JP2012153041A - Liquid supply apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent problems resulting from liquid without using a complex mechanism.SOLUTION: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a pressure regulation part that accommodates the liquid and regulates a pressure of a first accommodating chamber connected to the liquid ejection head via a channel; a bag that has a second accommodating chamber connected to part of the channel and for accommodating the liquid; a biasing part that pressurizes the second accommodating chamber at a predetermined pressure by contracting the bag in a direction where the volume of the second accommodating chamber gets smaller; a control part that makes the pressure regulation part perform a first operation and a second operation, the first operation moving the liquid from the channel to the second accommodating chamber by making the pressure of the first accommodating chamber larger than the predetermined pressure, the second operation moving the liquid from the second accommodating chamber to the channel by making the pressure of the first accommodating chamber smaller than the predetermined pressure.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus, a stirring apparatus, and a stirring method.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from a liquid ejecting head, for example, an ink jet printing apparatus is known. This printing apparatus has a cartridge in which an ink such as a dye ink in which a dye is dissolved in a solvent or a pigment ink in which a pigment is dispersed in a dispersion medium is accommodated. The cartridge and the liquid ejecting head are connected by a supply path such as a supply pipe for supplying ink. When performing printing, ink stored in the cartridge is supplied to the liquid ejecting head via the supply path, and printing is performed by ejecting the ink from the liquid ejecting head.

  In a pigment ink or the like, the pigment may settle if left for a long period of time. When sedimentation occurs in the supply path, there is a possibility that problems due to ink such as clogging may occur. For this reason, for example, a technique is known in which ink is stirred by providing a circulation path different from the ink supply path and causing the ink to flow through the circulation path using a pump or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-185600

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, a pump for flowing ink to the circulation path is required, so that the configuration of the liquid ejecting apparatus becomes complicated. In addition, since the configuration is not such that the ink is directly agitated in the ink supply path, it is conceivable that ink settling in the supply path cannot be avoided. If sedimentation occurs in the supply path, problems such as clogging occur.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus, an agitating apparatus, and an agitating method capable of preventing problems caused by a liquid without using a complicated mechanism.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, a pressure adjusting unit that accommodates the liquid, and adjusts the pressure of a first storage chamber connected to the liquid ejecting head via a flow path. A bag body having a second storage chamber that is connected to a part of the flow path and stores the liquid, and the second storage chamber is contracted in a direction in which the volume of the second storage chamber is reduced. An urging unit that pressurizes at a predetermined pressure; and a first operation for moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure greater than the predetermined pressure; A control unit that causes the pressure adjusting unit to perform a second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure smaller than the predetermined pressure. And comprising.

