JP2012171180A - Liquid ejection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recover a larger amount of liquids in a circulation path and a storage part into a main storage part before the main storage part is replaced.SOLUTION: A printing head 24, a forward path port 73 of the circulation path 60, a supply port 56 of a supply path 54, and a backward path port 69 of the circulation path 60 are arranged in order from a high height to a low height. When an instruction to recover ink to a main tank 52 is given, a switching valve 78 is opened and a switching valve 86 are closed, thereby rotating a supply pump 58 in a reverse direction. Thus, ink in the sub-tank 53 is pumped to the main tank 52. After the liquid level of the ink in the sub-tank 53 decreases below the backward path port 73, the ink in the sub-tank 53 is pumped to the main tank 52 while ink in the circulation path 60 is released from the forward path port 69 to the sub-tank 53 by air entering the circulation path 60 from the backward path port 73.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus.

  Conventionally, this type of liquid ejecting apparatus has a recording head that has an inlet and an outlet for circulating ink, ejects ink, an ink tank that stores ink, and ink supplied from the ink tank temporarily. A storage tank; an ink circulation path including a supply path connecting the sub tank and the inlet of the recording head; a return path connecting the outlet of the recording head and the sub tank; a pump provided in the supply path; Proposed is provided with a valve provided in the path, a recovery tank for capping the recording head during non-recording and receiving ink ejected during recovery, and an ink recovery path for returning the recovered ink to the sub tank (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-98475 A

  In such a liquid ejecting apparatus, when the main tank is replaced, for example, when the main tank is replaced with a main tank having a different color or type from the current main tank, the sub tank In addition, it is preferable that as much ink remaining in the circulation path as possible can be collected in the main tank.

  The main purpose of the liquid ejection device of the present invention is to allow more liquid in the circulation path and the sub reservoir to be collected in the main reservoir before replacing the main reservoir.

  The liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention employs the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The liquid ejection device of the present invention is
A liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from an ejection head,
A main reservoir in which liquid is stored;
A sub-reservoir for temporarily storing liquid;
An inter-tank passage in which a supply source port that is one open end portion is disposed in the main storage portion and a supply port that is the other open end portion is disposed in the sub storage portion;
First pumping means provided in the inter-tank passage and capable of pumping liquid;
A circulation path that is configured to include the ejection head and that is disposed in the sub-storage part at a position lower than the ejection head, the forward path being one opening end and the return path being the other opening end;
A second pumping means that is provided closer to the forward path port than the discharge head in the circulation path and capable of pumping liquid;
With
The inter-tank passage and the circulation path are arranged in descending order of position so as to become a return path opening of the circulation path, a supply port of the inter-tank path, and an outward path of the circulation path.
It is a summary to provide.

  In the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention, the supply source port that is one open end of the inter-tank passage is disposed in the main reservoir, and the supply port that is the other open end is disposed in the sub reservoir. An inter-tank passage in which the forward passage opening which is one open end of the circulation path including the head and the return opening which is the other opening end are both disposed in the sub-storage part at a position lower than the discharge head. In addition, the circulation path is arranged so that the return path of the circulation path, the supply port of the inter-tank passage, and the forward path of the circulation path are arranged in descending order. Therefore, before replacing the main reservoir, the first reservoir is controlled so that the liquid in the sub reservoir is pumped to the main reservoir, so that the liquid in the sub reservoir passes through the inter-tank passage. After the liquid level is lowered and the liquid level becomes lower than the return port of the circulation path, the liquid entering the circulation path from the return path discharges the liquid in the circulation path from the forward path port to the sub reservoir. (Siphon principle) Since the liquid in the sub reservoir is pumped to the main reservoir via the inter-tank passage, the sub reservoir and circulation until the liquid level of the liquid in the sub reservoir becomes lower than the supply port of the inter-tank passage. The liquid in the path can be returned to the main reservoir. Thereby, it is possible to recover more liquid in the sub reservoir and the circulation path in the main reservoir. Further, when the liquid is ejected from the ejection head, the second pumping means is controlled so that the liquid in the sub reservoir enters the circulation path from the forward path port and returns from the return path to the sub reservoir via the print head. Further, it is possible to suppress bubbles (gas) from being mixed into the circulation path from the forward port, and it is possible to suppress the bubbles from reaching the print head. Thereby, the liquid can be discharged more appropriately from the discharge head. Further, if the liquid in the main reservoir is pumped to the sub reservoir via the inter-tank passage or the liquid in the sub reservoir is pumped to the main reservoir via the inter-tank passage under the control of the first pumping means. Therefore, the liquid can be pumped from the main reservoir to the sub reservoir and the liquid can be pumped from the sub reservoir to the main reservoir via the same passage (tank passage), thus simplifying the configuration. Can be achieved. Here, the “first pumping means” may be a gear pump.

