JP2016137673A - Liquid supply unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that it is difficult to improve the reliability in a liquid injection system in a conventional liquid supply unit.SOLUTION: A liquid supply unit may supply an ink 121 to a liquid injection head and includes: a case 61A; a sheet member 62 joined to the case 61A; and a semi-permeable membrane 39 joined to the case 61A. A first liquid storage part 35 capable of storing the ink 121 is provided between the sheet member 62 and the semi-permeable membrane 39. A second liquid storage part 36 capable of storing a solvent having a concentration lower than that of the ink 121 is provided between the case 61A and the semi-permeable membrane 39. The first liquid storage part 35 and the second liquid storage part 36 are connected through the semi-permeable membrane 39. The solvent may pass through the semi-permeable membrane 39 to move to the first liquid storage part 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid supply unit and the like.

  Conventionally, an inkjet printer is known as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. In an inkjet printer, printing on a print medium can be performed by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, from a liquid ejecting head onto a print medium such as a print sheet. Conventionally, such an ink jet printer is known to supply ink stored in a tank, which is an example of a liquid supply unit, to a liquid ejecting head. This tank is provided with an ink injection port. The user can inject ink into the tank from the ink injection port (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A configuration in which the liquid supply unit is mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus is referred to as a liquid ejecting system.

JP 2012-20495 A

  According to the liquid ejecting system described in Patent Document 1, since the amount of ink that can be stored in the tank is large, the ink injected into the tank is stored in the tank for a long period until it is consumed for printing. to continue. For this reason, it is conceivable that a part of the liquid component of the ink evaporates during this period. When part of the liquid component of the ink evaporates, the viscosity of the ink tends to increase. When the viscosity of the ink increases, the flow of ink in the flow path that guides the ink to the liquid ejecting head or the liquid ejecting head may be hindered. When this occurs, the ink ejecting performance of the liquid ejecting head is likely to deteriorate, and the print quality is likely to deteriorate. That is, the reliability in the liquid ejecting system tends to be lowered. Therefore, the conventional liquid supply unit has a problem that it is difficult to improve the reliability of the liquid ejection system.

  The present invention can solve at least the above-described problems and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A liquid supply unit capable of supplying a first liquid to a liquid jet head, comprising: a case; a flexible film bonded to the case; and a semipermeable film bonded to the case. A first liquid storage portion capable of storing the first liquid is provided between the flexible membrane and the semipermeable membrane, and the case is provided with the liquid ejecting head from the first liquid storage portion. A liquid supply part capable of supplying a first liquid is provided, and the case is provided with a liquid injection part capable of injecting the first liquid into the first liquid storage part, between the case and the semipermeable membrane. Is provided with a second liquid storage portion capable of storing a second liquid having a lower concentration than the first liquid, and the first liquid storage portion and the second liquid storage portion are connected via a semipermeable membrane, The second liquid can pass through the semipermeable membrane and move to the first liquid storage portion. Liquid supply unit according to claim.

  According to this configuration, since the second liquid can pass through the semipermeable membrane and move to the first liquid storage unit, the concentration of the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit can be reduced. Thereby, since the viscosity of the 1st liquid in a 1st liquid accommodating part can be reduced, it is easy to maintain the ejection performance of the 1st liquid in a liquid ejecting head. Therefore, it is easy to improve the reliability of the liquid jet head. Moreover, in this structure, since a 1st liquid accommodating part and a 2nd liquid accommodating part can be formed by extracting a metal mold | die in one direction, it can form with a simple structure.

  Application Example 2 In the liquid supply unit described above, a first atmospheric communication unit capable of introducing atmospheric air into the first liquid storage unit is provided between the case and the flexible film. A liquid supply unit.

  According to this configuration, since the atmosphere can be introduced into the first liquid container, the pressure in the first liquid container can be easily maintained at atmospheric pressure.

  Application Example 3 In the liquid supply unit described above, the case is provided with a second atmospheric communication unit capable of introducing the atmosphere into the second liquid storage unit.

  According to this configuration, since the atmosphere can be introduced into the second liquid storage unit, the pressure in the second liquid storage unit can be easily maintained at atmospheric pressure.

  Application Example 4 The liquid supply unit according to the above-described liquid supply unit, characterized in that a communication portion that connects the first atmosphere communication portion and the second atmosphere communication portion is provided.

  According to this configuration, the first atmospheric communication portion and the second atmospheric communication portion can be communicated with each other via the communication portion.

  Application Example 5 In the liquid supply unit described above, in the posture when the liquid supply unit is used, the second atmospheric communication unit is provided vertically below the second liquid storage unit. A liquid supply unit characterized by.

  According to this configuration, in the posture when the liquid supply unit is used, the atmosphere can be introduced into the second liquid container from the vertically lower side of the second liquid container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a liquid ejection system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the tank of Example 1. Sectional drawing which shows the tank of Example 2 typically. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a tank of Example 3. The side view when the tank of Example 3 is seen from the sheet member side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a case in Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a case in Embodiment 3. The side view when the tank of Example 3 is seen from the sheet member side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a tank of Example 4. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a case in Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a case in Embodiment 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a tank of Example 4.

  The embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a liquid ejection system as an example. In addition, in each drawing, in order to make each structure the size which can be recognized, the structure and the scale of a member may differ.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the liquid ejecting system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a printer 3 that is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus and an ink supply apparatus 4 that is an example of a liquid supplying apparatus. The printer 3 includes a transport device 5, a recording unit 6, a moving device 7, and a control unit 9. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes, which are coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, are attached. The XYZ axes are also attached to the drawings shown thereafter as necessary. In the present embodiment, a state in which the liquid ejecting system 1 is arranged on a horizontal plane (XY plane) defined by the X axis and the Y axis is a use state of the liquid ejecting system 1. The Z axis is an axis orthogonal to a horizontal plane. In the usage state of the liquid ejecting system 1, the Z-axis direction is a vertically upward direction. When the liquid ejecting system 1 is in use, the −Z axis direction is the vertically downward direction in FIG. 1. In each of the XYZ axes, the direction of the arrow indicates the + (positive) direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow indicates the-(negative) direction.