  According to the present invention, the first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure by the urging unit, The second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure to be lower than the predetermined pressure is performed between the flow path and the second storage chamber by causing the pressure adjustment unit to perform the second operation. Liquid can be reciprocated. Therefore, the liquid can be stirred between the flow path and the second storage chamber. As a result, it is possible to prevent a distribution from being formed in the concentration of the liquid even when left for a long time without using a liquid driving mechanism such as a pump. It becomes possible to prevent the trouble which originates.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the urging portion includes a leaf spring member that applies an elastic force so as to be wound in a predetermined direction, and the leaf spring member contracts while winding the bag body by the elastic force. It is preferable that it is attached to the said bag body.
According to the present invention, the urging portion has the leaf spring member that applies an elastic force so that the urging portion is wound in a predetermined direction, and the leaf spring member is attached to the bag body so as to contract while being wound by the elastic force. Therefore, when the bag is contracted, the corners of the bag are wound inside as the bag is wound. For this reason, it is possible to prevent contact with the corners of the bag during maintenance.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, a plurality of the leaf spring members are provided, and the plurality of leaf spring members are alternately arranged in a second direction intersecting the predetermined direction so that the winding directions are opposite to each other. The first plate spring member and the second plate spring member are arranged side by side, and the first plate is between the first plate spring member and the second plate spring member in the bag body. It is preferable that a folded portion for folding the bag body is provided so that the spring member and the second leaf spring member are arranged to overlap each other.
Among the plurality of leaf spring members, the first leaf spring member and the second leaf spring member are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction so that the winding direction is opposite, and intersect with the predetermined direction. The bag is arranged side by side in the second direction so that the first plate spring member and the second plate spring member overlap each other between the first plate spring member and the second plate spring member. Since the folding | returning part which folds a body is provided, when the 1st leaf | plate spring member and the 2nd leaf | plate spring member have overlapped, the direction which the 1st leaf | plate spring member and the 2nd leaf | plate spring member contract will be aligned. . Therefore, as the liquid decreases, the bag body can be contracted in two directions: a direction in which the leaf spring member is wound and a direction in which the bag body is folded back. More specifically, the bag body is wound while being folded. Thereby, since the bag body becomes more compact when contracted, it becomes easier to handle when performing maintenance.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, a plurality of the leaf spring members are provided, and at least two of the plurality of leaf spring members intersect the predetermined direction so that the winding directions are the same as each other. It is preferable that they are arranged side by side in the direction.
According to the present invention, a plurality of leaf spring members are provided, and at least two of the plurality of leaf spring members are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting a predetermined direction so that the winding directions are the same as each other. Therefore, the bag body can be wound with a uniform force in the second direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the winding shape from being varied.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, a plurality of the leaf spring members are provided in a second direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and the plurality of leaf spring members are deformed toward a central portion in the second direction. It is preferable that they are arranged side by side.
According to the present invention, a plurality of leaf spring members are provided in the second direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and the plurality of leaf spring members are arranged side by side so as to be deformed toward the central portion in the second direction. Therefore, the bag can be contracted more compactly.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the pressure adjusting unit includes a first on-off valve provided on a downstream side of a connection portion with the second storage chamber in the flow path, the flow path, and the second storage chamber. A second on-off valve provided at a portion connecting the first on-off valve and the control unit to close the first on-off valve and open the second on-off valve. It is preferable to perform the operation.
According to the present invention, the first on-off valve provided on the downstream side of the connection portion with the second storage chamber in the flow path is closed, and the flow path and the second storage chamber are connected to each other. Since the first operation and the second operation are performed with the second on-off valve opened, when the liquid is moved between the flow path and the second storage chamber, the liquid is ejected from the first storage chamber. It is possible to suppress movement to the head. Thereby, the liquid can be efficiently stirred.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the control unit opens the first on-off valve and adjusts the pressure in the first storage chamber in a state where the second on-off valve is closed. It is preferable that the supply operation for supplying the liquid is performed by the pressure adjusting unit.
According to the present invention, when the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting head by adjusting the pressure in the first storage chamber with the first on-off valve opened and the second on-off valve closed, It is possible to inhibit the movement to the second storage room. Thereby, the liquid supply operation can be performed efficiently.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the liquid container includes an air release valve that opens the first storage chamber to the atmosphere.
According to the present invention, since the liquid container has the air release valve that opens the first storage chamber to the atmosphere, the pressure in the first storage chamber can be quickly brought to atmospheric pressure. Thereby, the pressure adjustment of a 1st storage chamber can be performed in a short time.

  A stirrer according to the present invention provides a flow path that connects the liquid ejecting head and a first accommodating chamber provided in a liquid container that contains liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head, the pressure of which is adjustable by a pressure adjusting unit. A second body chamber connected to a part of the first housing chamber and having a second housing chamber for housing the liquid, and the second housing chamber is contracted in a direction in which the volume of the second housing chamber is reduced to reduce the second housing chamber to a predetermined pressure. A first operation for moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure, and the first operation. A control unit that causes the pressure adjustment unit to perform a second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure of the storage chamber to a pressure lower than the predetermined pressure. Prepare.

  According to the present invention, the first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber connected to the flow path to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure of the second storage chamber. And the second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure in the first storage chamber to a pressure smaller than the predetermined pressure, Since the liquid can be reciprocated between the two, the liquid can be stirred between the flow path and the second storage chamber. Thereby, even when left for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent a distribution from being formed in the concentration of the liquid, and thus it is possible to prevent problems caused by the liquid.