  In such a liquid ejection device of the present invention, when an instruction to recover the liquid to the main storage unit is given before the replacement of the main storage unit, the liquid in the sub storage unit is pumped to the main storage unit. It is also possible to provide a recovery control means for executing a recovery control for controlling one pumping means. If it carries out like this, as above-mentioned, the liquid of a sub storage part or a circulation path can be returned to a main storage part. In this aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, the recovery control means is configured so that the current main storage portion which is the current main storage portion differs from the current main storage portion in at least one of the color and type of liquid. It may be a means for executing the recovery control when an instruction to recover the liquid to the main storage portion is given before the replacement to the storage portion. In this case, it is significant to perform the collection control before replacing the main storage unit. Further, in the liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention of this aspect, the liquid discharge device according to the present invention further includes a liquid detection unit that detects the presence of the liquid in the inter-tank passage, and the recovery control unit is It may be a means for ending the execution of the collection control. If it carries out like this, when returning the liquid of a sub storage part or a circulation path to a main storage part, it can suppress that gas is pumped from a sub storage part to a main storage part.

  In the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention, the circulation path can be separated into an intermediate part including the discharge head and an outward path part including the forward path port, and a return path port part including the intermediate part and the return path port. Can be separated from each other. If it carries out like this, a main storage part, a sub storage part, the channel | path between tanks, a 1st pumping means, an outward path part, and a return path part can be replaced | exchanged collectively.

  Furthermore, in the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention, a first on-off valve that is provided closer to the return port side than the discharge head in the circulation path and can be opened and closed, the discharge head in the circulation path, and the first on-off valve And a second open / close valve provided in the discharge path and openable / closable. In the liquid discharge apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention, when the cleaning of the circulation path is instructed after the replacement of the main storage section, the liquid in the sub storage section enters the circulation path from the forward path port and the discharge head is moved. A circulation control for controlling the second pumping means, the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve so as to be discharged from the return port to the sub-reservoir via After the execution of the control, the second pumping means and the first on-off valve are arranged so that the liquid in the sub-reservoir enters the circulation path from the forward port and is discharged via the discharge head and the discharge path. And a circulation discharge control means for performing discharge control for controlling the second on-off valve. In this way, the circulation path can be cleaned by executing the circulation control, and the liquid used for cleaning the circulation path can be discharged by executing the discharge control.

  In addition, in the liquid discharge apparatus of the present invention, the discharge port that is communicated with the circulation path on the return path side of the discharge head in the circulation path and that is an opening end is disposed at a position lower than the return path port. It is also possible to include a path and an on-off valve that is provided in the discharge path and can be opened and closed. In this aspect of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, when the cleaning of the circulation path is instructed after the replacement of the main storage section, the liquid in the sub storage section enters the circulation path from the forward path port, and the print head, Circulating discharge control means for controlling the second pumping means and the on-off valve so as to be discharged through the discharge path may be provided. In this way, the part from the return path of the circulation path to the communication position with the discharge path can be cleaned by the liquid flowing according to the siphon principle, and the part from the forward path opening of the circulation path to the communication position with the discharge path Can be cleaned with the liquid pumped by the first pumping means.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an inkjet printer 20. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an ink circulation system 50. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an ink unit replacement pre-processing routine. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an ink unit replacement post-processing routine.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an ink jet printer 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an ink circulation system 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printer 20 according to the present embodiment drives a paper feed roller 34 by a drive motor 32 to feed the recording paper S from the back side to the front side in the drawing on the platen 40. A printer mechanism 21 that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from the print head 24 onto the recording paper S conveyed by the paper feed mechanism 30; and a print mechanism 24 that is formed at the right end of the platen 40 in the drawing and covers the print head 24 when printing is suspended. A capping device 41 for capping, a controller 90 for controlling the entire device, an operation panel 97 having a display unit 98 for notifying the user of various information and an operation unit 99 for the user to input various instructions. Prepare.

  The printer mechanism 21 guides the carriage belt 44 that is installed between a carriage motor 42a attached to the right side of the mechanical frame 48 and a driven roller 42b attached to the left side of the mechanical frame 48 by the carriage motor 42a. A carriage 22 that reciprocates left and right along 46, a print head 24 that is provided under the carriage 22 and ejects ink droplets, and cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Ink circulation systems 50a to 50d (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as an ink circulation system 50) that circulate each of the inks via the print head 24. Here, a linear encoder 29 for detecting the position of the carriage 22 is disposed on the rear surface of the carriage 22, and the position of the carriage 22 can be managed using the linear encoder 29. In the present embodiment, as the cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink, an ultraviolet curable ink that is rapidly cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays is used.

