JP2018196961A - Recording apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make air and air bubbles less likely to remain in a passage member while allowing a liquid to be filled in the passage member in a short time.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a recording apparatus comprising: a tank storing a liquid; a recording head that emits the supplied liquid from the tank; a passage connecting the tank and the recording head; and a passage member provided at a certain point in the passage. The passage member has: an inlet into which the liquid flows; a liquid chamber for storing the liquid; an outlet from which the liquid flows out; a first passage allowing communication between an upper part of the liquid chamber and the outlet; a second passage allowing communication between a lower part of the liquid chamber and the outlet; and a switching member for switching between opening and closing of the second passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a control method, and a program.

  Patent Document 1 includes a chamber, an ink flow path that communicates between the upper portion of the chamber and the ink outlet, an opening that is provided on the lower surface of the chamber and communicates between the lower portion of the chamber and the ink outlet, A pressure shock absorber is disclosed.

JP 2008-110599 A

  However, when the ink is filled in the flow path member such as the pressure buffer described in Patent Document 1, it takes time to fill due to the structure in which the lower part of the chamber and the ink outlet always communicate with each other. There is a risk that air or bubbles may remain in the flow path member.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention is intended to make it difficult for air and bubbles to remain in the flow path member while allowing the flow path member to be filled with liquid in a short time. Objective.

  The present invention relates to a tank for storing a liquid, a recording head for discharging the liquid supplied from the tank, a flow path connecting the tank and the recording head, and a flow path member provided in the middle of the flow path. The flow path member includes an inflow port through which the liquid flows in, a liquid chamber in which the liquid is stored, an outflow port through which the liquid flows out, an upper portion of the liquid chamber, and the liquid chamber A first channel that communicates with the outlet, a second channel that communicates between the lower portion of the liquid chamber and the outlet, and a switching member that switches between opening and closing the second channel. This is a recording apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when liquid is filled in the flow path member, air and bubbles are less likely to remain in the flow path member while enabling filling in a short time.

It is a figure when a recording device is in a standby state. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a recording apparatus. It is a figure when a recording device is in a recording state. (A)-(c) is a conveyance path | route figure of the recording medium fed from the 1st cassette. (A)-(c) is a conveyance path | route figure of the recording medium fed from the 2nd cassette. (A)-(d) is a conveyance path | route figure in the case of performing recording operation on the back surface of a recording medium. FIG. 3 is a diagram when the recording apparatus is in a maintenance state. (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the structure of a maintenance unit. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows a circulation type ink supply system. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows operation | movement of a circulation type ink supply system. It is a flowchart of an ink filling process. (A)-(e) is a figure which shows each state in an ink filling process. It is a flowchart of the process performed at the time of an ink collection | recovery mode. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows each state in the ink collection | recovery mode. It is a figure which shows the structure of a flow-path member. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows operation | movement of a flow-path member. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows a flow-path member.

  Hereinafter, a liquid discharge head and a liquid discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an ink jet recording head and an ink jet recording apparatus that discharge ink will be described with specific configurations, but the present invention is not limited to this. The liquid discharge head, the liquid discharge device, and the liquid supply method of the present invention are a combination of a printer, a copier, a facsimile having a communication system, a word processor having a printer unit, and various processing devices. It can be applied to a recording apparatus. For example, it can be used for applications such as biochip fabrication and electronic circuit printing. In addition, the embodiments described below are appropriate specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are attached. However, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments described below and other specific methods as long as the idea of the present invention is satisfied.

[First Embodiment]
<Internal configuration of recording device>
FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as a recording apparatus 1) used in the present embodiment. In the figure, the x direction indicates the horizontal direction, the y direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) indicates the direction in which the ejection openings are arranged in the recording head 8 described later, and the z direction indicates the vertical direction.

  The recording apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine including a printing unit 2 and a scanner unit 3, and can perform various processes relating to a recording operation and a reading operation individually or in conjunction with the printing unit 2 and the scanner unit 3. The scanner unit 3 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner), and reads a document automatically fed by the ADF and reads a document placed on a document table of the FBS by a user (scanning). )It can be performed. In the present embodiment, a multifunction machine having both the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3 is shown. However, the scanner unit 3 may be omitted. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the recording apparatus 1 is in a standby state in which neither a recording operation nor a reading operation is performed.

  In the print unit 2, a first cassette 5 </ b> A and a second cassette 5 </ b> B for accommodating a recording medium (cut sheet) S are detachably installed on the bottom of the casing 4 in the vertical direction. A relatively small recording medium up to A4 size is accommodated in the first cassette 5A, and a relatively large recording medium up to A3 size is accommodated in the second cassette 5B. Near the first cassette 5A, a first feeding unit 6A for separating and feeding the stored recording media one by one is provided. Similarly, a second feeding unit 6B is provided in the vicinity of the second cassette 5B. When a recording operation is performed, the recording medium S is selectively fed from one of the cassettes.

  The conveyance roller 7, the discharge roller 12, the pinch roller 7a, the spur 7b, the guide 18, the inner guide 19, and the flapper 11 are conveyance mechanisms for guiding the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The conveyance roller 7 is a driving roller that is arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording head 8 and is driven by a conveyance motor (not shown). The pinch roller 7 a is a driven roller that rotates while nipping the recording medium S together with the conveying roller 7. The discharge roller 12 is a drive roller that is disposed on the downstream side of the transport roller 7 and is driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 7 b sandwiches and transports the recording medium S together with the transport roller 7 and the discharge roller 12 disposed on the downstream side of the recording head 8.

