JP2010131880A - Liquid holding member and liquid jetting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid holding member which includes a plurality of liquid storage chambers to enable a liquid to be stirred by moving back and forth the liquid between the plurality of the liquid storage chambers, and is configured so that the plurality of liquid storage chambers can be attached and detached all together to a liquid jetting apparatus to enable the plurality of liquid storage chambers to be replaced all together in response to consumption of the liquid, whereby the problem of deterioration of the liquid storage chambers can be solved, and to provide the liquid jetting apparatus which uses the liquid holding member. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid jetting apparatus includes the plurality of liquid storage chambers (2A and 2B) respectively with liquid input output parts (17, 20, 37 and 40) which is capable of guiding in and out the liquid of the same color which hold the liquid, and in which a liquid amount is repeatedly increased and decreased by a control means (11) that alternately replenishes the liquid via a communication passage (5) that makes the liquid input output parts communicate with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid storage member capable of eliminating deterioration of a liquid storage chamber, and a liquid ejecting apparatus using the liquid storage member.

As inks used in printer apparatuses, inks using color components that are insoluble or difficult to dissolve in solvents are known. For example, since pigment-based ink is in a state where fine particles of pigment as a color component are dispersed in a solvent such as water or a petroleum-based solvent, the pigment is likely to precipitate. For example, a white pigment has a specific gravity of about 4 and a metallic pigment has a specific gravity of about 2 to 3, whereas the specific gravity of the solvent is less than 1, and the specific gravity difference between the pigment and the solvent is 1 or more. Is easy to precipitate. Also, in the case of an ink using an insoluble or hardly soluble dye as a color component, the dye is likely to precipitate. When the color components are precipitated in this way, the ink is shaded and cannot be supplied to the head with uniform density. For this reason, the dark portion of ink does not drip from the nozzles of the head and nozzle clogging is likely to occur, or the brightness of the dots changes (L asterisk decreases).
This causes malfunctions.
Therefore, by providing a first ink tank as the liquid storage chamber and a second ink tank as the liquid storage chamber, and reciprocating the ink as the liquid between the two ink tanks to stir the ink, A technique for preventing sedimentation of color components is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-327929

However, in Patent Document 1, one of the ink tanks is fixedly attached to the printer device and is not replaced according to the consumption of the ink. There is a possibility that ink leakage will occur or the quality of the ink will be adversely affected.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and includes a plurality of liquid storage chambers, which can reciprocate the liquid between the plurality of liquid storage chambers to stir the liquid, and the liquid ejecting apparatus. On the other hand, a plurality of liquid storage chambers are configured to be detachable collectively, and a plurality of liquid storage chambers can be exchanged together according to ink consumption, so that the problem of deterioration of the liquid storage chamber can be solved. A member and a liquid ejecting apparatus using the liquid storage member are provided.

Each of the liquid storage members according to the present invention has a liquid inlet / outlet portion that allows introduction and derivation of the liquid of the same color, and stores the liquid via the communication passage that stores the liquid and allows the liquid inlet / outlet portions to communicate with each other. Since the plurality of liquid storage chambers in which the amount of liquid is repeatedly increased or decreased by the control means for alternately supplying the liquid are provided, the plurality of liquid storage chambers can be replaced together according to the consumption of the liquid, and the problem of deterioration of the liquid storage chamber can be solved. Can be resolved.
The plurality of liquid storage chambers are formed by dividing the inside of one container into a plurality of parts, so that a plurality of liquid storage chambers are formed as compared with the case where the plurality of liquid storage chambers are formed by individual containers. It is possible to reduce the material required for the process.
The liquid storage chamber includes the liquid inlet / outlet portion and a communication hole that allows the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside, and the liquid inlet / outlet portion and the communication hole of the plurality of liquid storage chambers include the plurality of liquids. Since the liquid supply needle that supplies the liquid to the storage chamber is arranged on the opposing face plate, one communication hole can be used as an air supply / exhaust port that communicates the interior and exterior of the liquid storage chamber. The number of holes can be reduced, the liquid storage member can be easily manufactured, and the configuration of the liquid storage member can be simplified. In addition, since functional parts such as a liquid inlet / outlet part and an air supply / exhaust part are provided on the opposing face plate of the container, it is possible to concentrate members such as tubes that form liquid paths and air paths connected to the functional parts. It is possible to easily route the member.
The liquid storage chamber is configured to communicate with the liquid inlet / outlet, a first communication hole that allows the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside, and an exhaust that enables the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside. A liquid supply needle that supplies liquid to the plurality of liquid storage chambers, the liquid inlet / outlet portion of the plurality of liquid storage chambers, the first communication hole, and the second communication hole. Since the first communication hole is used as an air intake port, the second communication hole can be used as an air discharge port.
Since functional parts such as the liquid inlet / outlet part, air inlet part, air outlet part, etc. are arranged on the opposing face plate of the container, members such as tubes that form liquid paths and air paths connected to the functional parts are concentrated. And the member can be easily routed.
Since the communication path for supplying the liquid to the liquid ejecting head can be connected to the liquid inlet / outlet of the plurality of liquid storage chambers, the liquid can be alternately supplied between the plurality of liquid storage chambers, and Liquid can be supplied from a plurality of liquid storage chambers to the head via the communication path.
A liquid sub-inlet / outlet part that allows introduction and derivation of the same color liquid into each of the plurality of liquid storage chambers is provided, and a sub-communication passage that allows communication between the chambers of the plurality of liquid storage chambers can be connected to the liquid sub-inlet / outlet part As a result, the liquid can be replenished between the plurality of liquid storage chambers via the sub-communication passage, so that the liquid can be stirred via the sub-communication passage. In this case, in addition to the printing operation, the control unit performs mutual replenishment control between the plurality of liquid storage chambers via the sub-communication passages, so that it is possible to always supply high quality ink to the head during the printing operation. become.
Since at least one of the liquid storage chambers includes a flexible liquid storage section that stores the liquid, and the liquid storage section includes the liquid inlet / outlet section, the liquid storage section may be a fluid or a machine. By expanding and contracting with this means, the liquid in the liquid reservoir can be efficiently stirred.
Since at least one of the liquid storage chambers is provided with a pressing unit that applies a pressing force to the liquid storage unit, the liquid in the liquid storage unit is removed by pressing the liquid storage unit with a pressing unit such as a fluid or a machine. Stir efficiently.
Since one container is partitioned into a plurality of liquid storage chambers by a reciprocating partition member,
Since the partition member also functions as a pressing unit that presses the liquid in the plurality of liquid storage chambers, the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can be efficiently stirred.
The at least one liquid storage chamber of the plurality is an auxiliary liquid storage portion that stores the liquid stored in the other liquid storage chamber when the other liquid storage chamber is replaced. When the other liquid storage chamber is exchanged with the liquid remaining in the head, it is possible to prevent the head from being idled.
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention has two liquid storage chambers, and the liquid storage chamber communicates the interior of the liquid storage chamber to the outside, and a liquid inlet / outlet section that allows introduction and discharge of the same color liquid. In order to supply air to the interior of the liquid storage chamber, a liquid storage container including a first communication hole that enables communication and a second communication hole that enables communication of the interior of the liquid storage chamber to the outside A pump connected to the first communication hole; an on-off valve connected to the second communication hole for discharging the air in the liquid storage chamber to the outside; and the liquid in each liquid storage chamber A communication path that connects the entrance and exit, and
And a plurality of liquid storage chambers according to consumption of the liquid. The control unit supplies the liquid alternately to the chambers of the liquid storage chambers via the communication passages by controlling the pump and the opening / closing valve. Can be exchanged together, and the problem of deterioration of the liquid storage chamber can be solved.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a printer apparatus as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a printer apparatus 1 as a liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ink cartridge as an ink (liquid) containing member that contains ink I as a liquid (hereinafter referred to as ink without reference numeral). 3 (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge), a head 4 for ejecting ink, a communication passage 5 for communicating the cartridge 3 and the head 4, a first pump P1 and a second pump P2 as pressurizing means, and an on-off valve The first on-off valve V1 and the second on-off valve V2, a flow rate sensor Q as detection means, and a control means 11 are provided.

