JP4572988B2 - Driving method of liquid ejecting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving method of a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus has been widely used as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from a nozzle to a target. This ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage and a recording head mounted on the carriage. Then, while moving the carriage with respect to the recording medium, ink is ejected from nozzles formed on the recording head, and printing is performed on the recording medium.

  By the way, in such an ink jet recording apparatus, when the ink solvent such as water vapor evaporates from the nozzle of the recording head during non-printing, the ink viscosity at the nozzle increases or the ink solidifies. There was a thing. As a result, dust may adhere to the nozzles, or ink may not be ejected satisfactorily, and printing may not be satisfactorily performed.

  For this reason, in order to solve these problems, an ink jet recording apparatus provided with a capping means has been known. Specifically, the capping unit includes a cap capable of covering the nozzle formation surface of the recording head and a suction pump capable of reducing the pressure inside the cap. Was supposed to cover. In addition, the humidity of the space formed by the recording head and the cap is maintained to prevent ink from solidifying.

  In addition, with the cap covering the nozzle formation surface of the recording head, the inside of the cap is decompressed by a suction pump, thereby sucking ink, dust, and the like from the nozzle. As a result, ink, dust, and the like having increased viscosity in the vicinity of the nozzle are removed, and the nozzle performance can be maintained in an optimum state.

  By the way, in the ink jet recording apparatus as described above, bubbles and impurities mixed in the ink sometimes stay in the ink flow path from the ink cartridge to the recording head. These bubbles and impurities reduce the ink filling properties in the ink flow path, reduce the ink supply to the recording head, and bubbles and impurities flow out of the nozzles during printing. There was a risk of quality degradation.

  Therefore, an ink jet recording apparatus provided with a so-called valve unit called a choke valve in order to improve the ink filling property in the ink flow path has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, this valve unit is provided in the ink flow path between the ink cartridge and the recording head, and can open and close the ink flow path.

  Then, the valve unit is closed, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head is covered with the cap, and the inside of the cap is decompressed by the suction means, so that a negative pressure is generated in the ink flow path downstream of the valve unit. Was able to accumulate. After that, by opening the valve unit with the negative pressure accumulated, the flow rate of the ink in the ink flow path can be instantaneously increased. In addition, the so-called choke cleaning, in which bubbles and impurities that have stayed, are discharged from the nozzle at once, together with the ink having an instantaneously increased flow velocity, can be performed. As a result, it is possible to improve the ink filling property in the ink flow path.

JP 2001-38925 A

  By the way, the valve unit in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is normally configured to be switched between opening and closing by an actuator or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to perform not only the drive control of the cap and suction pump but also the drive control of the actuator of the valve unit, which may cause complicated control. In addition, it is necessary to consider the arrangement space of the actuator, which may increase the size of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a driving method of a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of performing choke cleaning with simple control without increasing the size of the apparatus. is there.

  The present invention includes a liquid storing unit that stores a liquid, a liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid from a nozzle to a target, a liquid supply path that guides the liquid from the liquid storing unit to the liquid ejecting head, In a driving method of a liquid ejecting apparatus including a suction unit that sucks the liquid from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head, the liquid supply path includes a part of a wall surface constituting the liquid supply path. A pressure reducing step formed by a flexible member that bends due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside, and a pressure adjusting means that reduces the pressure of the fluid in the liquid supply path upstream of the flexible member; and the flexibility The suction means for sucking the liquid from the nozzle of the liquid jet head by the suction means when the pressure of the fluid in the liquid supply path on the upstream side of the member becomes a predetermined value or less. A step, after the suction stage, and a pressure increasing step of increasing the pressure of the fluid in the liquid supply path on the upstream side of the flexible member by the pressure adjusting means.

  According to the present invention, the pressure in the liquid supply path can be reduced as a whole by moving to the suction stage after the pressure reduction stage. Then, by reducing the pressure in the liquid supply path, the flexible member can be bent in the direction of decreasing the flow path cross-sectional area of the liquid supply path. Therefore, the flow resistance of the liquid supply path can be increased, and the flow rate of the liquid in the liquid supply path can be decreased. And by continuing this state, it becomes possible to accumulate | store a negative pressure in the liquid supply path downstream from the part in which the flexible member is provided. As a result, it is possible to increase the volume of bubbles remaining in the liquid supply path and to easily discharge the bubbles to the outside via the liquid ejecting head. Further, after that, by shifting to the pressure increasing stage, accumulation of negative pressure in the liquid supply path can be eliminated, and bubbles staying in the liquid supply path can be discharged from the nozzle at once. As a result, chalk cleaning can be performed effectively.

  That is, in the present invention, the choke cleaning can be performed by changing the pressure in the liquid supply path by the pressure adjusting means. Therefore, choke cleaning can be performed by using and controlling a pressure pump or the like provided in advance in an air pressurized supply type liquid ejecting apparatus. As a result, the choke cleaning can be performed with simple control without increasing the size of the apparatus as compared with the case where a dedicated choke valve or the like is provided.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. Similarly, sectional drawing of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the fragmentary sectional view of the ink jet recording device. Similarly, the side view of a valve unit. Similarly, the side view of a valve unit. Similarly, the exploded perspective view of a valve unit. Similarly, the exploded perspective view of a valve unit. Similarly, the fragmentary sectional view of a valve unit. Similarly, the electrical block diagram of an inkjet recording device. Similarly, the figure explaining the operation of a valve unit. Similarly, the figure explaining the operation of a valve unit. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment. Similarly, a partial perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus. Similarly, the perspective view of a focusing channel. Similarly, the fragmentary perspective view which shows the attachment state of a focusing flow path. Similarly, the figure explaining the effect | action of an ink introduction chamber. Similarly, the figure explaining the effect | action of an ink introduction chamber. Similarly, the fragmentary sectional view of a valve unit. The perspective view of the converging flow path in 3rd Embodiment. Similarly, the top view of the main body of a choke valve. Similarly, a bottom view of the main body of the choke valve. Similarly, the figure explaining the effect | action of an ink introduction chamber. The perspective view of the focusing flow path in 4th Embodiment. Similarly, the top view of a choke valve. Similarly, the perspective view of the control board of a choke valve. Similarly, the principal part top view of a choke valve. Similarly, the principal part sectional drawing of a choke valve. Similarly, the principal part sectional drawing of a choke valve. Similarly, the principal part top view of a choke valve. Explanatory drawing explaining the case where a regulation board is not provided in a choke valve. The fragmentary sectional view of the valve unit in another example. The figure explaining the effect | action of the valve unit in another example. The fragmentary sectional view of the valve unit in another example. The partial side view of the valve unit in another example. The figure explaining the effect | action of the valve unit in another example. The fragmentary sectional view of the valve unit in another example. The fragmentary sectional view of the valve unit in another example. The fragmentary sectional view of the valve unit in another example.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet recording apparatus 11 as a liquid ejecting apparatus according to this embodiment includes a main body case 12, a platen 13, a guide shaft 14, a carriage 15, a timing belt 16, a carriage motor 17, and a liquid ejecting head. A recording head 20 is provided. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus 11 includes a valve unit 21 as a liquid supply valve unit, a liquid storage unit and an ink cartridge 23 as a liquid cartridge, a pressure pump 25, and a capping device 26 as a suction unit.

  The main body case 12 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and a cartridge holder 12a is formed at the right end shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the main body case 12 is referred to as a main scanning direction.

  The platen 13 is installed in the main body case 12 along the main scanning direction, and a member for supporting a recording medium (not shown) as a target sent through a paper feeding means (not shown). It has become. In this embodiment, the recording medium is sent in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, that is, in the sub-scanning direction.

  The guide shaft 14 is formed in a rod shape and is installed in the main body case 12 in parallel with the platen 13, that is, along the main scanning direction. The carriage 15 is inserted so as to be relatively movable with respect to the guide shaft 14 at a position facing the platen 13 and can reciprocate in the main scanning direction.

  The carriage 15 is connected to a carriage motor 17 via a timing belt 16. The carriage motor 17 is supported by the main body case 12, and the carriage 15 is driven via the timing belt 16 by driving the carriage motor 17. As a result, the carriage 15 is reciprocated along the guide shaft 14.

  The recording head 20 is provided on a surface of the carriage 15 facing the platen 13 and includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink as liquid toward the platen 13 side. The valve unit 21 is mounted on the carriage 15 and supplies the temporarily stored ink to the recording head 20 with the pressure adjusted. In the present embodiment, two valve units 21 are provided, and one valve unit 21 can adjust the pressure of ink of two colors. In this embodiment, one valve unit 21 adjusts the pressure and supplies it to the recording head 20 with respect to black and yellow, and the other valve unit 21 adjusts the pressure of magenta and cyan ink. Of course, other color combinations may be used.

  The ink cartridges 23 are detachably accommodated with respect to the cartridge holder 12a, and four ink cartridges 23 are provided corresponding to the ink colors. FIG. 2 shows one of the four ink cartridges 23, and the ink cartridge 23 includes an ink case 31 as a pressurizing chamber and an ink pack 32 as a liquid container. . The ink case 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The ink pack 32 is formed by superposing two films 32a and 32b as flexible portions, and ink as a liquid is sealed therein.

  The ink pack 32 includes an ink discharge port 32 c and is stored in the ink case 31. At this time, only the ink discharge port 32 c is exposed from the ink case 31, and the other portions are stored in the ink case 31 in an airtight state. Accordingly, a gap 33 is formed between the ink case 31 and the ink pack 32.

  Further, the ink case 31 is provided with a communication hole (not shown) communicating with the gap 33, and by introducing air through the communication hole, the pressure in the gap 33 is increased, and the ink pack. It is possible to generate a force that crushes 32. The ink discharge port 32c of the ink pack 32 is connected to the valve unit 21 via an ink supply tube 35 provided for each ink color, as shown in FIG. The ink supply tube 35 constitutes a liquid supply path. Accordingly, by introducing air into the gap 33 in the ink case 31, the ink in the ink pack 32 is supplied to the valve unit 21 via the ink supply tube 35.