  In the printer 3, the transport device 5, the recording unit 6, the moving device 7, and the control unit 9 are accommodated in a housing 11. The conveyance device 5 intermittently conveys the recording medium P such as recording paper in the Y-axis direction. The recording unit 6 records on the recording medium P transported by the transport device 5 with ink which is an example of a liquid. The moving device 7 reciprocates the recording unit 6 along the X axis. The ink supply device 4 supplies ink to the recording unit 6. The control unit 9 controls driving of each of the above components. In the liquid ejecting system 1, at least a part of the ink supply device 4 protrudes outside the housing 11.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transport device 5 includes a driving roller 12 </ b> A, a driven roller 12 </ b> B, and a transport motor 13. The driving roller 12 </ b> A and the driven roller 12 </ b> B are configured so as to be able to rotate while contacting the outer periphery. The conveyance motor 13 generates power for rotationally driving the drive roller 12A. The power from the transport motor 13 is transmitted to the drive roller 12A through a transmission mechanism. Then, the recording medium P sandwiched between the driving roller 12A and the driven roller 12B is intermittently conveyed in the Y-axis direction.

  The recording unit 6 includes four relay units 15, a carriage 17, and a recording head 19. The relay unit 15 relays the ink supplied from the ink supply device 4 to the recording head 19. The recording head 19 is an example of a liquid ejecting unit, and performs recording on the recording medium P by ejecting ink as ink droplets. The carriage 17 has four relay units 15 and a recording head 19 mounted thereon. The recording head 19 is connected to the control unit 9 via the flexible cable 21. The ejection of ink droplets from the recording head 19 is controlled by the control unit 9.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the moving device 7 includes a timing belt 23, a carriage motor 24, and a guide shaft 25. The timing belt 23 is stretched between a pair of pulleys 26A and 26B. The pair of pulleys 26A and 26B are arranged along the X axis. For this reason, the timing belt 23 is stretched along the X axis. The carriage motor 24 generates power for rotationally driving the pulley 26A. The guide shaft 25 extends along the X axis. Both ends of the guide shaft 25 are supported by a housing (not shown) and guide the carriage 17 along the X axis.

  The carriage 17 is fixed to a part of the timing belt 23. Power is transmitted to the carriage 17 from the carriage motor 24 via the pulley 26 </ b> A and the timing belt 23. The carriage 17 is configured to reciprocate along the X axis by the transmitted power.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply device 4 includes a tank 31 that is an example of a liquid supply unit. In the present embodiment, the ink supply device 4 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) tanks 31. The plurality of tanks 31 protrude outside the casing 11 of the printer 3. The plurality of tanks 31 are accommodated in the housing 32. The housing 32 protrudes from the housing 11. Note that the housing 32 and the housing 11 may be separate from each other or may be integrated. When the housing 32 and the housing 11 are integrated, it can be said that the plurality of tanks 31 are accommodated in the housing 11 together with the recording head 19 and the ink supply tube 34.

  The tank 31 stores ink that is an example of a liquid. A liquid injection part 33 is formed in the tank 31. In the tank 31, ink can be injected into the tank 31 from the outside of the tank 31 via the liquid injection portion 33. Note that the operator can access the liquid injection portion 33 of the tank 31 from the outside of the housing 32. Further, the liquid injection part 33 is sealed with a lid (not shown). When ink is injected into the tank 31, the ink is injected after opening the lid and opening the liquid injection portion 33.

  An ink supply tube 34 is connected to each tank 31. An ink supply tube 34, which is an example of a flow path member, is connected from the ink supply device 4 to each relay unit 15. Each of the four relay units 15 is connected to the corresponding tank 31 via the ink supply tube 34. The ink in the tank 31 is supplied from the ink supply device 4 to the recording head 19 via the relay unit 15. Then, the ink supplied to the recording head 19 is ejected as ink droplets from a nozzle (not shown) directed to the recording medium P side. In the above example, the printer 3 and the ink supply device 4 are described as separate configurations. However, the ink supply device 4 may be included in the configuration of the printer 3.

  In the liquid ejecting system 1 having the above configuration, the driving of the transport motor 13 is controlled by the control unit 9, and the transport device 5 intermittently transports the recording medium P in the Y-axis direction while facing the recording head 19. At this time, the control unit 9 controls the driving of the carriage motor 24 to control the driving of the recording head 19 while reciprocating the carriage 17 along the X axis, thereby ejecting ink droplets at a predetermined position. . With such an operation, dots are formed on the recording medium P, and recording is performed on the recording medium P based on recording information such as image data.

  The ink is not limited to one of water-based ink and oil-based ink. Either a structure having a solute dissolved in an aqueous solvent or a structure having a solute dissolved in an oily solvent may be used. Hereinafter, the aqueous solvent and the oily solvent are collectively expressed as “solvent”. That is, the solvent includes both an aqueous solvent and an oily solvent.

  Various embodiments of the tank 31 will be described. In the following, in order to identify the tank 31 for each embodiment, different alphabetic characters are added to the reference numerals of the tank 31 for each embodiment.

Example 1
The configuration of the tank 31A according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, which is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the tank 31 </ b> A, the tank 31 </ b> A includes a first liquid storage unit 35 and a second liquid storage unit 36. The first liquid storage part 35 and the second liquid storage part 36 are partitioned from each other by a partition wall 37. An opening 38 is formed in the partition wall 37. The first liquid storage part 35 and the second liquid storage part 36 communicate with each other through the opening 38 of the partition wall 37. The opening 38 of the partition wall 37 is closed by a semipermeable membrane 39. That is, the first liquid storage part 35 and the second liquid storage part 36 are connected via the semipermeable membrane 39. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the opening 38 is closed by the semipermeable membrane 39 from the second liquid container 36 side. However, the direction in which the opening 38 is closed with the semipermeable membrane 39 is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the opening 38 is closed with the semipermeable membrane 39 from the first liquid storage portion 35 side may be employed.