  The agitation method according to the present invention includes a flow path that connects the liquid ejecting head to a first accommodating chamber provided in a liquid container that accommodates liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head, the pressure of which is adjustable by a pressure adjusting unit. A step of pressurizing the second storage chamber with a predetermined pressure by contracting a bag having a second storage chamber connected to a part of the storage chamber in a direction in which the volume of the second storage chamber decreases. And a first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure, and the pressure of the first storage chamber And the second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure to be lower than the predetermined pressure, and causing the pressure adjusting unit to alternately perform the flow path and the first flow. The liquid is reciprocated between the two storage chambers. Tsu and a flop.

  According to the present invention, the first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber connected to the flow path to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure of the second storage chamber. And the second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure in the first storage chamber to a pressure smaller than the predetermined pressure, Since the liquid can be reciprocated between the two, the liquid can be stirred between the flow path and the second storage chamber. Thereby, even when left for a long period of time, it is possible to prevent a distribution from being formed in the concentration of the liquid, and thus it is possible to prevent problems caused by the liquid.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink supply path according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the urging | biasing part which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the deformation | transformation of the urging | biasing part which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply operation of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply operation of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply operation of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply operation of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply operation of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply operation of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to another aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus PRT (liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an ink jet printing apparatus will be described as an example of the printing apparatus PRT. The printing apparatus PRT is equipped with an ink cartridge (liquid supply apparatus) IC which is a characteristic component of the present embodiment.

  The printing apparatus PRT shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that performs a printing process while conveying a sheet-like medium M such as paper or a plastic sheet. The printing apparatus PRT includes a housing PB, an inkjet mechanism IJ that ejects ink onto the medium M, an ink supply mechanism IS that supplies ink to the inkjet mechanism IJ, a transport mechanism CV that transports the medium M, and an inkjet mechanism IJ. The maintenance mechanism MN that performs the maintenance operation of the above and the control device CONT that controls these mechanisms.

  The housing PB is formed so that one direction is a longitudinal direction. Each part of the inkjet mechanism IJ, the ink supply mechanism IS, the transport mechanism CV, the maintenance mechanism MN, and the control device CONT is attached to the housing PB. A platen 13 is provided in the housing PB. The platen 13 is a support member that supports the medium M. The platen 13 has a flat support surface 13 a directed to the medium M. The support surface 13a is a surface that supports the medium M.

  The transport mechanism CV includes a transport roller and a motor that drives the transport roller. The transport mechanism CV transports the medium M in the short direction of the housing PB so that the medium M passes over the platen 13. In the transport mechanism CV, the transport timing, transport amount, and the like are controlled by the control device CONT.

  The inkjet mechanism IJ has a head H that ejects ink and a head moving mechanism AC that holds and moves the head H. The head H ejects ink toward the medium M sent onto the platen 13. The head H has an ejection surface Ha that ejects ink. The ejection surface Ha is arranged in a state directed to the support surface 13a.

  The head moving mechanism AC moves the head H in the longitudinal direction of the housing PB. The head moving mechanism AC has a carriage 4 for fixing the head H. The carriage 4 is in contact with a guide shaft 8 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing PB. The head moving mechanism AC has a mechanism for moving the carriage 4 along the guide shaft 8, for example, a pulse motor 9, a driving pulley 10, an idle pulley 11, a timing belt 12, and the like.

  The maintenance mechanism MN is provided in an area (home position) outside the area where printing is performed on the medium M. The maintenance mechanism MN includes a capping mechanism CP that covers the ejection surface Ha of the head H, a wiping mechanism WP that wipes the ejection surface Ha, and the like. A suction mechanism SC such as a suction pump is connected to the capping mechanism CP. Waste ink discharged from the head H to the maintenance mechanism MN side is recovered by a waste liquid recovery mechanism (not shown).