The cartridge 3 has a first ink storage chamber 2A and a second ink storage chamber 2B as a plurality of liquid storage chambers in which one container 2 is partitioned into a plurality by partition plates 2a. As described above, the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B are formed by dividing the inside of one container 2 into a plurality of parts. Therefore, when the plurality of ink storage chambers are formed by individual containers, respectively. In comparison, the material required to form a plurality of ink storage chambers can be reduced. A first ink containing bag body 16 (to be described later) for containing ink in the first ink containing chamber 2A and a second ink containing bag body 36 (to be described later) for containing ink in the second ink containing chamber 2B are connected via the head 4. The first ink storage bag body 16 in the first ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A and the second ink storage bag body 36 in the second ink storage chamber 2 </ b> B are configured to communicate with each other through the passage 5. The ink is replenished mutually (alternately). When the ink is supplied from one of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B to the other via the communication path 5, the control means 11 has a predetermined amount of ink on the ink supply side. For example, the replenishment control is performed until it becomes empty. This control will be described later.

The first ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A includes a container 15 that forms the first pressure chamber 13, and a first ink storage bag body 16 as an ink storage body provided in the first pressure chamber 13. The container 15 is formed of a hard material such as hard plastic, and a first ink chamber 17 that holds a bag-side ink inlet / outlet part 20 described later and a first pressure chamber 13 that can communicate with the outside. An air intake port portion 18 as a communication hole and an air discharge port portion 19 as a second communication hole that allow the inside of the first pressure chamber 13 to communicate with the outside are provided. The container side ink inlet / outlet part 17 and the air intake part 1
8. The air outlet 19 has flanged sealing portions 17a, 18a, 19a made of resin, respectively. The first ink containing bag body 16 is formed of a flexible material having a gas permeability that is substantially equal to or higher than that of the material forming the container 15, and is a thin bag having a variable ink containing volume. The bag-side ink inlet / outlet portion 20 is formed of a sealing stopper. The bag side ink inlet / outlet portion 20 is fixed to the container 15 so as to pass through the container side ink inlet / outlet portion 17 and face the outside of the container 15;
In addition, one end opening of the first ink path 21 and the bag side ink inlet / outlet part 20 of the first ink containing bag body 16 are arranged so that the ink can communicate with the first ink path 21 and the first ink containing bag body 16. Are concatenated. The bag-side ink inlet / outlet portion 20 and the container-side ink inlet / outlet portion 17 form an ink (liquid) inlet / outlet portion that can introduce and lead out the same color ink.

The second ink storage chamber 2B has the same configuration as the first ink storage chamber 2A. That is, a container 35 forming the second pressure chamber 33 and a second ink containing bag body 36 as an ink containing body provided in the second pressure chamber 33 are provided. The container 35 is formed of a hard material such as a hard plastic, and can communicate with the outside of the second pressure chamber 33 and a container-side ink inlet / outlet portion 37 that holds a bag-side ink inlet / outlet portion 40 described later as an ink inlet / outlet portion. The air intake port 38 and the second
An air discharge port 39 that allows the inside of the pressure chamber 33 to communicate with the outside is provided. The container-side ink inlet / outlet portion 37, the air intake port portion 38, and the air outlet port portion 39 have resin flanged sealing portions 37a, 38a, and 39a, respectively. The second ink containing bag body 36 is formed of a flexible material having a gas permeability that is substantially equal to or higher than the material forming the container 35, and is a thin bag with a variable ink containing volume. And includes a bag-side ink inlet / outlet portion 40. The container 35 so that the bag-side ink inlet / outlet portion 40 passes through the container-side ink inlet / outlet portion 37 and faces the outside of the container 35.
And the one end opening of the second ink passage 41 and the bag side ink inlet / outlet of the second ink containing bag body 36 so that the ink can communicate with the second ink passage 41 and the second ink containing bag body 36. Part 4
0 is concatenated. The bag-side ink inlet / outlet portion 40 and the container-side ink inlet / outlet portion 37 form an ink (liquid) inlet / outlet portion that allows introduction and withdrawal of the same color ink.

The other end opening of the air supply path 23 and the air intake port 18 are connected so that air can be supplied into the first pressure chamber 13, and one end opening of the air supply path 23 and the first pump P1 are connected. The discharge port is connected. The suction port of the first pump P1 is opened to the atmosphere. The other end opening of the air supply path 43 and the air intake port 38 are connected so that air can be supplied into the second pressure chamber 33, and one end opening of the air supply path 43 and the second pump P2 are connected. The discharge port is connected. The suction port of the second pump P2 is opened to the atmosphere. The other end openings of the air supply passages 23 and 43 are provided with connection portions 23a and 43a that are fitted and connected to the holes of the air intake ports 18 and 38 as shown in FIG.

The other end opening of the air discharge passage 27 and the air discharge opening 19 are connected so that the inside of the first pressure chamber 13 can be opened to the atmosphere or blocked, and the one end opening of the air discharge passage 27 and the first on-off valve are connected. V1 is connected. The other end opening of the air discharge passage 47 and the air discharge opening 39 are connected so that the inside of the second pressure chamber 33 can be opened to the atmosphere or shut off to the atmosphere, and the one end opening of the air discharge passage 47 and the second on-off valve V
2 are connected. The other end openings of the air discharge passages 27 and 47 are provided with connection portions 27a and 47a that are fitted and connected to holes of the air discharge port portions 19 and 39 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a connection part structure between the cartridge 3 and the carriage IK. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink supply needle 8 is fed from a carriage (head mounting portion) IK which is a movable portion of the printer apparatus 1.
, The connecting portion 23a, the connecting portion 43a, the connecting portion 27a, and the connecting portion 47a protrude, and the cartridge 3 is detachably attached to the carriage IK via the ink supply needle 8 and the like.
In this example, the ink is replaced as it is consumed. The connecting portion 23a and the connecting portion 43a
The connecting portion 27a and the connecting portion 47a are made of a flexible tube having a distal end opening, and are supported by terminal portions 23b, 43b, 27b, 47b embedded in holes outside the drawing of the carriage IK and project outward. The carriage IK holds the head 4 that ejects ink onto printer paper (not shown), is made of a highly rigid resin, and is guided by a guide shaft or guide plate (not shown). In this carriage IK, a rotational force from a carriage motor (not shown) is transmitted through a pulley hooking belt (not shown) and reciprocated to guide the head 4 in the main feeding direction.
Further, the ink supply needles 8 and 8 on the leading end side of the first ink path 21 and the second ink path 41 protrude outward from the carriage IK, and the connection part 27a, the connection part 47a, the connection part 23a, and the connection part 43a are also provided. Similarly, it protrudes from the carriage IK, and the sealing film 49 of these cartridges 3,
49, the air discharge ports 19, 39, and the air intake ports 18, 38 are inserted and fitted, whereby the cartridge 3 is connected to the carriage IK. In this case, the protrusion amount of the ink supply needles 8 and 8 is set longer than the other protrusion amounts, and the ink supply needles 8 and 8 are inserted into the sealing films 49 and 49 first, whereby the cartridge 3 is moved to the carriage. Since it also has a role as a guide when inserting and connecting in the IK direction, it is easy to insert and fit other terminal portions.