  The guide 18 is provided in the conveyance path of the recording medium S and guides the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The inner guide 19 has a side surface curved by a member extending in the y direction, and guides the recording medium S along the side surface. The flapper 11 is a member for switching the direction in which the recording medium S is conveyed during the double-side recording operation. The discharge tray 13 is a tray for stacking and holding the recording medium S that has completed the recording operation and is discharged by the discharge roller 12.

  The recording head 8 in the present embodiment is a full-line type color ink jet recording head, and has a plurality of ejection openings corresponding to the width of the recording medium S along the y direction in FIG. It is arranged. When the recording head 8 is in the standby position, the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 is capped by the cap unit 10 as shown in FIG. When performing the recording operation, the orientation of the recording head 8 is changed by the print controller 202 described later so that the ejection port surface 8 a faces the platen 9. The platen 9 is constituted by a flat plate extending in the y direction, and supports the recording medium S on which the recording operation is performed by the recording head 8 from the back side. The movement of the recording head 8 from the standby position to the recording position will be described in detail later.

  The ink tank unit 14 stores the four colors of ink supplied to the recording head 8. The ink supply unit 15 is provided in the middle of the flow path connecting the ink tank unit 14 and the recording head 8, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the ink in the recording head 8 to an appropriate range. In this embodiment, a circulation type ink supply system is employed, and the ink supply unit 15 adjusts the pressure of ink supplied to the recording head 8 and the flow rate of ink collected from the recording head 8 to an appropriate range.

  The maintenance unit 16 includes a cap unit 10 and a wiping unit 17 and operates them at a predetermined timing to perform a maintenance operation on the recording head 8. The maintenance operation will be described in detail later.

<Regarding the control configuration of the recording apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in the recording apparatus 1. The recording apparatus 1 mainly includes a print engine unit 200 that controls the printing unit 2, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls the scanner unit 3, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire recording apparatus 1. The print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 in accordance with instructions from the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Details of the control configuration will be described below.

  In the controller unit 100, a main controller 101 constituted by a CPU controls the entire recording apparatus 1 according to a program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107 while using the RAM 106 as a work area. For example, when a print job is input from the host device 400 via the host I / F 102 or the wireless I / F 103, predetermined image processing is performed on the image data received by the image processing unit 108 in accordance with an instruction from the main controller 101. Apply. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the image data subjected to image processing to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

  The recording device 1 may acquire image data from the host device 400 via wireless communication or wired communication, or may acquire image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the recording device 1. Also good. A communication method used for wireless communication or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is applicable as a communication method used for wireless communication. As a communication method used for wired communication, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like can be applied. For example, when a read command is input from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits this command to the scanner unit 3 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

  The operation panel 104 is a mechanism for the user to input and output to the recording apparatus 1. The user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set a print mode, and recognize information of the recording apparatus 1 via the operation panel 104.

  In the print engine unit 200, a print controller 202 constituted by a CPU controls various mechanisms provided in the printing unit 2 while using the RAM 204 as a work area according to programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 203. When various commands and image data are received via the controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. The print controller 202 causes the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into recording data so that the recording head 8 can be used for the recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the recording head 8 to execute a recording operation based on the recording data via the head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives the feeding units 6A and 6B, the conveyance roller 7, the discharge roller 12, and the flapper 11 shown in FIG. In accordance with an instruction from the print controller 202, the recording operation by the recording head 8 is executed in conjunction with the conveying operation of the recording medium S, and printing processing is performed.

  The head carriage control unit 208 changes the orientation and position of the recording head 8 in accordance with an operation state such as a maintenance state or a recording state of the recording apparatus 1. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit 15 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 controls operations of the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17 in the maintenance unit 16 when performing a maintenance operation on the recording head 8.

  In the scanner engine unit 300, the main controller 101 controls hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 while using the RAM 106 as a work area according to programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. Thereby, various mechanisms provided in the scanner unit 3 are controlled. For example, when the main controller 101 controls hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, a document loaded on the ADF by the user is conveyed via the conveyance control unit 304 and is read by the sensor 305. . Then, the scanner controller 302 stores the read image data in the RAM 303. The print controller 202 can cause the recording head 8 to execute a recording operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302 by converting the image data acquired as described above into recording data. .

<Operation of the recording apparatus in the recording state>
FIG. 3 shows the recording apparatus 1 in the recording state. Compared with the standby state shown in FIG. 1, the cap unit 10 is separated from the ejection port surface 8 a of the recording head 8, and the ejection port surface 8 a faces the platen 9. In the present embodiment, the plane of the platen 9 is inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 at the recording position is also horizontally maintained so that the distance from the platen 9 is maintained constant. It is inclined about 45 degrees.

  When the recording head 8 is moved from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the recording position shown in FIG. 3, the print controller 202 uses the maintenance control unit 210 to lower the cap unit 10 to the retracted position shown in FIG. Thereby, the discharge port surface 8a of the recording head 8 is separated from the cap member 10a. Thereafter, the print controller 202 rotates the recording head 8 by 45 degrees while adjusting the vertical height of the recording head 8 using the head carriage control unit 208, so that the ejection port surface 8 a faces the platen 9. When the recording operation is completed and the recording head 8 moves from the recording position to the standby position, the reverse process is performed by the print controller 202.

  Next, the conveyance path of the recording medium S in the print unit 2 will be described. When a recording command is input, the print controller 202 first moves the recording head 8 to the recording position shown in FIG. 3 using the maintenance control unit 210 and the head carriage control unit 208. Thereafter, the print controller 202 uses the transport control unit 207 to drive either the first feeding unit 6A or the second feeding unit 6B according to the recording command, and feeds the recording medium S.