  In this embodiment, the pressure pump 25 is fixed to the main body case 12 so as to be positioned on the ink cartridge 23. The pressurizing pump 25 can suck the atmosphere and discharge it as pressurized air, and the pressurized air is supplied to the pressure detector 38 via the pressurizing tube 37 constituting the air flow path. The

  The pressure detector 38 detects the pressure of the air supplied from the pressurizing pump 25. In the present embodiment, the driving of the pressurizing pump 25 is adjusted based on the pressure detected by the pressure detector 38. Accordingly, the air supplied from the pressurizing pump 25 is adjusted by the pressure detector 38 so that the pressure is within a predetermined range. The pressure detector 38 is connected to the communication hole of the ink cartridge 23 via the four air supply tubes 39 constituting the air flow path, and the gap 33 of the ink cartridge 23 is within a predetermined range. The air adjusted so as to be the pressure is introduced.

  As described above, the ink pack 32 of each ink cartridge 23 is pressurized by the pressurized air supplied from the pressure pump 25, and the ink in the ink pack 32 is supplied to the valve unit 21. The ink temporarily stored in the valve unit 21 is supplied to the recording head 20 with the pressure adjusted.

  At this time, printing is performed on the recording medium by moving the carriage 15 in the main scanning direction and ejecting ink from the recording head 20 while moving the storage medium in the sub scanning direction by the paper feeding unit based on the image data. Can be performed.

  The capping device 26 is provided in a non-printing area (home position) on the movement path of the carriage 15. On the upper surface of the capping device 26, a cap 26a made of an elastic material such as an elastomer that can be sealed in close contact with the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 20 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the carriage 15 moves to the home position, the cap 26a moves (raises) to the recording head side to seal the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 20. It is configured as follows.

  An absorber 26b containing ink is disposed inside the cap 26a, and the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 20 is sealed by the cap 26a during the rest period of the ink jet recording apparatus 11. The inside of the cap 26a is kept in a high humidity state to prevent an increase in ink viscosity. The material of the absorber 26b can be a sponge or the like, but is not limited to this as long as it can absorb and hold ink.

  A discharge port 26c for discharging ink, bubbles, impurities, and the like is provided at the bottom of the cap 26a, and one end of an ink discharge tube 26d is connected to the discharge port 26c. The other end of the ink discharge tube 26d is connected to a waste liquid tank (not shown).

  A tube pump 26e is provided in the middle of the ink discharge tube 26d, and a negative pressure is formed inside the cap 26a by the suction operation of the tube pump 26e. Ink with increased viscosity, dust, bubbles in the recording head 20 generated by cartridge replacement, and the like are discharged to the waste liquid tank through the ink discharge tube 26d. As a result, a so-called cleaning operation can be performed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the capping device 26 is provided with a wiping member 26f in which an elastic material such as rubber is formed in a strip shape so as to be adjacent to the printing region side of the cap 26a. The wiping member 26f is configured to be able to wipe and clean the nozzle forming surface by advancing horizontally in the moving path of the recording head 20 as necessary.

Next, the valve unit 21 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the valve unit 21 includes a flow path forming member 41, first and second filters 43a and 43b, a first film member 45 as a flexible member, a first and a second. Fitting members 47a and 47b. Further, the valve unit 21 includes first and second valve members 49a and 49b, a second film member 51, and first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b as on-off valves.

  The flow path forming member 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an ink introduction portion 55 is provided on the back surface 41a (the left side surface in FIG. 4). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ink introduction part 55 has a shape that connects two cylinders, and includes first and second ink introduction holes 57a and 57b. The ink supply tubes 35 (see FIG. 1) are connected to the first and second ink introduction holes 57a and 57b, respectively, so that two colors of ink are combined from the ink supply tube 35. It is guided into the flow path forming member 41.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the flow path forming member 41 is provided with first and second square recesses 61a and 61b as large cross-sectional flow paths on one side surface 41b. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, first and second spherical recesses 63a and 63b as small cross-sectional area flow paths are respectively provided on the bottom surfaces of the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b. Yes. And these 1st and 2nd spherical recessed parts 63a and 63b are formed in spherical shape. Therefore, between the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b and the first and second spherical recesses 63a and 63b, there are first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b as substantially annular steps. Is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the flow path forming member 41 has first to third grooves 67 a to 67 c recessed on one side surface 41 b. One end of the first groove 67a communicates with the first square recess 61a. As shown in FIG. 8, the first groove 67 a is communicated with the first ink introduction hole 57 a through a communication hole 69 formed at the other end in the flow path forming member 41.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, one end of the second groove 67b communicates with the second square recess 61b. Similarly to the first groove 67a, the second groove 67b has the other end through a communication hole (not shown) formed in the flow path forming member 41, and the second ink introduction hole 57b. It is communicated to. The third groove 67c is provided in the vicinity of the second square recess 61b and the second groove 67b.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the flow path forming member 41 includes first and second ink discharge portions 71a and 71b on the lower surface 41c. The first and second ink discharge portions 71a and 71b are each formed in a cylindrical shape and include first and second ink discharge holes 73a and 73b. The first ink discharge hole 73a communicates with the third groove 67c.

  The first and second ink discharge holes 73a and 73b are connected to the nozzles provided in the recording head 20 (see FIG. 1) for each ink color. Accordingly, the ink discharged from the first and second ink discharge holes 73a and 73b is guided to the recording head 20 for each color and ejected from the nozzles.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the flow path forming member 41 is provided with first and second circular concave portions 75a and 75b on the other side surface 41d. The first and second circular recesses 75a and 75b are constituted by first and second fitting recesses 77a and 77b and first and second non-fitting recesses 79a and 79b, respectively. .

  The first and second fitting recesses 77a and 77b are formed to have a semicircular cross section, and the bottom surfaces thereof are flat. On the other hand, the first and second non-fitting recesses 79a and 79b are similarly formed so as to have a semicircular cross section, but are shallower than the first and second fitting recesses 77a and 77b. Has been. The first and second non-fitting recesses 79a and 79b are formed so that their bottom surfaces are substantially spherical.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first fitting recess 77a communicates with the first spherical recess 63a through a communication hole 81a. The second fitting recess 77b is also communicated with the second spherical recess 63b through a communication hole 81b (see FIG. 6).

  Further, the first fitting recess 77a communicates with the third groove 67c through the communication hole 83a. Accordingly, the first fitting recess 77a communicates with the first ink discharge hole 73a (see FIG. 4) via the third groove 67c. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second fitting recess 77b is provided with a communication hole 83b, and this communication hole 83b communicates with the second ink discharge hole 73b (see FIG. 4). ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, the first and second filters 43 a and 43 b are both formed in a substantially square flake shape. The first and second filters 43a and 43b partition the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b and the first and second spherical recesses 63a and 63b, respectively. Are attached to the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b (see FIG. 6).

  In the present embodiment, the first film member 45 is formed of a substantially rectangular flexible material having a high gas barrier property, and is thermally welded to the one side surface 41 b of the flow path forming member 41. At this time, the first film member 45 seals the openings of the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b and the first to third grooves 67a to 67c so that the first film member 45 seals the first film. The member 45 is thermally welded to the flow path forming member 41.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the first ink introduction chamber is formed by the first film member 45 and the first square recess 61a and the first spherical recess 63a of the flow path forming member 41. 84a is formed. Similarly, a second ink introduction chamber 84b is formed by the first film member 45, the second square recess 61b, and the second spherical recess 63b.

  The first film member 45 is bent by a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b. That is, the first film member 45 reduces the volume of the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b when the pressure in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b decreases below a predetermined pressure. Bend in such a direction. As a result, the first film member 45 comes into contact with the first and second filters 43a and 43b in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b, and the first and second filters 43a. , 43b, the flow of ink can be blocked. The first film member 45 may be changed to a material other than the film member as long as the first film member 45 bends due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first film member 45 and the first groove 67 a of the flow path forming member 41 make the first flow path 85 a into the first film member 45 and the second groove 67 b. Thus, the second flow path 85b is formed, and the third flow path 85c is formed by the first film member 45 and the third groove 67c.

  As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the 1st and 2nd fitting members 47a and 47b are formed in the substantially half-moon shape, The 1st and 2nd recessed part 77a for fitting of the said flow-path formation member 41 is shown. , 77b, respectively. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first and second fitting members 47a and 47b and the first and second non-fitting recesses 79a and 79b are continuous spherical first and second. Two large concave portions 89a and 89b are formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the first and second fitting members 47 a and 47 b have communication holes 81 a and 81 b formed in the flow path forming member 41, respectively, and the first and second fitting members 47 a and 47 b, respectively. In addition, first and second ink inflow holes 91a and 91b are provided to communicate with the second large recesses 89a and 89b. Further, the first and second fitting members 47a and 47b are connected to the first and second large recesses 89a and 89b and the communication holes 83a and 83b, respectively. Outflow holes 93a and 93b are provided.

  The first and second fitting members 47a and 47b are provided with first and second convex portions 94a and 94b having substantially cylindrical shapes at positions facing the communication holes 81a and 81b, respectively. Yes. Furthermore, the first and second fitting members 47a and 47b have first and second center holes 95a and 95b communicating with the first and second ink inflow holes 91a and 91b at the center thereof. Is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the first and second valve members 49a and 49b include first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b, first and second contact portions 99a and 99b, First and second valve urging springs 101a and 101b are provided. The first and second valve member main bodies 97a and 97b are formed in a substantially U shape, and disk portions 103a and 103b are formed at one end thereof. Further, support shafts 105a and 105b are formed in the vicinity of the disk portions 103a and 103b.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b rotate with respect to the first and second fitting members 47a and 47b via the support shafts 105a and 105b. It is supported movably. At this time, the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b are supported such that the disk portions 103a and 103b face the communication holes 81a and 81b. Further, the other ends of the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b pass through the first and second center holes 95a and 95b of the first and second fitting members 47a and 47b. Thus, the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b are supported.

  As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the 1st and 2nd contact | adherence part 99a, 99b is formed in the disk shape with the flexible member, In the said 1st and 2nd valve member main body 97a, 97b, The disk portions 103a and 103b are fixed so as to be superimposed on the surfaces of the communication holes 81a and 81b.

  One end of each of the first and second valve urging springs 101a and 101b is relative to the first and second convex portions 94a and 94b of the first and second fitting members 47a and 47b. While being fitted and fixed, the other end is fixed to the disk portions 103a and 103b of the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b. Accordingly, the first and second valve member main bodies 97a and 97b are moved in the direction of the arrow R shown in FIG. 8 with the first and second valve biasing springs 101a and 101b as the rotation centers of the support shafts 105a and 105b. It is urged to rotate.