FIG. 3 shows the functional aspects of the cartridge 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the container-side ink inlet / outlet portions 17 and 37 and the bag-side ink inlet / outlet portions 20 and 40 forming the ink inlet / outlet portion, and the interiors of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B are outside. The air intake ports 18 and 38 serving as the first communication holes for intake that allow communication, and the interiors of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B to the outside can communicate with the outside. The air discharge port portions 19 and 39 as the two communication holes are connected to the second ink storage bag body 16 in the first ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A and the second through the communication path 5 and the head 4.
The ink supply needles 8 and 8 for supplying ink (mutual replenishment) to the second ink storage bag body 36 in the ink storage chamber 2B are disposed on the opposing face plate 2X. In other words, for example, when the container 2 is formed by a rectangular container, the container-side ink inlet / outlet portions 17 and 37, the air intake ports 18 and 38 of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B, All the holes forming the air discharge ports 19 and 39 are formed so as to communicate with the inside and outside of the container 2 to the opposing face plate 2X forming one flat surface 2h of the rectangular container 2, and the bag side ink inlet / outlet part 20 and 40 is a container side ink inlet / outlet portion 17.
, 37 to obtain a cartridge 3 having a configuration held by the cartridge 37. That is, an ink inlet / outlet port, air intake ports 18 and 38, and air outlet ports 19 and 39 are formed on the opposing surface plate 2X of the container 2, in other words, on one surface plate of the rectangular container 2 forming the one flat surface 2h. The one plane 2h functions as a functional surface. As described above, the ink inlet / outlet port and the air intake port 18 and 38 are provided.
Since the functional parts such as the air outlets 19 and 39 are arranged on the opposing face plate 2X of the container 2,
Members such as tubes that form ink passages and air passages connected to the ink inlet / outlet port, the air intake port portions 18 and 38, and the air discharge port portions 19 and 39 can be concentrated, and the members can be easily routed. .

When the cartridge 3 is not used, the bag-side ink inlet / outlet portions 20 and 40 have the sealing film 49.
(See FIG. 3). An ink supply needle 8 is provided at one end opening of a first ink path 21 and a second ink path 41 described later. In the above configuration,
When the cartridge 3 is attached to the carriage IK of the printer apparatus 1, the ink supply needle 8 breaks the sealing film 49, and the ink in the ink containing bag bodies 16 and 36 of the cartridge 3 is changed to ink by the control of the control unit 11. Hollow path and ink paths 21 and 41 in the supply needle 8 (communication path 5
) And the second ink storage in the first ink storage bag body 16 in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B through the communication path 5 and the head 4. The ink is replenished in the bag body 36. That is, since the communication passage 5 for supplying ink to the head 4 is connected to the ink inlet / outlet portions of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B, the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B. Ink can be replenished alternately and the first
Liquid can be supplied from the ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A and the second ink storage chamber 2 </ b> B to the head via the communication path 5. That is, the cartridge 3 includes a first ink storage chamber 2A and a second ink storage chamber as a plurality of liquid storage chambers.
Each of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B has an ink inlet / outlet port that allows introduction and extraction of the same color ink. The ink amount is repeatedly increased or decreased by the control means 11 that alternately replenishes ink through the communication path 5 that allows the inlet / outlet portions to communicate with each other. Note that an opening / closing valve (choke valve) (not shown) is provided at a position near the ink supply needle 8 in the ink paths 21, 41, and the opening / closing valve is closed by the control means 11 when the cartridge 3 is replaced.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the head. As shown in FIG. 4, the head 4 includes an ink chamber 24, a pressure chamber 25, a nozzle 28, and an actuator 30. One end opening of the ink chamber 24 and the other end opening of the first ink path 21 are connected so as to be able to communicate, and the other end opening of the ink chamber 24 and the other end opening of the second ink path 41 can be connected. Connected. That is, the communication path 5 that connects the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B via the head 4 is connected to the first ink path 21 that connects the first ink storage chamber 2A and the ink chamber 24. The second ink storage chamber 2B and the ink chamber 24
And a second ink path 41 that communicates with each other, and an ink chamber 24 that serves as an ink path that communicates between the first ink path 21 and the second ink path 41. One end opening of the pressure chamber 25 communicates with the ink chamber 24, and the other end opening of the pressure chamber 25 communicates with the nozzle 28. The actuator 30 is formed by a piezo element or a heater element provided on the wall of the pressure chamber 25.

In the head 4, the ink supplied from the ink chamber 24 into the pressure chamber 25 forms a concave surface (meniscus) of ink at the outlet of the nozzle 28, and the ink in the nozzle 28 is pushed out by the action of the actuator 30 to form a drop. When the drop adheres to the print object, printing on the print object such as paper is performed.