  In the tank 31 </ b> A, an air communication unit 41, an air communication unit 42, and a liquid supply unit 43 are formed. An air communication unit 41, which is an example of a first air communication unit, communicates with the first liquid storage unit 35. The first liquid storage unit 35 is opened to the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication unit 41. An air communication part 42, which is an example of a second air communication part, communicates with the second liquid storage part 36. The second liquid storage part 36 is opened to the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication part 42. The liquid supply unit 43 communicates with the first liquid storage unit 35 and is connected to the ink supply tube 34. The first liquid storage unit 35 stores ink that is an example of the first liquid. The ink stored in the first liquid storage unit 35 is supplied to the ink supply tube 34 via the liquid supply unit 43. The liquid injection part 33 communicates with the first liquid storage part 35. For this reason, the ink injected from the liquid injection part 33 is introduced into the first liquid storage part 35.

  A liquid holding member 44 is stored in the second liquid storage portion 36. The liquid holding member 44 has a property of absorbing liquid and holding the absorbed liquid. As a material of the liquid holding member 44, for example, various materials such as foam, felt, and nonwoven fabric can be adopted. The second liquid storage unit 36 stores an ink solvent. In the second liquid storage portion 36, the ink solvent is stored in a state of being absorbed by the liquid holding member 44. Here, the ink solvent includes a solution having a lower concentration than the concentration of the solute (the density of the solute molecules) in the ink solution that is the ink in the first liquid storage unit 35. For this reason, the solvent of the ink includes a pure solvent having a solute concentration of 0 (that is, not including a solute). The ink solvent is an example of a second liquid.

  As described above, in the first liquid container 35 and the second liquid container 36 separated by the semipermeable membrane 39, the ink is stored in the first liquid container 35, and the ink is stored in the second liquid container 36. A solvent is contained. When the osmotic pressure of the ink in the first liquid storage unit 35 becomes higher than the osmotic pressure of the solvent in the second liquid storage unit 36, the solvent in the second liquid storage unit 36 passes through the semipermeable membrane 39 and passes through the first permeable pressure. It moves into the liquid container 35.

  In the ink solution, when the solvent evaporates, the concentration of the solute increases. As the solute concentration in the solution increases, the osmotic pressure of the solution increases. For this reason, when the concentration of the solute in the ink in the first liquid container 35 increases, the osmotic pressure of the ink in the first liquid container 35 increases. Then, when the osmotic pressure of the ink in the first liquid storage unit 35 increases, the solvent in the second liquid storage unit 36 moves into the first liquid storage unit 35 through the semipermeable membrane 39. Thereby, the increase in the density of the ink in the first liquid container 35 can be mitigated.

  At this time, the liquid holding member 44 in the second liquid storage unit 36 has a function of maintaining the osmotic pressure of the solvent in the second liquid storage unit 36 within a predetermined range. That is, the liquid holding member 44 maintains the osmotic pressure of the solvent in the second liquid container 36 within a predetermined range. Thereby, the density | concentration of the ink in the 1st liquid storage part 35 can be maintained in a predetermined density range. As described above, since the variation in the viscosity of the ink in the first liquid container 35 can be reduced, the ink ejection performance in the recording head 19 can be easily maintained. Therefore, it is easy to improve the reliability of the recording head 19.

(Example 2)
A configuration of the tank 31B of the second embodiment will be described. The tank 31B of Example 2 has a pressure reducing valve 47 as shown in FIG. The tank 31B of the second embodiment is similar to the tank 31A of the first embodiment except that the pressure reducing valve 47 is added to the tank 31A of the first embodiment and the liquid holding member 44 is omitted from the tank 31A of the first embodiment. It has the same composition as. For this reason, below, about the structure similar to Example 1, the same code | symbol as Example 1 is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the tank 31 </ b> B, the pressure reducing valve 47 is provided at a position that closes the atmospheric communication portion 42. The atmosphere communication unit 42 communicates with the atmosphere via the pressure reducing valve 47. For this reason, the inside of the second liquid container 36 is opened to the atmosphere via the pressure reducing valve 47. The pressure reducing valve 47 opens when the pressure in the second liquid storage unit 36 reaches a first pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The pressure reducing valve 47 is closed when the pressure in the second liquid storage unit 36 reaches a second pressure higher than the first pressure. For this reason, the pressure in the 2nd liquid accommodating part 36 is maintained in the range between a 1st pressure and a 2nd pressure. Thereby, even if the liquid holding member 44 is omitted, the osmotic pressure of the solvent in the second liquid container 36 can be maintained within a predetermined range. In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Example 3)
A tank 31C in the third embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure which has the same function as Example 1 or Example 2 among the structures in Example 3, the same code | symbol as Example 1 or Example 2 is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tank 31 </ b> C includes a case 61 </ b> A that is an example of a tank body, a sheet member 62, a liquid holding member 44, and a semipermeable membrane 39. The case 61A is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as nylon or polypropylene. The sheet member 62 is formed into a film shape from a synthetic resin (for example, nylon, polypropylene, etc.) and has flexibility. In the present embodiment, the sheet member 62 is light transmissive.

