JP2022014732A - Ink dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ink dispenser that is able to accurately perform color matching with an inexpensive and simple structure.SOLUTION: Each of a plurality of discharge units 40 arranged above a table 20 for each color is provided with: a plurality of ink supply units 50 that supply raw material inks Igc, Igm; and one single solvent supply unit 51 that supplies a solvent S. Each of the discharge units 40 has ink nozzles 41A, 41B that discharge the raw material inks Igc, Igm and a solvent nozzle 42 that discharges the solvent S. A washing pipe 46 is connected to leading-end portions of the ink nozzles 41A, 41B. A control unit 73 discharges a predetermined amount of raw material ink Igc (Igm) from the ink nozzle 41A (41B), thereafter, discharges the solvent S from the solvent nozzle 42 while leaving some of a predetermined amount, and discharges the rest of the solvent S from the ink nozzle 41A (41B) through the washing pipe 46.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The disclosed technique relates to an ink dispenser suitable for blending inks used in gravure printing and the like.

Generally, in gravure printing and the like, a color sample is set for each print target. Even for similar colors, the color tone differs depending on the individual print target. Therefore, when printing, it is necessary to mix the ink to be used with high accuracy so that it can be printed in the same color as the color sample (color matching).

There are methods called "spot colors" and "processes" for such color matching. In the spot color, raw material inks of various colors are mixed to mix the ink into the same color as the color sample. By printing with that ink, the same color as the color sample is reproduced on the print target.

On the other hand, in the process, the inks of cyan (indigo: C), magenda (red: M), yellow (yellow: Y), and black (black: K) are usually used as a medium or a reducer. By diluting with a colorless ink containing only pigment and resin, and by combining these colors with halftone dots at the time of printing by multicolor printing, the same color as the color sample is reproduced on the printing target.

In the case of a process, the dilution ratio of each color of ink with medium (hereinafter referred to as ink density) differs depending on the printing target. Therefore, in the process, color matching is performed by blending the raw material inks of each color to the same density as the color sample.

Such color matching is generally performed manually by a skilled operator. Therefore, color matching requires a high degree of skill and takes time. Further, since the color matching is determined by comparing the printed matter with the color sample, if the color matching takes a long time, the printing loss increases. Therefore, the printing industry is required to facilitate color matching and shorten the time.

Prior arts relating to color matching are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3. Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technique for automating the preparation of ink by spot color. Patent Document 3 describes the amount of ink (wet ink) to be applied by monitoring the color of the printed ink (dry ink) during printing and applying a predetermined correction multiplier to the color. The system for correction is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-227461 Special Table 2019-520212 Gazette Special Table 2018-506458 Gazette

In recent years, printing of small lots has increased, and the number of printing switchings has tended to increase accordingly. At the end of printing, a large amount of ink remains in the printing apparatus. In order to reduce costs, the remaining inks of each color are usually reused for the next printing without being discarded.

However, as described above, the density of the ink used differs depending on the printing target.

Therefore, it is difficult to match colors when switching printing. In order to efficiently reuse the remaining ink, it is required to mix the ink whose density has changed significantly to an appropriate density in a short time, and to reproduce the same color as the color sample in the printed state. To.

In that respect, if the techniques proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are used, ink preparation can be automated, but the structure of the apparatus is complicated in both cases. Therefore, it requires a high cost to implement. In addition, the process of blending the ink is complicated, and it takes time to formulate the ink.

In particular, the raw material ink has a high viscosity and is immediately dried and solidified. Therefore, the raw ink is difficult to handle, and it is difficult to ensure high accuracy when the ink is mixed frequently.

Therefore, the main purpose of the disclosed technology is to provide an ink dispenser capable of color matching with high accuracy while having an inexpensive and simple structure.

The technique disclosed relates to an ink dispenser that prepares a printing ink used in a printing apparatus by mixing a predetermined amount of raw material ink and a predetermined amount of solvent.

The ink dispenser supplies a table on which a container is placed, a plurality of ejection portions arranged above the table for each color, and a plurality of ink supplies for supplying the raw material ink from an ink can to each of the ejection portions. A unit, a solvent supply unit that supplies the solvent from a solvent can to each of the ejection units, a control unit that controls the operation of each of the ejection unit, the ink supply unit, and the solvent supply unit. To prepare for. Each of the ejection portions has an ink nozzle for ejecting the raw material ink into the container and a solvent nozzle for ejecting the solvent into the container.

A cleaning pipe capable of sending the solvent is connected to the tip of the ink nozzle. Then, after the control unit ejects the predetermined amount of the raw material ink from the ink nozzle, the solvent is ejected from the solvent nozzle while leaving a part of the predetermined amount, and the remaining portion is discharged through the cleaning pipe. By sending the solvent, the solvent is discharged from the ink nozzle.

That is, in this ink dispenser, ink (printing ink) used in a printing device that performs gravure printing or the like is applied to a container placed on a table from one of a plurality of ejection portions provided for each color including colorless ink. A predetermined amount of raw ink and solvent are discharged for compounding. When the density of the printing ink is low, a predetermined amount of colorless raw material ink (medium) and solvent are discharged. To increase the density of the printing ink, a predetermined amount of colored raw material ink and solvent are discharged.

A cleaning pipe capable of sending a solvent is connected to the tip of an ink nozzle that ejects raw ink. Then, when the printing ink is prepared, the raw material ink is ejected in a predetermined amount, but the solvent is not ejected as it is, but is ejected leaving a part thereof. Then, after ejecting the raw ink, the remaining solvent is sent through the cleaning pipe, and the solvent is ejected from the ink nozzle.

The raw material ink has a high viscosity and is drooling. Therefore, in order to ensure smooth ejection and high-precision quantification, the tip portion of the ink nozzle needs to have a certain size and a uniform cross section of the flow path. On the other hand, since the raw material ink dries and solidifies immediately, there is a problem that the raw material ink adheres to the pipeline, the pipeline is narrowed, and the quantitativeness of the raw ink is lowered.

Therefore, it is conceivable to eject the solvent after ejecting the raw material ink with the ink nozzle, but since the solvent has a low viscosity, it scatters when ejected with a pipeline suitable for the raw material ink. Therefore, the surrounding environment deteriorates, and a new problem arises in which the quantitativeness of the solvent cannot be ensured.