  The ink supply mechanism IS supplies ink to the head H. The ink supply mechanism IS accommodates a plurality of ink cartridges (liquid containers) IC. The printing apparatus PRT of the present embodiment has a configuration (off-carriage type) in which the ink cartridge IC is accommodated at a position different from the head H. The ink supply mechanism IS has a pressure adjustment unit 6 that can individually adjust the pressure inside each ink cartridge IC. The ink supply mechanism IS has a supply pipe TB that connects the head H and the ink cartridge IC. The supply tube TB is provided for each ink cartridge IC. Each supply pipe TB is provided with a first on-off valve V1 for switching the open / close state in the supply pipe TB.

  In addition, each supply pipe TB is provided with a branch pipe BH in a different direction from the branch position BHa on the ink cartridge IC side (upstream side in the ink flow direction) with respect to the first on-off valve V1. A stirring pack PK for stirring the ink in the supply pipe TB is attached to the tip of the branch pipe BH. A second on-off valve V2 for switching the open / close state in the branch pipe BH is provided between the branch position BHa and the stirring pack PK in the branch pipe BH.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ink flow path between the ink cartridge IC and the head H. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the configuration of one ink cartridge IC among a plurality of ink cartridge ICs is shown as a representative. However, the other ink cartridge ICs have the same configuration, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge IC has a first storage chamber RM1 for storing the ink L. The first storage chamber RM1 is formed inside a container such as a housing or a bag. A pressure adjustment unit 6 is connected to the first storage chamber RM1. The first storage chamber RM1 can be pressurized or depressurized by the pressure adjusting unit 6. A supply pipe TB is connected to the first storage chamber RM1.

  The stirring pack PK has a second storage chamber RM2 in which the ink L can be stored. The second storage chamber RM2 is connected to the supply pipe TB via the branch pipe BH.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the stirring pack PK.
As shown in FIG. 3, the stirring pack PK includes a bag body 21 and an urging portion 22.
The bag body 21 has the second storage chamber RM2 inside. The bag body 21 is formed of a flexible material. The bag body 21 is formed to be long in the predetermined direction α. The bag body 21 is connected to the branch pipe BH. The branch pipe BH is connected to the end of the bag body 21 in the longitudinal direction α.

  The urging portion 22 has a leaf spring member 30 formed in a rectangular plate shape. A plurality of (for example, three) leaf spring members 30 are arranged in the lateral direction (second direction) β of the bag body 21. Each leaf spring member 30 is formed in an equal shape. Each leaf spring member 30 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring member 30 coincides with the longitudinal direction α of the bag body 21. As for each leaf | plate spring member 30, the substantially whole surface of the longitudinal direction (alpha) is being fixed to the bag body 21 by the cover member CO. A configuration may be adopted in which substantially the entire surface of each leaf spring member 30 in the longitudinal direction α is adhered and fixed to the bag body 21.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the configuration of one leaf spring member 30.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the leaf spring member 30 is formed in a shape in which the central portion in the short direction of the leaf spring member 30 is curved. When the end 30a in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring member 30 is bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction, the end 30a is deformed so as to be wound in the longitudinal direction by an elastic force as shown in FIG. Each leaf spring member 30 is arranged such that the surface protruding by the curve faces the bag body 21 (see FIG. 3). Each spring member 30 attached to the bag body 21 is configured to be wound so that the surface opposite to the surface facing the bag body 21 is on the inside. Thus, the direction of deformation at the start of winding of each spring member 30 is all equal.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams showing the stretched state of the stirring pack PK.
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the second storage chamber RM <b> 2 of the bag body 21 is empty, the stirring pack PK has the end 21 a of the bag body 21 and the end of the plate spring member 30 by the elastic force of the plate spring member 30. It will be in the state (shrinked state) where the part 30a was wound to the opening part OP side. In this state, a predetermined pressure Pc is applied to the second storage chamber RM2 by the elastic force of the leaf spring member 30. The elastic force of the leaf spring member 30 is set so that a pressure larger than the atmospheric pressure P2, for example, can be applied to the second storage chamber RM2 as the predetermined pressure Pc.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the ink L is stored in the second storage chamber RM <b> 2 of the bag body 21, the stirring pack PK has the end portion 21 a of the bag body 21 and the leaf spring member 30 corresponding to the ink L. It will be in the state (stretched state) where the winding of the end portion 30a is loosened. Even in this state, a predetermined pressure Pc is applied to the second storage chamber RM2 by the elastic force of the leaf spring member 30.