  A recess 63 is formed in the case 61A. Further, a recess 64 is formed in the recess 63. The recess 64 is included in the recess 63. The liquid holding member 44 is accommodated in the recess 64. The recess 64 is closed by the semipermeable membrane 39 in a state where the liquid holding member 44 is accommodated therein. That is, the liquid holding member 44 and the semipermeable membrane 39 are accommodated in the recess 63. The recess 63 is closed by the sheet member 62. Thus, the tank 31 </ b> C has a configuration in which the case 61 </ b> A and the sheet member 62 are joined in a state where the liquid holding member 44 and the semipermeable membrane 39 are accommodated in the recess 63. A joint portion 65 is provided in the case 61A. In FIG. 4, the joint 65 is hatched for easy understanding of the configuration. The sheet member 62 is joined to the joining portion 65 of the case 61A. In the present embodiment, the case 61A and the sheet member 62 are joined by welding.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tank 31 </ b> C includes a liquid storage portion 66 and a communication portion 67. The liquid container 66 is an area surrounded by the recess 63 (FIG. 4) of the case 61 </ b> A and the sheet member 62. The liquid storage unit 66 includes a first liquid storage unit 35 and a second liquid storage unit 36. The second liquid storage portion 36 is a region surrounded by the concave portion 64 (FIG. 4) of the case 61 </ b> A and the semipermeable membrane 39. In the present embodiment, a region obtained by removing the second liquid storage unit 36 from the liquid storage unit 66 becomes the first liquid storage unit 35.

  The communication part 67 has a first atmosphere chamber 68, a second atmosphere chamber 69, a first communication path 71, a third atmosphere chamber 72, and a second communication path 73. 5 shows a state in which the tank 31C is seen in a plan view in the direction from the sheet member 62 toward the first wall 81 (Y-axis direction), and the case 61A and the semipermeable membrane 39 are illustrated over the sheet member 62. Has been. The liquid storage portion 66, the first atmosphere chamber 68, the second atmosphere chamber 69, the first communication passage 71, the third atmosphere chamber 72, and the second communication passage 73 are separated from each other by the joint portion 65. ing.

  The case 61A includes a first wall 81, a second wall 82, a third wall 83, a fourth wall 84, a fifth wall 85, a sixth wall 86, a seventh wall 87, and an eighth wall 88. And have. A first atmospheric chamber 68, a second atmospheric chamber 69, a first communication path 71, and a third atmospheric chamber 72 are disposed on the opposite side of the fifth wall 85 from the liquid container 66 side. When the first wall 81 is viewed in plan from the sheet member 62 side, that is, when the first wall 81 is viewed in plan in the Y-axis direction, the liquid storage portion 66 includes the second wall 82, the third wall 83, It is surrounded by the fourth wall 84 and the fifth wall 85. In the liquid storage unit 66, the first liquid storage unit 35 and the second liquid storage unit 36 share the first wall 81.

  Further, when the first wall 81 is viewed in plan from the sheet member 62 side, the first atmospheric chamber 68, the second atmospheric chamber 69, the first communication passage 71, and the third atmospheric chamber 72 are the fifth wall. 85, the sixth wall 86, the seventh wall 87, and the eighth wall 88. The first wall 81 of the liquid container 66 and the first walls 81 of the first atmospheric chamber 68, the second atmospheric chamber 69, and the third atmospheric chamber 72 are the same wall. That is, in the present embodiment, the liquid container 66, the first atmospheric chamber 68, the second atmospheric chamber 69, and the third atmospheric chamber 72 share the first wall 81 with each other.

  The second wall 82, the third wall 83, the fourth wall 84, and the fifth wall 85 each intersect the first wall 81, as shown in FIG. The second wall 82 and the third wall 83 are provided at positions facing each other across the first wall 81 in the X-axis direction. The fourth wall 84 and the fifth wall 85 are provided at positions facing each other across the first wall 81 in the Z-axis direction. The second wall 82 intersects each of the fourth wall 84 and the fifth wall 85. The third wall 83 also intersects each of the fourth wall 84 and the fifth wall 85.

  The second wall 82, the third wall 83, the fourth wall 84, and the fifth wall 85 protrude from the first wall 81 in the −Y axis direction. Accordingly, the concave portion 63 is configured by the second wall 82, the third wall 83, the fourth wall 84, and the fifth wall 85 extending from the main wall in the −Y-axis direction with the first wall 81 as the main wall. The The recess 63 is configured in a direction that is recessed in the Y-axis direction. The recess 63 opens in the −Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 62 (FIG. 4). In other words, the concave portion 63 is provided in a direction that becomes concave in the Y-axis direction, that is, toward the side opposite to the sheet member 62 (FIG. 4) side. When the sheet member 62 is joined to the case 61 </ b> A, the recess 63 is closed by the sheet member 62, and the liquid storage portion 66 is configured. Each of the first wall 81 to the eighth wall 88 is not limited to a flat wall, and may include irregularities.

  A partition wall 91 is provided in the recess 63. In the recess 63, the partition wall 91 surrounds a part of the first wall 81. The partition wall 91 is located in the Y-axis direction with respect to the second wall 82 to the fifth wall 85. Thereby, a recess 64 is formed in the recess 63. The first liquid container 35 (FIG. 5) and the second liquid container 36 are separated from each other by a partition wall 91 (FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the partition wall 91 </ b> A among the partition walls 91 is located between the second wall 82 and the third wall 83 and is provided along the second wall 82. Of the partition walls 91, the partition wall 91B is located between the partition wall 91A and the third wall 83, and is provided along the third wall 83, that is, along the YZ plane. Of the partition walls 91, the partition wall 91 </ b> C is located between the fourth wall 84 and the fifth wall 85 and is provided along the fourth wall 84. Of the partition walls 91, the partition wall 91 </ b> D is located between the partition wall 91 </ b> C and the fifth wall 85. As shown in FIG. 7, the partition wall 91 </ b> D is provided along the fifth wall 85. According to the above configuration, when the case 61A is molded, the concave portion 63 (first liquid storage portion 35) and the concave portion 64 (second liquid storage portion 36) are formed by removing the mold along the Y axis. Since it can be formed, it can be formed with a simple configuration.