On the other hand, in this ink dispenser, after ejecting the raw ink, a part of the solvent is used to clean the tip portion of the ink nozzle with the solvent. Therefore, the scattering of the solvent can be suppressed, and the narrowing of the pipeline due to the sticking of the raw ink can also be suppressed. As a result, color matching can be performed with high accuracy while having an inexpensive and simple structure.

The ink dispenser also has a first nozzle for ejecting the colored raw material ink and a second nozzle for ejecting the colorless raw material ink, and the ink nozzle has the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The cleaning pipe may be branched and connected to each of the tip portions of the above, and the solvent may be simultaneously discharged from both the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

By doing so, both ink nozzles can be cleaned together by devising the piping configuration, so that expensive parts such as a pump can be shared and the structure can be simplified.

In the ink dispenser, the solvent supply unit may send the solvent to the discharge unit by a diaphragm pump, and a porous solvent discharge port may be attached to the tip of the solvent nozzle.

With a diaphragm pump, highly viscous raw ink can be stably sent, and it is inexpensive. Therefore, both low cost and high accuracy can be achieved.

On the other hand, in the case of a diaphragm pump, pulsation occurs at the time of liquid feeding. Therefore, when a solvent having a low viscosity is sent and discharged by a diaphragm pump, the solvent is greatly scattered due to pulsation. Further, when the liquid level in the container becomes high, the ink is scattered from the container due to the solvent flowing intermittently.

On the other hand, in this ink dispenser, since a porous solvent discharge port is attached to the tip of the solvent nozzle, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the solvent even if the liquid is sent by the diaphragm pump. Immediately after the start of liquid feeding, the pulsation is alleviated by the buffering action of the liquid feeding route. Therefore, if only a small amount of solvent is discharged, the solvent can be discharged even with a diaphragm pump in a state where scattering is suppressed. Therefore, high accuracy can be ensured for the solvent as well.

The ink dispenser also has a printing ink color that is targeted when the control unit prints with the printing device, a printing ink color actually measured after printing with the printing device, and the printing device. Based on the amount of the printing ink used in the above, a predetermined amount of the raw material ink to be blended and a predetermined amount of the solvent may be calculated.

Since the ink dispenser is used when color matching is required, such as at the start of printing or at the time of switching, the frequency of use is not high. Therefore, even if the ink dispenser has high accuracy, it is difficult to put it into practical use at a high price. Therefore, it is preferable that the ink dispenser is shared by a plurality of printing devices.

On the other hand, in this ink dispenser, the control device is used in the printing device with the target color of the printing ink when printed by the printing device, the color of the printing ink actually measured after printing by the printing device, and the color of the printing ink actually measured after printing by the printing device. A predetermined amount of raw ink (colored or colorless raw ink) to be blended is calculated based on the amount of printing ink. Therefore, even if it is shared by a plurality of printing devices, color matching can be performed with high accuracy.

The ink dispenser may also have a fluororesin ink ejection port detachably attached to the tip of the ink nozzle.

By using fluororesin as the material of the ink ejection port, even highly viscous raw ink can be smoothly ejected by suppressing adhesion. Even if the raw ink adheres to the ink ejection port, the ink ejection port can be removed and easily removed.

The ink dispenser also has a suction tube in which the ink supply section is connected to a base end portion of a hose for feeding the raw material ink and is inserted into the ink can from the tip end portion. A valve that can be opened and closed while being inserted into the ink can may be attached to the tip portion.

When the raw ink is low, it is necessary to replace the ink can. In that case, it is necessary to remove the suction tube from the ink can. At that time, if air is sucked into the suction tube, the quantitativeness of the raw material ink deteriorates. On the other hand, in the case of this suction tube, when the ink can is replaced, the valve can be closed by operating the operation rod while the ink can is inserted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air from being sucked into the suction pipe.

The ink dispenser also has a liquid level gauge for measuring the liquid level of the raw material ink stored inside, and a tube support portion for supporting the inserted suction tube at a predetermined position. When the liquid level drops to the vicinity of the valve, a signal may be output from the liquid level meter to the control unit.

By doing so, it is possible to issue an alarm or the like before the liquid level of the raw material ink drops below the bulb level, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent air from being sucked into the suction pipe.

According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to realize an ink dispenser capable of color matching with high accuracy while having an inexpensive and simple structure.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a printing site. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of an ink dispenser. It is a schematic diagram which enlarged the part of a suction tube. It is a schematic perspective view which enlarged the part of a discharge part. It is a piping block diagram which connects between the ink supply part and the ejection part in each of colored ink, colorless ink, and a solvent. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of a diaphragm pump. It is a figure which shows typically the operation at the time of driving a diaphragm pump. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between a control unit and its main related equipment. It is an image diagram of the compounding correction data. It is a figure which illustrates the flow of preparation of printing ink. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the modification of the ink can and the like. The middle figure is a top view of an ink can or the like. The upper figure is a schematic perspective view taken along the arrow A2-A2 in the middle figure, and the lower figure is a schematic perspective view taken along the arrow A1-A1 in the middle figure. It is a figure for demonstrating a modification. It is a figure for demonstrating a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is merely an example and does not limit the present invention, its application or its use.

<Printing equipment>
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a printing site. At the printing site shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of printing systems 1A, 1B, 1C for performing gravure printing are installed. An unwinding device 1a for winding the web W from the roll state is arranged at one end of each printing system 1A, 1B, 1C, and a winding device 1b for winding the web W into the roll state is provided at the other end. There is. A plurality of printing devices 1c are arranged in series between them.

Between the unwinding device 1a and the winding device 1b, each printing device 1c carries out printing using inks of different colors while carrying the web W (multicolor printing). In the case of a process, each of these printing devices 1c uses inks of cyan (indigo: C), magenda (red: M), yellow (yellow: Y), and black (black: K). .. As the types of colors used increase, so does the printing apparatus 1c. It may include a printing device 1c for coating, not for coloring.

As shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 1, each printing apparatus 1c includes a printing mechanism 2, an ink circulation supply mechanism 3, a dryer 4, and the like. The printing mechanism 2 includes a finisher roll 2a, a plate cylinder 2b, an impression cylinder 2c, a doctor blade 2d, and the like. The ink circulation supply mechanism 3 includes an ink pan 3a, an ink tank 3b, a viscosity controller 3c, and the like. The configuration of the printing apparatus 1c is an example.