  The print head 24 ejects ink of each color from a number of nozzles provided on the lower surface of the print head 24 by applying a voltage to a built-in piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. . The print head 24 may employ a method in which ink is pressurized by bubbles generated by applying voltage to a heating resistor (for example, a heater) to heat the ink. In addition to the ink droplet ejection nozzles for ejecting each color ink (ultraviolet curable ink) as ink droplets, the print head 24 is solidified for irradiating with ultraviolet rays to promote solidification of the ink. An acceleration nozzle is provided, and the ink can be rapidly cured by irradiating the ink droplets ejected from the ink ejection nozzle with ultraviolet rays from the solidification promotion nozzle.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink circulation system 50 includes a main tank 52 that stores ink, a sub tank 53 that temporarily stores ink, and one opening end (hereinafter referred to as a supply source port) 55. A supply passage 54 disposed in the main tank 52 and the other opening end portion (hereinafter referred to as a supply port) 56 disposed in the sub tank 53, and a supply pump 58 provided in the supply passage 54 and capable of pumping liquid. And a circulation path that includes the print head 24 and has one open end portion (hereinafter referred to as forward path port) 69 and the other open end portion (hereinafter referred to as return path port) 73 arranged in the sub tank 53. 60, a circulation pump 76 provided on the forward path port 69 side (hereinafter referred to as the forward path 61a) from the print head 24 in the circulation path 60 and capable of pumping liquid, and a printing head in the circulation path 60. A branch between the print head 24 and the open / close valve 78 in the circulation path 60, the open / close valve 78 provided on the return path 73 side (hereinafter referred to as the return path 61b) from the door 24 and openable and closable. A discharge path 82 branched at a point 83 and having an open end (hereinafter referred to as a discharge port) 84 disposed in the waste liquid tank 80 and an open / close valve 86 provided in the discharge path 82 and capable of opening and closing are provided. In this embodiment, since the ultraviolet curable ink is used, the main tank 52, the sub tank 53, the waste liquid tank 80, the supply pump 58, the circulation pump 76, and the like are formed of a metal such as stainless steel as an ultraviolet non-transparent material. The supply path 54 and the circulation path 60 are formed of colored polypropylene or the like as an ultraviolet opaque material. The sub tank 53 is open to the atmosphere.

  The forward path port 69 and the return path port 73 of the circulation path 60 and the discharge port 84 of the discharge path 82 are disposed at positions lower than the print head 24 and the branch point 83. The forward path 69 of the circulation path 60, the return path 73 of the circulation path 60, and the supply port 56 of the supply path 54 are in order from the higher side, the return path 73 of the circulation path 60, the supply port 56 of the supply path 54, and the circulation. It arrange | positions so that it may become the outward path 69 of the path | route 60. FIG.

  The circulation path 60 includes an intermediate portion 62 including the circulation pump 76, the print head 24, and the open / close valve 78, an outward passage port portion 68 including the forward passage port 69, and a return passage port portion 72 including the return passage port 73. A connector 63 on the circulating pump 76 side and a connector 70 on the forward path port portion 68 are connected, and a connector 64 on the on-off valve 78 side of the intermediate portion 62 and a connector 74 on the return path port portion 72 are connected. Therefore, the user can select a portion on the right side of the connectors 70 and 74 (a portion including the main tank 52 and the sub tank 53, the supply path 54, the supply pump 58, the forward path port 68 and the return path port 72 of the circulation path 60, hereinafter When the ink unit is replaced), the connection between the connector 70 of the forward passage port 68 and the connector 63 of the intermediate portion 62 is released, and the connection between the connector 74 of the return passage port 72 and the connector 64 of the intermediate portion 62 is released. Then, since the connector 70 of the forward path port 68 of the ink unit after replacement is connected to the connector 63 of the intermediate part 62 and the connector 74 of the return path 72 is connected to the connector 64 of the intermediate part 62, The ink unit can be replaced without removing the forward path port 68 and the return path port 72.

  The supply pump 58 is configured as a gear pump, and pumps ink from the main tank 52 side to the sub tank 53 side by rotating in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise) (hereinafter, this is rotated in the normal rotation direction). In addition, the ink can be pumped from the sub tank 53 side to the main tank 52 side by rotating in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (for example, counterclockwise) (hereinafter referred to as rotating in the reverse direction). It is like that. With this configuration, the path for supplying ink from the main tank 52 side to the sub tank 53 side and the path for returning ink from the sub tank 53 side to the main tank 52 side are made the same (supply path 54). Therefore, the configuration can be simplified.