  A joining portion 96 is provided at an end portion of the partition wall 91 in the −Y axis direction. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the joint portion 96 is hatched for easy understanding of the configuration. The joint portion 96 is located in the Y-axis direction with respect to the joint portion 65. The joint portion 96 is provided across the partition wall 91B, the partition wall 91C, and the partition wall 91D in the partition wall 91. A part of the joining portion 96 of the partition wall 91A in the partition wall 91 is cut away. The joint portion 96 is provided over the entire circumference of the partition wall 91 except that a part of the partition wall 91A is cut away. A semipermeable membrane 39 is bonded to the bonding portion 96. In this embodiment, the joining part 96 and the semipermeable membrane 39 are joined by welding. Thereby, the 2nd liquid accommodating part 36 is comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sixth wall 86 protrudes from the fifth wall 85 on the opposite side of the fifth wall 85 to the fourth wall 84 side, that is, in the Z-axis direction of the fifth wall 85. The seventh wall 87 protrudes from the fifth wall 85 on the opposite side of the fifth wall 85 to the fourth wall 84 side, that is, in the Z-axis direction of the fifth wall 85. The sixth wall 86 and the seventh wall 87 are opposed to each other with the first atmospheric chamber 68, the second atmospheric chamber 69, the first communication passage 71, and the third atmospheric chamber 72 sandwiched along the X axis. It is provided in the position to do. The eighth wall 88 is located at a position facing the fifth wall 85 with the first atmospheric chamber 68, the second atmospheric chamber 69, the first communication passage 71, and the third atmospheric chamber 72 sandwiched along the Z axis. Is provided. The sixth wall 86 intersects each of the fifth wall 85 and the eighth wall 88. The seventh wall 87 also intersects each of the fifth wall 85 and the eighth wall 88.

  A ninth wall 101 that partitions the first atmospheric chamber 68 and the second atmospheric chamber 69 is provided between the fifth wall 85 and the eighth wall 88. A tenth wall 102 and an eleventh wall 103 are provided between the sixth wall 86 and the seventh wall 87. The first atmospheric chamber 68, the second atmospheric chamber 69, and the third atmospheric chamber 72 are separated by a tenth wall 102 and an eleventh wall 103. The tenth wall 102 is provided closer to the seventh wall 87 than the sixth wall 86, and faces the sixth wall 86. The eleventh wall 103 is provided closer to the sixth wall 86 than the seventh wall 87, and faces the seventh wall 87. The eleventh wall 103 is provided closer to the seventh wall 87 than the tenth wall 102.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sixth wall 86, the seventh wall 87, the eighth wall 88, the ninth wall 101, the tenth wall 102, and the eleventh wall 103 are each a first wall 81. Protrudes in the -Y-axis direction. The sixth wall 86 extending from the first wall 81 in the −Y-axis direction, the ninth wall 101, the tenth wall 102, and the eighth wall 88 constitute a recess 104. The sixth wall 86 extending from the first wall 81 in the −Y-axis direction, the fifth wall 85, the tenth wall 102, and the ninth wall 101 constitute a recess 105. Further, the fifth wall 85, the seventh wall 87, the eighth wall 88, and the eleventh wall 103 that extend from the first wall 81 in the −Y-axis direction constitute a recess 106.

  The recess 104, the recess 105, and the recess 106 each open in the −Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 62 (FIG. 4). In other words, the concave portion 104, the concave portion 105, and the concave portion 106 are each provided in a direction that becomes concave in the Y-axis direction, that is, toward the side opposite to the sheet member 62 (FIG. 4) side. When the sheet member 62 is joined to the case 61 </ b> A, the concave portion 104 is closed by the sheet member 62, and the first atmospheric chamber 68 is configured. Similarly, when the sheet member 62 is joined to the case 61A, the concave portion 105 is closed by the sheet member 62 to form the second atmospheric chamber 69, and the concave portion 106 is closed by the sheet member 62 to form the third atmospheric chamber. 72 is configured. The protruding amounts of the second wall 82 to the eighth wall 88 and the ninth wall 101 to the eleventh wall 103 from the first wall 81 are set to the same protruding amount.

  The second wall 82 and the sixth wall 86 have a step in the −X axis direction. The second wall 82 is located on the third wall 83 side with respect to the sixth wall 86, that is, in the X-axis direction with respect to the sixth wall 86. The third wall 83 and the seventh wall 87 have a step in the −X axis direction. The seventh wall 87 is located on the second wall 82 side with respect to the third wall 83, that is, on the −X axis direction side with respect to the third wall 83. The liquid injection portion 33 is provided between the third wall 83 and the seventh wall 87 in a state where the first wall 81 is viewed from the sheet member 62 side. The liquid injection part 33 is provided on the fifth wall 85.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first communication path 71 is provided between the tenth wall 102 and the eleventh wall 103, and communicates the second atmospheric chamber 69 and the third atmospheric chamber 72. The second communication passage 73 is provided outside the liquid storage portion 66, the first atmosphere chamber 68, the second atmosphere chamber 69, the first communication passage 71, and the third atmosphere chamber 72. The second communication path 73 allows the third atmosphere chamber 72 and the liquid storage part 66 to communicate with each other. A communication port 116 is provided in the ninth wall 101. The first atmospheric chamber 68 and the second atmospheric chamber 69 communicate with each other through the communication port 116. The second atmospheric chamber 69 communicates with the first communication path 71 through the communication port 108. The third atmosphere chamber 72 communicates with the first communication path 71 through the communication port 109. The first communication path 71 meanders. The second atmospheric chamber 69 snakes through the first communication path 71 and then communicates with the third atmospheric chamber 72.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the case 61 </ b> A is provided with an overhang portion 111. The second communication path 73 is provided in the overhang portion 111. The projecting portion 111 has a portion 111 </ b> A projecting from the fifth wall 85 in the Z-axis direction along the edge of the opening of the recess 63 in the region of the fifth wall 85 in the X-axis direction from the seventh wall 87. The part 111 </ b> A protrudes from the seventh wall 87 in the X-axis direction along the edge of the opening of the recess 106 in the seventh wall 87. The overhanging portion 111 has a portion 111 </ b> B that protrudes from the eighth wall 88 in the Z-axis direction. The overhanging portion 111 has a portion 111 </ b> C overhanging in the −X axis direction from the sixth wall 86 along the edge of the opening of the recess 104 and the recess 105 in the sixth wall 86. In addition, the overhang portion 111 has a portion 111 </ b> D overhanging in the −X axis direction from the second wall 82 along the edge of the opening of the recess 63 in the second wall 82. The second communication path 73 is configured as a groove 112 provided in the projecting portion 111 in a direction that becomes concave toward the side opposite to the sheet member 62 side. When the sheet member 62 is joined to the case 61A, the groove 112 is closed by the sheet member 62, and the second communication path 73 is configured as shown in FIG.