A stirring plate 65 called a baffle plate is installed in the communication path 5 as shown in FIG. FIG.
The stirring plate 65A in (a) is not continuous because a plurality of spiral bodies 67 forming a spiral path around the central axis 66 are attached to the central shaft 66 so as to be continuous along the extending direction of the central axis. The plurality of discontinuous spiral paths are configured to obstruct the ink flow. The stirring plate 65B shown in FIG. 5B is formed by combining the wires 68, and is configured so that the wires 68 obstruct the flow of ink. That is, the stirring plate 65 stirs the ink by causing a turbulent flow in the ink by interfering with the flow of the ink.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flow rate sensor Q is provided in, for example, a first ink path 21 as the communication path 5 and detects that the flow rate of ink flowing through the first ink path 21 becomes 0, which will be described later. The pulse P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) is output to the control means 11. Therefore, the flow rate sensor Q constitutes an empty state detection means in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B.
In this case, the flow rate sensor Q is empty when the ink amount IT in the first ink containing chamber 2A or the ink amount IC in the second ink containing chamber 2B changes from one to another as shown in FIG. In this state, even if ink remains in the communication path 5 (ink path) of the route A and route B and the head 4, the ink flow is stopped. At this time, the flow rate is detected as 0 and the first flow is detected. The flow rate sensor Q outputs a pulse P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) indicating the inside of the ink containing chamber 2A and the inside of the second ink containing chamber 2B. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the pulse Pa is generated when the ink supply in the route A is performed from the second ink storage chamber 2B to the first ink storage chamber 2A.
The ink is output from the flow sensor Q when the ink amount IC in B becomes empty and no ink is replenished. In the pulse Pb, when ink is replenished from the first ink storage chamber 2A to the second ink storage chamber 2B in the route B, the ink amount IT in the first ink storage chamber 2A becomes empty, and replenishment cannot be performed. Is output from the flow sensor Q. The flow rate sensor Q is thus composed of a bidirectional flow rate detector. When the ink amount IT in the first ink containing chamber 2A or the ink amount IC in the second ink containing chamber 2B becomes empty, a pulse P (pulse Pa, Pulse P
a pulse circuit for outputting b). As shown in FIG. 6, the remaining ink amount X is time tm.
The pulse P is configured not to be output when 0 is reached.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control means 11 has a pulse detection means 54 that mutually detects a pulse P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) from the flow sensor Q, and based on the output from the pulse detection means 54, The outbound route replenishment control means 51 and the inbound route replenishment control means 52 are driven to mutually set the replenishment route to route A or route B. The control value from the control means 11 is
Via the input / output interface 45, the drivers 50 of the pumps P1, P2 and the on-off valves V1, V
2 and output to the driver 58, and the driver controls the pumps P1, P2 and the on-off valves V1, V2 based on the control value, thereby forming a route A and a route B.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, when the pulse P (pulse Pb) is output from the flow sensor Q, the forward supply control means 51 is driven by the mutual supply control means 53, and the return route B is set to the forward route A. And the communication path 5 from the second ink containing chamber 2B based on the route A.
The second ink containing chamber 2 by moving the ink to the first ink containing chamber 2A through
Ink is supplied from B to the first ink storage chamber 2A. When the ink amount IC becomes empty in the forward route A, and the pulse P (pulse Pa) is output from the flow rate sensor Q, the mutual supply control unit 53 drives the backward supply control unit 52, and the forward route A Is switched to the return route B, and the ink is supplied from the first ink containing chamber 2A through the communication path 5 to the second ink containing chamber 2B via the route B, whereby the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber are supplied. Ink is supplied to 2B. Pulses Pa and Pb are input to the control means 11, and mutual supply control is performed by the mutual supply control means 53 using the forward supply control means 51 and the backward supply control means 52. As a result, the forward route A and the return route B are formed mutually and the ink reciprocates a plurality of times between the second ink storage chamber 2B and the first ink storage chamber 2A. Stagnation and adhesion can be prevented, the ink concentration can be maintained properly, and ink color components can be prevented from settling.

The operation of the control means 11 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 6, the ink amounts IT and IC in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B become 0 and become empty. Every time, a pulse P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) is output from the flow sensor Q to the control means. Specifically, when ink flows from the second ink containing chamber 2B to the first ink containing chamber 2A via the forward route A, the ink flow rate becomes “0” when the ink amount IC becomes 0 (empty). So
A pulse Pa is output from the flow sensor Q. Conversely, when the ink amount IT becomes 0 (empty) when the ink flows from the first ink containing chamber 2A to the second ink containing chamber 2B via the return route B, the ink flow rate becomes “0”. A pulse Pb is output from the flow sensor Q. When the pulse detection means 54 of the control means 11 inputs the pulse Pa, the control by the forward path supply control means 51 is switched to the control by the return path supply control means 52 (formation of route B), and the pulse detection means 54 inputs the pulse Pb. Then, the return route replenishment control is switched to the forward route replenishment control (formation of route A), whereby the mutual replenishment control that repeats the forward route replenishment control by route A and the return route replenishment control by route B is executed. Thus, every time the pulse Pa is input from the flow rate sensor Q, the control unit 11 determines that the ink amount IC in the second ink storage chamber 2B has become empty, and the second ink storage chamber 2A starts the second operation. The return path replenishment control by the ink route B to the ink storage chamber 2B side is started. Further, the control means 11 receives a pulse Pb from the flow sensor Q.
Each time is input, it is determined that the ink amount IT in the first ink containing chamber 2A has become empty, and the second
The forward supply control by the route A of ink from the ink storage chamber 2B to the first ink storage chamber 2A side is started. By mutual supply of ink by mutual supply control, ink flows from the second ink storage chamber 2B to the first ink storage chamber 2A side, or from the first ink storage chamber 2A to the second ink storage chamber 2B side. As a result of the fluid flow, an agitation effect associated with the reciprocal fluidization of the ink is generated, so that the ink is prevented from stagnation and adhesion, and the ink concentration is maintained appropriately.

Next, the operation of mutual supply control will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. Note that when a new cartridge 3 is initially connected to the carriage IK, for example, the first ink storage chamber 2A is used.
The first ink containing bag body 16 is empty, and the second ink containing bag body 36 in the second ink containing chamber 2B is used.
Is almost full, and mutual replenishment control is performed from this state. The mutual replenishment control is executed simultaneously with the printing operation control after the control means 11 inputs the printing command.

First, in step S1, with both the first pump P1 and the second pump P2 stopped,
The first on-off valve V1 is opened to open the first pressure chamber 13 of the first ink storage chamber 2A to the atmosphere, the second on-off valve V2 is closed to connect the second pressure chamber 33 of the second ink storage chamber 2B to the atmosphere. The second pressure chamber 33 is kept closed in a closed chamber. In step S2, the second pump P2 is driven to pressurize the second pressure chamber 33. As a result, a route A is formed, and the pressure in the second pressure chamber 33 presses the second ink containing bag body 36 so that the ink in the second ink containing bag body 36 is sent out to the communication path 5 and the head 4 and It moves to the first ink containing bag body 16 side. That is, control is performed by the outbound replenishment control means 51 for sending ink via the outbound route A described above. If there is a flow rate in step S3 in the replenishment control of the route A (Yes in step S3), the control means 11
It is determined that the ink amount IC in the ink containing bag body 36 (referred to as the second ink containing chamber ink amount IC) is not empty, and the second pump P2 is continuously driven to keep the second pressure chamber 33 inside. By continuing the pressurization, the forward supply control of the route A is continued (step S2). In step S3, the control means 11 outputs a pulse Pa from the flow rate sensor Q when the ink amount IC in the second ink containing chamber 2B becomes empty and the ink flow rate is lost, and the pulse detection means 54.
Detects this pulse Pa (No in step S3), the second ink storage chamber 2B
It is determined that the inner ink amount IC has become a predetermined empty state (pulse Pa generation), the second pump P2 is stopped, the second on-off valve V2 is opened, and the second pressure chamber 33 is opened to the atmosphere. By closing the first on-off valve V1 and shutting off the first pressure chamber 13 and the atmosphere to keep the first pressure chamber 13 in a closed chamber (step S4), the route A forward supply control is terminated. Next, in step S5, the route B is formed by the pulse Pa, and the first pump P1 is driven to pressurize the first pressure chamber 13. That is, the return route supply control via the return route B is started. When there is a flow rate in Step S6, that is, when the pulse Pb from the flow rate sensor Q is not input (Yes in Step S6), the control means 11 sets the ink amount in the first ink containing bag body 16 to an empty state. It judges that it is not, and continues return way control by continuing a drive of the 1st pump P1 and continuing pressurization in the 1st pressure chamber 13 (Step S5). In step S6, the control means 11
When the ink amount IT in the first ink storage chamber 2A becomes empty and the ink flow rate is lost, a pulse Pb is output from the flow rate sensor Q and the pulse detection means 54 detects this pulse Pb (in step 6). No), it is determined that the ink amount IT in the first ink storage chamber 2A has become empty, the first pump P1 is stopped in step S7, the first on-off valve V1 is opened, and the first pressure chamber 1 is opened.
3 is opened to the atmosphere, the second on-off valve V2 is closed, the second pressure chamber 33 and the atmosphere are shut off, and the second pressure chamber 33 is kept in a closed chamber, thereby completing the route B forward supply control. In this way
Mutual replenishment control is performed in which the forward supply control by route A and the return supply control by route B are mutually repeated based on pulse P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) from flow sensor Q.
When the ink is supplied to the ink chamber 24 of the head 4 and consumed for printing while the mutual replenishment control is being performed, the time interval T that becomes empty is shortened. , And the number of generated pulses P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) per unit time F increases, and the size of the generated number indicates the ink amount IC in the second ink containing chamber 2B shown in FIG. It can be seen whether the total amount IA of the ink amount IT in the first ink storage chamber 2A is gradually reduced to the replacement level of the cartridge 3. In step S8, it is determined whether or not the determination 1 and the determination 2 are repeated N times within a fixed (unit) time F, that is, whether or not a set number of pulses Pa and Pb are input in the unit time F. If (the set number) is reached, the ink end display 57 performs ink end display (step S9), and instructs ink replacement. As shown in FIG. 6, when the remaining amount of ink X runs out after the elapse of time tm, the output pulse P of the flow sensor Q
Is no longer generated and operation stops.