Next, the flow operation of the ink L through the supply pipe TB will be described.
When the ink L is ejected from the head H, the ink L in the head H is consumed. For this reason, it is necessary to supply a new ink L to the head H when the ejection is continued. When supplying ink L to the head H, the control device CONT first opens the first on-off valve V1 and closes the second on-off valve V2. By this operation, the first storage chamber RM1, the supply pipe TB, and the head H are communicated. Further, the supply pipe TB and the second storage chamber RM2 are blocked.

  Thereafter, the control device CONT pressurizes the first storage chamber RM1 by the pressure adjusting unit 6. By this operation, as shown in FIG. 6, the ink L stored in the first storage chamber RM1 flows into the supply pipe TB and is supplied to the head H through the supply pipe TB. After the ink is supplied to the head H, the control device CONT closes the first on-off valve V1 and stops the pressurizing operation by the pressure adjusting unit 6.

  After completing the operation of supplying the ink L to the head H, the control device CONT depressurizes the first storage chamber RM1 and returns the first storage chamber RM1 to the atmospheric pressure P2. After returning the first storage chamber RM1 to the atmospheric pressure P2, the control device CONT waits until the next ink supply operation is performed.

  For example, when a pigment ink is used as the ink L, the pigment may settle if the standby state continues for a long period of time, which may cause problems due to the ink such as color unevenness and clogging. For this reason, in this embodiment, the ink L is agitated using the agitation pack PK periodically or according to an instruction from the user.

  When performing the stirring operation, the control device CONT opens the second on-off valve V2 from the standby state. For this reason, the first on-off valve V1 remains closed and the second on-off valve V2 is opened. By opening the second on-off valve V2, the first storage chamber RM1, the supply pipe TB, the branch pipe BH, and the second storage chamber RM2 are communicated with each other, and a path from the supply pipe TB to the head H is established. Blocked.

  In the standby state, the stirring pack PK is in a state where the bag body 21 and the urging portion 22 (the leaf spring member 30) are wound, as shown in FIG. A predetermined pressure Pc larger than the atmospheric pressure P2 is applied to the second storage chamber RM2 by the elastic force of the leaf spring member 30. Therefore, even if the second on-off valve V2 is opened, the ink L does not flow into the second storage chamber RM2.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device CONT uses the pressure adjusting unit 6 to adjust the pressure in the first storage chamber RM1, and thus the pressure in the supply pipe TB connected to the first storage chamber RM1, to the pressure Pc. Pressure P1 larger than the first pressure (first operation). By this first operation, a pressure difference is generated between the supply pipe TB and the second storage chamber RM2, and the ink L flows from the supply pipe TB into the second storage chamber RM2 due to the pressure difference.

  When the ink L flows into the second storage chamber RM2, the bag body 21 and the urging portion 22 are gradually deformed from the wound state to the extended state. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the end 21a of the bag body 21 and the end 30a of the leaf spring member 30 are curved, the control device CONT extends the end 21a and the end 30a. Before the pressurization of the first storage chamber RM1 by the pressure adjusting unit 6 is stopped.

