have a structure and is not limited to an ink pack made of a bag-like film member. In short, it may be a liquid container provided with a liquid container that can store a liquid and a communication part that communicates the liquid container with the outside.

  In the above embodiment, the ink pack 13 has a structure in which two films are bonded together, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bag portion 20 of the ink pack 13 may have a configuration in which one film is formed into a bag shape. Moreover, the structure which made the said bag part 20 into the bag shape by sticking together three or more films may be sufficient.

  In the above embodiment, when the ink pack 13 is filled with ink, the ink pack 13 sealed in advance is used. In addition to this, an ink pack before the opening is sealed may be used. At this time, it is assumed that the opening of the ink pack is temporarily sealed by a sealing means such as a gripping member until the injection stage is completed.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 1 uses an ink supply method in which the ink pack 13 is crushed by sending pressurized air into the case 12 and supplied to the supply tube 14. It will never be done. For example, the ink cartridge 11 may be disposed above the recording head 8 so that ink is pumped to the recording head 8 by gravity.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 1 that ejects ink has been described as the liquid ejecting apparatus, but other liquid ejecting apparatuses may be used. For example, printing apparatuses including fax machines, copiers, etc., liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquids such as electrode materials and coloring materials used in the production of liquid crystal displays, EL displays, and surface-emitting displays, and bio-organic materials used in biochip manufacturing It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a liquid or a sample ejecting apparatus as a precision pipette. The fluid (liquid) is not limited to ink, and may be applied to other fluids (liquids). Further, the liquid container may be used as one that is mounted on a device other than the liquid ejecting apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the printer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge provided in the printer. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ink pack provided in the ink cartridge. Explanatory drawing of the apparatus which manufactures the same ink pack.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer as a liquid ejecting apparatus, 11 ... Ink cartridge as a liquid container, 20 ... Bag part as a liquid container, 21 ... Lead-out part as a communication part, 30 ... Ink injection apparatus as a manufacturing apparatus, 31 ... Main tank as liquid storage means, 32 ... first degassing unit as degassing means, 33 ... second degassing unit as degassing means, 34 ... mixing tank constituting mixing means, 35 ... second The first ink pipe constituting the liquid supply path, 36 ... the second ink pipe constituting the second liquid supply path, 39 ... the third ink pipe constituting the second liquid supply path, 43 ... the second. 1st metering tube as one liquid injection means, 49 ... 5th ink piping constituting the first supply path and mixing means, 52 ... 2nd metering tube as second suction means, 53 ... mixing Sixth ink constituting the means Pipes 55... Seventh ink pipes constituting the first liquid supply path 56. Eighth ink pipes constituting the first liquid supply path 59. Third metering as the second liquid injection means Tube, F... Filter, P1... Suction pump as first suction means.

Claims (12)

In a liquid filling method for a liquid container comprising a liquid container capable of containing a liquid and a communication part for communicating the inside and the outside of the liquid container.
A step of sucking the gas in the liquid storage part via the communication part by a first suction means;
Injecting the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means storing liquid by the liquid injection means into the liquid storage section as the cleaning liquid through the communication section;
A step of sucking the cleaning liquid injected into the liquid storage part through the communication part by a second suction means;
Mixing the cleaning liquid sucked by the second suction means with the liquid in the liquid storage means by mixing means;
Injecting the liquid mixed by the mixing means into the liquid storage portion by the liquid injection means. In the liquid filling method of the liquid container according to claim 1,
The mixing means includes a mixing tank connected to the second suction means, the liquid storage means, and the liquid injection means,
The mixing tank mixes the cleaning liquid supplied from the second suction unit and the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit, and supplies the mixed liquid to the liquid injection unit. Body liquid filling method. In the liquid filling method of the liquid container according to claim 1 or 2,
The cleaning liquid sucked from the liquid container by the second suction means is filtered by a filter before being conducted to the mixing means, or the mixed liquid after conduction is filtered by a filter Liquid filling method for container. In the liquid filling method of the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The step of injecting the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit into the liquid storage unit injects a first predetermined amount of liquid by the liquid injection unit,
The step of injecting the liquid mixed by the mixing unit into the liquid container includes injecting a second predetermined amount of liquid by the liquid injection unit,
The liquid filling method for a liquid container, wherein the first predetermined amount is smaller than the second predetermined amount. In the liquid filling method of the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The step of injecting the cleaning liquid into the liquid storage unit by the liquid injection unit includes injecting the liquid degassed by the deaeration unit into the liquid storage unit. In the liquid filling method of the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The step of injecting the liquid mixed by the mixing unit by the liquid injection unit into the liquid storage unit is performed by injecting the liquid degassed by the deaeration unit into the liquid storage unit. Liquid filling method. In a liquid filling device for a liquid container that fills a liquid container including a liquid container that can contain a liquid and a communication unit that communicates the inside and the outside of the liquid container.
Liquid storage means for storing liquid;
First suction means for sucking the gas in the liquid storage part through the communication part;
A liquid injection means that is connected to the liquid storage means and injects the supplied liquid from the communication section into the liquid storage section;
A second suction unit that sucks the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit and injected into the liquid storage unit by the liquid injection unit through the communication unit;
The cleaning liquid sucked by the second suction means and the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means are mixed, and the mixing means for supplying the mixed liquid to the liquid injection means is provided. A liquid filling device for a liquid container. The liquid filling device for a liquid container according to claim 7,
The mixing means includes a mixing tank, and the mixing tank is connected to the second suction means and the liquid storage means to be supplied with liquid and supply liquid to the liquid injection means. A liquid filling device for a liquid container. The liquid filling device for a liquid container according to claim 7 or 8,
A filter is provided in the middle of the first supply path connecting the second suction means and the mixing tank, or in the middle of the flow path connecting the mixing means and the liquid injection means. Liquid filling device for liquid container. In the liquid filling device of the liquid container according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The liquid injection means includes a first liquid injection means for deriving a first predetermined amount of liquid, and a second liquid injection means for deriving a second predetermined amount larger than the first predetermined amount. ,
The first liquid injection unit injects the cleaning liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit into the liquid storage unit,
The liquid filling apparatus for a liquid container, wherein the second liquid injection means injects the liquid mixed by the mixing means into the liquid storage portion. In the liquid filling device of the liquid container according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
A liquid of the liquid container, characterized in that a degassing means for degassing the liquid is provided in the middle of the first liquid supply path connecting the liquid storage means and the communication part of the liquid container. Filling equipment. In the liquid filling device of the liquid container according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
A liquid filling apparatus for a liquid container, wherein a degassing means for degassing a liquid is provided in the middle of a second liquid supply path connecting the mixing means and the communication portion.

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