As described above, the mutual supply control and the printing operation control are executed simultaneously in parallel, and the communication path 5
Since a part of the ink passing through the inside is supplied to the ink chamber 24 of the head 4 and consumed for printing, as the mutual replenishment control proceeds, the ink amount in the second ink containing chamber 2B as shown in FIG. The total amount IA of the IC and the ink amount in the first ink storage chamber 2A (the ink amount exists in the communication path 5 and the head 4 but is omitted here for convenience) is reduced. The ink remaining amount X, which is the total ink amount IA, is determined in step S8, and the ink end display can be performed in advance before the ink runs out. Therefore, it is possible to prompt that the cartridge 3 needs to be replaced at this time.

In this case, when there is no ink remaining amount X at time tm, no pulse P is generated from the flow rate sensor Q, and the operation of the printer apparatus 1 is stopped.

According to the best mode, the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber 2B are provided, and the first ink containing bag body 16 and the second ink containing chamber 2B in the first ink containing chamber 2A are provided. Ink can be replenished between the inside of the second ink containing bag body 36, the ink can be prevented from stagnation and adhesion, the ink concentration can be properly maintained, and the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber can be maintained. Since both 2B can be exchanged, the cartridge 3 can be provided as a liquid containing member that can solve the problem of durability deterioration of the ink containing bag bodies 16, 36.

According to the best mode, the cartridge 3 having the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B, and the first ink storage chamber in the cartridge 3 by controlling the pumps P1, P2 and the on-off valves V1, V2. Since the control means for reciprocating the ink between the first ink containing bag body 16 in 2A and the second ink containing bag body 36 in the second ink containing chamber 2B is provided, the ink reciprocates. The ink is agitated to prevent ink stagnation and adhesion, so that the ink concentration can be maintained properly, and the ink is squeezed out so that the ink in the ink containing bag on the ink supply side is empty. Thus, the printer 1 can be provided as a liquid ejecting apparatus that can increase the ink stirring effect and effectively prevent sedimentation of the color components of the ink. Further, since the bidirectional type flow sensor Q is used, it can be accurately determined from the output from one flow sensor Q whether or not the ink in the ink containing bag on the ink supply side has become empty. Further, since the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B are provided with pressure chambers 13 and 33 for sending ink in the ink storage bag to the communication path 5 side by air pressure from the pumps P1 and P2, mutual replenishment Operation can be performed reliably. In addition, since the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B include the ink storage bag bodies 16 and 36 as flexible ink (liquid) storage portions, mutual replenishment operations can be performed reliably. . Note that step S7 may be omitted if the determination in step S8 can be performed quickly.

Other form 1
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment 1 of the printer apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the other end opening of the air supply path 23 and the air intake port 18 are connected so that air can be supplied into the first pressure chamber 13, and the air is supplied to the second pressure chamber 33. The other end opening of the air supply passage 43 and the air intake port 38 are connected so that the air can be supplied to the inside. One end opening of the air supply path 23 and one end opening of the air supply path 43 are connected to the respective outlets of the passage switch 6 so as to communicate with each other. The inlet of the passage switch 6 and the other end opening of the common air supply passage 7 are connected so as to communicate with each other. One end opening portion of the common air supply path 7 and the discharge port portion of the pump P are connected so as to communicate with each other. The suction port of the pump P is opened to the atmosphere. That is, the control means 11 controls the passage switching by the passage switching device 6 so that the air pressurized by the pump P can be supplied to the pressure chambers 13 and 33, respectively.
According to the other embodiment 1, since one pump P can supply air into the two pressure chambers 13 and 33, the number of pumps P can be reduced, which is economical.

Other form 2
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment 2 of the printer apparatus. As shown in FIG. 9, the cartridge 3 includes an air supply / exhaust port 99. That is, the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B include a liquid inlet / outlet portion 99 and an air supply / discharge port portion 99 as a communication hole that allows the interior of the ink storage chamber to communicate with the outside. Liquid inlet / outlet portion and air supply / exhaust port portion 9 of the ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B
9 includes a cartridge 3 having a configuration arranged on the opposing face plate 2X of the ink supply needle, and communicates with the air supply paths 23 and 43 to the air supply paths 23 and 43 connected to the air supply / exhaust port 99 in a communicable manner. In this way, the printer 1 has a configuration in which the air discharge paths 27 and 47 are provided and the on-off valves V1 and V2 are provided in the air discharge paths 27 and 47.
According to the second embodiment, the air intake port portion and the air discharge port portion can be formed as one air supply hole 99 as the air supply / discharge port portion 99. Therefore, the communication holes formed in the container 2 can be reduced, and the cartridge 3 Manufacture can be facilitated, and the configuration of the cartridge 3 can be simplified.

Other form 3
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment 3 of the printer apparatus. In the case where the ink is an ink using a petroleum-based solvent, as shown in FIG. 10, the ink containing body that contains the ink in the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber 2B is formed of a hard material. You may comprise by the container 60 of a volume unchanged. In this case, the arrangement of the pumps P1 and P2 and the on-off valves V1 and V2 may be the same as that shown in FIG. 9 as shown in FIG. 10, or may be the same as that shown in FIGS.
In another form 3, the ink comes into contact with air, but if ink that does not cause air deterioration is available, that ink is used.
According to the third embodiment, as in the best mode, since both the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B can be exchanged, the liquid storage member that can solve the problem of the durability deterioration of the ink storage chamber. The cartridge 3 can be provided.

Other form 4
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment 4 of the printer apparatus. Instead of the configuration of FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 11, suction pumps 62, 63 are provided in the communication path 5, and the suction direction of the suction pumps 62, 63 is controlled by the control means 11 via the drivers 62a, 63a. Mutual replenishment control may be performed. In FIG. 11, the cartridge 3 in which the first ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A and the second ink storage chamber 2 </ b> B are configured by the container 60 is illustrated. However, the configuration using the suction pumps 62 and 63 as in the fourth embodiment is as follows. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which an ink containing bag body is provided in the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber 2B. Reference numerals 20A and 40A denote ink inlet / outlet portions.