At the time of printing, the ink circulation supply mechanism 3 circulates and supplies ink to the printing mechanism 2, and the printing mechanism 2 prints on the conveyed web W. The printed web W is dried by the dryer 4 and then transported to the next printing device 1c.

Specifically, the ink tank 3b stores the ink (printing ink Ie) used for printing. The viscosity controller 3c adjusts the viscosity of the circulating printing ink Ie. The ink circulation supply mechanism 3 circulates the printing ink Ie so that a predetermined amount of the printing ink Ie is held in the ink pan 3a. The finisher roll 2a rotates in contact with the rotating plate cylinder 2b and is immersed in the printing ink Ie on the ink pan 3a.

As a result, a liquid pool of the printing ink Ie is formed at the portion where the plate cylinder 2b and the finisher roll 2a are in contact with each other, and the printing ink Ie adheres to the intaglio engraved on the outer periphery of the plate cylinder 2b. .. The excess printing ink Ie is scraped off by the doctor blade 2d. The web W is conveyed in a state of being crimped between the plate cylinder 2b and the impression cylinder 2c on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder 2b with respect to the doctor blade 2d. An appropriate amount of printing ink IE adhering to the intaglio is transferred to the web W at the crimping portion.

The web W to which the printing ink Ie is transferred passes through the inside of the dryer 4 in a state of being guided by a plurality of guide rollers. In the process, the printing ink IE dries and adheres to the web W. Then, the printing ink IE is printed on the web W.

When printing is completed, the plate cylinder 2b and the finisher roll 2a are replaced, and the printing mechanism 2 is cleaned. In the cleaning operation, a predetermined amount of solvent S is supplied to the plate cylinder 2b and the like from the cleaning mechanism (not shown). The operator may directly supply the solvent S. The solvent S is used to wash off the printing ink Ie adhering to the plate cylinder 2b and the finisher roll 2a to the ink pan 3a. Then, the printing ink IE mixed with the solvent S is collected in the ink tank 3b.

In the case of the process, various shades are reproduced by combining halftone dots printed with inks of each color. The density of the ink of each color is different for each printing target (color sample). For example, even if the same cyan is used, the color tone will be different if the print target is different. Therefore, every time the print target changes, in other words, every time the print is switched, the color matching is performed so that the density of the printing ink IE is matched with the color required for the print target.

The color required for the print target, that is, the color of the printing ink Ie that is the target when printed by the printing apparatus 1c is presented in advance as a specific color sample or numerical data indicating a predetermined density. Then, in the printing systems 1A, 1B, and 1C, as shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 1, in each printing device 1c, a color pattern solidly painted by each printing device 1c on the edge of the web W separated from the printing portion. Cp is printed. In order to measure the color of the color pattern Cp, a colorimeter 5 is installed in each of the printing systems 1A, 1B, and 1C. If you do not have a colorimeter 5, you may measure with a handy type colorimeter.

Then, in order to facilitate color matching in these printing systems 1A, 1B, 1C and shorten the time, the ink dispenser 10 for blending the printing ink Ie used in each printing device 1c is the printing system 1A. , 1B, 1C.

<Ink dispenser 10>
FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the ink dispenser 10. The left figure of FIG. 2 is a view of the ink dispenser 10 seen from the front, and the right figure of FIG. 2 is a view of the ink dispenser 10 seen from the left side thereof. The ink dispenser 10 includes a table 20, a cover 30, three ejection units 40, four ink supply units 50, one solvent supply unit 51, a control panel 70, and the like.

(Table 20)
The table 20 is composed of a top plate 21, pillars 22, side beams 23, a rear beam 24, a support plate 25, and the like, and is formed of a material such as stainless steel. The top plate 21 is a rectangular plate-shaped member arranged substantially horizontally. When the ink dispenser 10 is used, a cup-shaped container R as shown by a two-dot chain line is placed on the top plate 21.

Four pillars 22 are attached to the four corners of the top plate 21 which is long on the left and right, and these pillars 22 extend downward. A wheel with a stopper is attached to the lower end of each pillar 22. On each of the left side and the right side of the top plate 21, a side beam 23 is erected between the lower ends of the two pillars 22 and 22 arranged in the front-rear direction. On the rear side of the top plate 21, the rear beam 24 is erected between the lower ends of the two pillars 22 and 22 arranged side by side. The support plate 25 is composed of a horizontally long strip-shaped member, and is attached to the rear beam 24 and the rear portions of the left and right side beams 23, 23.

(Cover 30)
The cover 30 has plates covering the left and right side surfaces, the rear surface, and the upper surface, and is formed of a material such as stainless steel. The cover 30 is installed at a position biased to the left on the top plate 21. The front surface of the cover 30 is open. A plurality of grid-shaped air suction ports 31 are formed in the lower portion of the rear surface of the cover 30. These air suction ports 31 are formed in a range extending between the left and right ends of the rear surface.

On the back side of the lower portion of the rear surface of the cover 30, a duct communicating with each air suction port 31 and an air processing device 32 having a blower or the like are attached. When the air processing device 32 operates, the air in the cover 30 is sucked and discharged from each air suction port 31. The air processing device 32 operates when the ink dispenser 10 is used.

At the upper part of the rear surface of the cover 30, three discharge portions 40 are installed at intervals in the left-right direction. Each discharge portion 40 is arranged above the table 20 in a state of protruding forward from the rear surface of the cover 30 so that the container can be placed directly under the cover 30. Each discharge unit 40 is provided for each color. In the case of this ink dispenser 10, first to third ejection units 40C, 40M, 40Y corresponding to each of the three primary colors of cyan, magenda, and yellow are provided (details of the ejection unit 40 will be described later). ).

(Ink supply unit 50, solvent supply unit 51)
The four ink supply units 50 supply the ink (raw material ink Ig) used for blending to each ejection unit 40. These ink supply units 50 include first to third ink supply units 50C, 50M, 50Y for supplying colored raw material ink Ig (color ink Igc) corresponding to the color of each ejection unit 40, and colorless raw material ink Ig. It is composed of a fourth ink supply unit 50Me that supplies (so-called medium Igm). The solvent supply unit 51 supplies the solvent S used for compounding to each discharge unit 40.