  The first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b are biased in the direction of the arrow R shown in FIG. 8 when no force is applied from the outside. The parts 99a and 99b come into contact with the communication holes 81a and 81b. Further, when a force in the direction opposite to the arrow R direction shown in FIG. 8 is applied to the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b, the first and second contact portions 99a and 99b are connected to each other. The holes 81a and 81b are separated from each other. That is, by applying no force to the first and second valve member bodies 97a, 97b or applying a force in the direction opposite to the arrow R direction, the communication holes 81a, 81b and the first The first and second ink inflow holes 91a and 91b can be switched so as to be in communication and non-communication.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the second film member 51 is formed in substantially the same shape with the same material as the first film member 45, and is formed on the other side surface 41 d of the flow path forming member 41. It is heat welded. At this time, the opening of the first and second large recesses 89 a and 89 b is sealed by the second film member 51, so that the first film member 45 is in contact with the flow path forming member 41. Heat welded. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b are formed by the second film member 51 and the first and second large concave portions 89a and 89b. ing.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, in the valve unit 21, the ink flowing into the first ink introduction hole 57a is communicated with the communication hole 69, the first flow path 85a, the first ink introduction chamber 84a, and the communication. It flows into the first pressure chamber 106a through the hole 81a, the first ink inflow hole 91a, and the first center hole 95a. The ink that has flowed into the first pressure chamber 106a passes through the first ink outlet hole 93a, the communication hole 83a, the third flow path 85c, and the first ink discharge hole 73a (see FIG. 1). Reference).

  Similarly, the ink flowing from the ink supply tube 35 into the second ink introduction hole 57b is connected to the communication hole, the second flow path 85b, the second ink introduction chamber 84b, the communication hole 81b, and the second ink inflow. It flows into the second pressure chamber 106b through the hole 91b and the second center hole 95b. The ink that has flowed into the second pressure chamber 106b is supplied to the recording head 20 via the second ink outflow hole 93b, the communication hole 83b, and the second ink discharge hole 73b. In the present embodiment, a liquid supply path is constituted by these flow paths from the first and second ink introduction holes 57 a and 57 b to the recording head 20.

  Further, the second film member 51 is bent by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b. That is, the second film member 51 reduces the volume of the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b when the pressure in the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b decreases below a predetermined pressure. Bend in the direction.

  The first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b are formed in a disc shape, and are positioned in the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b as shown in FIGS. It is fixed to the second film member 51, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the first and second pressure receiving plates 53a, 53b and the first and second large recesses 89a, 89b are provided between the first and second pressure receiving plates 53a, 53b. The springs 107a and 107b are interposed. The first and second pressure receiving springs 107a and 107b urge the first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b so as to be separated from the first and second large recesses 89a and 89b. ing. Therefore, in a state where no force is applied from the outside, the first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b are separated from the first and second large concave portions 89a and 89b.

  The first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b are in contact with the other ends of the first and second valve member bodies 97a and 97b. The first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b approach the first and second large concave portions 89a and 89b against the urging force of the first and second pressure receiving springs 107a and 107b. If it moves in this way, the 1st and 2nd valve member main bodies 97a and 97b will receive the force rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow R direction shown in FIG.

  That is, when the pressure in the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b is reduced and the second film member 51 is bent, the first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b are The second pressure receiving springs 107a and 107b move so as to approach the first and second large concave portions 89a and 89b against the biasing force of the second pressure receiving springs 107a and 107b. Then, the first and second valve member main bodies 97a and 97b rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow R direction shown in FIG. 8, and the communication holes 81a and 81b and the first and second ink inflow holes 91a. , 91b are communicated with each other. When the pressure in the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b increases, the first and second pressure receiving plates 53a and 53b move away from the first and second large recesses 89a and 89b. The communication holes 81a and 81b and the first and second ink inflow holes 91a and 91b are not connected.

Next, the electrical configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 configured as described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, the ink jet recording apparatus 11 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The ink jet recording apparatus 11 includes an input unit 115, a first motor drive circuit 117, a second motor drive circuit 119, a third motor drive circuit 120, a fourth motor drive circuit 121, and a head drive circuit 123. Prepare. These are connected to each other via a bus 124.

  The CPU 111 inputs an ON signal from the input unit 115. In the present embodiment, the input unit 115 is provided in the main body case 12 or the like of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 and is configured such that an ON signal is input to the CPU 111 by a user operation. . The CPU 111 is connected to the carriage motor 17 via the first motor drive circuit 117 and outputs a drive control signal for drive control to the carriage motor 17.

  The CPU 111 is connected to the pressurizing pump motor 125 via the second motor driving circuit 119 and outputs a drive control signal for driving the pressurizing pump motor 125. The pressurization pump motor 125 is connected to the pressurization pump 25 so that power can be transmitted. In the present embodiment, the pressurization pump motor 125 is rotated in the forward direction to rotate the pressurization pump 25. Suppose that it is comprised so that pressurized air can be sent out from. Further, it is assumed that the pumping of the pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25 can be stopped by stopping the driving of the pressurizing pump motor 125.

  Further, the CPU 111 is connected to the cap lifting / lowering motor 126 via the third motor driving circuit 120 and outputs a drive control signal for rotating the cap lifting / lowering motor 126 forward and backward. The cap lifting / lowering motor 126 is connected to the cap 26a so that power can be transmitted. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the cap 26a can be raised by rotating the cap lifting motor 126 forward. Further, it is assumed that the cap 26a can be lowered by rotating the cap lifting / lowering motor 126 in the reverse direction.

  Further, the CPU 111 is connected to the tube pump motor 127 via the fourth motor drive circuit 121, and outputs a drive control signal for rotating the tube pump motor 127 forward and backward. The tube pump motor 127 is connected to the tube pump 26e so that power can be transmitted. In the present embodiment, the tube pump motor 127 is configured to rotate forward so that a negative pressure can be formed inside the cap 26a by the tube pump 26e. Further, it is assumed that the suction operation in the tube pump 26e can be stopped by stopping the driving of the tube pump motor 127.

  Furthermore, the CPU 111 is connected to the recording head 20 via the head driving circuit 123 and sends a nozzle driving signal to a nozzle driving body (not shown) for ejecting ink from the nozzles provided in the recording head 20. Output.

  The CPU 111 operates according to various programs stored in the ROM 112, and stores the calculation processing result and the like in the temporary RAM 113. More specifically, the ROM 112 includes a chalk cleaning program and other programs.

  The choke cleaning program is a program for causing the carriage 111 to move to the home position by driving the carriage motor 17 via the first motor drive circuit 117 when the CPU 111 inputs an ON signal from the input unit 115. Further, the choke cleaning program stops the pressurization pump motor 125 via the second motor drive circuit 119 when the ON signal is input from the input unit 115, so that the pressurization air is not sent from the pressurization pump 25. It is a program to do.

  Further, according to the choke cleaning program, when the carriage 15 moves to the home position, the CPU 111 drives the cap lifting / lowering motor 126 via the third motor driving circuit 120 to raise the cap 26a, thereby forming the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 20. Is a program for sealing. Furthermore, the choke cleaning program drives the tube pump motor 127 via the fourth motor drive circuit 121 when the cap 26a is raised, and applies a negative pressure to the cap 26a by the suction operation of the tube pump 26e. It is a program for forming.

  In addition, the choke cleaning program drives the pressurization pump motor 125 via the second motor drive circuit 119 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the drive of the tube pump motor 127, and pressurizes from the pressurization pump 25. It is a program for starting the delivery of air.

  That is, when the CPU 111 receives an ON signal from the input unit 115, first, according to the choke cleaning program, the CPU 111 outputs a drive signal to the carriage motor 17 to move the carriage 15 to the home position. Further, the CPU 111 stops the pressurizing pump motor 125 based on the input of the ON signal from the input unit 115, and stops sending the pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25.

  Subsequently, the CPU 111 drives the cap lifting / lowering motor 126 according to the chalk cleaning program to raise the cap 26a and seal the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 20. Then, the CPU 111 drives the tube pump motor 127 to form a negative pressure inside the cap 26a by the suction operation of the tube pump 26e.

  Further, the CPU 111 measures the driving time of the tube pump motor 127 according to the choke cleaning program, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, drives the pressure pump motor 125 and starts sending pressurized air from the pressure pump 25. .

Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 configured as described above will be described.
First, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 during normal printing will be described. During normal printing, ink is filled for each color between the ink pack 32 and the recording head 20. The pressure pump motor 125 is driven by the CPU 111 via the second motor drive circuit 119, and the pressurized air introduced into the gap 33 of the ink cartridge 23 causes the ink in the ink pack 32. The ink is maintained in a pressurized state. Therefore, at the time of printing, the ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 23 to the valve unit 21 in a pressurized state.

  The valve unit 21 is supplied with ink introduced in a pressurized state from the ink pack 32 for each color. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the ink supplied to the first ink introduction chamber 84a via the first ink introduction hole 57a is maintained in a state having a high pressure. Therefore, the 1st film member 45 of the valve unit 21 is maintained in the state which does not bend. As a result, the ink supplied into the first ink introduction hole 57a can pass through the first filter 43a.

  In this state, when printing is started based on the image data, ink is ejected from the recording head 20, and in the first pressure chamber 106 a of the valve unit 21 according to the amount of ink ejected. Ink is supplied to the recording head 20 through the first ink discharge hole 73a and the like. As a result, the ink in the first pressure chamber 106a is reduced, and the pressure inside the first pressure chamber 106a is reduced.

  For example, when the pressure of the ink in the first pressure chamber 106a decreases below a predetermined pressure, the second film member 51 decreases the volume in the first pressure chamber 106a as shown in FIG. Bend in the direction As a result, the first valve member main body 97a is rotated by the first pressure receiving plate 53a, and the communication hole 81a and the first ink inflow hole 91a are in a communication state. The ink stored in a pressurized state in the first ink introduction chamber 84a flows into the first pressure chamber 106a, and the first pressure chamber 106a is filled with ink.

  In addition, when the ink in the first ink introduction chamber 84a flows into the first pressure chamber 106a, the ink passes through the first filter 43a. At this time, since the first filter 43a has a structure in which air does not easily pass through, most of the bubbles, impurities, and the like mixed in the ink are trapped in the first ink introduction chamber 84a. It will be in the state.

  Further, when ink flows into the first pressure chamber 106a, the pressure of the ink in the first pressure chamber 106a increases. As a result, the bending of the second film member 51 is eliminated. Then, the first valve member main body 97a rotates toward the original position, and the communication hole 81a and the first ink inflow hole 91a are again disconnected.