Other form 5
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a cartridge and a head according to another embodiment 5 of the printer apparatus. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, container-side ink auxiliary inlet / outlet portions 20X and 40X are provided in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B of the cartridge 3, respectively, and the container-side ink auxiliary inlet / outlet portion 20 is provided.
X and 40X are provided with a sub-communication passage 5B that allows the first ink containing bag body 16 and the second ink containing bag body 36 to communicate with each other via the bag side ink sub inlet / outlet portions 20Y and 40Y. An on-off valve V10 that opens and closes the passage of the sub-communication passage 5B is provided in the middle of the sub-communication passage 5B. The on-off valve V10 uses the sub-communication passage 5B to provide the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B. Is opened when the ink is replenished with each other, and the others are closed.
According to another embodiment 5, the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B via the communication path 5 are used.
In addition to mutual replenishment (reciprocal movement of ink) between the first ink storage chamber 2B and the second ink storage chamber 2B via the sub-communication path 5B, mutual replenishment can be performed. Therefore, for example, when the control unit 11 performs a mutual replenishment control between the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B via the sub-communication path 5B other than during the printing operation, the printing operation is performed. At any time, it becomes possible to supply the head 4 with high quality ink.

Other form 6
FIG. 13 shows another embodiment 6 of the printer apparatus, and FIG. 14 shows a cartridge 3 used in the other embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. 13, the cartridge 3 includes a third ink storage chamber 2C in addition to the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B. It is used as an auxiliary ink storage portion that functions as a storage chamber, and the other two first ink storage chambers 2A and 2B are replaced with each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the cartridge 3 has a configuration in which the first ink storage chamber 2A and the third ink storage chamber 2C are detachably connected by detachable means 100 such as fitting, bonding, and fastener. In addition,
Similarly to the first ink storage chamber 2A, the third ink storage chamber 2C has an air intake port portion 18A to which the pump P is connected and an air discharge port portion 19A to which the on-off valve V3 is connected. A third ink containing bag body 16A is provided in the chamber 13A. Outlet opening / closing valves V5, V6, and V7 are provided in the ink paths 21, 41, and 21A connected to the ink inlet / outlet portions of the respective ink storage chambers. The controller 11 replenishes the ink between the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B until the ink in the cartridge 3 becomes less than a predetermined amount and the replacement time comes. If the ink in the cartridge 3 is less than a predetermined amount and the time for replacement is reached, the ink remaining in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B is removed from the third ink storage chamber. 2C and display the ink end. Then, the user removes the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B from the third ink storage chamber 2C and the carriage IK. Until the new replacement cartridge including the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B is attached to the third ink storage chamber 2C and the carriage IK, the control means 11 is provided in the third ink storage chamber 2C. Since printing can be performed using the ink remaining in the ink, the ink is transferred to the head 4.
The operation of driving the head 4 without being supplied to the head, that is, the so-called idle driving operation of the head 4 can be prevented. After the new replacement cartridge having the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B is attached to the third ink storage chamber 2C and the carriage, the control means 11 is placed in the third ink storage chamber 2C. If the ink remains, the remaining ink is sent to the first ink storage chamber 2A or the second ink storage chamber 2B, and then between the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B. Mutual supply control and print control can be performed. The other form 6 can also be applied to the cartridge 3 having a configuration in which the ink containing bag body is not provided in the ink containing chamber.
According to the other embodiment 6, both the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B can be exchanged as in the best mode, so that the durability of the ink storage bag body and the ink storage chamber in the ink storage chamber can be changed. It is possible to provide the cartridge 3 as a liquid storage member that can solve the problem of deterioration and that can prevent an idle driving operation with the head 4.

Other form 7
FIG. 15 shows a cartridge 3 used in another embodiment 7. As shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge 3 is configured such that the first ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A and the second ink storage chamber 2 </ b> B are detachably connected by the detachable means 100 described above.
According to another embodiment 7, each time the ink is reduced, the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B are alternately replaced, so that only one ink storage bag body or the ink storage chamber is deteriorated. In addition, the cartridge 3 can be provided as a liquid storage member that can prevent the head 4 from being idle.

Other form 8
FIG. 16 shows another embodiment 8 of the printer apparatus. As shown in FIG. 16, the head 4 includes a sub tank 80 that can communicate with the ink paths 21 and 41, an ink chamber 24 that communicates with the sub tank 80, a pressure chamber 25 that communicates with the ink chamber 24, and a communication with the pressure chamber 25. The nozzle 28 and the actuator 30 may be provided. That is, the communication path 5 has a first ink path 21 that connects the first ink storage chamber 2A and the sub tank 80, a second ink storage chamber 2B, and the sub tank 8
And a sub tank 80 serving as an ink path that allows the first ink path 21 and the second ink path 41 to communicate with each other. The communication path 5 and the ink chamber 24 are arranged in parallel. It is the structure provided. According to this configuration, since the sub tank 80 is provided, the amount of ink stored in the head 4 can be increased, and the continuous printable time can be increased.

Other form 9
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a level sensor that outputs an analog signal according to the amount of liquid in the ink container may be used as the detection means in each of the ink storage chambers 2 </ b> A and 2 </ b> B. For example, a level sensor Sx that detects and outputs the ink level ITa in the first ink storage chamber 2A, and a level sensor that detects and outputs the ink level ICa in the second ink storage chamber 2B. Sy outputs analog signals ITb and ICb indicating the liquid level and, as shown in FIG. 18, predetermined values (predetermined amounts) M1 and M2 whose sizes are stored in advance in a memory outside the figure of the control means 11 These analog signals ITb and ICb may be compared and controlled. The analog signals ITb and ICb are the predetermined values (predetermined amounts) M1 and M2.
By making it possible to control the mutual supply switching timing of route A and route B each time
It is possible to control to replenish the ink in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B until a predetermined amount is reached. If both the reference values M1 and M2 are set to “0”, the ink in both the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B is empty in the mutual supply control as described in the best mode. Can be replenished. If the reference values M1 and M2 are set to other than “0”, the first
It is also possible to switch between the forward supply control and the backward supply control in a state where the ink in the ink storage body on either side of the ink storage chamber 2A or the second ink storage chamber 2B remains.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when ink is replenished from the second ink containing chamber 2B to the first ink containing chamber 2A via the route A, the ink containing body in the second ink containing chamber 2B Supply control is performed until a predetermined amount Z remains, and the first ink storage chamber 2A is routed through the route B.
In the case where ink is replenished to the second ink storage chamber 2B side, it is possible to perform replenishment control until the ink storage body in the first ink storage chamber 2A becomes empty.

Other form 10
As shown in FIG. 19, the amount of liquid in the ink containing bodies in both the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber 2B is left by a fixed amount Z until the number of mutual supply control reaches the predetermined number N3, N4. The replenishment control is performed, and when the number of mutual replenishment controls reaches the predetermined number N3, N3, the amount of ink in the ink containing bodies in both the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing chamber 2B is determined in the replenishment control at that time. You may make it perform control which narrows down until it becomes empty and supplies. Alternatively, the time from the start of the mutual supply control is a predetermined time (t
1, t 2), the replenishment control is terminated by leaving a predetermined amount Z of the liquid in the ink container on the ink replenishment side, and when the predetermined time (t 1, t 2) is reached, In the replenishment control, the control of replenishing until the amount of ink in the ink container on the ink replenishment side becomes empty may be repeated. That is, the control unit 11 replenishes ink between the ink containers, and each time the replenishment frequency reaches a predetermined number or every time the mutual replenishment reaches a predetermined time, the ink in the ink container on the ink replenishment side is supplied. Replenish until the volume is empty. In this case, since the mutual replenishment operation can be changed, ink stagnation and adhesion and ink color component sedimentation can be effectively prevented. Further, since the mutual supply control can be switched quickly and ink can be supplied to the head 4 earlier, it is effective when the ink consumption in the head 4 is large. If level sensors Sx and Sy that output analog signals according to the amount of liquid in the ink container are used as detection means, it is determined whether or not the amount of ink in the ink container on the ink supply side has reached a predetermined amount. It can be accurately performed by the output from the level sensor.