  The circulation pump 76 is configured as a gear pump, similar to the supply pump 58, and rotates in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise) (hereinafter referred to as “forward rotation”) from the forward port 69 side to the print head. The ink can be pumped to the 24 side and rotated in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction (for example, counterclockwise) (hereinafter referred to as rotating in the reverse direction), whereby the print head 24 side and the forward path port 69 side. Ink can be pumped to the printer. The circulation pump 76 is configured not to block the circulation path 60 when the drive is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 90 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 92, and exchanges information between a ROM 93 that stores various processing programs, a RAM 94 that temporarily stores data, and an external device. An interface (I / F) 95 for performing the above and an input / output port (not shown). The RAM 94 is provided with a print buffer area, and print data sent from the user PC 100 via the I / F 95 is stored in the print buffer area. The controller 90 is configured as a position detection signal from the linear encoder 29, a photo sensor, or the like, and detects the presence of ink at a predetermined position in the supply path 56 (for example, slightly on the supply port 56 side from the supply pump 58). A detection signal from the ink detection sensor 57, a detection signal from the ink detection sensor 59 that is configured as a photo sensor and detects the presence of ink at the position of the supply port 56 of the supply path 54, and from the operation unit 99 of the operation panel 97. In addition to an operation signal or the like being input via the input port, a print job or the like from the user PC 100 is input via the I / F 95. Further, from the controller 90, a control signal to the print head 24, a control signal to the drive motor 32 and the carriage motor 42a, a control signal to the supply pump 58 and the circulation pump 76, a control signal to the capping device 41, an on-off valve 78, a control signal to the on-off valve 86, a display control signal to the display unit 98 of the operation panel 97, and the like are output via the output port, and print status information is output to the user PC 100 via the I / F 95. The

  In the ink jet printer 20 of this embodiment configured in this way, when ink droplets are ejected from the print head 24 and printing is performed on the recording paper S, the on-off valve 78 and the on-off valve 86 are closed. Ink is supplied from the main tank 52 to the sub-tank 53 by controlling the supply pump 58, the circulation pump 76, the on-off valve 78, and the on-off valve 86 so that both the supply pump 58 and the circulation pump 76 rotate in the forward direction. The ink in the sub tank 53 is supplied to the print head 24 from the forward port 69 side, and a part of the ink is returned to the sub tank 53 from the return port 73 side via the print head 24. In the present embodiment, as described above, when printing is performed by setting the forward path 69 of the circulation path 60 to be lower than the return path 73 of the circulation path 60 and the supply port 56 of the supply path 54, Air bubbles (air) are prevented from entering the circulation path 60 from the forward path port 69 and reaching the print head 24. Thereby, printing can be performed more appropriately. Note that the bubbles generated in the sub tank 53 are discharged to the sub tank 53 from the main tank 52 via the supply path 54 and contained in the ink pressure-fed to the sub tank 53 or from the return port 73 of the circulation path 60. There are air bubbles contained in the ink.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet printer 20 of the present embodiment configured as described above, particularly the operation when replacing the ink unit will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an ink unit replacement pre-processing routine executed by the controller 90, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an ink unit replacement post-processing routine executed by the controller 90. The routine shown in FIG. 3 is executed when an instruction to collect ink from the sub tank 53 or the circulation path 60 to the main tank 52 is given by the user operating the operation unit 99 of the operation panel 97 before replacing the ink unit. This routine is executed when the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed by the user operating the operation unit 99 of the operation panel 97 after replacing the ink unit. Here, when replacing the ink unit, when the ink used in the ink system 50 is changed to an ink of a color or a type different from the current one, for example, the arrangement order of the ink circulation systems 50a to 50d (from the left in FIG. 1) Is changed from yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Sometimes, when the ink of the ink circulation system 50 is changed to an ink of a new color (a color other than cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K)), the ink of the ink circulation system 50 is changed. It is conceivable when changing from ultraviolet curable ink to water-soluble ink or oil-based ink. When the main tank 52 is out of ink, the main tank 52 alone may be replaced, the main tank 52 may be filled with ink, or the ink unit may be replaced.