  When stopping pressurization of the first storage chamber RM1, the control device CONT returns the pressure of the first storage chamber RM1 to the atmospheric pressure P2 by the pressure adjusting unit 6 (second operation). By this operation, the pressure P2 of the first storage chamber RM1 and the supply pipe TB becomes smaller than the pressure Pc of the second storage chamber RM2, so that the ink L stored in the second storage chamber RM2 is transferred as shown in FIG. The leaf spring member 30 and the bag body 21 are integrally wound toward the opening OP side while flowing to the first storage chamber RM1 via the supply pipe TB. When the ink L in the second storage chamber RM2 is discharged, the leaf spring member 30 and the bag body 21 are wound up to the opening OP, and the state returns to the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, the first operation of flowing the ink L from the supply tube TB to the second storage chamber RM2 and the second operation of returning the ink L from the second storage chamber RM2 to the supply tube TB are performed once or repeatedly. Ink L is stirred. Thus, the control device CONT and the stirring pack PK (the bag body 21 and the urging unit 22) function as a stirring device that stirs the ink L.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the control apparatus CONT may pressurize the 1st storage chamber RM1 by the pressure adjustment part 6 in the state which opened the 1st on-off valves V1 and V2. By opening the first on-off valves V1 and V2, the first storage chamber RM1, the supply pipe TB, and the head H, and the supply pipe TB and the second storage chamber RM2 are in communication with each other. It becomes.

  In this case, the ink L is pressurized from the first storage chamber RM1 through the supply pipe TB by pressurizing the first storage chamber RM1 to a pressure (for example, the pressure P1 described above) higher than the predetermined pressure Pc. And the ink L flows from the supply tube TB to the second storage chamber RM2. For this reason, the operation of supplying the ink L to the head H and the movement of the ink to the second storage chamber RM2 can be performed simultaneously.

  When the ink L in the second storage chamber RM2 is returned to the supply pipe TB after the ink L is supplied to the head H and the second storage chamber RM2, as shown in FIG. After the closed state, the pressure in the first storage chamber RM1 is returned to the atmospheric pressure P2. By this operation, the backflow of the ink L from the head H to the supply pipe TB can be prevented.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the ink L is moved from the supply pipe TB to the second storage chamber RM2 by setting the pressure in the first storage chamber RM1 to a pressure P1 larger than the predetermined pressure Pc by the urging unit 22. A second operation for moving the ink L from the second storage chamber RM2 to the supply pipe TB by setting the pressure in the first storage chamber RM1 to a pressure (for example, atmospheric pressure) P2 smaller than the predetermined pressure Pc. By causing the pressure adjusting unit 6 to alternately perform the operation, the ink L can be reciprocated between the supply pipe TB and the second storage chamber RM2. Therefore, the ink L can be stirred between the supply pipe TB and the second storage chamber RM2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the distribution of the density of the ink L from being formed even when the ink is left for a long period of time without using an ink driving mechanism such as a pump. It is possible to prevent problems caused by the ink L.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the second housing chamber RM2 is pressurized by contracting the bag body 21 toward the opening OP by the urging portion 22, so that the ink L is discharged from the opening OP to the head H. Can be efficiently drained toward. Thereby, the ink L in the second storage chamber RM2 can be supplied to the head H without providing a separate pressurizing mechanism.

  In addition, since the leaf spring member 30 is configured to contract while winding the bag body 21, when the bag body 21 contracts, the corners of the bag body 21 are wound inside as the bag body 21 is wound. Become. For this reason, at the time of handling, such as replacement | exchange of stirring pack PK, the contact to the corner | angular of the bag body 21 can be prevented.

  Furthermore, a plurality of leaf spring members 30 are provided, and at least two of the plurality of leaf spring members 30 intersect a predetermined direction (longitudinal direction of the bag body 21) α so that the winding directions are the same as each other. Since they are arranged side by side in the second direction (short direction of the bag body 21) β, the bag body 21 can be wound with a uniform force in the short direction β. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bag 21 from rolling up and prevent ink L from remaining.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which each of the three leaf spring members 30 provided side by side in the short direction β is deformed so as to be wound in the same direction has been described as an example, but is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration according to a modified example of the stirring pack PK. The α direction in the figure coincides with the longitudinal direction of the bag body 21 as in the above embodiment. The β direction in the figure coincides with the short direction of the bag body 21 as in the above embodiment. In the figure, the γ direction is a direction perpendicular to a plane including the α direction axis and the β direction axis.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, among the three leaf spring members 31 to 33 provided side by side in the short direction β, the leaf spring members 31 and 33 are arranged so that the winding start is deformed in the + γ direction in the figure. The leaf spring member 32 is arranged so that the winding start is deformed in the -γ direction in the figure.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the bag body 21 is provided with two folded portions 21b and 21c along the α direction. The folded portion 21 b is disposed between the leaf spring member 31 and the leaf spring member 32. The folded portion 21 c is disposed between the leaf spring member 32 and the leaf spring member 33.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the stirring pack PK shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, three portions of the bag body 21 that are partitioned in the β direction by the folded portions 21 b and 21 c are respectively bent by the leaf spring members 31 and 33 that are curved in the −γ direction and the + γ direction. The leaf spring members 32 and the β direction are provided alternately.