Each of the raw material ink Ig and the solvent S is generally provided in the form of an itto-kan (18 liter can) 52 (ink can 52I, solvent can 52S). In the present embodiment, the raw ink Ig is supplied directly from the ink can 52I, and the solvent S is supplied directly from the solvent can 52S.

The solvent S is a liquid having a low viscosity. It is easy to vaporize in the atmosphere, but the quality does not change even if it vaporizes. On the other hand, the raw material ink Ig has a high viscosity and is in the form of a paste. The raw material ink Ig is easily dried and solidified in the atmosphere. Therefore, the raw ink Ig is difficult to handle and adversely affects the accuracy of formulation. The ink dispenser 10 is devised so that the mixing and, by extension, the color matching can be performed with high accuracy by utilizing the difference in the properties of the raw ink Ig and the solvent S (details will be described later).

Each of the four ink supply units 50 and one solvent supply unit 51 is composed of a diaphragm pump 54, a liquid feed pipe 55, a hose 56, a suction pipe 57, a can carriage 58, and the like. A total of five diaphragm pumps 54 are installed on the support plate 25 in a state of being arranged side by side. The diaphragm pump 54 will be described later separately.

One end of the liquid feed pipe 55 is connected to the liquid discharge port 54a of each diaphragm pump 54, and the other end of the liquid feed pipe 55 is connected to each discharge portion 40. One end of the hose 56 is connected to the liquid inlet 54b of each diaphragm pump 54. The other end of each hose 56 is connected to the suction pipe 57.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the suction tube 57. The suction pipe 57 is composed of a pipe body 57a, an operation rod 57b, two flange members 57c, a ball valve 57d, and the like, and is formed of a material such as stainless steel. Two flange members 57c and 57c are attached to the upper part of the pipe body 57a at intervals in the vertical direction. The base end portion of the pipe body 57a protruding upward from the upper flange member 57c is bent in an L shape, and the hose 56 is connected to the base end portion.

A through hole is formed in each flange member 57c, and the operation rod 57b is inserted into the through hole in a slidable state. A ball valve 57d is attached to the tip of the tube body 57a. The tip portion of the operating rod 57b is connected to the shaft for opening and closing the ball valve 57d via the link mechanism 57e. By sliding the operation rod 57b, the ball valve 57d opens and closes. The form of the suction tube 57 is an example.

The suction pipe 57 is inserted from the tip end portion into the liquid outlet 52a provided on the upper surface of the Ito can 52. The lower flange portion is formed larger than the liquid outlet 52a, and the suction pipe 57 is supported by the itto-kan 52 via the flange portion. The ball valve 57d is set to be located near the bottom of the Itto-kan 52 in that state.

By operating the operation rod 57b, the ball valve 57d can be opened and closed with the suction pipe 57 inserted in the itto-kan 52. When the raw ink Ig and the solvent S are low, it is necessary to replace the Itto-kan 52. In that case, it is necessary to remove the suction pipe 57 from the Itto-kan 52. At that time, when air is sucked into the pipe body 57a, air enters the diaphragm pump 54. When air enters the diaphragm pump 54, quantitative liquid feeding becomes difficult. Then, it is necessary to remove air from the diaphragm pump 54.

On the other hand, since the suction pipe 57 is provided with an operation rod 57b and a ball valve 57d, when the Ito can 52 is replaced, the operation rod 57b is operated to close the ball valve 57d to close the tube main body. It is possible to prevent the suction of air into the 57a.

The can trolley 58 is a pedestal with casters on which the Itto-kan 52 can be placed. Normally, the can 52 into which the suction tube 57 is inserted is placed and housed under the table 20. The can trolley 58 allows the Itto-kan 52 to be freely moved within the range in which the hose 56 extends.

(Discharge unit 40)
FIG. 4 specifically shows the structure of each discharge unit 40. Each ejection unit 40 has two ink nozzles 41 (first nozzle 41A and second nozzle 41B) and one solvent nozzle 42. The first nozzle 41A ejects the color ink Igc corresponding to the color of each ejection portion 40. The second nozzle 41B discharges medium Im. The solvent nozzle 42 discharges the solvent S.

These nozzles penetrate the rear surface of the cover 30 and are led out to the front of the cover 30, and then are bent in an L shape so that their tip portions extend downward. The tip portions (vertical portions 41a) of the first nozzle 41A and the second nozzle 41B are arranged substantially in parallel with each other in close proximity to each other. The tip portion of the solvent nozzle 42 is arranged in the gap between the vertical portions 41a.

A rotary valve 43 is arranged above each vertical portion 41a. The rotary valve 43 is a known device and has a valve main body 43a attached to the vertical portion 41a and a valve drive portion 43b for rotating a rotor housed in the valve main body 43a. The rotor rotates by electrically controlling the valve drive unit 43b driven by pneumatic pressure. Thereby, the flow rate of the ink flowing through each nozzle is adjusted. In FIG. 4, the valve drive unit 43b of the second nozzle is not shown.

An ink ejection port 44 is attached to the tip of each ink nozzle 41. A solvent discharge port 45 is attached to the tip of the solvent nozzle 42. The ink ejection port 44 is made of a fluororesin tubular member, and is attached to the tip of the ink nozzle 41 so that it can be easily attached and detached.

The solvent discharge port 45 is made of a porous member having a narrowed tip, and is fixed to the tip of the solvent nozzle 42. For the solvent discharge port 45, for example, a silencer (a group of fine metal particles sintered into a predetermined shape and integrated) can be used.

A cleaning pipe 46 is connected to the lower side of each vertical portion 41a. Specifically, a cleaning pipe 46 (branch pipe 46a) is connected to the lower portion of each vertical portion 41a so as to project rearward. Then, one cleaning pipe 46 (main pipe 46b) is led out to the front of the cover 30 from a portion above the solvent nozzle 42 through the rear surface of the cover 30. The tip portion of the main pipe 46b is branched to the left and right in a substantially T shape, and is connected to each of the branch pipes 46a via a pair of relay pipes 46c and 46c.