Other form 11
In addition, the flow rate sensor Q has a pulse Pa (when the route is A) when the ink amount in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B is empty and the ink flow rate is “0”, or The pulse Pb (when the route is B) has been described as being output. However, as this flow sensor Q, an analog signal corresponding to the ink flow rate is supplied to the control means 11 without being subjected to pulse processing. You may comprise using a flow sensor. In this case, the control means 11 compares the analog signal with a predetermined value (comparison level), and controls the outward supply control means 51 and the return supply control means 52 based on the comparison result. Constitute.
According to this, if the predetermined value is “0”, it is possible to switch between the route A and the route B when the flow rate is zero. In addition, by making this predetermined value variable so that it is slightly close to the empty state, it is possible to mutually supply ink while leaving some ink.
Alternatively, by setting only one of the predetermined values to “0”, it is possible to control only one of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B as shown in FIG.

Other form 12
In the control described with reference to FIG. 18, the reference values M <b> 1 and M <b> 2 may be set so as to gradually decrease as the ink usage time elapses as illustrated in FIG. 20. According to this, the frequency of mutual switching between the route A and the route B can be increased at the initial stage of ink ejection, and the ink stirring effect can be increased.

Other form 13
As shown in FIG. 21, after the control means 11 inputs the pulse P from the flow rate sensor Q, it may be shifted to the next replenishment control after a squeezing time of a fixed time Tx set in a timer not shown in the drawing. . As shown in FIG. 1, in the case of a configuration in which only one flow rate sensor Q is provided in the ink flow path, when the control means 11 inputs a pulse P (pulse Pa, pulse Pb) from the flow rate sensor Q,
Since there is a possibility that the ink in the ink containing chamber on the ink replenishment side has not yet been emptied, in the thirteenth embodiment, the flow rate of the route A or the route B becomes 0 and the pulse Pa or the pulse Pb is set. Occurs, the control means 11 performs the narrowing-down operation for a predetermined time Tx after inputting this, and then shifts to the next replenishment control. In this way, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the empty state of the ink in the ink storage chamber on the ink supply side and maintain the empty state accurately, so that the ink existing in the ink storage chamber can be more reliably stirred. The ink stirring effect can be improved. In addition, since the empty state can be maintained for a predetermined time Tx, the empty stop can be reliably performed during this time, so that the ink stagnation and the stop effect can be further expected.

Other form 14
In the case of using a bag body with a variable ink storage volume formed of a material having low gas permeability and substantially the same as or higher than the material forming the containers 15 and 35 as the ink storage bag body. A contact contact detection sensor 65 as shown in FIG. 22 may be used as detection means for detecting that the ink in the ink supply body on the ink supply side has become empty. That means
The arms 66, 6 are respectively attached to the outer surfaces of the inner side surfaces of the ink containing bag bodies 16, 36 facing each other.
6 is provided, and contact contact detection sensors 65 and 65 are provided at the tips of the arms 66 and 66, respectively. When the inner surfaces facing each other come into contact with each other and the contact contact detection sensors 65 and 65 come into contact with each other, a pulse indicating that the amount of ink in the ink containing bag on the ink supply side has become a predetermined amount is supplied to the control means 11. Output to. That is, since the detecting means is constituted by a sensor for detecting a change in the size of the flexible ink containing bag bodies 16, 36 provided in the cartridge 3, the inside of the ink containing bag body on the ink replenishing side is provided. Whether or not the ink is empty can be accurately determined by the output from the sensor.

Other form 15
When a non-permeable and flexible bag body made of a material having flexibility is used as the ink containing bag body, a pressure is applied to the ink containing bag body to cause ink to enter the communication path 5. Mechanical pressing means 70A and 70B as shown in FIG. 23 may be used as the pressing means for extruding. The mechanical scissors 70A and 70B are configured such that the two rods 71 and 71 can change a predetermined angle in opposite directions to each other via the rotation center shaft 72. Between the two free ends 71a and the other free end 71b of the two rods 71, 71, the first ink storage chamber 2A, the second
The ink containing bag body of the ink containing chamber 2B is sandwiched and connected by a spring 73. A solenoid 74 is provided on the other end 71c side of the two rod bodies 71, 71 facing each other, and a magnetic body 75 is provided on the other end 71d side. Therefore, the control means 11 turns on and off the solenoid 74 of the mechanical scissor means 70A provided in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the solenoid 74 of the mechanical scissors means 70B provided in the second ink storage chamber 2B. By,
By means of the mechanical scissors 70A, 70B, the first ink containing bag body 16 provided in the first ink containing chamber 2A and the second ink containing bag body 36 provided in the second ink containing chamber 2B are alternately arranged. The replenishment control by the route A and the route B can be realized.

Other form 16
The inside of one container 2 may be a cartridge 3 partitioned into a first ink storage chamber 2A and a second ink storage chamber 2B by a partition member that can reciprocate. For example, as shown in FIG.
A disc-shaped partition member 81 for partitioning the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B is provided in the cylindrical container 2 closed at both ends, and the partition member 81 is reciprocated by a reciprocating means. . The reciprocating means supports the partition member 81 and has a support shaft 8 provided with a rack 82.
3, a pinion gear 84 that is screwed with the rack 82 to move the support shaft 83, and a motor 85 that drives the pinion gear 84. The support shaft 83 passes through a through hole penetrating the one end capping plate of the cylinder of the container 2, and a seal member 86 is provided on the inner surface of the through hole, and the inner surface of the through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft 83 are connected to each other. Sealed. Reference numerals 20A and 40A denote ink inlet / outlet portions.
According to the other form 16, the partition member 81 also functions as a pressing unit that presses the liquid in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the liquid in the second ink storage chamber 2B, so that the liquid in the ink storage chamber is efficiently used. Can be stirred. Moreover, the pump P can be made unnecessary. In addition, since the container 2 has a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B can be easily partitioned in an airtight state by the partition plate. Ink leakage with the storage chamber 2B can be prevented.

Best form 17
As shown in FIG. 25, the pressing force is applied to the ink storage bag bodies 16 and 36 as liquid storage portions provided in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B (hereinafter referred to as ink storage chamber). It is good also as the cartridge 3 of the structure provided with the press means to add. The pressing means is, for example,
A pressure roller 9 provided in the ink containing chamber and presses the ink containing bag bodies 16, 36 from the outside.
1, a rack 92 provided outside the ink storage chamber, a pinion gear 94 provided on a shaft 93 protruding from both ends of the pressing roller 91 and screwed with the rack 92, and a shaft 93 via a gear 95.
And a motor 96 for rotating the motor.
According to the other form 17, since the pressing means for applying the pressing force to the ink containing bag bodies 16 and 36 as the liquid storage portion is provided, the ink containing bag bodies 16 and 36 are pressed by the pressing means, thereby containing the ink. The ink in the bag bodies 16 and 36 can be efficiently stirred. Moreover, the pump P can be made unnecessary.