  Of the three portions of the bag body 21, the first portion 211 on the −β side is configured to be folded back to the −γ side in the drawing by the folded portion 21 b. Further, among the three portions of the bag body 21, the + β-side third portion 213 is configured to be folded back to the + γ side in the drawing by the folding portion 21c. Thus, the bag body 21 is configured to be folded back from both end portions in the β direction toward the central portion in the β direction.

  In the stirring pack PK having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, as the ink L in the second storage chamber RM2 decreases, the end of the bag body 21 on the −α side is directed toward the + α side. The first portion 211 is folded in the −γ direction, and the third portion 213 is folded in the + γ direction. When the fixed amount of ink decreases, as shown in FIG. 14, almost all of the first portion 211 and the third portion 213 are folded back, and the first portion 211 and the third portion 213 overlap the second portion 212.

  When the first portion 211 and the third portion 213 overlap the second portion 212, as shown in FIG. 15, the leaf spring member 31 provided in the first portion 211, the leaf spring member 32 provided in the second portion 212, and The leaf spring member 33 provided in the third portion 213 is arranged with the bending direction facing the same direction. Accordingly, the winding start directions of the leaf spring members 31 to 33 are all aligned in the + γ direction.

  For this reason, when the ink L in the second storage chamber RM2 decreases, as shown in FIG. 16, the bag body 21 is in the state where the first portion 211, the second portion 212, and the third portion 213 overlap, and the end portion 21a is on the + γ side. It will be deformed and wound on the + α side.

  In this manner, the folded portions 21b and 21c are formed in the bag body 21 and divided into three parts, the first part 211 to the third part 213, and the leaf spring members 31 to 33 are arranged in the three parts, By making the deformation direction at the start of winding of the leaf spring members 31 to 33 alternately different in the β direction, the bag body 21 is wound in the α direction and the bag body 21 is also folded in the β direction. For this reason, bag 21 can be made into the state contracted more compactly.

  In addition, in the structure shown in FIGS. 11-16, although it was the structure which arrange | positions the 3 leaf | plate spring members 31-33, it is not restricted to this, For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the center of (beta) direction is shown. A configuration in which the plate spring member is omitted may be employed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, as the ink is consumed, the first portion 211 and the third portion 213 overlap the second portion 212, and the bending directions of the leaf spring members 31 and 33 are the same direction. The bag body 21 can be shrunk compactly.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the leaf spring member contracts in the longitudinal direction of the bag body 21 has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the leaf spring member may be configured to contract in the short direction of the bag body 21. In this case, the structure etc. which are arrange | positioned so that a leaf | plate spring member may be wound toward the center part of the transversal direction of the bag body 21 are mentioned.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which only the pressure adjusting unit 6 is used when adjusting the pressure in the first storage chamber RM1 of the ink cartridge IC has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ink cartridge IC may have an air release valve that opens the first storage chamber RM1 to the atmosphere. With this configuration, the first storage chamber RM1 can be quickly brought to atmospheric pressure, and the pressure in the first storage chamber RM1 can be adjusted in a short time.

  In the above-described embodiment, the recording apparatus adopting the inkjet method as the recording method is described. However, the recording device can be changed to an arbitrary recording method such as an electrophotographic method or a thermal transfer method. Further, the recording apparatus is not limited to a printing apparatus, but may be a FAX apparatus, a copying apparatus, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions. Further, as the recording apparatus, a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting head that ejects or ejects a small amount of liquid droplets other than ink may be employed.