FIG. 5 shows a piping configuration connecting between each ink supply unit 50 and each ejection unit 40. The left figure of FIG. 5 shows a piping configuration for supplying color ink Igc to each of the first to third ejection portions 40C, 40M, and 40Y. In the present embodiment, cyan (C) is supplied from the first ink supply unit 50C to the first ejection unit 40C, and magenda (M) is supplied to the second ejection unit 40M from the second ink supply unit 50M. ) Is supplied, and yellow (Y) is supplied from the third ink supply unit 50Y to the third ejection unit 40Y. The piping configuration for each color is the same. The left figure of FIG. 5 illustrates the piping configuration of cyan (C).

The middle figure of FIG. 5 shows a piping configuration for supplying medium Igm from the fourth ink supply unit 50Me to the first to third ejection units 40C, 40M, and 40Y. The right figure of FIG. 5 shows a piping configuration for supplying the solvent S from the solvent supply unit 51 to the first to third discharge units 40C, 40M, and 40Y.

Of these piping configurations, the lower portion of the table 20, that is, the configurations of the ink supply unit 50 and the solvent supply unit 51 described above are the same for all of the color ink Igc, the medium Igm, and the solvent S. From the ink can 52I or the solvent can 52S, the color ink Igc, the medium Igm, or the solvent S is sent to each discharge unit 40 by the drive of the diaphragm pump 54.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the structure of the diaphragm pump 54. The diaphragm pump 54 is a known positive displacement pump. The diaphragm pump 54 is composed of a pump main body 54c, a liquid introduction pipe 54d, a liquid lead-out pipe 54e, and the like. The pump main body 54c has a pair of pump chambers 54f and 54f provided so as to face each other on the left and right sides. Each pump chamber 54f is divided into a liquid chamber 54fL and an air chamber 54fA by a diaphragm 54g. These diaphragms 54g and 54g are connected by a shaft and move left and right in conjunction with each other.

The liquid outlet pipe 54e is bifurcated from the above-mentioned liquid discharge port 54a and communicates with the upper part of each liquid chamber 54fL. The liquid introduction pipe 54d is bifurcated from the above-mentioned liquid inlet 54b and communicates with the lower part of each liquid chamber 54fL. A check valve for preventing inflow into the liquid chamber 54fL is installed at each branch portion of the liquid lead-out pipe 54e. A check valve for preventing outflow from the liquid chamber 54fL is installed at each branch portion of the liquid introduction pipe 54d.

A pressure sensor 59 for measuring the pressure of the air chamber 54fA is installed in the pump main body 54c. The diaphragm pump 54 is also provided with a pneumatic control mechanism that controls the pneumatic pressure of each air chamber 54fA to drive the diaphragm pump 54, but the illustration thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the diaphragm of each pump chamber 54f reciprocates left and right by pneumatic control. As a result, ink or the like is introduced into the liquid chamber 54fL of one pump chamber 54f through the liquid introduction pipe 54d, and the raw material ink Ig or the like is led out from the liquid chamber 54fL of the other pump chamber 54f through the liquid outlet pipe 54e. The diaphragm pump 54 repeatedly sends the raw ink Ig and the like by repeating such an operation.

Therefore, the diaphragm pump 54 is excellent in volume, but has a feature that pulsation occurs at the time of liquid feeding. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, an air chamber 60 is installed in a portion on the upstream side of each liquid feeding pipe 55 in order to suppress pulsation during liquid feeding. Specifically, a container containing air inside is connected to a pipe branched from the liquid feeding pipe 55. The inside of the container communicates with the liquid feeding pipe 55, and the pulsation at the time of liquid feeding is alleviated by the buffering action of the gas in the container.

On the other hand, the piping configuration on the upper side of the table 20 is different for each of the color ink Igc, the medium Igm, and the solvent S. In the case of the piping configuration of the color ink Igc, that is, each of the first to third ink supply units 50C, 50M, 50Y is connected to the first nozzle 41A of each of the first to third ejection units 40C, 40M, 40Y. Has been done. In the case of the medium Igm pipe configuration, that is, the fourth ink supply unit 50Me is branched into three colorless ink pipes 61, 61, 61 on the downstream side of the liquid feed pipe 55. Each of these colorless ink distribution pipes 61 is connected to the second nozzle 41B of each of the first to third ejection portions 40C, 40M, and 40Y.

The piping configuration of the solvent S is also branched into three solvent component pipes 62, 62, 62 corresponding to each of the first to third discharge portions 40C, 40M, 40Y on the downstream side of the liquid feed pipe 55. In the case of the solvent S, these solvent component pipes 62 are further branched into two, a solvent supply pipe 63 and a solvent cleaning pipe 64. The solvent supply pipe 63 is connected to the solvent nozzle 42, and the solvent cleaning pipe 64 is connected to the main pipe 46b of the cleaning pipe 46.

A rotary valve 65 is installed on the upstream side of each of the solvent supply pipe 63 and the solvent cleaning pipe 64. The rotary valve 65 for the solvent has the same structure as the rotary valve 43 for ink described above, except for the position where the rotary valve 65 is installed. The rotary valve 65 for solvent is installed at a position away from the ink nozzle 41 and the solvent nozzle 42, unlike the rotary valve 43 for ink installed in the vertical portion 41a.

A check valve 66 for preventing the backflow of the solvent S is installed on the downstream side of each branch pipe 46a of the cleaning pipe 46 (the connection relationship is indicated by circle numbers 1 and 2 in FIG. 5).

(Control panel 70)
As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 70 is installed on the right side of the cover 30 on the top plate 21 in a state of being supported by the frame frame 71. A touch panel 72 for operating the ink dispenser 10 is provided on the front surface of the control panel 70. Inside the control panel 70, a control unit 73 (control unit) composed of an electric device such as a sequencer (PLC) and a pneumatic control device such as a relay used for pneumatic control is installed. The control unit 73 controls the operation of each of the ejection unit 40, each ink supply unit 50, and the solvent supply unit 51. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the control unit 73 and its main related equipment.