  4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a conveyance path when the A4-sized recording medium S accommodated in the first cassette 5A is fed. The recording medium S stacked on the top in the first cassette 5A is separated from the second and subsequent recording media by the first feeding unit 6A, and is nipped between the transport roller 7 and the pinch roller 7a, while the platen 9 And the recording head 8 are conveyed toward the recording area P. 4A shows a transport state immediately before the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P. FIG. The traveling direction of the recording medium S is changed from the horizontal direction (x direction) to a direction inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction while being fed to the first feeding unit 6A and reaching the recording area P. The

  In the recording area P, ink is ejected toward the recording medium S from a plurality of ejection openings provided in the recording head 8. The recording medium S in the area where ink is applied is supported by the platen 9 on the back surface, and the distance between the ejection port surface 8a and the recording medium S is kept constant. The recording medium S to which ink has been applied passes through the left side of the flapper 11 whose tip is inclined to the right while being guided by the conveying roller 7 and the spur 7 b, and along the guide 18, upward in the vertical direction of the recording apparatus 1. Be transported. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is conveyed upward in the vertical direction. The traveling direction of the recording medium S is changed upward in the vertical direction by the conveying roller 7 and the spur 7b from the position of the recording area P inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

  The recording medium S is conveyed upward in the vertical direction, and then discharged to the discharge tray 13 by the discharge roller 12 and the spur 7b. FIG. 4C shows a state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the discharge roller 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13. The discharged recording medium S is held on the discharge tray 13 with the surface on which the image is recorded by the recording head 8 facing down.

  FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a conveyance path when the A3-sized recording medium S accommodated in the second cassette 5B is fed. The recording medium S stacked on the top in the second cassette 5B is separated from the second and subsequent recording media by the second feeding unit 6B, and is nipped between the transport roller 7 and the pinch roller 7a, while the platen 9 And the recording head 8 are conveyed toward the recording area P.

  FIG. 5A shows a transport state immediately before the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P. FIG. A plurality of transport rollers 7, pinch rollers 7a, and an inner guide 19 are arranged on the transport path from the second feed unit 6B to the recording area P, so that the recording medium S is S-shaped. It is curved upward and conveyed to the platen 9.

  The subsequent transport path is the same as that of the recording medium S of A4 size shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is conveyed upward in the vertical direction. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the discharge roller 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13.

  FIGS. 6A to 6D show conveyance paths when a recording operation (double-sided recording) is performed on the back surface (second surface) of the A4-sized recording medium S. FIG. When performing double-sided recording, the recording operation is performed on the second surface (back surface) after recording the first surface (front surface). Since the conveyance process at the time of recording the first surface is the same as that shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, description thereof is omitted here. Hereinafter, the conveyance process after FIG. 4C will be described.

  When the recording operation on the first surface by the recording head 8 is completed and the trailing end of the recording medium S passes through the flapper 11, the print controller 202 rotates the transport roller 7 in the reverse direction to move the recording medium S to the inside of the recording apparatus 1. Transport to. At this time, the flapper 11 is controlled by an actuator (not shown) so that the front end thereof is tilted to the left side, so that the front end of the recording medium S (the rear end in the recording operation on the first surface) passes through the right side of the flapper 11. It is conveyed downward in the vertical direction. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the front end of the recording medium S (the rear end in the recording operation on the first surface) passes through the right side of the flapper 11.

  Thereafter, the recording medium S is conveyed along the curved outer peripheral surface of the inner guide 19 and is again conveyed to the recording area P between the recording head 8 and the platen 9. At this time, the second surface of the recording medium S faces the ejection port surface 8 a of the recording head 8. FIG. 6B shows a transport state immediately before the leading edge of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P for the recording operation on the second surface.

  The subsequent transport path is the same as that for recording the first surface shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is conveyed upward in the vertical direction. At this time, the flapper 11 is controlled by an actuator (not shown) so that the tip is moved to a position inclined to the right side. FIG. 6D shows a state in which the leading edge of the recording medium S passes through the discharge roller 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13.

<Maintenance operation for recording head>
Next, a maintenance operation for the recording head 8 will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 16 in the present embodiment includes the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17, and operates them at a predetermined timing to perform a maintenance operation.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram when the recording apparatus 1 is in a maintenance state. When the recording head 8 is moved from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the maintenance position shown in FIG. 7, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 upward in the vertical direction and moves the cap unit 10 downward in the vertical direction. Then, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 from the retracted position to the right in FIG. Thereafter, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 downward in the vertical direction to a maintenance position where a maintenance operation can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the recording head 8 is moved from the recording position shown in FIG. 3 to the maintenance position shown in FIG. 7, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 upward in the vertical direction while rotating the recording head 8 by 45 degrees. Then, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 to the right from the retracted position. Thereafter, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 downward in the vertical direction to a maintenance position where the maintenance operation by the maintenance unit 16 is possible.

  FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a state in which the maintenance unit 16 is in the standby position, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing a state in which the maintenance unit 16 is in the maintenance position. 8A corresponds to FIG. 1, and FIG. 8B corresponds to FIG. When the recording head 8 is in the standby position, the maintenance unit 16 is in the standby position shown in FIG. 8A, the cap unit 10 is moved vertically upward, and the wiping unit 17 is stored in the maintenance unit 16. Has been. The cap unit 10 has a box-shaped cap member 10a extending in the y direction, and by adhering it to the discharge port surface 8a of the recording head 8, the evaporation of ink from the discharge port can be suppressed. The cap unit 10 also has a function of collecting ink ejected to the cap member 10a by preliminary ejection or the like and sucking the collected ink to a suction pump (not shown).

  On the other hand, in the maintenance position shown in FIG. 8B, the cap unit 10 is moved downward in the vertical direction, and the wiping unit 17 is pulled out from the maintenance unit 16. The wiping unit 17 includes two wiper units, a blade wiper unit 171 and a vacuum wiper unit 172.