  That is, when the ink in the first pressure chamber 106a decreases and the internal pressure becomes a predetermined value or less, the communication hole 81a and the first ink inflow hole 91a are in communication with each other, and the first pressure chamber 106a. Ink is supplied. Further, when ink is supplied into the first pressure chamber 106a and the pressure of the ink in the first pressure chamber 106a rises and exceeds a predetermined value, the communication hole 81a and the first ink inflow hole 91a. In this state, the supply of ink to the first pressure chamber 106a is stopped.

  As a result, at the time of printing, the ink adjusted to have a pressure value in a predetermined range is stored in the first pressure chamber 106a, and the stability of ink supply to the recording head 20 is ensured. It has come to be.

  Note that the ink supplied to the second ink introduction chamber 84b via the second ink introduction hole 57b is the same as the ink supplied to the first ink introduction chamber 84a. In the pressure chamber 106b, the pressure is adjusted to a predetermined range and is supplied to the recording head 20 in a stable state.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 at the time of chalk cleaning will be described. In the present embodiment, choke cleaning is performed by operating the input unit 115 (see FIG. 9) by the user. When the user operates the input unit 115 and an on signal is input to the CPU 111, the CPU 111 first drives the carriage motor 17 according to the choke cleaning program to move the carriage 15 to the home position.

  Further, the CPU 111 proceeds to a pressure reduction stage, stops driving the pressurizing pump motor 125, and prevents pressurized air from being sent out from the pressurizing pump 25. As a result, the ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 23 to the valve unit 21 in a non-pressurized state. Subsequently, the CPU 111 moves to the capping stage, drives the cap lifting / lowering motor 126, raises the cap 26a, and seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 20. When the CPU 111 raises the cap 26a, the CPU 111 moves to a suction stage, drives the tube pump motor 127, and forms a negative pressure inside the cap 26a.

  As a result, ink is sucked through the recording head 20, and ink in the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b of the valve unit 21 starts to decrease. Note that FIG. 11 shows a state in which the ink is reduced in the first pressure chamber 106a, and the second pressure chamber 106b is the same as the first pressure chamber 106a, and is not shown. Yes. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, when the pressure in the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, the second film member 51, the first The second valve member main bodies 97a, 97b and the like act. Then, the communication holes 81a and 81b and the first and second ink inflow holes 91a and 91b are in a communication state.

  As a result, the ink in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b flows into the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b. However, at the time of this chalk cleaning, as described above, the ink from the ink cartridge 23 is supplied into the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b in a non-pressurized state. Accordingly, the pressure in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b also starts to decrease as the communication holes 81a and 81b communicate with the first and second ink inflow holes 91a and 91b. .

  When the pressure in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b decreases below a predetermined pressure, the first film member 45 bends, and the first film member 45 and the first and second filters 43a. 43b abut. As a result, the flow of ink passing through the first and second filters 43a and 43b is blocked.

  In this state, the suction operation by the tube pump 26e is continued, so that negative pressure is accumulated downstream from the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b. Then, the CPU 111 measures the driving time of the tube pump motor 127 according to the choke cleaning program. When a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 111 moves to a pressure increasing stage and starts driving the pressure pump motor 125. Then, when the CPU 111 starts driving the pressure pump motor 125, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the choke cleaning program.

  As a result, delivery of pressurized air from the pressure pump 25 is started, and ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 23 to the valve unit 21 in a pressurized state. Then, ink is supplied to the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b of the valve unit 21, and the bending of the first film member 45 is eliminated. Thereby, the first film member 45 and the first and second filters 43a and 43b are separated from each other, and the flow of ink passing through the first and second filters 43a and 43b is allowed.

  Then, downstream of the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b, in order to eliminate the accumulated negative pressure, the ink flows from the upstream side at once, and the ink whose flow velocity is instantaneously increased flows. become. As a result, bubbles and impurities staying downstream from the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b are discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 20 together with the ink. And so-called chalk cleaning can be performed. As a result, the ink filling property in the ink jet recording apparatus 11 is improved.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the first embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus 11 includes the pressurizing pump 25 and the like, and introduces the pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25 into the ink cartridge 23, whereby ink is recorded on the recording head 20. It was made to be an air pressurization type device that pumps to the side. The first and second ink introduction chambers 84 a and 84 b formed in the valve unit 21 are provided in the middle of the ink flow path between the ink cartridge 23 and the recording head 20. The first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b are formed such that a part of the wall surface is formed by the first film member 45 that is bent by the difference between the pressure of the ink inside and the atmospheric pressure. I made it.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the pressure of the fluid in the ink supply tube 35 can be reduced by stopping the driving of the pressure pump 25 in a state where the nozzles of the recording head 20 are covered with the cap 26a. it can. In the present embodiment and other embodiments described later, the fluid includes various fluids such as ink, ink solvent, water vapor, and air. In this state, the pressure of the fluid in the valve unit 21 and the ink supply tube 35 can be reduced as a whole by performing the suction operation of the tube pump 26e. Thereby, the pressure in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b can be reduced below a predetermined pressure, and the first film member 45 can be bent inward.

  As a result, the first film member 45 and the first and second filters 43a and 43b come into contact with each other, and the flow of ink passing through the first and second filters 43a and 43b can be blocked. In this state, by continuing the suction operation of the tube pump 26e, negative pressure is accumulated downstream of the contact portion between the first film member 45 and the first and second filters 43a and 43b. It becomes possible. Moreover, by starting the driving of the pressurizing pump 25 in a state where the negative pressure is accumulated, the bending of the first film member 45 can be restored, and the accumulated negative pressure can be eliminated all at once. As a result, bubbles, impurities, etc. staying downstream from the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b can be discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 20 together with the ink. And so-called chalk cleaning can be performed. As a result, the ink filling property in the ink jet recording apparatus 11 can be improved.

  In this embodiment, in order to perform such choke cleaning, the choke valve that is normally opened and closed by the pressurization supply system is used instead of the choke valve that is opened and closed by an actuator or the like. ing. Therefore, the choke cleaning can be performed with simple control without increasing the size of the apparatus with a new choke valve or the like.

  (2) In the first embodiment, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b include the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b, the first and second spherical recesses 63a and 63b, and I was prepared to. The first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b are formed between the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b and the first and second spherical recesses 63a and 63b. did. The first film member 45 is provided so as to face the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b.

  Accordingly, when the pressure in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b is reduced and the first film member 45 is bent, the first film member 45 is moved to the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b. It moves to the direction which contacts with respect to. As a result, the responsiveness of the increase / decrease in the flow resistance with respect to the increase / decrease in the pressure in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a, 84b can be made more accurate, and the choke cleaning can be performed more reliably. it can.

  (3) In the first embodiment, the first and second step surfaces 65 a and 65 b are positioned downstream of the first film member 45. Therefore, when performing choke cleaning, the tube pump 26e applies a suction force to the first film member 45 on the downstream side. At this time, the first film member 45 has the first and The two step surfaces 65a and 65b can be more reliably approached. As a result, the first and second film members 45 are more reliably connected to the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b than when the first film member 45 is positioned upstream of the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b. It becomes possible to approach the step surfaces 65a and 65b. As a result, chalk cleaning can be performed more reliably.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b are provided with the first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b and the first and second valve members 49a and 49b. The valve unit 21 is integrally provided. Therefore, one valve unit 21 can have both a function of ensuring the stability of ink supply to the recording head 20 during printing and a function of reliably performing choke cleaning. . As a result, the structure of the ink jet recording apparatus 11 can be simplified.

  (5) In the first embodiment, the first and second filters 43a and 43b are attached to the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b of the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b. did. The first and second filters 43 a and 43 b are provided so as to face the first film member 45.

  Therefore, bubbles and impurities contained in the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 23 to the recording head 20 can be trapped by the first and second filters 43a and 43b. As a result, when ink is ejected from the recording head 20 to the recording medium, bubbles, impurities, etc. ejected from the nozzles can be reduced. And it becomes possible to perform high quality printing.

  And when performing chalk cleaning, since the 1st film member 45 bends in the direction contacted with the 1st and 2nd filters 43a and 43b, it is trapped by the 1st and 2nd filters 43a and 43b. Air bubbles, impurities, etc. can be pressed to pass through the first and second filters 43a and 43b. Accordingly, trapped bubbles, impurities, and the like can be more reliably discharged during chalk cleaning, and the ink filling property between the ink cartridge 23 and the recording head 20 can be more effectively enhanced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since 2nd Embodiment is a structure which only changed the valve unit of 1st Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus 145 as a liquid ejecting apparatus, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part of the ink jet recording apparatus 145.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the inkjet recording apparatus 145 is provided with frame plates 145a and 145b opposite to each other, and a guide shaft 146 is installed between the frame plates 145a and 145b. Yes. The carriage 147 is inserted so as to be movable relative to the guide shaft 146, and can be reciprocated in the main scanning direction by driving the carriage motor 17 (see FIG. 9). Below the guide shaft 146, a recording medium P as a target is transported by a paper feeding means (not shown) and sent out in the sub-scanning direction. The carriage 147 is mounted with a recording head 148 as a liquid ejecting head and three valve units 155. In the present embodiment, the recording head 148 is formed with a plurality of nozzle ejection openings for ejecting six types of ink.

  The liquid storage means and the ink cartridge 23 as a liquid cartridge storing the ink to be supplied to the recording head 148 are mounted in a line above the carriage 147 as shown in FIG. At this time, each ink cartridge 23 is detachably accommodated in a holder 150 attached to the ink jet recording apparatus 145. The communication hole (not shown) formed in the ink case 31 is supplied with liquid supplied from the pressurizing pump 25 (see FIG. 1) constituting the pressure adjusting means to the holder 150. It is introduced through a converging channel 151 that constitutes a path. The air introduced through the communication hole flows into the gap 33 (see FIG. 2) in the ink case 31.

  The ink that is derived by the ink pack 32 being crushed by the air that has flowed into the gap 33 flows into the converging flow path 151 via the ink discharge port 32c (see FIG. 2) as a liquid discharge port. As will be described later, an air flow path and a plurality of ink flow paths are formed in the converging flow path 151, and one end of the air flow path communicates with the pressurizing pump 25 and the other end of each air flow path. The ink cartridge 23 communicates with the gap 33. Each ink flow path has one end communicating with each ink cartridge 23 and the other end communicating with an ink supply tube 152 constituting a liquid supply path.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the ink supply tube 152 is formed of a flexible member and is formed in a strip shape, and includes the same number of ink flow paths as the ink cartridge 23. The ink supply tube 152 is drawn around in the ink jet recording apparatus 145, and the upstream end 153 is connected to the converging channel 151 and the downstream end 154 is connected to the carriage 147 side. . The downstream end 154 communicates with each valve unit 155 mounted on the carriage 147. Then, the ink sent from the ink cartridge 23 to the valve unit 155 via the focusing channel 151 and the ink supply tube 152 is led out from the valve unit 155 to the recording head 148.