  Here, a recess 113 is provided in the recess 63 as shown in FIG. The recess 113 is provided in a direction toward the opposite side to the fifth wall 85 side from the fourth wall 84, that is, in a direction that becomes concave toward the −Z axis direction side from the fourth wall 84. In the recess 113, the liquid supply unit 43 is provided on the wall 114 facing the third wall 83. The liquid supply unit 43 protrudes from the wall 114 along the X axis toward the second wall 82 side.

  Further, the eighth wall 88 is provided with an air communication portion 41. The atmosphere communicating portion 41 protrudes from the eighth wall 88 on the opposite side of the eighth wall 88 to the fifth wall 85 side, that is, in the Z-axis direction of the eighth wall 88. The atmosphere communicating portion 41 is provided at a position overlapping the concave portion 104 when the eighth wall 88 is viewed in plan, that is, when the eighth wall 88 is viewed in plan on the XY plane. In the case 61A, the joint portion 65 is provided along the contours of the recess 63, the recess 104, the recess 105, the recess 106, the recess 113, the first communication path 71, and the second communication path 73.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet member 62 faces the first wall 81 with the second wall 82 to the eighth wall 88 sandwiched in the Y-axis direction. The sheet member 62 has a size that covers the concave portion 63, the concave portion 104, the concave portion 105, the concave portion 106, the concave portion 113, and the protruding portion 111 in a plan view. The sheet member 62 is welded to the joint portion 65 with a gap between the sheet member 62 and the first wall 81. Accordingly, the recess 63, the recess 104, the recess 105, the recess 106, the recess 113, the first communication path 71, and the second communication path 73 are sealed by the sheet member 62. For this reason, the sheet member 62 can also be regarded as a lid for the case 61A.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second communication path 73 has a communication port 115 and a communication port 116. The communication port 115 is an opening that opens toward the inside of the third atmospheric chamber 72. The communication port 116 is an opening that opens toward the inside of the liquid container 66. The third atmosphere chamber 72 communicates from the communication port 115 via the second communication path 73 and the communication port 116 to the liquid storage unit 66. As described above, the liquid storage portion 66 is disposed in the tank 31C via the second communication passage 73, the third atmosphere chamber 72, the first communication passage 71, the second atmosphere chamber 69, the first atmosphere chamber 68, and the atmosphere communication portion 41. It leads to the outside. That is, the communication part 67 makes the atmosphere communication part 41 and the 1st liquid storage part 35 (FIG. 5) communicate. The atmosphere that has flowed into the first atmosphere chamber 68 from the atmosphere communication portion 41 flows into the second atmosphere chamber 69 through the communication port 116. The atmosphere that has flowed into the second atmosphere chamber 69 flows into the third atmosphere chamber 72 via the first communication passage 71. Then, the air that has flowed into the third atmospheric chamber 72 flows into the first liquid storage portion 35 via the second communication path 73.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the communication port 116 communicates with the recess 64 through the notch 117 of the partition wall 91 </ b> A. Therefore, the second liquid storage portion 36 (FIG. 5) also includes the second communication passage 73, the third atmosphere chamber 72, the first communication passage 71, the second atmosphere chamber 69, the first atmosphere chamber 68, and the atmosphere communication portion 41. To the outside of the tank 31C. In other words, the communication part 67 allows the atmosphere communication part 41 and the second liquid storage part 36 to communicate with each other. The atmosphere that has flowed into the first atmosphere chamber 68 from the atmosphere communication portion 41 flows into the second atmosphere chamber 69 through the communication port 107. The atmosphere that has flowed into the second atmosphere chamber 69 flows into the third atmosphere chamber 72 via the first communication passage 71. Then, the air that has flowed into the third atmospheric chamber 72 flows into the second liquid storage portion 36 via the second communication path 73. In Example 3, the space surrounded by the notch 117 and the semipermeable membrane 39 is the atmosphere communication portion 42. For this reason, in Example 3, the atmosphere communication part 41 and the atmosphere communication part 42 communicate with each other via the communication part 67.

  Here, in the case 61 </ b> A, as shown in FIG. 7, an inlet 118 is formed in the first wall 81 in the recess 64. The injection port 118 passes through the first wall 81. A solvent is injected into the second liquid storage unit 36 from the injection port 118. When the solvent is injected into the second liquid storage unit 36, the injection port 118 is sealed with a cap (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid injection part 33 is provided on the fifth wall 85. The liquid injection part 33 is provided in a recess 119 surrounded by the seventh wall 87, the overhang part 111, the third wall 83, and the first wall 81. As described above, the overhang portion 111 protrudes closer to the eighth wall 88 than the fifth wall 85. The seventh wall 87 also protrudes closer to the eighth wall 88 than the fifth wall 85. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the first wall 81 and the third wall 83 also protrude from the fifth wall 85 to the eighth wall 88 side. The overhang portion 111 intersects both the seventh wall 87 and the third wall 83. The first wall 81 intersects both the third wall 83 and the seventh wall 87. For this reason, a region of the fifth wall 85 closer to the third wall 83 than the seventh wall 87 has a recess 119 surrounded by the seventh wall 87, the overhang portion 111, the third wall 83, and the first wall 81. It is composed. The concave portion 119 is provided in a direction that becomes concave from the fifth wall 85 side toward the fourth wall 84 side.