  In the blade wiper unit 171, a blade wiper 171a for wiping the discharge port surface 8a along the x direction is disposed in the y direction by a length corresponding to the arrangement region of the discharge ports. When performing the wiping operation using the blade wiper unit 171, the wiping unit 17 moves the blade wiper unit 171 in the x direction in a state where the recording head 8 is positioned at a height at which the recording head 8 can contact the blade wiper 171a. By this movement, the ink or the like adhering to the discharge port surface 8a is wiped off by the blade wiper 171a.

  A wet wiper cleaner 16a for removing ink adhering to the blade wiper 171a and applying wet liquid to the blade wiper 171a is disposed at the entrance of the maintenance unit 16 when the blade wiper 171a is stored. Each time the blade wiper 171a is housed in the maintenance unit 16, the deposits are removed by the wet wiper cleaner 16a and the wet liquid is applied. Next, when the discharge port surface 8a is wiped, the wet liquid is transferred to the discharge port surface 8a to improve the slipping property between the discharge port surface 8a and the blade wiper 171a.

  On the other hand, the vacuum wiper unit 172 includes a flat plate 172a having an opening extending in the y direction, a carriage 172b movable in the y direction within the opening, and a vacuum wiper 172c mounted on the carriage 172b. The vacuum wiper 172c is arranged so that the discharge port surface 8a can be wiped in the y direction as the carriage 172b moves. A suction port connected to a suction pump (not shown) is formed at the tip of the vacuum wiper 172c. Therefore, when the carriage 172b is moved in the y direction while operating the suction pump, the ink or the like adhering to the discharge port surface 8a of the recording head 8 is sucked into the suction port while being wiped by the vacuum wiper 172c. At this time, the flat plate 172a and positioning pins 172d provided at both ends of the opening are used for positioning the discharge port surface 8a with respect to the vacuum wiper 172c.

  In the present embodiment, the first wiping process in which the wiping operation by the blade wiper unit 171 is performed and the wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 is not performed, and the second wiping process in which both wiping processes are sequentially performed can be performed. . When performing the first wiping process, the print controller 202 first pulls out the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 with the recording head 8 retracted vertically upward from the maintenance position in FIG. Then, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 downward in the vertical direction to a position where it can contact the blade wiper 171a, and then moves the wiping unit 17 into the maintenance unit 16. By this movement, the ink or the like adhering to the discharge port surface 8a is wiped off by the blade wiper 171a. That is, the blade wiper 171a wipes the discharge port surface 8a when moving from the position pulled out from the maintenance unit 16 into the maintenance unit 16.

  When the blade wiper unit 171 is stored, the print controller 202 next moves the cap unit 10 vertically upward to bring the cap member 10 a into close contact with the discharge port surface 8 a of the recording head 8. In this state, the print controller 202 drives the recording head 8 to perform preliminary ejection, and sucks the ink collected in the cap member 10a with a suction pump.

  On the other hand, when performing the second wiping process, the print controller 202 first slides the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 with the recording head 8 retracted vertically upward from the maintenance position in FIG. Pull out. Then, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 downward in the vertical direction to a position where it can contact the blade wiper 171a, and then moves the wiping unit 17 into the maintenance unit 16. Thereby, the wiping operation | movement by the blade wiper 171a is performed with respect to the discharge outlet surface 8a. Next, the print controller 202 slides the wiping unit 17 out of the maintenance unit 16 and pulls it out to a predetermined position with the recording head 8 retracted vertically upward from the maintenance position in FIG. Subsequently, the print controller 202 positions the discharge port surface 8a and the vacuum wiper unit 172 using the flat plate 172a and the positioning pins 172d while lowering the recording head 8 to the wiping position shown in FIG. Thereafter, the print controller 202 performs the wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 described above. The print controller 202 retracts the recording head 8 upward in the vertical direction and stores the wiping unit 17, and after that, as in the first wiping process, preliminary ejection into the cap member by the cap unit 10 and suction of the collected ink are performed. Perform the action.

<Circulation type ink supply system>
FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a circulating ink supply system employed in the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The circulation type ink supply system is configured by connecting an ink tank unit 14, an ink supply unit 15, and a recording head 8. Although a circulation system for one color ink is shown here, such a circulation system is actually prepared for each ink color.

  The ink tank unit 14 is provided with a main tank 141 that stores a relatively large volume of ink. The ink supply unit 15 includes a buffer tank 151 and three pumps P0, P1, and P2 connected to the buffer tank 151. The circulation pumps P1 and P2 cause the ink in the entire circulation path to flow so that the ink in the supply system moves from the circulation pump P1 to the circulation pump P2 via the buffer tank 151.

  The buffer tank 151 is provided with a liquid level sensor 154. The liquid level sensor 154 is composed of two pins, and can detect the position (height) of the ink liquid level by detecting the presence or absence of a conduction current between the two pins. That is, by using the liquid level sensor 154, it can be detected that the ink level in the buffer tank 151 has reached the height of the liquid level sensor 154. The replenishment pump P0 operates when the remaining amount of ink in the buffer tank 151 is low, and replenishes new ink from the main tank 141. During ink replenishment, the pump P0 is controlled so that the height of the ink level does not exceed the level of the liquid level sensor 154. That is, when the ink level in the buffer tank 151 reaches the level of the liquid level sensor 154, the ink supply control unit 209 controls the pump P0 to replenish the ink from the main tank 141 to the buffer tank 151. Stop.