(Focusing channel)
Next, the focusing channel 151 will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the converging channel 151, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a main part of the converging channel 151 attached to the ink jet recording apparatus 145 side. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of the main part of the focusing channel 151. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the converging channel 151 includes a main body 156 and a film 157 as a flexible member thermally welded to the main body 156. The main body 156 is made of a thermoplastic resin, and as shown in FIG. 15, one air groove 158 and six ink grooves 159 constituting the pressure adjusting means are formed along the longitudinal direction. 15 shows the main body 156 in a state where the film 157 is not attached. The film 157 can be thermally welded to the main body 156 and is formed of a flexible material having a high gas barrier property.

  The air grooves 158 and the ink grooves 159 are open at the top, and the openings are sealed by a film 157 that is thermally welded to the main body 156. The adhered film 157 and the air groove 158 form an air flow path, and the film 157 and each ink groove 159 form an ink flow path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, one pump connection portion 162 and six air outlet portions 163 are formed on one side surface 160 of the converging channel 151. The pump connection portion 162 and the air outlet portion 163 protrude from one side surface 160 of the main body 156 and are formed in a cylindrical shape. A hole (not shown) formed in the pump connection portion 162 and the air outlet portion 163 communicates with the air groove 158. Further, six ink introducing portions 164 as connecting portions are formed on the other side surface 161 of the converging channel 151. The ink introduction part 164 is provided with an overhanging part 165 having a substantially L-shaped cross section that protrudes from the other side surface 161 of the main body 156 and a fitting insertion part 166 that protrudes from the overhanging part 165 and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The fitting insertion portion 166 is inserted into the connection portion 167 shown in FIG. 15 when the focusing channel 151 is attached to the holder 150.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a tube connection portion 168 is provided on one side surface 160 of the converging channel 151. The tube connecting portion 168 has six ink outlets 169 protruding therefrom. Ink holes (not shown) formed in the ink outlet 169 communicate with the ink flow paths (ink grooves 159) of the main body 156. The ink outlet 169 is connected to the upstream end 153 of the ink supply tube 152.

  Next, the air channel and each ink channel formed in the focusing channel 151 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 15, a pump side tube 170 is fitted into the pump connection portion 162 protruding from the main body 156. The pump side tube 170 has one end communicating with the pump connection portion 162 and the other end communicating with the pressurization pump 25, and introduces air sent from the pressurization pump 25 into the air flow path via the pump connection portion 162. To do.

  In addition, a distribution tube 171 is connected to each air outlet 163. One end of the distribution tube 171 is connected to the air outlet 163, and the other end is connected to a flow path (not shown) of the connecting portion 167 provided in the holder 150. The flow path is formed so as to penetrate through the connection portion 167, and is opened by a case engagement port 172 formed on one side surface of the connection portion 167. The case engagement port 172 is provided in the connection portion 167 so as to be connectable to the communication hole of the ink cartridge 23 attached to the holder 150. Accordingly, the air sent from the pressurizing pump 25 flows into the air flow path of the converging flow path 151 via the pump side tube 170. Then, it is distributed by each distribution tube 171 and flows into the gap 33 in the ink case 31 from the case engagement port 172.

  The fitting insertion part 166 of the converging channel 151 is fitted into the support part 173 of the connection part 167. In the support portion 173, ink holes (not shown) are formed. One end of the ink hole is communicated with a fitting insertion portion 166 fitted into the support portion 173 and the other end is communicated with a hole in the ink supply needle 174 fixed to the support portion 173. The ink supply needle 174 is formed in a hollow shape. When the ink cartridge 23 is attached to the holder 150, the ink supply needle 174 is inserted into the ink discharge port 32c of the ink cartridge 23 so that the ink in the ink pack 32 flows into the ink hole of the support portion 173. Become so. For this reason, the ink pushed out of the ink pack 32 flows into the ink hole via the ink supply needle 174. The ink hole communicates with a hole 175 in an insertion portion 166 that is inserted into the support portion 173, and the ink that has flowed into the ink hole is led out to the hole 175.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the hole 175 formed through the insertion portion 166 passes through the overhanging portion 165 and is formed at the bottom surface of the recess 177 formed on the upper surface 176 side of each overhanging portion 165. It is open. The concave portion 177 serving as a large cross-sectional area flow path has an upper surface 176 side opened, and is sealed with a film 157, thereby forming an ink introduction chamber 178 for temporarily storing ink. The recesses 177 are formed one by one in the ink introduction part 164 of the main body 156 corresponding to the six ink grooves 159. For this reason, a total of six recesses 177 are formed in the main body 156.

  On the bottom surface of the recess 177, a protrusion 179 that protrudes from the bottom surface corresponding to the step and the seal portion is formed. The protrusion 179 is formed in a tapered shape toward the upper surface 176 side, and a communication hole 180 passes through the center of the protrusion 179 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. As described above, each recess 177 is formed in each ink introduction portion 164, and the hole 175 of the fitting insertion portion 166 opens at the bottom surface of the recess 177. The lengths of the holes 175 of the fitting insertion portions 166 are all formed uniformly. For this reason, the length of the flow path from the ink discharge port 32 c of each ink cartridge 23 fixed to the holder 150 to each ink introduction chamber 178 is constant. Specifically, the length of the flow path from each ink discharge port 32c to the end of the hole 175 opened at the bottom surface of each recess 177 is constant. Alternatively, the distance from each ink discharge port 32 c to the opening of the communication hole 180 formed in the protrusion 179 is constant. Alternatively, the length of the flow path from the opening of the hole 175 of the fitting insertion portion 166 provided in the converging flow path 151 to the opening of the hole 175 of the ink introduction chamber 178 is constant.

  A sealing material 183 made of an elastic material such as an elastomer is fixed inside the film 157 that seals the recess 177 (the recess 177 side). The film 157 that closes the recess 177 can be bent in the z direction and the anti-z direction (vertical direction) in the drawing by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ink introduction chamber 178. As shown in FIG. 17, the sealing material 183 can close the opening of the communication hole 180 when the film 157 is displaced toward the concave portion 177. That is, when the pressure in the ink introduction chamber 178 decreases below a predetermined pressure, the film 157 bends in a direction that reduces the volume of the ink introduction chamber 178 as shown in FIG. As a result, the film 157 comes into contact with the upper surface of the protrusion 179, and the flow of ink passing through the communication hole 180 of the protrusion 179 can be blocked.

  The communication hole 180 formed in the protrusion 179 is formed perpendicularly from the upper surface of the protrusion 179 and is connected to the first hole 181 also formed in the main body 156. The first hole 181 penetrates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the communication hole 180 extends (horizontal direction in the figure). The first hole 181 is formed from the ink introduction chamber 178 side toward the ink groove 159 side and communicates with the second hole 182. The second hole 182 penetrates perpendicularly from the end of the first hole 181 to the upper surface 176 side. The second hole 182 communicates with an ink flow path (ink groove 159) formed in the main body 156.

  Each ink flow path (ink groove 159) converges on the converging portion 184 of the main body 156 as shown in FIG. Furthermore, each ink flow path bends from the upper surface 176 (see FIG. 16) side to the lower surface side, and then bends again to the upper surface 176 side. Each ink flow path is formed so as to communicate with an ink outlet 169 (see FIG. 14) provided in the tube connection portion 168. Therefore, the ink introduced from each ink cartridge 23 through the ink supply needle 174 flows into the ink flow path (ink groove 159) through the hole 175, the ink introduction chamber 178, the communication hole 180, and the like. Further, the ink flowing into the ink flow path is led out to the ink supply tube 152 connected to the ink outlet 169. The ink introduced into the ink supply tube 152 is led out to the valve unit 155 mounted on the carriage 147.

(Valve unit)
Next, the valve unit 155 as the liquid supply valve unit will be described in detail. FIG. 18 shows a sectional view of the valve unit 155. As shown in FIG. 18, the valve unit 155 includes a flow path forming member 185, a first film member 186 as a flexible member, a first fitting member 187, and a second fitting member (not shown). Prepare. Further, the valve unit 155 includes a first valve member 188 and a second valve member (not shown) as an on-off valve, a second film member 189, a first pressure receiving plate 190, and a second pressure receiving plate (not shown). Not).

  The flow path forming member 185 is made of a thermoplastic resin formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an ink introducing portion 191 is provided on the back surface thereof. The ink introduction part 191 has a shape that connects two cylinders, and includes a first ink introduction hole 192 and a second ink introduction hole (not shown). The ink supply tube 152 communicates with the first ink introduction hole 192 and the second ink introduction hole, so that two colors of ink are combined into the flow path forming member 185 from the ink supply tube 152. It has come to be guided. The ink flow paths in the flow path forming member 185 corresponding to the first ink introduction holes 192 and the second introduction holes have substantially the same configuration, and therefore correspond to the second introduction holes for convenience. The detailed explanation of the ink flow path is omitted, and the illustration is omitted in FIG.

  The first ink introduction hole 192 communicates with a first communication hole 195 formed in the flow path forming member 185. The first communication hole 195 is formed in a substantially U-shape in the flow path forming member 185, and has an opening in the middle thereof. The opening is sealed by thermally welding the first film member 186 to one side 197 of the flow path forming member 185. An ink flow path is formed from the first communication hole 195 and the first film member 186. The first film member 186 and the second film member 189 are made of a flexible material having a high gas barrier property.

  In addition, a first fitting recess 194 is formed on the other side surface 201 of the flow path forming member 185, and the first fitting member 187 is fitted into the first fitting recess 194. Yes. The first communication hole 195 described above is communicated with the first ink inflow hole 199 penetrating through the first fitting member 187.

  A second film member 189 is thermally welded to the other side surface 201 of the flow path forming member 185. At this time, the opening of the first recess 202 provided on the other side surface 201 side is sealed by the second film member 189. Thereby, the first pressure chamber 203 is formed by the second film member 189 and the first recess 202. The second film member 189 is bent by a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first pressure chamber 203. That is, the second film member 189 bends in such a direction as to decrease the volume of the first pressure chamber 203 when the pressure in the first pressure chamber 203 decreases below a predetermined pressure.