  With the above configuration, the liquid injection part 33 is surrounded by the seventh wall 87, the overhang part 111, the third wall 83, and the first wall 81. In other words, the liquid injection part 33 is provided in a region surrounded by the seventh wall 87, the overhang part 111, the third wall 83, and the first wall 81 in the fifth wall 85. The concave portion 119 has a function of an ink receiving portion. The ink receiving portion can receive, for example, ink overflowing from the liquid injection portion 33 or ink that has dripped down during injection. Thus, the concave portion 119 functions as an ink receiving portion that receives ink.

  In the tank 31 </ b> C, as shown in FIG. 8, which is a side view when the tank 31 </ b> C is viewed from the sheet member 62 in the direction (Y-axis direction) from the sheet member 62 to the first wall 81, 121 is accommodated. In FIG. 8, the sheet member 62 is not shown and the joint portion 65 is hatched for easy understanding of the configuration. The ink 121 in the liquid storage unit 66 is supplied from the liquid supply unit 43 to the recording head 19 (FIG. 1) via the ink supply tube 34.

  In the tank 31 </ b> C shown in FIG. 8, the pressure in the first liquid storage unit 35 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure as printing by the recording head 19 is performed. When the pressure in the first liquid storage unit 35 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure, the air in the third atmospheric chamber 72 is sent into the first liquid storage unit 35 through the second communication path 73. Thereby, the pressure in the 1st liquid accommodating part 35 is easy to be kept at atmospheric pressure. The atmosphere flows into the third atmosphere chamber 72 from the atmosphere communicating portion 41 through the first atmosphere chamber 68, the second atmosphere chamber 69, and the first communication passage 71 in this order.

  When the ink 121 in the first liquid storage unit 35 in the tank 31C is consumed and the remaining amount of the ink 121 is reduced, the operator replenishes the first liquid storage unit 35 with new ink from the liquid injection unit 33. Can do. As shown in FIG. 7, the case 61 </ b> A of the tank 31 </ b> C has an upper limit mark 122 that indicates the upper limit of the amount of ink 121 in the first liquid container 35, and a lower limit mark 123 that indicates the lower limit of the amount of ink 121. Is provided. The operator can grasp the amount of ink in the tank 31C using the upper limit mark 122 and the lower limit mark 123 as marks.

  Here, the communication port 116 is located above the upper limit mark 122 in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. The notch 117 is also located above the upper limit mark 122 in the vertical direction. For this reason, it is easy to avoid the ink 121 in the first liquid storage part 35 flowing into the second communication path 73 from the communication port 116. In addition, it is easy to avoid the ink 121 in the first liquid storage part 35 from entering the second liquid storage part 36 from the notch part 117. Also in the tank 31C having the above-described configuration, the same effect as that of the tank 31A of the first embodiment is obtained. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the path length of the communication portion 67 (FIG. 5) in the tank 31C can be made longer than those in the first and second embodiments. As a result, the ink solvent in the first liquid container 35 is unlikely to evaporate. For this reason, in Example 3, compared with Example 1 and Example 2, it is easy to suppress the increase in the density | concentration of the ink in the 1st liquid accommodating part 35. FIG.

Example 4
A tank 31D according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The tank 31D according to the fourth embodiment includes a case 61B and a pressure reducing valve 47 as illustrated in FIG. In the tank 31D in the fourth embodiment, the case 61A in the third embodiment is replaced with a case 61B. Further, in the tank 31D in the fourth embodiment, the liquid holding member 44 in the tank 31C in the third embodiment is omitted. Further, in the tank 31D in the fourth embodiment, a pressure reducing valve 47 is added to the tank 31C in the third embodiment. Except for these points, the tank 31D in the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the tank 31C in the third embodiment. For this reason, in Example 4, about the same structure as Example 3, the same code | symbol as Example 3 is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Of the configurations in the fourth embodiment, configurations having the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the case 61B, as shown in FIG. 10, a joint portion 96 provided at the end of the partition wall 91 surrounds the recess 64 over the entire circumference. That is, in the case 61B, the notch 117 in the case 61A (FIG. 7) of the third embodiment is omitted. For this reason, in the case 61B in the fourth embodiment, the joint portion 96 is provided over the entire circumference of the partition wall 91 when the case 61B is viewed in plan in the Y-axis direction. The semipermeable membrane 39 is bonded over the entire circumference of the bonding portion 96. For this reason, in Example 4, the second liquid storage unit 36 is partitioned from the first liquid storage unit 35 by the partition wall 91 and the semipermeable membrane 39. For this reason, the second liquid container 36 does not communicate with the second communication path 73.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, an air communication portion 42 is formed in the case 61B. The air communication part 42 is formed on the fourth wall 84 of the case 61B. Further, the atmosphere communication portion 42 is formed in a region overlapping the recess 64 in the fourth wall 84 of the case 61B. As shown in FIG. 11, the atmosphere communication portion 42 passes through the fourth wall 84 and the partition wall 91 </ b> C and communicates with the recess 64. For this reason, the second liquid storage part 36 can communicate with the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication part 42. The atmosphere communication part 42 is blocked by a pressure reducing valve 47 (FIG. 9).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pressure reducing valve 47 is provided on the fourth wall 84 of the case 61B. The pressure reducing valve 47 is provided on the side opposite to the concave portion 63 side of the fourth wall 84, that is, in the −Z axis direction of the fourth wall 84. The atmosphere communicating portion 42 (FIG. 10) is blocked by the pressure reducing valve 47 from the −Z axis direction of the fourth wall 84. The direction in which the pressure reducing valve 47 closes the atmosphere communicating portion 42 is not limited to this. A configuration in which the atmosphere communication portion 42 is closed from the inside of the recess 64 (FIG. 11) can also be employed. In this case, the pressure reducing valve 47 is provided on the partition wall 91C.