  A first channel 152 and a second channel 153 exist on the downstream side of the buffer tank 151. The first flow path 152 is an ink flow path that forms an ink circulation path (liquid circulation path) described later, and the second flow path 153 is a flow path for taking in air and forms an air circulation path described later. It is a flow path (details will be described later). As shown in FIG. 9A, the first flow path 152 is provided below the second flow path 153 in the vertical direction (gravity direction). Thereby, the first flow path 152 is connected to the ink layer (liquid layer) in the buffer tank 151, while the second flow path 153 is connected to the air layer in the buffer tank 151. The first flow path 152 and the second flow path 153 merge on the downstream side to form one flow path. Here, the flow path between the first flow path 152 and the second flow path 153 at the downstream side of the merge point and the recording head 8 is the third flow path 1001 (see FIG. 10). Define. Further, a flow path on the downstream side of the recording head 8 and between the recording head 8 and the buffer tank 151 is defined as a fourth flow path 1002 (see FIG. 10).

  The first flow path 152 is provided with a first flow path switching mechanism V1, and the second flow path is provided with a second flow path switching mechanism V2. The first flow path switching mechanism V1 and the second flow path switching mechanism V2 are mechanisms for switching the flow path to be used between the first flow path 152 and the second flow path 153. In this example, A valve is employed as the flow path switching mechanism. Here, although the case where two valves are used as the flow path switching mechanism is shown, as shown in FIG. 9B, one flow path is provided at the junction of the first flow path 152 and the second flow path 153. The form using the flow path switching mechanism V may be used.

  The recording head 8 has an ink discharge unit 80, a circulation unit 81, and a negative pressure control unit 82. The ink ejection unit 80 has a structure for ejecting ink droplets according to ejection data. In the present embodiment, a heater is provided for each recording element, and a voltage is applied to the heater to cause film boiling in the ink, and a method is adopted in which ink is ejected from the ejection port according to the growth energy of bubbles. To do. The negative pressure control unit 82 adjusts the ink discharge unit 80 so that the ink flows in a normal direction with an appropriate pressure. The circulation unit 81 controls ink supply from the buffer tank 151 to the negative pressure control unit 82 and ink recovery from the ink discharge unit 80 to the buffer tank 151.

  The ink supplied from the buffer tank 151 to the circulation unit 81 is supplied to the negative pressure control unit 82 via the filter 811. The negative pressure control unit 82 is provided with a negative pressure control unit H that flows out ink at a high pressure and a negative pressure control unit L that flows out ink at a low pressure. The ink that has flowed out from the negative pressure control unit H and the ink that has flowed out from the negative pressure control unit L are supplied to the ink discharge unit 80 via the circulation unit 81 through different paths.

  In the ink discharge unit 80, a plurality of recording element substrates 80a in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the y direction are further arranged in the y direction, and a long nozzle row is formed. A common supply flow path 80b for guiding ink supplied at a high pressure by the negative pressure control unit H and a common recovery flow path 80c for guiding ink supplied at a low pressure by the negative pressure control unit L are also provided for ink ejection. It is formed in the unit 80. Further, individual recording element substrates 80a are formed with individual channels connected to the common supply channel 80b and individual channels connected to the common recovery channel 80c. When a differential pressure (pressure difference) is generated by the two negative pressure control units, each recording element substrate 80a flows into the common supply channel 80b having a high pressure and flows into the common supply channel 80c having a low pressure. An ink stream is generated that flows out. When the ejection operation is performed on the recording element substrate 80a, a part of the circulating ink is consumed by the ejection, but the remaining ink is returned to the circulation unit 81 through the common recovery flow path 80c and is supplied to the circulation pump P1. After that, it is returned to the buffer tank 151.

  In such a circulation type ink supply system, since heat generated by the discharge operation of the recording element substrate 80a is taken away by the circulating ink, it is possible to suppress discharge defects caused by heat accumulation even if the discharge operation is continuously performed. it can. In addition, since the bubbles, the thickened ink, and the foreign matters that are generated during the discharge operation are less likely to stagnate, the discharge state of the nozzle can be maintained well.

  In particular, since bubbles generated by the ejection operation have a property of moving upward, when the recording operation is performed with the ejection port surface 8a, that is, the ink ejection unit 80 inclined as in the present embodiment, a specific recording is performed. There is a risk that bubbles may stay in the element substrate 80a or a specific discharge port. However, if the circulation type ink supply system is adopted, the generated bubbles can be reliably recovered through the common recovery flow path 80c, so that the degree of freedom of the posture of the recording head 8 during the ejection operation is increased. As a result, the recording position as shown in FIG. 3 is also possible, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

  However, on the other hand, at the maintenance position, it is desirable that the discharge port surface 8a be horizontal in order to make the influence of gravity act evenly on the individual recording element substrates 80a and the individual discharge ports. Therefore, the recording head 8 needs to be appropriately moved between the standby position shown in FIG. 1, the recording position shown in FIG. 3, and the maintenance position shown in FIG. Desired.

<Operation of circulating ink supply system during recording>
The operation of the circulating ink supply system during recording will be described. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the operation of the circulating ink supply system during recording. As shown in FIG. 10A, during recording, the valve that is the first flow path switching mechanism V1 is open and the valve that is the second flow path switching mechanism V2 is closed. In this case, the ink flowing out from the buffer tank 151 is supplied to the recording head 8 through the first flow path 152 and the third flow path 1001. Part of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 is consumed for recording, and the remaining ink that has not been consumed flows out of the recording head 8. The ink flowing out from the recording head 8 returns to the buffer tank 151 through the fourth channel 1002. Thereafter, the ink flows out of the buffer tank 151 again. Thus, during recording, the buffer tank 151, the first flow path 152, the third flow path 1001, the recording head 8, and the fourth flow path 1002 circulate a circulation path (an ink circulation path and an ink circulation path). Is configured).