  The first pressure chamber 203 communicates with the first communication hole 195 through the first ink inflow hole 199 and the first center hole 200. The first pressure chamber 203 communicates with a first ink outflow hole 204 formed in the first fitting member 187. The first ink outflow hole 204 is communicated with a communication hole 205 formed in the flow path forming member 185.

  Further, the flow path forming member 185 includes a first ink discharge portion 206 and a second ink discharge portion 207 on the lower surface 193 thereof. Each of the first ink discharge unit 206 and the second ink discharge unit 207 includes a first ink discharge hole 208 and a second ink discharge hole 209. The first ink discharge hole 208 is formed continuously with the communication hole 205. The second ink discharge hole 209 is formed continuously with a communication hole (not shown) (an ink channel corresponding to the second ink introduction hole).

  The first ink discharge hole 208 and the second ink discharge hole 209 communicate with the recording head 148, and the ink discharged from the first ink discharge hole 208 and the second ink discharge hole 209 is color. It is discharged from the nozzle every time. That is, the ink that has flowed into the first ink introduction hole 192 flows into the first pressure chamber 203 through the first communication hole 195, the first ink inflow hole 199, and the first center hole 200. The ink that has flowed into the first pressure chamber 203 is supplied to the recording head 148 via the first ink outflow hole 204, the communication hole 205, and the first ink discharge hole 208.

  A first valve member 188 is attached to the first fitting member 187 fitted in the first fitting recess 194. The first contact portion 211 of the first valve member 188 is fixed to the first valve member main body 212 so as to overlap with the surface on the first communication hole 195 side. One end of the first biasing spring 213 is fixed to the first fitting member 187 side, and the other end is fixed to the first disk portion 214 of the first valve member main body 212. Accordingly, the first valve member 188 is urged in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 18 by the first urging spring 213.

  When the pressure in the first pressure chamber 203 decreases and the second film member 189 bends, the first pressure receiving plate 190 resists the urging force of the first pressure receiving spring 216, It moves so that it may approach the recessed part 202. Then, the first valve member 188 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow R direction shown in FIG. 18, and the first communication hole 195, the first ink inflow hole 199, and the first center hole 200 are in a communication state. Is done. Further, when the pressure in the first pressure chamber 203 increases, the first pressure receiving plate 190 moves away from the first recess 202, and the first communication hole 195 and the first ink inflow hole 199 are moved. It will be in a non-communication state.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 145 configured as described above will be described. Note that the electrical configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 145 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  During normal printing, the ink flow path from the ink cartridge 23 to the recording head 148 is filled with ink for each color. The ink supplied to each ink introduction chamber 178 of the converging channel 151 is maintained in a state having a high pressure. Therefore, the film 157 that seals the ink introduction chamber 178 is maintained in a state where it is not bent. As a result, the ink that has flowed into the ink introduction chamber 178 can be led out to each ink flow path of the converging flow path 151 via the communication hole 180.

  Further, ink introduced in a pressurized state is supplied from the ink cartridge 23 through the converging channel 151 and the ink supply tube 152 to the valve unit 155 mounted on the carriage 147 for each color. For example, ink that has flowed from the first ink introduction hole 192 flows into the first pressure chamber 203 via the first communication hole 195.

  In this state, when printing is started based on the image data, ink is ejected from the recording head 148, and the ink in the first pressure chamber 203 is changed to the first ink according to the ink ejection amount. The ink is supplied to the recording head 148 through the discharge hole 208 and the like. As a result, the ink in the first pressure chamber 203 is reduced, and the pressure inside the first pressure chamber 203 is reduced.

  For example, when the ink in the first pressure chamber 203 decreases below a predetermined pressure, the second film member 189 bends in such a direction as to decrease the volume in the first pressure chamber 203. As a result, the first valve member 188 is rotated by the first pressure receiving plate 190, and the first communication hole 195, the first ink inflow hole 199, and the first center hole 200 are brought into a communication state. . Then, the ink in the first communication hole 195 and the ink supply tube 152 flows into the first pressure chamber 203, and the first pressure chamber 203 is filled with ink. For this reason, the ink in the ink supply tube 152 upstream of the first ink introduction hole 192 and the ink in the ink flow path in the focusing flow path 151 are led out to the valve unit 155 side.

  When ink flows into the first pressure chamber 203, the pressure of the ink in the first pressure chamber 203 increases. As a result, the bending of the second film member 189 is eliminated. As a result, the first valve member 188 rotates toward the original position, and the first communication hole 195 and the first ink inflow hole 199 are again disconnected.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 145 at the time of chalk cleaning will be described. When the input unit 115 (see FIG. 9) is operated by the user, the CPU 111 first drives the carriage motor 17 according to the choke cleaning program described in the first embodiment to move the carriage 147 to the home position (for example, FIG. 2). The left end between the frame plate 145a and the frame plate 145b.

  Further, the CPU 111 proceeds to a pressure reduction stage, stops driving the pressurizing pump motor 125, and prevents pressurized air from being sent out from the pressurizing pump 25. Subsequently, the CPU 111 moves to the capping stage, drives the cap lifting / lowering motor 126, raises the cap 26a, and seals the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 148. When the CPU 111 raises the cap 26a, the CPU 111 moves to a suction stage, drives the tube pump motor 127, and forms a negative pressure inside the cap 26a.

  As a result, ink is sucked through the recording head 148, and first, the ink in the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber of the valve unit 155 starts to decrease. Then, when the pressure in the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, the second film member 189, the first valve member 188, and the second pressure member are the same as in the printing. A valve member acts. The first communication hole 195 and the second communication hole, and the first ink inflow hole 199 and the second ink inflow hole are in communication with each other.

  Then, the ink in the ink supply tube 152 and the ink flow path of the converging flow path 151 upstream from the valve unit 155 flows into the valve unit 155. At this time, since the pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25 is not sent out, the inside of each ink introduction chamber 178 provided upstream of the ink flow paths of the ink supply tube 152 and the converging flow path 151. Ink of ink begins to decrease gradually.

  When the pressure in each ink introduction chamber 178 decreases below a predetermined pressure, as shown in FIG. 17, the film 157 that seals the ink introduction chamber 178 is bent, and the sealing material 183 is communicated with the communication hole 180 of the protrusion 179. The opening of the is closed. As a result, the flow of ink flowing from the ink introduction chamber 178 into the communication hole 180 is blocked.

  In this state, the suction operation by the tube pump 26e constituting the suction means is continued, so that the negative pressure is accumulated downstream from the first ink introduction chamber 178 as a boundary. Then, the CPU 111 measures the driving time of the tube pump motor 127 according to the choke cleaning program. When a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 111 moves to a pressure increasing stage and starts driving the pressure pump motor 125. Then, when the CPU 111 starts driving the pressure pump motor 125, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the choke cleaning program.

  As a result, delivery of pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25 is started, and ink is supplied in a pressurized state from the ink cartridge 23 via the connection portion 167. Then, ink is supplied to the ink introduction chamber 178 in a pressurized state, and the bending of the film 157 is eliminated. Thereby, the film 157 and the protrusion 179 are separated from each other, and the flow of ink passing through the communication hole 180 is allowed.

  At this time, the length of the flow path from the ink discharge port 32c of each ink cartridge 23 to each ink introduction chamber 178 is constant. Specifically, the length of the flow path from the ink discharge port 32 c of the ink cartridge 23 to the opening of the hole 175 formed in each ink introduction chamber 178 or the opening of the communication hole 180 is constant. For this reason, when ink is supplied from each ink cartridge 23 in a pressurized state, filling of the ink into the ink introduction chamber 178 is completed almost simultaneously, and the bending of the film 157 is eliminated almost simultaneously.

  Then, in order to eliminate the negative pressure accumulated downstream from the respective ink introduction chambers 178, ink flows in from the upstream side, and ink with an increased flow velocity instantaneously flows. As a result, air bubbles and impurities staying in the flow path downstream from each ink introduction chamber 178, that is, the converging flow path 151 to the valve unit 155 through the ink supply tube 152, together with the ink, all at once. The ink is discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 148. And so-called chalk cleaning can be performed.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(6) In the second embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus 145 includes the pressurizing pump 25 and the like, and introduces the pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25 into the ink cartridge 23, whereby ink is recorded on the recording head 148. It was made to be an air pressurization type device that pumps to the side. Each ink introduction chamber 178 is provided in the middle of the flow path between the ink cartridge 23 and the recording head 148 and upstream of the ink flow path formed in the converging flow path 151. The ink introduction chamber 178 is formed such that a part of its wall surface is formed by a film 157 that is bent by the difference between the pressure of the ink inside and the atmospheric pressure.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the drive of the pressurizing pump 25 is stopped in a state where the nozzle opening surface of the recording head 148 is covered with the cap 26a, whereby the ink supply tube 152, The pressure of the fluid in the valve unit 155 can be reduced. In this state, by performing the suction operation of the tube pump 26e, the pressure of the fluid in the focusing channel 151, the ink supply tube 152, and the valve unit 155 can be reduced as a whole. Thereby, the pressure in each ink introduction chamber 178 can be reduced below a predetermined pressure, and the film 157 can be bent inward.

  As a result, the sealing material 183 on the inner side of the film 157 can come into contact with the protrusion 179 and block the ink flow passing through the communication hole 180. In this state, by continuing the suction operation of the tube pump 26e, negative pressure can be accumulated downstream of the contact portion between the film 157 and the protrusion 179. Moreover, by starting the driving of the pressurizing pump 25 in a state where the negative pressure is accumulated, the bending of the film 157 can be restored, and the accumulated negative pressure can be eliminated at once. As a result, in the ink flow path from each ink cartridge 23 to the nozzle opening of the recording head 148, bubbles, impurities, and the like in the substantially entire flow path can be discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 148 together with the ink. And so-called chalk cleaning can be performed. As a result, the ink filling property in the ink jet recording apparatus 145 can be improved.

  Further, since the ink introduction chamber 178 is provided on the upstream side of the ink flow path formed in the converging flow path 151, the ink is supplied to the ink introduction chamber 178 from the ink cartridge 23 relatively stably. Therefore, the bending of the film 157 that seals the ink introduction chamber 178 is easily eliminated, and the reliability of the displacement operation of the film 157 can be improved. Accordingly, the ink can be led out relatively stably downstream of the ink introduction chamber 178.