The pressure sensor 59 measures the pressure in the air chamber 54fA of each diaphragm pump 54, and inputs the signal to the control unit 73. The control unit 73 calculates the discharge amount from the pressure change of the air chamber 54fA, and controls the drive of each diaphragm pump 54 based on the calculated discharge amount. Further, the control unit 73 controls the drive of each diaphragm pump 54 and each rotary valve 43, 65 according to the operation on the touch panel 72. As a result, a predetermined amount of the raw material ink Ig and a predetermined amount of the solvent S are mixed to prepare the printing ink Ie used in each printing apparatus 1c.

Specifically, it is assumed that the operator uses the ink dispenser 10 to prepare the printing ink Ie used in the printing apparatus 1c that prints a predetermined color (for example, cyan) in order to perform color matching. do. As shown in FIG. 1, a colorimeter 5 is installed in each printing system 1A, 1B, 1C, and the color of the color pattern Cp printed by each printing device 1c at the time of printing, that is, actually measured. The color of the printing ink Ie (for example, the color density of cyan) is measured. Further, the amount of printing ink Ie used in the printing device 1c (total amount of ink possessed by the ink circulation supply mechanism 3) can be specified from the amount of ink stored in the ink tank 3b of each printing device 1c.

The operator places a container R for containing the ink to be blended below the ejection unit 40 of the corresponding color (for example, the first ejection unit 40C). Then, the set value (color set value) of the color (for example, cyan color density) of the printing ink Ie that is the target at the time of printing, and the measured value (color measured value) of the color of the printing ink Ie actually measured after printing. ), And the amount of printing ink Ie (ink usage amount) used in the printing apparatus 1c is input by the touch panel 72. It may be automatically entered.

The control unit 73 calculates the difference between the measured color values and the color set values based on these input values, and with respect to the amount of ink used, the predetermined amount of raw ink Ig and the solvent S required to eliminate the difference. Calculate the prescribed amount of. The control unit 73 controls the drive of each diaphragm pump 54 and each rotary valve 43 based on the calculation result, and discharges a predetermined amount of raw material ink Ig and a predetermined amount of solvent S into the container R.

When ejecting the raw material ink Ig or the solvent S, the control unit 73 operates the air treatment device 32 to prevent the vaporized solvent S from leaking out of the cover 30.

<Ink dispenser 10 device>
Since the ink dispenser 10 is used when color matching is required, such as at the start of printing or at the time of switching, the frequency of use is not high. Therefore, even if the ink dispenser 10 has high accuracy, it is difficult to put it into practical use at a high price. In that respect, the ink dispenser 10 employs a diaphragm pump 54 for each of the pumps of the ink supply unit 50 and the solvent supply unit 51, which have a high cost ratio. The diaphragm pump 54 can stably feed the raw ink Ig having a high viscosity, and is inexpensive. As a result, the ink dispenser 10 achieves both low cost and accuracy.

For example, in color matching of a general gravure printing process ink, the amount of printing ink Ie used in the printing apparatus 1c is required to be at least about 5 kg, and the accuracy required for the formulation is the color ink Igc. Or, in terms of the ratio of the amount of medium Igm, it is rarely stricter than 1%. Therefore, an error of about ± 50 g is allowed for the accuracy of the amount of ejected ink. Therefore, if a diaphragm pump having a capacity of about 25 cc is used, the required accuracy can be achieved without any problem.

(Structural ingenuity)
The raw material ink Ig immediately dries and solidifies in the atmosphere. Therefore, if the tip portion of the ink nozzle 41 that ejects the raw material ink Ig is left in a state where the raw material ink Ig is attached, the raw material ink Ig solidifies and the pipeline becomes narrow. On the other hand, in the ink dispenser 10, the rotary valve 43 is arranged in the vertical portion 41a. By doing so, the range of exposure of the raw ink Ig to the atmosphere is minimized.

Further, a removable fluororesin ink ejection port 44 is attached to the tip of each ink nozzle 41. By using the ink ejection port 44 as such a material, the raw ink Ig having a high viscosity can be smoothly flowed down from the ink ejection port 44 while suppressing adhesion. Even if the raw ink Ig adheres to the ink ejection port 44, it can be easily removed and removed.

Further, in order to suppress the adhesion of the raw ink Ig, the tip portion of each ink nozzle 41 is configured to be washable with the solvent S. That is, as described above, the cleaning pipe 46 is connected to the lower side of the vertical portion 41a of each ink nozzle 41, and the solvent S can be supplied to the pipeline on the downstream side of the rotary valve 43.

Further, the cleaning pipe 46 branched from the solvent supply unit 51 is further branched, and the solvent S is simultaneously discharged from both the first nozzle 41A and the second nozzle 41B. By doing so, the sharing of members and the simplification of the structure are realized.

Pulsation occurs when the liquid is sent by the diaphragm pump 54. Therefore, when the solvent S having a low viscosity is discharged from the solvent nozzle 42, there is a problem that the solvent S is scattered due to the influence of the pulsation, or the ink in the container R is splashed by the impact of the flowing solvent S. do. On the other hand, in the ink dispenser 10, a predetermined solvent ejection port 45 is attached to the tip of the solvent nozzle 42. The solvent discharge port 45 can smoothly flow down the solvent S from the solvent discharge port 45 while suppressing the scattering of the solvent S and the splashing of ink.

(Ingenuity in control)
As mentioned above, the frequency of use of the ink dispenser 10 is not high. Therefore, the ink dispenser 10 is shared by a plurality of printing devices 1c, and the control unit 73 is devised so that color matching can be performed with high accuracy.

Specifically, the compounding correction data 73a corresponding to each printing device 1c is set in advance in the control unit 73.

As described above, each structure of the printing apparatus 1c is basically the same. Therefore, it should be possible to set the amount of these inks used without distinction, but in reality, there are unique differences in each printing apparatus 1c due to the influence of dimensional differences, installation conditions, and the like. Therefore, if the amount of ink used is calculated under the same conditions, the mixing accuracy will decrease depending on the printing apparatus 1c.

Therefore, in the control unit 73, compounding correction data 73a corresponding to each printing device 1c is set (stored in a memory). FIG. 9 schematically shows the compounding correction data 73a. In the compounding correction data 73a, a density correction value peculiar to the printing device 1c is set for each printing device 1c by a preliminary test or the like.