<Operation of circulating ink supply system in ink recovery mode>
An operation of collecting the ink remaining in the circulation system and collecting it in the buffer tank 151 (operation in the ink recovery mode) will be described. When the recording head is replaced due to a failure or the like, the ink can be used without waste by replacing the recording head after collecting the ink in the circulation system and collecting it in the buffer tank 151. Further, when moving the recording apparatus 1 or the like, it is desirable to temporarily collect the ink in the circulation system and collect it in the buffer tank 151 in order to avoid ink leakage from the recording head 8.

  FIG. 10B shows the operation in the ink recovery mode. As shown in FIG. 10B, during operation in the ink recovery mode, the valve that is the first flow path switching mechanism V1 is closed and the valve that is the second flow path switching mechanism V2 is open. In this case, the air in the buffer tank 151 is sent to the third flow path 1001 through the second flow path 153, and the ink in the circulation system is pushed out to the buffer tank 151 by this air. Here, since the second flow path 153 is provided at a position higher than the ink level, the ink pushed out to the buffer tank 151 is not sent out to the circulation system again. As described above, in the ink recovery mode, air is circulated by the buffer tank 151 (the air layer thereof), the second flow path 153, the third flow path 1001, the recording head 8, and the fourth flow path 1002. A route (referred to as an air circulation route) is configured.

  In this embodiment, the ink in the circulation system is collected by sending undried air in the ink tank to the flow path, and thereby, air is taken from outside the ink jet recording apparatus and sent to the flow path. Compared to the case, the evaporation of ink can be suppressed.

<Ink filling process in initial state>
The ink filling process in the initial state of the recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The following processing starts, for example, when the recording apparatus 1 is turned on and when the main tank 141 is attached. In the initial state, both the valve that is the first flow path switching mechanism V1 and the valve that is the second flow path switching mechanism V2 are closed.

  In step S1101, the ink supply control unit 209 operates the pump P0 (not shown) to send the ink stored in the main tank 141 to the buffer tank 151 (see FIG. 12A). As a result, ink accumulates in the buffer tank 151, and the ink level reaches the level of the liquid level sensor 154 at a certain timing.

  In step S <b> 1102, the ink supply control unit 209 detects that the ink liquid level in the buffer tank 151 has reached the height of the liquid level sensor 154. In this case, the ink supply control unit 209 stops the operation of the pump P0 and stops the ink supply from the main tank 141 to the buffer tank 151 (see FIG. 12B).

  In step S1103, the ink supply control unit 209 opens the valve (first flow path switching mechanism V1) in the first flow path 152 and operates the pumps P1 and P2. As a result, the ink flows into the first flow path 152, the third flow path 1001, the recording head 8, and the fourth flow path 1002 that form the ink circulation path. Further, the height of the ink liquid level in the buffer tank 151 is reduced (see FIG. 12C).

  In step S1104, the ink supply control unit 209 sends the ink stored in the main tank 141 to the buffer tank 151 by operating the pump P0 again (see FIG. 12D).

  In step S <b> 1105, the ink supply control unit 209 detects that the ink level in the buffer tank 151 has reached the level of the liquid level sensor 154. In this case, the ink supply control unit 209 stops the operation of the pump P0, and stops the ink supply from the main tank 141 to the buffer tank 151 (see FIG. 12E). The above is the content of the ink filling process in the initial state in the present embodiment.

<Processing in ink recovery mode>
Processing executed in the ink recovery mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. The processing in the ink recovery mode starts, for example, at a timing when the user instructs to collect the ink in the ink circulation path and collect it in the buffer tank 151 via the operation panel 104.

  In step S <b> 1301, the ink supply control unit 209 performs a use flow path switching process. Specifically, the valve (first flow path switching mechanism V1) in the first flow path 152 is closed and the valve (second flow path switching mechanism V2) in the second flow path 153 is opened (FIG. 14A). )reference). Thereby, it replaces with the 1st flow path 152 and the 2nd flow path 153 will be used hereafter.

  In step S <b> 1302, the ink supply control unit 209 operates the pumps P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 to send air in the buffer tank 151 into the third flow path 1001 through the second flow path 153. Thereby, ink is removed from the second flow path 153, the third flow path 1001, the recording head 8, and the fourth flow path 1002 forming the air circulation path (see FIG. 14B). The above is the content of the process executed in the ink recovery mode in the present embodiment.

  The second flow path 153 is higher than the maximum one (maximum height) of the ink liquid level height assumed when the ink in the circulation type ink supply system is concentrated in the buffer tank 151. Provided in position. The maximum height refers to a state in which the first flow path 152, the third flow path 1001, the fourth flow path 1002, and the recording head 8 are filled with ink, and the ink liquid level reaches the height of the liquid level sensor 154. The height is converged when the ink is collected in the buffer tank 151.

<About the structure of the channel member>
As described above, in the ink circulation system in the present embodiment, members such as a valve and a pump are provided in the middle of the flow path. These members provided in the middle of the flow path are collectively referred to as flow path members. Hereinafter, the structure of the flow path member in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows a schematic structure of a flow path member in the present embodiment, specifically, a flow path that is downstream in the ink supply direction of the print head 8 and connects between the print head 8 and the buffer tank 151. The structure of the flow path member 1500 (for example, pump P1 etc.) provided in the middle of is shown. In FIG. 15, members other than the flow path member 1500 are not shown for the sake of simplicity.

  The flow path member 1500 is provided on the upstream side of the liquid chamber 1501 for storing ink, the inlet 1502 where the ink flows from the outside of the flow path member 1500, and provided on the downstream side of the liquid chamber 1501. And an outlet 1503 that flows out of the flow path member 1500. Further, the flow path member 1500 is configured to open and close the first flow path 1504 and the second flow path 1505 that communicate between the liquid chamber 1501 and the outlet 1503 on the downstream side of the flow path member 1500 and the second flow path 1505. That is, a displacement member 1506 for switching between a communication state and a non-communication state is provided.