  When the ink unit replacement pre-processing routine is executed, the controller 90 first opens the open / close valve 78 and closes the open / close valve 86 so that the supply pump 58 rotates in the reverse direction. Recovery control for controlling the on-off valve 78 and the on-off valve 86 is executed (step S100). By executing this recovery control, the ink in the sub tank 53 is pumped to the main tank 52 via the supply path 54, the ink level in the sub tank 53 is lowered, and the ink level in the sub tank 53 is returned to the circulation path 60. After being lower than the port 73, the ink in the circulation path 60 is discharged from the forward path port 69 to the sub tank 53 by the air entering the circulation path 60 from the return path 73 (the principle of siphon), and the ink in the sub tank 53 passes through the supply path 54. Thus, the ink in the sub tank 53 and the circulation path 60 can be returned to the main tank 52 until the ink level in the sub tank 53 becomes lower than the supply port 56 of the supply path 54. In this way, a large amount of ink can be collected in the main tank 52 by returning the ink in the sub tank 53 and the circulation path 60 to the main tank 52. In this embodiment, the collection control is terminated when the ink at the predetermined position of the supply path 54 is no longer detected by the ink detection sensor 57. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air from being pumped from the sub tank 53 to the main tank 52 via the supply path 54.

  When the execution of the collection control is finished in this way, collection end information as information indicating that is displayed on the display unit 98 of the operation panel 97 (step S110), and the ink unit replacement pre-processing routine is ended. The user who has confirmed this display releases the connection between the connector 70 of the forward path port 68 and the connector 63 of the intermediate section 62 and also disconnects the connection of the connector 74 of the return path port 72 and the connector 64 of the intermediate section 62, It is only necessary to connect the connector 70 of the forward path port portion 68 of the ink unit after replacement to the connector 63 of the intermediate portion 62 and connect the connector 74 of the return path port portion 72 to the connector 64 of the intermediate portion 62. Therefore, the ink unit can be easily replaced.

  When the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed after the replacement of the ink unit and the ink unit replacement post-processing routine of FIG. 4 is executed, the controller 90 first needs the ink amount of the sub tank 53 to clean the circulation path 60. It is determined whether or not the amount is greater than the necessary cleaning amount (step S200). For this determination, for example, a liquid level sensor for detecting the position (height) of the ink level in the sub tank 53 is attached to the sub tank 53, and the liquid level position detected by the sensor and the liquid level corresponding to the cleaning required amount are detected. An ink detection sensor that detects the presence of ink at a position higher than the reference position in the sub-tank 53 is attached to the sub-tank 53 and the ink is detected by the sensor. It can be done depending on whether or not. When it is determined that the amount of ink in the sub tank 53 is greater than or equal to the amount required for cleaning, the supply port 56 of the supply path 54 is arranged at a position higher than the reference position, and the arrangement order of the ink circulation systems 50a to 50d is the same. A case where only the change has been made (a case where the ink in the circulation path 60 has not been collected in the main tank 52) can be considered. On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount of ink in the sub tank 53 is greater than or equal to the cleaning required amount, the supply port 56 of the supply path 54 is disposed at a position lower than the reference position, or a new ink unit (the sub tank 53 is installed). For example, it may be replaced with an empty ink unit.

  When it is determined that the amount of ink in the sub tank 53 is less than the required amount of cleaning, the supply pump 58 is controlled so that the supply pump 58 rotates in the forward direction until the amount of ink in the sub tank 53 becomes equal to or greater than the required amount of cleaning. The supply control is executed (step S210). As a result, the ink in the main tank 52 is supplied to the sub tank 53 via the supply path 54. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount of ink in the sub tank 53 is greater than the required cleaning amount, the supply control in step S210 is not executed.

  Subsequently, the circulation control for controlling the circulation pump 76, the opening / closing valve 78, and the opening / closing valve 86 so that the circulation pump 76 rotates in the forward rotation direction with the opening / closing valve 78 being opened and the opening / closing valve 86 being closed. Is executed (step S220). As a result, the ink in the sub tank 53 (ink of the ink unit after replacement) is discharged from the return port 73 to the sub tank 53 via the forward route 61a, the print head 24, and the return route 61b. That is, the ink in the sub tank 53 circulates through the circulation path 60 and returns to the sub tank 53, whereby the circulation path 60 is cleaned. In this embodiment, the circulation control is finished when a predetermined time set as the time required for cleaning the circulation path 60 has elapsed since the start of the execution of the cleaning control.

  Then, after that, the on-off valve 78 is closed and the on-off valve 86 is opened, so that the circulation pump 76, the on-off valve 78, and the on-off valve 86 are controlled to rotate in the forward rotation direction. Control is executed (step S230). As a result, the ink in the sub tank 53 is discharged from the discharge port 84 to the waste liquid tank 80 via the discharge path 82, the portion from the forward path 69 to the forward path 61a, the print head 24, and the return path 61b from the print head 24 to the branch point 83. The In this embodiment, the discharge control is executed when a predetermined time set as the time required for discharging the ink in the sub tank 53 or the circulation path 60 has elapsed or when the ink is no longer discharged from the discharge port 84. To finish.