  (7) In the second embodiment, the ink introduction chamber 178 is provided in the converging channel 151. Further, the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber are provided in the valve unit 155 downstream of the converging channel 151. For this reason, the valve unit 155 can be reduced in size or weight. Alternatively, the structure of the valve unit 155 can be simplified. Therefore, when the number of ink cartridges 23 increases and the number of valve units 155 mounted on the carriage 147 increases, the load on the carriage motor 17 can be reduced.

  (8) In the second embodiment, each ink introduction chamber 178 is formed in the ink introduction part 164 formed in the converging channel 151. The length of the flow path from the ink discharge port 32c of each ink cartridge 23 to each ink introduction chamber 178 was made constant. Specifically, in a state where the ink cartridge 23 is mounted on the holder 150, from the ink discharge port 32 c of the ink cartridge 23 to the opening of the hole 175 of the ink introduction chamber 178 or the opening of the communication hole 180 of the ink introduction chamber 178. The length of the flow path was made constant.

  For this reason, when the tube pump 26e is driven and the film 157 closes the communication hole 180, the time from the start of the driving of the pressure pump 25 until the bending of the film 157 is eliminated It becomes substantially constant in the chamber 178. For this reason, the time until the deflection of the film 157 is eliminated, as in the case where the time from the start of the driving of the pressure pump 25 to the elimination of the deflection of the film 157 differs for each ink introduction chamber. There is no need to drive the pressurizing pump 25 in accordance with the long ink introduction chamber. For this reason, the drive time of the pressurization pump 25 for eliminating the bending of the film 157 can be minimized. Therefore, the time required for chalk cleaning can be shortened.

  (9) In the second embodiment, the protrusion 179 through which the communication hole 180 passes is formed on the bottom surface of each ink introduction chamber 178 (recess 177). The protrusions 179 and the film 157 constituting the ink introduction chamber 178 are opposed to each other. Therefore, at the time of chalk cleaning, the film 157 is bent toward the ink introduction chamber 178, so that it can come into contact with the protrusion 179, and the communication hole 180 can be more reliably sealed. For this reason, since the negative pressure can be more reliably accumulated in the flow path downstream of the film 157, the choke cleaning can be performed more reliably.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the third embodiment has a configuration in which only the valve unit or the ink introduction chamber of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is changed, and thus detailed description of the same parts is omitted. 19 is a perspective view of the focusing flow path 220 constituting the liquid supply path, FIG. 20 is a plan view of the main body 227 of the choke valve 221 connected to the focusing flow path 220, and FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the main body 227. is there. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the choke valve 221.

  The focusing channel 220 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the ink introduction chamber 178 is simply omitted from the focusing channel 151 described in the second embodiment. Accordingly, the ink that has flowed into the cylindrical insertion portion 222 provided on one side surface of the converging flow path 220 directly flows into the first ink flow path L1 to the sixth ink flow path L6 formed in the converging flow path 220. Will do. The fitting insertion portions 222 corresponding to the first ink flow path L1 to the sixth ink flow path L6 are respectively formed in the converging flow path 220 so as to protrude in order from the left end to the right end in FIG.

  The lengths of the entire first ink flow path L1 to sixth ink flow path L6 are lengths D1 to D6, respectively. And the magnitude | size of each length D1-D6 becomes small as it becomes length D6 from length D1 except length D5. The length D5 is the shortest (length D1> length D2> length D3> length D4> length D6> length D5).

  A choke valve 221 is connected to the valve-side connection portion 225 provided in the main body 224 of the focusing flow path 220. The choke valve 221 is formed of a main body 227 as a flow path forming member formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a first film 228 and a second film 229 (see FIG. 22) as flexible members. Yes. The main body 227 is made of a thermoplastic resin, and the first film 228 and the second film 229 having a substantially rectangular shape can be thermally welded to the main body 227 and are formed of a flexible material having a high gas barrier property. Has been. As shown in FIG. 22, the first film 228 and the second film 229 are thermally welded to the upper surface 230 and the lower surface 231 of the main body 227, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the main body 227 is formed with the first recess C <b> 1 to the sixth recess C <b> 6 as large cross-sectional area flow paths, ink grooves communicating with these recesses, and the like. The first recess C1 to the sixth recess C6 and the grooves communicating with them each have an opening, and the opening is such that the first film 228 and the second film 229 are thermally welded to the main body 227. It is sealed by. And the 1st channel R1-the 6th channel C6 are constituted by the 1st crevice C1-the 6th crevice C6, a slot, the 1st film 228, and the 2nd film 229. 20 and 21 show a state in which the first film 228 and the second film 229 are not thermally welded to the main body 227.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, six introduction ports 232 are formed to protrude from the lower surface 231 of the main body 227. The introduction ports 232 are respectively fitted into the ink outlet ports 169 of the converging channel 220. As shown in FIG. 22, an introduction hole 234 is formed through the introduction port 232, and the introduction hole 234 is formed continuously with an upper groove 235 formed on the upper surface 230 side of the main body 227. FIG. 22 shows the first recess C1 and the corresponding grooves and holes constituting the first flow path R1.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the upper groove 235 is open on the upper surface 230 side, and the opening is sealed with the first film 228. One end of the upper groove 235 communicates with the introduction hole 234 and the other end communicates with the upstream communication hole 236. The upstream side communication hole 236 passes through the main body 227 in the vertical direction in FIG. 22 and communicates with the introduction groove 237. The introduction groove 237 has an opening on the lower surface 231 side, and the opening is sealed by thermally welding the second film 229 to the main body 227. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the introduction grooves 237 constituting the first flow path R1 to the sixth flow path R6 respectively extend to the vicinity of the corresponding first recess C1 to the sixth recess C6. Accordingly, the length and shape of each introduction groove 237 are different from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the downstream communication hole 238 communicates with the introduction groove 237. The downstream communication hole 238 passes through the main body 227 in the vertical direction in FIG. Further, the downstream side communication holes 238 are respectively opened at the bottom surfaces of the first concave portion C1 to the sixth concave portion C6 provided in the upper surface 230 side. The first concave portion C1 to the sixth concave portion C6 are formed in a substantially circular shape, and the side surfaces thereof are inclined surfaces (tapered) so that the cross-sectional area decreases from the upper surface 230 side to the lower surface 231 side. . And the 1st recessed part C1-the 6th recessed part C6 are arrange | positioned in order toward the other end part from the one end part in which each inlet 232 (introduction hole 234) of the main body 227 was formed, as shown in FIG. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the first recess C <b> 1 (second recess C <b> 2 to sixth recess C <b> 6) is open on the upper surface 230 side and is sealed with the first film 228. And the protrusion 240 which comprises a level | step difference and a seal part is formed in the approximate center of the bottom face of the 1st recessed part C1-the 6th recessed part C6, respectively. The protrusion 240 is formed such that its upper surface 241 is lower than the upper surface 230 of the main body 227. The first ink introduction chamber S1 (second ink introduction chamber S2 to sixth ink introduction chamber S6) is formed by the first recess C1 to the sixth recess C6 and the first film 228. A communication hole 242 as a small cross-sectional area flow path is penetrated through the protrusion 240, and the communication hole 242 opens at the upper surface 241.

  The first film 228 constituting the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 is bent by a pressure difference inside and outside the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. That is, the first film 228 reduces the volume of each of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 when the pressure in the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 decreases below a predetermined pressure. Bend in the direction As a result, the first film 228 comes into contact with the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240 formed in each of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6, thereby blocking the flow of ink to the communication hole 242. It is possible to do.

  A spring seat 260 is attached to the outer surface of the first film 228 constituting the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. Further, six urging springs 261 are provided in the vicinity of the first film 228 so as to face the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 through the first film 228. One end of the biasing spring 261 is fixed to the spring seat 260, and the other end is fixed to the fixing portion 262. The fixing portion 262 is supported on the ink jet recording apparatus 145 side. The biasing spring 261 biases the first film 228 in a direction in which the first film 228 is pressed toward the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6, and the first film 228 is brought into contact with the protrusion 240. It is possible to make it.

  When the ink is supplied in a pressurized state to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 by driving the pressure pump 25 during printing or the like, as shown in FIG. 228 is maintained in a state where it does not contact the protrusion 240 against the urging force of the urging spring 261. That is, the urging spring 261 cannot bring the first film 228 into contact with the protrusion 240 in a state where ink is supplied to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 in a pressurized state. It has a biasing force of such a size.

  When the pressurization pump 25 stops driving, such as when the ink cartridge 23 is removed from the holder 150, the first film 228 is brought into contact with the protrusion 240 by the biasing force of the biasing spring 261. . That is, the urging spring 261 causes the first film 228 to contact the protrusion 240 in a state where ink is supplied to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 in a non-pressurized state. Has a biasing force.

  The communication hole 242 formed in the protrusion 240 is formed continuously with the lead-out groove 243. The lead-out groove 243 has an opening on the lower surface 231 side, and the opening is sealed by the second film 229. The lead-out grooves 243 constituting the first flow path R1 to the sixth flow path R6 respectively extend from directly below the corresponding first recess C1 to the sixth recess C6 to the other end side of the main body 227. Accordingly, the length and shape of each lead-out groove 243 are different from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 21, each lead-out groove 243 communicates with the lead-out hole 247 on the other end side of the main body 227. Each lead-out hole 247 passes through the main body 227 vertically from the lower surface 231 side to the upper surface 230 side.

  As shown in FIG. 20, six connection ports 250 protrude from the tube connection portion 249 provided at the other end of the main body 227, and the ink supply tube 152 is provided in each connection port 250. These flow paths are connected. A lead-out hole 247 communicated with the lead-out groove 243 passes through the connection port 250 and opens at the upper end of the connection port 250. The first flow path R1 to the sixth flow path R6 are communicated with each ink flow path of the ink supply tube 152 via each connection port 250. The ink supply tube 152 is connected to a valve unit 155 mounted on the carriage 147 as in the second embodiment.

  Therefore, the ink led out from the first ink flow path L1 to the sixth ink flow path L6 of the converging flow path 220 passes through the inlets 232 formed in the main body 227 of the choke valve 221 and enters the choke valve 221. It flows into the first channel R1 to the sixth channel R6, respectively. At this time, the ink flows into the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 respectively provided in the middle of the first flow path R1 to the sixth flow path R6. The ink that has flowed into the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 is led out from each connection port 250 provided at the other end of the main body 227 to the ink flow path in the ink supply tube 152. become.