  The liquid chamber 1501 has a top surface 1501a. The top surface 1501a becomes higher in the vertical direction (z direction) as it approaches the first flow path 1504 (as it goes from the upstream side to the downstream side). The first flow path 1504 communicates between the upper portion of the liquid chamber 1501 near the top surface 1501 a and the outlet 1503 on the downstream side in the flow path member 1500. On the other hand, the second flow path 1505 communicates between the lower part of the liquid chamber 1501 and the outlet 1503 on the downstream side in the flow path member 1500.

  A displacement member 1506, which is a switching member that switches between opening and closing of the second flow path 1505, is a flexible member such as rubber or resin, and bends according to the pressure inside the liquid chamber 1501. Specifically, when a negative pressure is applied from the outlet 1503 side by a pump (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the flow path member 1500, the displacement member 1506 reduces the capacity of the flow path member 1500. The first position 1506a is bent in the direction (that is, inward). When the displacement member 1506 is in the first position 1506a, the displacement member 1506 is in contact with the contact portion 1507, so the second flow path 1505 is closed. Accordingly, the second flow path 1505 is in a state where the liquid chamber 1501 and the outlet 1503 are not communicated (non-communication state).

  On the other hand, when the air is supplied from the inlet 1502 side by a pump (not shown) provided on the upstream side of the flow path member 1500, the displacement member 1506 has a capacity of the flow path member 1500. It bends in the increasing direction (ie, outside) to become the second position 1506b. When the displacement member 1506 is in the second position 1506b, the displacement member 1506 does not contact the contact portion 1507, so the second flow path 1505 is opened. Accordingly, the second flow path 1505 is in a state of communicating between the liquid chamber 1501 and the outlet 1503 (communication state). Note that the diameter when the second flow path 1505 is completely opened is not particularly small as compared with the diameter of the first flow path 1504, and is approximately the same as the size.

<Operation of flow path member during filling>
Hereinafter, the operation of the flow path member in the present embodiment when ink is filled will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating the operation of the flow path member 1500 during ink filling.

  When filling the flow path member 1500 with ink, a negative pressure is applied to the flow path member 1500 from the outlet 1503 side. As a result, as described above, the position of the displacement member 1506 is the first position 1506a, and the second flow path 1505 is in a non-communication state. In the non-communication state, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 1501 does not flow out from the outlet 1503 via the second flow path 1505. Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 1601, the ink that has flowed from the inlet 1502 accumulates in the liquid chamber 1501.

  This situation continues until the liquid chamber 1501 is filled with an amount of ink that exceeds the capacity of the liquid chamber 1501, as indicated by reference numeral 1602. As shown in the figure, as the liquid chamber 1501 is filled with ink, the air in the liquid chamber 1501 is moved upward and downstream (near the connection portion between the liquid chamber 1501 and the first flow path 1504). The

  Thereafter, when an amount of ink exceeding the capacity of the liquid chamber 1501 flows into the liquid chamber 1501 at a certain timing, the ink overflowing from the liquid chamber 1501 flows out through the first flow path 1504 as indicated by reference numeral 1603. 1503 flows out. Thus, by closing the second flow path 1505 during ink filling, the air and ink in the flow path member 1500 flow in the order of the inflow port 1502, the liquid chamber 1501, the first flow path 1504, and the outflow port 1503. Realize the structure.

  As described above, the flow path member 1500 includes the liquid chamber 1501 having the top surface 1501a that increases in the vertical direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the liquid chamber 1501 on the downstream side in the flow path member 1500. A first flow path 1504 that communicates between the upper part and the outlet 1503 is provided. With the structure of the flow path member 1500, before the ink flows out from the outflow port 1503, the air driven upward and downstream by the ink flowing into the liquid chamber 1501 flows out from the outflow port 1503 via the first flow path 1504. To do. Further, since the second flow path 1505 is closed, the ink does not flow out from the outlet 1503 via the second flow path 1505, so that it requires ink filling as compared with the case where the second flow path 1505 is opened. Less time is required.

  As described above, the flow path member 1500 according to the present embodiment has an advantage that ink can be charged in a short time and air and bubbles are less likely to remain inside.

<Operation of channel member during discharge>
FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the flow path member 1500 when discharging ink such as in the ink recovery mode. Here, a case where ink is discharged from a state where the flow path member 1500 is filled with ink as indicated by reference numeral 1611 is shown.

  When the ink is discharged from the flow path member 1500, air is sent from the inflow port 1502 to the flow path member 1500 to be pressurized. As a result, as described above, the position of the displacement member 1506 becomes the second position 1506b. The second flow path 1505 is in a communication state. In this state, as indicated by reference numeral 1612, the air flowing in from the inflow port 1502 is accumulated in the upper part of the flow path member 1500, while the ink in the flow path member 1500 is the first flow path 1504 or the second flow path 1505. It flows out from the outlet 1503. Finally, as indicated by reference numeral 1613, all the ink in the flow path member 1500 is discharged.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the ink is discharged, the second flow path 1505 is opened so that the ink flows out from the outlet 1503 via the second flow path 1505. As described above, the size of the diameter when the second flow path 1505 is completely opened is not particularly small as compared with the diameter of the first flow path 1504, and is approximately the same as the size. The magnitude of the resistance is about the same as that of the first flow path 1504. Therefore, compared to the case where the second flow path 1505 is closed and only the first flow path 1505 is used, the ink is less likely to remain in the flow path member 1500, and the time required for discharging the ink can be reduced.