  Then, the number of cleanings n of the circulation path 60, which is set to 0 when the ink unit is replaced, is incremented by 1 (step S240), and the number of cleanings n of the circulation path 60 is compared with a predetermined number N1 (step S250). When the number of cleanings n of the circulation path 60 is less than the predetermined number of times N1, the process returns to step S210. When the number of cleanings n is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times N1 (step S250), the cleaning is performed as information indicating that the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is completed. The end information is displayed on the display unit 98 of the operation panel 97 (step S260), and the ink unit replacement post-processing routine is ended. Here, as the predetermined number of times N1, a predetermined number of times (for example, once, three times, five times, etc.), the number of times set by the user operating the operation unit 99 of the operation panel 97, or the like can be used. . By executing the supply control, the circulation control, and the discharge control in this way, the circulation path 60 (particularly, the intermediate portion 62) can be cleaned using the ink of the ink unit after replacement, and the circulation path 60 is also obtained. The ink used for the cleaning can be discharged to the waste liquid tank 80. Moreover, since the ink of the replaced ink unit is put into the circulation path 60 by the circulation control after the air enters the circulation path 60 by the above-described recovery control, a lot of ink of the ink unit before the replacement remains in the circulation path 60. In this state, the circulation path 60 can be washed more appropriately as compared with the case where the ink of the replaced ink unit is put into the circulation path 60.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The print head 24 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “ejection head” of the present invention, the main tank 52 corresponds to the “main storage portion”, the sub tank 53 corresponds to the “sub storage portion”, and the supply path 54 corresponds to the “tank”. The supply pump 58 corresponds to the “first pressure feeding means”, the circulation path 60 corresponds to the “circulation path”, and the circulation pump 76 corresponds to the “second pressure feeding means”.

  According to the inkjet printer 20 of the present embodiment described above, the supply source port 55 of the supply path 54 is disposed in the main tank 52 and the supply port 56 of the supply path 54 is disposed in the sub tank 53. In which the forward port 69 and the return port 73 of the circulation path 60 are arranged in the subtank 53 at a position lower than the print head 24, the return path 73 and the supply path of the circulation path 60 in descending order of position. When the recovery of ink to the main tank 52 is instructed before replacement of the ink unit including the main tank 52 and the sub tank 53, the sub tank 53 is configured to be the supply port 56 of the circulation path 60 and the forward path 69 of the circulation path 60. The supply pump 58 is controlled so that the ink is pumped to the main tank 52 (so that the supply pump 58 rotates in the reverse direction). Ri, can be recovered ink in the sub tank 53 and the circulation path 60 more in the main tank 52.

  Further, according to the inkjet printer 20 of the present embodiment, when the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed after replacement of the ink unit, the supply control for controlling the supply pump 58 so that the supply pump 58 rotates in the forward rotation direction is performed. This is executed as necessary to control the circulation pump 76, the on-off valve 78, and the on-off valve 86 so that the on-off valve 78 is opened and the on-off valve 86 is closed so that the circulation pump 76 rotates in the forward direction. The circulation pump 76, the on-off valve 78, and the on-off valve 86 are rotated so that the on-off valve 78 is closed and the on-off valve 86 is opened so that the circulation pump 76 rotates in the forward direction. Since the discharge control to be controlled is executed, the circulation path 60 (particularly, the intermediate portion 62) can be cleaned using the ink of the ink unit after replacement, and used for cleaning the circulation path 60. The ink can be discharged to the waste liquid tank 80.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the recovery control is executed when the ink recovery to the main tank 52 is instructed before replacing the ink unit. However, each component of the ink circulation system 50 (main tank 52 and The recovery control may be executed when the ink recovery to the main tank 52 is instructed before the replacement of the sub tank 53 or the like, or to the main tank 52 regardless of whether or not the ink unit is replaced. The collection control may be executed when the ink collection is instructed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when an instruction to collect ink from the sub tank 53 or the circulation path 60 to the main tank 52 is given, the on / off valve 78 is opened and the on / off valve 86 is closed as the collection control. The supply pump 58, the on-off valve 78, and the on-off valve 86 are controlled so that the supply pump 58 rotates in the reverse direction. In addition, the circulation pump 76 is controlled so that the circulation pump 76 rotates in the reverse direction. It is good also as what to do. In this way, the ink in the circulation path 60 can be pumped to the sub tank 53 more quickly.