The control unit 73 specifies the corresponding density correction value from the blending correction data 73a based on the model number of the printing device 1c input from the touch panel 72. Then, the control unit 73 corrects the calculated values of the respective predetermined amounts of the printing ink Ie and the solvent S to be prepared for use in the printing device 1c based on the density correction value. Therefore, according to this ink dispenser 10, it can be shared by a plurality of printing devices 1c, and high-precision blending can be performed by each printing device 1c.

Further, the ink dispenser 10 is devised so that the ink nozzle 41 can be efficiently cleaned.

Specifically, the control unit 73 controls the operation of each diaphragm pump 54 and each rotary valve 43 so that the ink nozzles 41 can be washed at the same time when the printing ink Ie is prepared while suppressing the scattering of the solvent S. do. Specifically, after ejecting a predetermined amount of the raw material ink Ig from the ink nozzle 41, the solvent S is ejected from the solvent nozzle 42, leaving a part of the predetermined amount. Then, the solvent S is discharged from the ink nozzle 41 by sending the remaining solvent S through the cleaning pipe 46.

FIG. 10 illustrates the flow of blending the printing ink IE. When the control unit 73 calculates the predetermined amounts of the raw material ink Ig and the solvent S, the control unit 73 discharges the predetermined amount of the raw material ink Ig. FIG. 10 illustrates a case where both color ink Igc and medium Igm are ejected as the raw material ink Ig.

Depending on the color matching situation, there may be a case where only the color ink Igc is ejected or a case where only the medium Igm is ejected. For example, when the density is increased, only the color ink Igc is ejected as the raw material ink Ig. When the density is reduced, only medium Igm is discharged as the raw material ink Ig.

The control unit 73 drives the corresponding diaphragm pump 54 among the first to third ink supply units 50C, 50M, and 50Y based on the measured value of the pressure sensor 59, and causes the color ink Igc from the ink can 52I. Is sent to the discharge unit 40. Then, the rotary valve 43 is driven to discharge a predetermined amount of color ink Igc into the container R.

The control unit 73 drives the diaphragm pump 54 of the solvent supply unit 51 based on the measured value of the pressure sensor 59, and sends the solvent S from the solvent can 52S to the discharge unit 40. Then, in order to drive the rotary valve 65 and use it for cleaning, the solvent S is discharged into the container R, leaving a part of a predetermined amount. The solvent S is always discharged when the printing ink Ie is prepared.

The amount of solvent left for cleaning is preset in the control unit 73. Immediately after the diaphragm pump 54 starts liquid feeding, the pulsation is alleviated by the buffering action of the liquid feeding path to the ink nozzle 41. Therefore, in the initial stage of driving the diaphragm pump 54, the solvent S can be ejected even in the ink ejection port 44 having a large diameter while suppressing the scattering. In the control unit 73, an amount capable of discharging the solvent S in such a state is set as the amount of the solvent for cleaning.

The control unit 73 also drives the diaphragm pump 54 of the fourth ink supply unit 50Me based on the measured value of the pressure sensor 59, and sends medium Igm from the ink can 52I to the ejection unit 40. Then, the rotary valve 43 is driven to discharge a predetermined amount of medium Igm into the container R. The order in which each of the color ink Igc, the solvent S, and the medium Igm is ejected is not limited to the exemplified order. The order can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications.

Then, after discharging a predetermined amount of the raw material ink Ig and a predetermined amount of the solvent S, the control unit 73 drives the diaphragm pump 54 of the solvent supply unit 51 to send the solvent S to the discharge unit 40. Liquid. Then, the rotary valve 65 is driven to discharge the remaining solvent S from both the first nozzle 41A and the second nozzle 41B into the container R at the same time through the cleaning pipe 46.

As described above, since the solvent S can be discharged in a state where the scattering is suppressed, there is no possibility that the solvent S is scattered outside the container R. Finally, a predetermined amount of the solvent S can be discharged into the container R. Since the portion of the ink nozzle 41 on the downstream side of the rotary valve 43 is washed with the solvent S, it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the pipeline due to the fixation of the raw ink Ig. It is efficient because only a predetermined amount of solvent S is used.

<Modification example>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the raw ink Ig is directly supplied from the Itto-kan 52 has been illustrated. However, depending on the printing site, the raw material ink Ig and the solvent S may be supplied by a method other than the Itto-kan 52, such as a pipeline. In this modification, an embodiment suitable for such a case is illustrated.

FIG. 11 shows a dedicated container suitable for use in place of the Itto-kan 52 in such a case. This dedicated container stores the raw material ink Ig or the solvent S. Its shape and capacity are almost the same as those of the Itto-kan 52. Therefore, this special container is also described as an ink can 52I (solvent can 52S).

The ink can 52I is composed of a can body 80, a lid 81, and the like. The can body 80 is composed of a container having an upper surface of substantially the same size as the Itto can 52 and having an open upper surface. The can body 80 may be manufactured by removing an unnecessary upper surface of the Ito can 52.

The lid 81 is made of a rectangular plate-shaped member having a brim around it, which can be put on the upper part of the can body 80. The lid 81 is divided into a covering portion 81a that covers the upper surface of the can body 80 and an opening / closing portion 81b that is supported by the covering portion 81a in a swingable state and opens and closes the upper surface of the can body 80. A handle 82 is attached to the upper surface of the covering portion 81a, and a knob 83 is attached to the upper surface of the opening / closing portion 81b. The raw ink Ig and the solvent S are charged into the can body 80 through the opening / closing portion 81b.

A pipe support portion 84 is provided at one corner of the covering portion 81a, and the suction pipe 57 is supported by the pipe support portion 84 in a state of penetrating the covering portion 81a. The suction pipe 57 is inserted into the can body 80 when the lid 81 is attached to the can body 80, and the ball valve 57d is arranged at a predetermined position near the bottom of the can body 80.

At the other corner of the covering portion 81a, a liquid level meter 85 for measuring the liquid level of the raw material ink Ig (solvent S) stored inside the can main body 80 is provided. The liquid level gauge 85 includes a slide bar 85a that is vertically supported by the covering portion 81a, a float 85b attached to the tip of the slide bar 85a, and a switch 85c attached to the base end of the slide bar 85a. Have. The switch 85c is electrically connected to the control unit 73.