  As described above, the flow path member 1500 in the present embodiment has an advantage that ink can be discharged in a short time and the ink hardly remains inside.

[Second Embodiment]
<About the structure of the channel member>
The structure of the flow path member is not limited to that described above. Hereinafter, the structure of the flow path member in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the flow path member in the present embodiment. Specifically, it is on the upstream side of the recording head 8 and connects between the buffer tank 151 and the recording head 8. It is a figure which shows the structure of the flow-path member 1700 provided in the middle of the flow path to perform. Note that FIG. 17A shows a case where the system for supplying ink to the recording head 8 is not an ink circulation system, and members other than the flow path member 1700 are not shown for simplicity of explanation. .

  The flow path member 1700 is provided on the upstream side of the liquid chamber 1701, the upstream side of the liquid chamber 1701, and the inlet 1702 into which ink flows from the outside of the flow path member 1700. The flow path member 1700 is provided on the downstream side of the liquid chamber 1701. And an outlet 1703 that flows out to the outside. The flow path member 1700 includes a first flow path 1704 and a second flow path 1705 that communicate between the liquid chamber 1701 and the outlet 1703 on the downstream side of the flow path member 1700, and the second flow path 1704. A displacement member 1706 that switches between a communication state and a non-communication state is provided.

  The liquid chamber 1701 has a top surface 1701a that increases in the vertical direction (z direction) from the upstream side to the downstream side. The first flow path 1704 communicates between the upper part of the liquid chamber 1701 and the outlet 1703 on the downstream side in the flow path member 1700. On the other hand, the second flow path 1705 communicates between the lower portion of the liquid chamber 1701 and the outlet 1703 on the downstream side in the flow path member 1700.

  The displacement member 1706 is displaced in response to a driving force from a power source such as a motor. For example, when the flow path member 1700 is filled with ink from the initial state where the main tank 141 is not attached to when the main tank 141 is attached to be in a recordable state, the position of the displacement member 1706 is the first position. The position 1706a is controlled (see FIG. 17B). When the displacement member 1706 is in the first position 1706a, the displacement member 1706 is in contact with the contact portion 1707, and thus the second flow path 1705 is closed. Therefore, the second flow path 1705 is in a state where it does not communicate between the liquid chamber 1701 and the outlet 1703 (non-communication state). The non-communication flow path member 1700 has an advantage that ink can be charged in a short time and air hardly remains in the flow path member 1700 as in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, when the recording apparatus 1 is moved, when the ink is discharged from the flow path member 1700 for the purpose of avoiding ink leakage from the recording head 8, the position of the displacement member 1706 is set to the second position according to the user instruction. 1706b is controlled (see FIG. 17C). When the displacement member 1706 is in the second position 1706b, the displacement member 1706 is not in contact with the contact portion 1707, and the second flow path 1705 is opened. Accordingly, the second flow path 1705 is in a state of communicating between the liquid chamber 1701 and the outlet 1703 (communication state). In this case, most of the ink in the flow path member 1700 flows out from the outlet 1703 via the second flow path 1705 provided below the first flow path 1704, and the outflowed ink is recorded in the recording head. 8 is discharged. As in the first embodiment, the size of the diameter when the second channel 1705 is completely opened is not particularly small compared to the size of the diameter of the first channel 1704, and is the same as the size. The magnitude of the flow resistance is about the same as that of the first flow path 1704. Therefore, compared with the case where the diameter of the second flow path 1705 is smaller than the size assumed in the present embodiment, the ink discharge from the flow path member 1700 via the second flow path 1705 can be completed in a short time. .

[Other Examples]
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

1500 Channel member 1501 Liquid chamber 1502 Inlet 1503 Outlet 1504 First channel 1505 Second channel 1506 Displacement member

Claims (12)

A tank for storing liquid, a recording head for discharging the liquid supplied from the tank, a flow path connecting the tank and the recording head, and a flow path member provided in the middle of the flow path. A recording device,
The flow path member communicates between an inflow port through which the liquid flows in, a liquid chamber storing the liquid, an outflow port through which the liquid flows out, and an upper portion of the liquid chamber and the outflow port. A recording apparatus comprising: a flow path; a second flow path communicating between a lower portion of the liquid chamber and the outlet; and a switching member that switches opening and closing of the second flow path.   The switching member includes a displacement member that is displaced between a first position that closes the second flow path and a second position that opens the second flow path. Recording device. When filling the flow path member with the liquid, the displacement member is in the first position,
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the liquid is discharged from the flow path member, the displacement member is in the second position.   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the displacement member is a flexible member, and the opening and closing of the second flow path is switched by bending according to the pressure inside the liquid chamber. .   When filling the flow path member with the liquid, as a result of applying a negative pressure from the outlet side, the displacement member bends in the direction of reducing the capacity of the flow path member and becomes the first position. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.   When the liquid is discharged from the flow path member, the displacement member is bent in the direction of increasing the capacity of the flow path member to be the second position as a result of being pressurized from the inlet side. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus.   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the displacement member is displaced by a driving force from a power source.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid chamber has a top surface that becomes higher in a vertical direction as the first flow path is approached. A circulation means for circulating the liquid in a circulation path including the tank and the recording head;
9. The flow path member according to claim 1, wherein the flow path member is a flow path connecting the tank and the recording head, and is installed in the middle of the flow path on the downstream side of the recording head. The recording apparatus according to any one of the above.   9. The flow path member according to claim 1, wherein the flow path member is a flow path connecting the tank and the recording head, and is installed in the middle of the flow path on the upstream side of the recording head. The recording apparatus according to any one of the above.   The control method for a recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step of switching opening and closing of the second flow path.   The program for making a computer perform the method of Claim 11.

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