  In the embodiment described above, the execution of the collection control is terminated when the ink at the predetermined position of the supply path 54 is no longer detected by the ink detection sensor 57. However, the supply port of the supply path 54 is stopped by the ink detection sensor 59. When the ink at the position (height) 56 is no longer detected, or when the position (height) of the ink level in the sub tank 53 is lower than the position of the supply port 56 of the supply path 54, the recovery control is performed. Execution of the collection control may be terminated when a predetermined time set as a time required for collecting the ink to the main tank 52 has elapsed since the start of the execution of the collection control. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the supply control, the circulation control, and the discharge control are executed when the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed after replacement of the ink unit, but each component of the ink circulation system 50 ( The supply control, the circulation control, and the discharge control may be executed when the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed after the replacement of the main tank 52, the sub tank 53, or the like. Regardless of whether the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed, the supply control, the circulation control, and the discharge control may be executed, or the supply control and the circulation control are automatically performed after the ink unit is replaced. , Control for discharging may be executed. When only the main tank 52 is changed to a different color or type of ink from the current ink (when the ink in the sub tank 53 is not changed), the discharge control for the ink in the sub tank 53 is performed. The supply control, the circulation control, and the discharge control may be executed later.

  In the embodiment described above, when the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed, the circulation control is executed and the discharge control is executed after that. However, the connector is started from the branch point 83 of the intermediate portion 62 of the circulation path 60. When the portion up to 64 is sufficiently short, the discharge control may be executed without executing the circulation control. In this case, by executing the discharge control, the portion from the forward port 69 of the circulation path 60 to the branch point 83 via the print head 24 and the discharge of the ink used for the cleaning to the waste liquid tank 80 are combined. As a result, the circulation path 60 can be cleaned and the ink used for the cleaning can be discharged more quickly. In this case, it is considered that the portion from the branch point 83 to the connector 64 of the intermediate portion 62 is not so problematic even if it is not cleaned.

  In the embodiment described above, when the cleaning of the circulation path 60 is instructed, the circulation control is executed and the discharge control is executed after that. However, the discharge port 84 of the discharge path 82 is the return path of the circulation path 60. In the arrangement that is lower than the opening 73, the circulation pump 76, the on-off valve 78, and the on-off valve are rotated so that the circulation pump 76 rotates in the forward rotation direction with both the on-off valve 78 and the on-off valve 86 being opened. 86 may be controlled. In this case, with respect to the portion from the return path 73 of the circulation path 60 to the branch point 83, the ink that has entered the circulation path 60 from the return path 73 because the return path 73 of the circulation path 60 is higher than the discharge port 84 of the discharge path 82. Is discharged from the discharge port 84 to the waste liquid tank 80 via the discharge path 82 (the siphon principle) from the return path 73 to the branch point 83 of the return path 61b. The portion from 63 to the branch point 83 can be cleaned by the ink pumped by the circulation pump 76, and the portion from the connector 64 to the branch point 83 in the intermediate portion 62 is cleaned by the flowing ink according to the siphon principle. be able to. At this time, the flow rate of ink that enters the circulation path 60 from the return path port 73 and reaches the branch point 83, and the flow rate of ink that enters the circulation path 60 from the forward path port 69 and reaches the branch point 83 via the print head 24. If the circulation pump 76 is controlled so that the circulation pump 76 rotates in the forward rotation direction at substantially the same rotation speed, the ink that has entered the circulation path 60 and reaches the branch point 83 from the return path 73 moves to the print head 24 side. Or the ink that has entered the circulation path 60 from the forward path 69 and reaches the branch point 83 via the print head 24 can be prevented from moving to the return path 73 side. The ink used for the cleaning can be discharged to the waste liquid tank 80 more smoothly.

  In the above-described embodiment, each component of the ink circulation system 50 is formed of an ultraviolet non-transmissive material. However, when the inkjet printer 20 is used with a specification that does not use ultraviolet curable ink, other than the ultraviolet non-transmissive material. It may be formed of the above material.

  In the above-described embodiment, the supply pump 58 uses a gear pump. However, the supply pump 58 can pump ink from the main tank 52 side to the sub tank 53 side and can pump ink from the sub tank 53 side to the main tank 52 side. Any configuration may be used, and for example, a tube pump or the like may be used. Similarly, the circulation pump 76 may be a tube pump.

  In the embodiment described above, the circulation path 60 releases the connection between the connector 63 of the intermediate section 62 and the connector 70 of the forward path opening 68 and connects the connector 64 of the intermediate section 62 and the connector 74 of the return path opening 72. Although the intermediate portion 62, the forward path port portion 68, and the return path port portion 72 can be separated by being released, the connector may not be provided and may be integrally formed. In this case, when the main tank 52 and the sub tank 53 are replaced together, the sub tank 53 is removed from the circulation path 60 instead of replacing the ink unit on the right side of the connectors 70 and 74 in FIG. The tank 52 and the sub tank 53 may be replaced.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is embodied in the ink jet printer 20 has been described. However, a liquid (dispersed liquid) or gel in which particles of other liquid or functional material other than ink are dispersed. The present invention may be embodied in a fluid discharge device that discharges a fluid or the like. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid in which a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display is ejected, and a liquid material in which the material is dispersed is ejected. It is good also as a liquid discharge apparatus which discharges the liquid used as a liquid body discharge apparatus and a precision pipette as a sample. Also, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid ejection devices that pinpoint lubricating oil to precision machines such as watches and cameras, micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used for optical communication elements, etc. A liquid discharge device that discharges a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid discharge device that discharges an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid discharge device that discharges gel.