The first ink storage chamber 2 </ b> A may be detachably (replaceable) attached to the base of the printer device 1.
The flow sensor Q may be provided in one of the first ink path 21 and the second ink path 41 or in both the first ink path 21 and the second ink path 41.
The empty states of the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber 2B are the pumps P1, P2.
Therefore, even if some ink droplets remain in the first ink storage chamber 2A and the second ink storage chamber, they can be handled as empty. Therefore, it includes an empty state or a state close to the empty state.
Moreover, as what detects the ink amount (liquid amount) of the 1st ink storage chamber 2A and the 2nd ink storage chamber 2B, the weight of an ink may be measured with a weight sensor, and an analog signal may be output. .
Further, mutual supply control can be performed using either one of the pulses Pa and Pb or one of the analog signals ITa and ICa.
The stirring plate is desirably provided in at least one of the communication path 5 and the sub-communication path 5B in order to enhance the ink stirring effect.

In the above embodiment, the ink jet printer apparatus has been described as an example. However, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges liquid other than ink and a liquid container that contains the liquid may be employed. The present invention can be used for various liquid ejecting apparatuses including a liquid ejecting head that ejects a minute amount of liquid droplets. In addition, a droplet means the state of the liquid discharged from the said liquid ejecting apparatus, and shall also include what pulls a tail in granular shape, tear shape, and thread shape. The liquid here may be any material that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, it may be in the state when the substance is in a liquid phase, and may be in a liquid state with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts) ) And a liquid as one state of a substance, as well as a material in which particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent. In addition, typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks as described in the above embodiments. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus,
For example, liquid ejection devices that eject liquids that contain materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the production of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, surface-emitting displays, color filters, etc. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a bio-organic matter used in the above, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a liquid as a sample used as a precision pipette, a textile printing apparatus, a micro dispenser, or the like. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as an acid or an alkali to etch the substrate may be employed. The present invention can be applied to any one of these injection devices.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device (best mode). FIG. The figure which shows the connection part structure of a cartridge and a carriage (best form). The figure which shows the functional surface of a cartridge (best form). Sectional drawing (best form) of a cartridge and a head. The figure which shows a stirring plate (best form). The figure which shows the change of the ink amount in an ink storage chamber (best form). The flowchart explaining the operation | movement of mutual supply control (best form). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device (another embodiment 1). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device (another embodiment 2). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device (another embodiment 3). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device (another embodiment 4). Sectional drawing of a cartridge and a head (other form 5). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device (another embodiment 6). Sectional drawing of a cartridge (other form 6). Sectional drawing of a cartridge (other form 7). Sectional drawing of a cartridge and a head (other form 8). Sectional drawing of a cartridge (other form 9). The figure which shows the relationship between the change of an ink amount, and the output of a flow sensor (other form 9). The figure which shows the relationship between the change of an ink amount, and the output of a flow sensor (other form 10). The figure which shows the relationship between the change of an ink amount, and the output of a flow sensor (other form 12). The figure which shows the relationship between the change of an ink amount, and the output of a flow sensor (other form 13). The figure which shows the ink amount detection sensor of a cartridge (other form 14). The figure which shows the press means of a cartridge (other form 15). The figure which shows the press means of a cartridge (other form 16). The figure which shows the press means of a cartridge (other form 17).

Explanation of symbols

1 printer device, 2 container, 2a partition plate,
2A 1st ink storage chamber (liquid storage chamber), 2B 2nd ink storage chamber (liquid storage chamber),
2C 3rd ink storage chamber (auxiliary liquid storage part), 2X opposing face plate,
3 ink cartridge (liquid containing member), 5 communication path, 5B sub communication path,
8 ink supply needle (liquid supply needle), 11 control means,
16 first ink containing bag (reservoir), 36 second ink containing bag (reservoir),
17, 37 Container side ink inlet / outlet part (liquid inlet / outlet part),
18, 38 Air intake port (first communication hole),
19, 39 Air discharge port (second communication hole),
20, 40 Bag side ink inlet / outlet part (liquid inlet / outlet part),
20X, 40X Container side ink auxiliary inlet / outlet part (liquid auxiliary inlet / outlet part),
81 partition member, 100 detachable means, P1, P2 pump, V1, V2 on-off valve.

Claims (11)

Liquid having a liquid inlet / outlet portion that allows introduction and derivation of the liquid of the same color is contained in each, and the liquid is supplied by a control means that alternately supplies the liquid via a communication path that accommodates the liquid and connects the liquid inlet / outlet portions to each other. A liquid storage member comprising a plurality of liquid storage chambers whose amount is repeatedly increased or decreased. The liquid storage member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of liquid storage chambers are formed by dividing a single container into a plurality of sections. The liquid storage chamber includes the liquid inlet / outlet portion and a communication hole that allows the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside, and the liquid inlet / outlet portion and the communication hole of the plurality of liquid storage chambers include the plurality of liquids. The liquid storage member according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage member is disposed on an opposing face plate of a liquid supply needle that supplies a liquid to the storage chamber. The liquid storage chamber is configured to communicate with the liquid inlet / outlet, a first communication hole that allows the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside, and an exhaust that enables the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside. A liquid supply needle that supplies liquid to the plurality of liquid storage chambers, the liquid inlet / outlet portion of the plurality of liquid storage chambers, the first communication hole, and the second communication hole. The liquid storage member according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage member is disposed on the opposite face plate. The liquid storage member according to claim 1, wherein the communication path that supplies the liquid to a head that ejects the liquid is connectable to the liquid inlet / outlet of the plurality of liquid storage chambers. A liquid sub-inlet / outlet part that allows introduction and derivation of the same color liquid into each of the plurality of liquid storage chambers is provided, and a sub-communication passage that allows communication between the chambers of the plurality of liquid storage chambers can be connected to the liquid sub-inlet / outlet part The liquid storage member according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid storage section having flexibility for storing the liquid is provided in at least one of the liquid storage chambers, and the liquid storage section includes the liquid inlet / outlet section. Liquid containing member. The liquid storage member according to claim 7, further comprising: a pressing unit that applies a pressing force to the liquid storage portion in at least one of the liquid storage chambers. The liquid storage member according to claim 2, wherein one container is partitioned into a plurality of liquid storage chambers by a partition member capable of reciprocating movement. The at least one liquid storage chamber of the plurality is an auxiliary liquid storage portion that stores the liquid stored in the other liquid storage chamber when the other liquid storage chamber is replaced. Item 2. The liquid container according to Item 1. A liquid inlet / outlet section having two liquid storage chambers, wherein the liquid storage chamber allows introduction and derivation of liquid of the same color, and a first communication hole capable of communicating the interior of the liquid storage chamber with the outside; A liquid storage container having a second communication hole that allows the interior of the liquid storage chamber to communicate with the outside, and is connected to the first communication hole for supplying air to the interior of the liquid storage chamber. A pump, an on-off valve connected to the second communication hole for discharging the air in the liquid storage chamber to the outside, and a communication passage for communicating the liquid inlet / outlet portions of the liquid storage chambers with each other A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: control means for alternately replenishing the liquid into the liquid storage chambers via the communication path by controlling the pump and the on-off valve.