The switch 85c is configured to output a signal to the control unit 73 when the liquid level drops to the lower limit liquid level L set in the vicinity of the ball valve 57d. Upon receiving the signal from the switch 85c, the control unit 73 displays the ink tank 3b corresponding to the touch panel 72 and issues an alarm. Then, the liquid feeding from the ink can 52I is stopped until the raw ink Ig and the like are replenished. In the case of the ink can 52I of this modification, it is not essential to pull out the operation rod 57b, so that the ball valve 57d and the operation rod 57b may be omitted.

<Modification example>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the ink dispenser 10 is operated by the control panel 70 has been exemplified. However, the operation by the control panel 70 has functional restrictions, so that it is difficult to handle in terms of data processing and the like. In particular, when it is shared by a plurality of printing systems, the operator has to move complicatedly to operate the touch panel 72, which is troublesome.

Therefore, the control unit 73 may be electrically connected to a plurality of PCs by wire or wirelessly so that the ink dispenser 10 can be operated from these PCs.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12A, the control unit 73 has a signal input / output unit 73b that enables input / output of electric signals and a signal input / output unit 73b thereof at a plurality of locations (for example, a maximum of 10 locations). ), A signal switching unit 73c that selectively switches the electric signal input / output from the electric signal to one electric signal is added. Further, the control unit 73 is additionally provided with an identification number corresponding to each of the printing devices 1c of each printing system 1A, 1B, 1C and a compounding data storage unit 73d for storing the data associated with the identification number.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, a PC (personal computer) 90 is installed in each of the printing systems 1A, 1B, and 1C. By installing a LAN (local area network) 91, each PC 90 and the control panel 70 are connected via a signal input / output unit 73b so that electric signals can be input / output to each other. As a result, operations performed on the touch panel 72, such as inputting color setting values, color measurement values, and ink usage amounts, can be performed on each PC 90.

With this configuration, the ink can be mixed more efficiently. For example, it is assumed that the operator prepares the printing ink IE used in each printing apparatus 1c of the printing system 1C. The operator inputs the data used in each printing apparatus 1c of the printing system 1C together with the identification number in the PC 90 attached to the printing system 1C. These data are input to the control unit 73 via the LAN 91.

The compounding data storage unit 73d stores the data of each printing device 1c corresponding to the input identification number. As shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 12B, the touch panel 72 is configured to display an operation button to which an identification number of the printing device 1c is assigned.

The operation button of the printing apparatus 1c that prepares the ink is lit according to the input data (in the figure, the operation button of the identification number "1" is lit). Based on the display, the operator places the container R in a predetermined position and touches the lit operation button to start the blending process. When the compounding process is completed, the operation buttons are turned off.

When the data of the plurality of printing devices 1c is stored in the data storage unit 73d, the plurality of operation buttons corresponding to the data are lit. The operator may select any one of the operation buttons to perform the compounding process.

The ink dispenser according to the disclosed technique is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various other configurations. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case of the process is exemplified among the color matching, but the case of the spot color can also be applied. It can also be applied to printing other than gravure printing. The three primary colors of the embodiment are suitable, but the number of ejection portions can be changed according to the specifications.

10 Ink dispenser 20 Table 30 Cover 40 (40C, 40M, 40Y) Discharge section 41 Ink nozzle 41A 1st nozzle 41B 2nd nozzle 41a Vertical section 42 Solvent nozzle 43 Rotary valve 44 Ink ejection port 45 Solvent ejection port 46 Cleaning pipe 50 Ink Supply unit 51 Solvent supply unit 52 Itto-kan 54 Diaphragm pump 57 Suction pipe 58 Can carriage 70 Control panel 71 Frame frame 72 Touch panel 73 Control unit (control unit)
R Container IE Printing Ink Ig Raw Material Ink Igc Color Ink Igm Medium S Solvent

Claims (7)

An ink dispenser that prepares printing ink used in a printing device by mixing a predetermined amount of raw material ink and a predetermined amount of solvent.
The table on which the container is placed and
Multiple discharge units arranged above the table by color,
A plurality of ink supply units that supply the raw ink from the ink can to each of the ejection units,
One solvent supply unit that supplies the solvent from the solvent can to each of the discharge units,
A control unit that controls the operation of each of the ejection unit, the ink supply unit, and the solvent supply unit.
Equipped with
Each of the discharge parts
An ink nozzle that ejects the raw material ink into the container,
A solvent nozzle that discharges solvent into the container,
Have,
A cleaning pipe capable of sending the solvent is connected to the tip of the ink nozzle.
After the control unit ejects the predetermined amount of the raw material ink from the ink nozzle, the solvent is ejected from the solvent nozzle while leaving a part of the predetermined amount, and the solvent of the remainder is discharged through the cleaning pipe. An ink dispenser that ejects the solvent from the ink nozzle by sending the liquid. In the ink dispenser according to claim 1,
The ink nozzle is
The first nozzle that ejects the colored raw material ink and
A second nozzle that ejects the colorless raw ink, and
Have,
The cleaning pipe is branched and connected to the tip portions of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.
An ink dispenser that simultaneously ejects the solvent from both the first nozzle and the second nozzle. In the ink dispenser according to claim 1 or 2.
The solvent supply unit sends the solvent to the discharge unit by a diaphragm pump, and the solvent is supplied.
An ink dispenser in which a porous solvent ejection port is attached to the tip of the solvent nozzle. In the ink dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The control unit
The color of the printing ink, which is the target when printing with the printing device, and
The color of the printing ink actually measured after printing with the printing device and
The amount of the printing ink used in the printing device and
An ink dispenser that calculates a predetermined amount of the raw material ink to be blended and a predetermined amount of the solvent based on the above. In the ink dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
An ink dispenser in which a fluororesin ink ejection port is detachably attached to the tip of the ink nozzle. In the ink dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The ink supply unit has a suction tube to which a hose for feeding the raw material ink is connected to a base end portion and is inserted into the ink can from the tip end portion.
An ink dispenser in which a valve that can be opened and closed while being inserted into the ink can is attached to the tip of the suction tube. In the ink dispenser according to claim 6,
The ink can is
A liquid level meter that measures the liquid level of the raw material ink that accumulates inside,
A tube support portion that supports the inserted suction tube in a predetermined position,
Have,
An ink dispenser that outputs a signal from the liquid level gauge to the control unit when the liquid level drops to the vicinity of the valve.

Images