  In the above-described embodiment, the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention has been described as applied to the inkjet printer 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any liquid ejection apparatus that ejects liquid from an ejection head may be used. For example, the present invention may be applied to any other OA device such as a facsimile machine or a multifunction machine.

  20 Inkjet printer, 21 Printer mechanism, 22 Carriage, 24 Print head, 29 Linear encoder, 30 Paper feed mechanism, 32 Drive motor, 34 Paper feed roller, 40 Platen, 41 Capping device, 42a Carriage motor, 42b Driven roller, 44 Carriage belt, 46 guide, 48 mechanical frame, 50, 50a to 50d ink circulation system, 52 main tank, 53 sub tank, 54 supply path, 55 supply port, 56 supply port, 57, 59 ink detection sensor, 58 supply pump, 60 Circulating path, 62 Middle section, 63, 64, 70, 74 Connector, 68 Outbound opening section, 69 Outbound opening section, 72 Return path opening section, 73 Return path opening, 76 Circulation pump, 78 On-off valve, 80 Waste liquid tank, 82 Discharge path , 3 branch point, 84 outlet, 90 controller, 92 CPU, 93 ROM, 94 RAM, 95 interface (I / F), 97 operation panel, 98 display unit, 99 operation unit, 100 user PC.

Claims (9)

A liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from an ejection head,
A main reservoir in which liquid is stored;
A sub-reservoir for temporarily storing liquid;
An inter-tank passage in which a supply source port that is one open end portion is disposed in the main storage portion and a supply port that is the other open end portion is disposed in the sub storage portion;
First pumping means provided in the inter-tank passage and capable of pumping liquid;
A circulation path that is configured to include the ejection head and that is disposed in the sub-storage part at a position lower than the ejection head, the forward path being one opening end and the return path being the other opening end;
A second pumping means that is provided closer to the forward path port than the discharge head in the circulation path and capable of pumping liquid;
With
The inter-tank passage and the circulation path are arranged in descending order of position so as to become a return path opening of the circulation path, a supply port of the inter-tank path, and an outward path of the circulation path.
Liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1,
When the recovery of the liquid to the main storage unit is instructed before the replacement of the main storage unit, the recovery unit that controls the first pumping means so that the liquid of the sub storage unit is pumped to the main storage unit Collection control means for executing control,
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: The liquid ejection device according to claim 2,
Comprising liquid detection means for detecting the presence of liquid in the tank passage;
The recovery control means is means for ending execution of the recovery control when liquid is no longer detected by the liquid detection means.
Liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first pumping means is a gear pump;
Liquid ejection device. A liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The circulation path is separable from the intermediate part including the ejection head and the forward path part including the forward path port, and is separable from the intermediate part and the return path port part including the return path port.
Liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A first on-off valve provided on the return path side from the discharge head in the circulation path and capable of opening and closing;
A discharge path communicating with the circulation path between the discharge head and the first on-off valve in the circulation path;
A second on-off valve provided in the discharge path and capable of opening and closing;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: The liquid ejection device according to claim 6,
When the cleaning of the circulation path is instructed after the replacement of the main storage section, the liquid in the sub storage section enters the circulation path from the forward path port and passes through the discharge head from the return path port to the sub storage section. A circulation control for controlling the second pumping means, the first on-off valve, and the second on-off valve so as to be discharged to the liquid, and after execution of the circulation control, the liquid in the sub reservoir Controls the second pressure-feeding means, the first on-off valve, and the second on-off valve so that the air enters the circulation path from the forward port and is discharged via the discharge head and the discharge path. Circulation discharge control means for executing discharge control,
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A discharge path that is communicated with the circulation path on the return path side from the discharge head in the circulation path and is disposed at a position lower than the return path port.
An on-off valve provided in the discharge passage and capable of opening and closing;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: The liquid ejection device according to claim 8, wherein
When the cleaning of the circulation path is instructed after replacement of the main storage section, the liquid in the sub storage section enters the circulation path from the forward path port and is discharged through the print head and the discharge path. A circulation discharge control means for controlling the second pumping means and the on-off valve;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising:

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