  In this embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 47 is composed of a sheet-like ventilation film. The ventilation film has water repellency (liquid repellency). The ventilation film is a porous sheet having fine pores. Such a ventilation film is made of, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE). A meniscus is formed on the liquid surface of the ink by the fine holes of PTFE, and the ink can be held. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking out from the atmosphere communication portion 42. The ventilation film constituting the pressure reducing valve 47 has air permeability. For this reason, when the pressure in the second liquid storage unit 36 falls below atmospheric pressure and reaches a predetermined negative pressure (first pressure), the atmosphere passes through the ventilation film and passes from the atmospheric communication unit 42 to the second liquid storage unit 36. Can flow in. The configuration of the pressure reducing valve 47 is not limited to the ventilation film, and various valves can be employed.

  As described above, the inside of the second liquid storage unit 36 is opened to the atmosphere via the pressure reducing valve 47. The pressure reducing valve 47 opens when the pressure in the second liquid storage unit 36 reaches a first pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The pressure reducing valve 47 is closed when the pressure in the second liquid storage unit 36 reaches a second pressure higher than the first pressure. For this reason, the pressure in the 2nd liquid accommodating part 36 is maintained in the range between a 1st pressure and a 2nd pressure. Thereby, even if the liquid holding member 44 is omitted, the osmotic pressure of the solvent in the second liquid container 36 can be maintained within a predetermined range. In Example 4, the same effects as in Examples 1 to 3 can be obtained.

  In the fourth embodiment, the atmosphere communication part 42 is formed in the −Z-axis direction of the second liquid storage part 36. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the atmosphere communication part 42 is formed vertically below the second liquid storage part 36. For this reason, a meniscus can be formed in the ventilation film constituting the pressure reducing valve 47 even if the solvent in the second liquid container 36 is reduced. In the fourth embodiment, since the communication part 67 does not communicate with the second liquid storage part 36, even if the ink in the first liquid storage part 35 exceeds the upper limit mark 122, the communication part 67 is not in the first liquid storage part 35. Ink can be prevented from flowing into the second liquid storage portion 36.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid ejecting system, 3 ... Printer, 4 ... Ink supply apparatus, 5 ... Conveying device, 6 ... Recording part, 7 ... Moving device, 9 ... Control part, 11 ... Housing | casing, 12A ... Drive roller, 12B ... Follower roller , 13 ... Conveyance motor, 15 ... Relay unit, 17 ... Carriage, 19 ... Recording head, 21 ... Flexible cable, 23 ... Timing belt, 24 ... Carriage motor, 25 ... Guide shaft, 26A, 26B ... Pulley, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D ... tank, 32 ... housing, 33 ... liquid inlet, 34 ... ink supply tube, 35 ... first liquid container, 36 ... second liquid container, 37 ... partition wall, 38 ... opening, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 39 ... Semipermeable membrane, 41 ... Atmospheric communication part, 42 ... Atmospheric communication part, 43 ... Liquid supply port, 44 ... Liquid holding member, 47 ... Pressure reducing valve, 61A, 61B ... Case, 62 ... Si 63, recessed portion, 64, recessed portion, 65, joining portion, 66, liquid accommodating portion, 67, communicating portion, 68, first atmospheric chamber, 69, second atmospheric chamber, 71, first communicating passage, 72, etc. 3rd atmosphere chamber, 73 ... 2nd communicating path, 81 ... 1st wall, 82 ... 2nd wall, 83 ... 3rd wall, 84 ... 4th wall, 85 ... 5th wall, 86 ... 6th wall, 87 ... 7th wall, 88 ... 8th wall, 91, 91A, 91B, 91C, 91D ... Partition wall, 96 ... Joint part, 101 ... 9th wall, 102 ... 10th wall, 103 ... 11th wall, 104 ... Recessed part, 105 ... concave portion, 106 ... concave portion, 107 ... communication port, 108 ... communication port, 109 ... communication port, 111 ... overhang, 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D ... site, 112 ... groove, 113 ... concave portion, 114 ... wall, 115 ... Communication port, 116 ... Communication port, 117 ... Notch, 118 ... Inlet, 119 ... Recess 121 ... ink, 122 ... upper mark, 123 ... lower-limit mark, P ... recording medium.

Claims (5)

A liquid supply unit capable of supplying a first liquid to a liquid jet head,
Case and
A flexible membrane joined to the case;
A semipermeable membrane joined to the case,
A first liquid storage portion capable of storing the first liquid is provided between the flexible membrane and the semipermeable membrane;
The case is provided with a liquid supply part capable of supplying the first liquid from the first liquid storage part to the liquid jet head,
The case is provided with a liquid injection part capable of injecting the first liquid into the first liquid storage part,
A second liquid storage portion capable of storing a second liquid having a lower concentration than the first liquid is provided between the case and the semipermeable membrane;
The first liquid storage part and the second liquid storage part are connected via a semipermeable membrane,
The second liquid is movable to the first liquid container through the semipermeable membrane.
A liquid supply unit. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein
Between the case and the flexible membrane, a first atmospheric communication portion capable of introducing the atmosphere into the first liquid storage portion is provided,
A liquid supply unit. The liquid supply unit according to claim 2, wherein
The case is provided with a second atmosphere communication portion capable of introducing the atmosphere into the second liquid storage portion.
A liquid supply unit. The liquid supply unit according to claim 3, wherein
A communication portion is provided for communicating the first atmospheric communication portion and the second atmospheric communication portion;
A liquid supply unit. The liquid supply unit according to claim 3, wherein
In a posture when the liquid supply unit is used, the second atmospheric communication portion is provided vertically below the second liquid storage portion.
A liquid supply unit.

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