  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 a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid 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. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment.

  Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface emitting display, a color filter, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved state. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus, a textile printing apparatus, or the like.

  PRT ... Printer IC ... Ink cartridge IS ... Ink supply mechanism CONT ... Control device H ... Head TB ... Supply pipe V1 ... First on-off valve V2 ... Second on-off valve BHa ... Branch position BH ... Branch pipe PK ... Stirrer pack L ... Ink OP ... Opening RM1 ... First storage chamber RM2 ... Second storage chamber 6 ... Pressure adjustment unit 21 ... Bag body 22 ... Biasing unit 30-33 ... Plate spring member

Claims (10)

A liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid;
A pressure adjusting unit that accommodates the liquid and adjusts a pressure of a first accommodating chamber connected to the liquid ejecting head via a flow path; and a second accommodating chamber that is connected to a part of the flow path and accommodates the liquid. A bag having
An urging portion that pressurizes the second storage chamber with a predetermined pressure by contracting the bag body in a direction in which the volume of the second storage chamber decreases;
A first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure, and the pressure of the first storage chamber is set to the predetermined pressure A control unit that causes the pressure adjustment unit to perform a second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure to be lower than the pressure,
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: The urging portion has a leaf spring member that acts an elastic force so as to be wound in a predetermined direction,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the leaf spring member is attached to the bag body so as to contract while winding the bag body by the elastic force. A plurality of the leaf spring members are provided,
The plurality of leaf spring members have first leaf spring members and second leaf spring members arranged alternately in a second direction intersecting the predetermined direction so that the winding directions are opposite to each other. And
The bag body is arranged so that the first plate spring member and the second plate spring member overlap each other between the first plate spring member and the second plate spring member of the bag body. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a folding portion that is folded is provided. A plurality of the leaf spring members are provided,
4. The liquid according to claim 2, wherein at least two of the plurality of leaf spring members are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the predetermined direction so that winding directions are the same as each other. Injection device. A plurality of the leaf spring members are provided in a second direction intersecting the predetermined direction,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plurality of leaf spring members are arranged side by side so as to be deformed toward a central portion in the second direction. The pressure adjusting unit is
A first on-off valve provided on the downstream side of the connection portion with the second storage chamber in the flow path;
A second on-off valve provided at a portion connecting the flow path and the second storage chamber,
The said control part makes said 1st operation | movement and said 2nd operation | movement perform in the state which closed said 1st on-off valve and opened said 2nd on-off valve. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 1. The controller is configured to supply the liquid to the liquid ejecting head by adjusting the pressure in the first storage chamber while opening the first on-off valve and closing the second on-off valve. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pressure adjusting unit performs the operation. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container includes an air release valve that opens the first storage chamber to the atmosphere. Connected to a part of a flow path that connects the liquid ejecting head and a first accommodating chamber provided in a liquid accommodating body that accommodates a liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head, the pressure adjusting portion of which is adjustable. A bag having a second storage chamber for storing a liquid;
An urging portion that pressurizes the second storage chamber with a predetermined pressure by contracting the bag body in a direction in which the volume of the second storage chamber decreases;
A first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure, and the pressure of the first storage chamber is set to the predetermined pressure A stirring device comprising: a control unit that causes the pressure adjusting unit to perform a second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure lower than the pressure. Connected to a part of a flow path that connects the liquid ejecting head and a first accommodating chamber provided in a liquid accommodating body that accommodates a liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head, the pressure adjusting portion of which is adjustable. Pressurizing the second storage chamber with a predetermined pressure by contracting a bag having a second storage chamber for storing a liquid in a direction in which the volume of the second storage chamber is reduced;
The first operation of moving the liquid from the flow path to the second storage chamber by setting the pressure of the first storage chamber to a pressure larger than the predetermined pressure, and the pressure of the first storage chamber A second operation of moving the liquid from the second storage chamber to the flow path by setting the pressure to a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure is alternately performed by the pressure adjusting unit, and the flow path and the second storage are performed. Reciprocating the liquid to and from the chamber.

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