  In addition, the lengths M1 to M6 of the flow paths from the opening of each introduction hole 234 to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 increase in the order of length M1 to length M6. (Length M1 <length M2 <length M3 <length M4 <length M5 <length M6). Specifically, the length M1 to the length M6 are the length from the opening of each introduction hole 234 to the opening at the bottom surface of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 of the downstream communication hole 238, Or it is the length to the opening of the communication hole 242 formed in each protrusion 240.

  The first flow path R1 to the fourth flow path R4 of the choke valve 221 communicate with the first ink flow path L1 to the fourth ink flow path L4 of the focusing flow path 220, respectively. The fifth flow path R5 of the choke valve 221 is connected to the sixth ink flow path L6 of the converging flow path 220, and the sixth flow path R6 of the choke valve 221 is connected to the fifth ink flow path L5 of the converging flow path 220. Communicate. The length of the entire ink flow path is obtained by adding the length D1 to the length D6 of the ink flow path on the focusing flow path 220 side and the length M1 to the length M6 of the ink flow path on the choke valve 221 side. Is to be constant. That is, for example, a value obtained by adding the length D1 of the first ink flow path L1 of the focusing flow path 220 and the length M1 of the first flow path R1 of the choke valve 221 (length D1 + length M1) is the focused flow. It is equal to a value (length D2 + length M2) obtained by adding the length D2 of the second ink flow path L2 of the path 220 and the length M2 of the second flow path R2 of the choke valve 221. Further, it is also equal to the value obtained by adding the lengths of the other ink channels (length D3 + length M3, length D4 + length M4, length D5 + length M6, length D6 + length M5). That is, the length of the entire ink flow path constituted by the ink flow path of the converging flow path 220 and the ink flow path of the choke valve 221 communicating therewith is set to be equal.

  During normal printing, ink is filled for each color between the ink cartridge 23 and the recording head 148. At this time, the ink supplied to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 formed in the choke valve 221 is maintained in a state having a high pressure. Therefore, the 1st film 228 which seals the 1st crevice C1-the 6th crevice C6 is maintained in the state where it does not bend. As a result, the ink that has flowed into the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 can be led out to the lead-out groove 243 side through the communication hole 242.

  In this state, when printing is started based on the image data, ink is ejected from the recording head 148, and the first pressure chamber 203 (second pressure chamber 203) of the valve unit 155 is selected according to the amount of ink ejected. ) Is supplied to the recording head 148. As a result, the pressure in the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber decreases. For example, when the first valve member 188 is rotated by the first pressure receiving plate 190, the ink on the upstream side of the valve unit 155, that is, on the first communication hole 195 side, becomes the first pressure chamber 203. Filled in. As a result, the ink in the ink supply tube 152, the choke valve 221, and the focusing flow path 220 is sequentially pushed out to the ink supply tube 152.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 145 at the time of chalk cleaning will be described. When the user operates the input unit 115 (see FIG. 9), the CPU 111 moves the carriage 147 to the home position. Then, the CPU 111 proceeds to a pressure reduction stage and stops driving the pressure pump motor 125. Then, the driving of the pressurizing pump 25 is stopped, and the first film 228 is brought into contact with the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240 by the urging force of each urging spring 261. As a result, the flow of ink flowing into each communication hole 180 from each ink introduction chamber 178 is blocked. Subsequently, the CPU 111 moves up to the suction stage through a capping stage in which the cap 26a is raised to seal the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 148.

  As a result, ink is sucked through the recording head 148, and first, the ink in the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber of the valve unit 155 starts to decrease. Thereby, the first valve member 188 and the second valve member rotate, and the first communication hole 195 and the second communication hole, and the first ink inflow hole 199 and the second ink inflow hole are formed. Each space is in communication. Then, the ink in the ink supply tube 152 upstream from the valve unit 155 flows into the valve unit 155.

  In this state, when the suction operation by the tube pump 26e is continued, negative pressure is accumulated downstream of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. Then, the CPU 111 measures the driving time of the tube pump motor 127 according to the choke cleaning program. When a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 111 moves to a pressure increasing stage and starts driving the pressure pump motor 125. Then, when the CPU 111 starts driving the pressure pump motor 125, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the choke cleaning program.

  As a result, delivery of pressurized air from the pressure pump 25 is started, and ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 23 to the valve unit 155 in a pressurized state. Then, the ink is supplied in a pressurized state to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6, and the bending of the first film 228 is eliminated against the urging force of each urging spring 261. Thereby, the first film 228 and the protrusion 240 are separated from each other, and the flow of ink passing through the communication hole 242 is allowed. At this time, since the entire length of the ink flow path from the ink discharge port 32c to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 is substantially constant, the drive of the pressure pump 25 is started. The time until the bending of the first film 228 constituting a part of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 is eliminated is substantially constant.

  Then, in order to eliminate the negative pressure accumulated downstream of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6, the ink flows from the upstream side at once, and the ink whose flow velocity is instantaneously increased flows. become. As a result, bubbles and impurities staying downstream from the first ink introduction chambers S1 to S6 are discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 148 together with the ink. And so-called chalk cleaning can be performed.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the effect described in (9) of the second embodiment.
(10) In the third embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus 145 includes the pressurizing pump 25 and the like, and introduces pressurized air from the pressurizing pump 25 into the ink cartridge 23, whereby ink is recorded on the recording head 148. An air pressurization system that pumps to the side was adopted. The six first ink introduction chambers S1 to S6 are in the middle of the flow path between the ink cartridge 23 and the recording head 148 and between the focusing flow path 220 and the ink supply tube 152. A choke valve 221 provided integrally with S6 is provided. Further, in the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6, a part of the wall surface is formed by the first film 228 which is bent by the difference between the pressure of the ink inside and the atmospheric pressure. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the focusing flow path 220, the choke valve 221 and the ink supply tube are stopped by stopping the driving of the pressure pump 25 in a state where the nozzle opening surface of the recording head 148 is covered with the cap 26a. The pressure of the fluid in 152 and the valve unit 155 can be reduced. As a result, the pressure in the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 is reduced below a predetermined pressure, the first film 228 is bent inward, and the first film is applied by the biasing force of the biasing spring 261. 228 can be brought into contact with the protrusion 240. For this reason, the first film 228 can block the flow of ink passing through the communication hole 242.

  In this state, by continuing the suction operation of the tube pump 26e, negative pressure can be accumulated downstream of the contact portion between the first film 228 and the protrusion 240. Moreover, by starting the driving of the pressurizing pump 25 in a state where the negative pressure is accumulated, the bending of the first film 228 can be restored, and the accumulated negative pressure can be eliminated at a stretch. As a result, bubbles, impurities, etc. staying in the ink supply tube 152 and the valve unit 155 downstream of the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 are discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 148 together with the ink. can do. And so-called chalk cleaning can be performed. As a result, the ink filling property in the ink jet recording apparatus 145 can be improved.

  (11) In the third embodiment, the length from the ink discharge port 32c of each ink cartridge 23 to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 is made substantially constant. Therefore, when the tube pump 26e is driven, the first film 228 comes into contact with the protrusion 240 and the communication hole 242 is closed. The time until this is eliminated is substantially constant in the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. For this reason, the time until the bending of the first film 228 is eliminated for each ink introduction chamber after the driving of the pressure pump 25 is started is different until the deflection of the film 157 is eliminated. It is not necessary to drive the pressurizing pump 25 in accordance with the ink introduction chamber and the ink flow path that are long in time. For this reason, the drive time of the pressurizing pump 25 for eliminating the bending of the first film can be minimized.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(12) In the third embodiment, the choke valve 221 is configured by forming the six first ink introduction chambers S1 to the sixth ink introduction chambers S6 in the main body 227. For this reason, the choke valve 221 can be easily attached to the focusing flow path 220, rather than forming the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 as separate members. Further, since the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 are formed in one main body 227, the number of manufacturing steps of the choke valve 221 can be reduced. Furthermore, the valve unit 155 can be reduced in size and weight.

  (13) In the third embodiment, six urging springs 261 facing the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 are provided outside the first film 228. Each urging spring 261 presses the first film 228 toward the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. The biasing spring 261 maintains the first film 228 in a state where it does not come into contact with the protrusion 240 when the ink is supplied in a pressurized state to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. An urging force was provided. Further, the biasing spring 261 is applied so that the first film 228 is brought into contact with the protrusion 240 when the ink is supplied to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 in a non-pressurized state. Added power. For this reason, when the ink cartridge 23 is removed from the holder 150, the first film 228 can be brought into contact with the protrusion 240 to reliably close the communication hole 242. As a result, it is possible to prevent leakage of ink staying in the ink flow path downstream of the communication hole 242 from the ink supply needle 174 of the holder 150 when the ink cartridge 23 is not attached.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which only the choke valve 221 of the third embodiment is changed, detailed description of the same parts is omitted. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the focusing channel 220, and FIG. 24 is a plan view of the choke valve 270 of the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a regulating plate 271 that constitutes the choke valve 270, and FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a main part of the choke valve 270. FIGS. 27 to 30 are main part sectional views for explaining the operation of the choke valve 270.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the choke valve 270 of the present embodiment is connected to the valve-side connection portion 225 of the converging channel 220. The choke valve 270 includes a main body 227 described in the third embodiment, and first and second films 228 and 229 (see FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 24, the choke valve 270 further includes a regulating plate 271 as a regulating means disposed on the main body 227.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the restriction plate 271 is formed of a long metal plate. The restricting plate 271 is formed with six permissible holes 272 that are aligned in a row. Each of the permissible holes 272 is formed in a circular shape, and the inner diameter thereof is an inner diameter d1 as indicated by the permissible hole 272 at the left end in FIG. Further, a portion of the regulating plate 271 where the allowable hole 272 is not formed is a closed portion 273.

  When attaching the restriction plate 271 to the main body 227, as shown in FIG. 24, one end of the restriction plate 271 in the short direction is aligned with the position of the step portion D formed on the tube connecting portion 249 side of the main body 227. In this way, it is positioned and fixed on the first film 228 with an adhesive or the like. Then, as shown in FIG.26 and FIG.27, the circular part (henceforth opening sealing part K) of the 1st film 228 as a flexible region which sealed opening of the 1st-6th recessed part C1-C6. The permissible hole 272 is arranged so as to be inside the outer periphery of the opening sealing portion K. Further, when the restriction plate 271 is attached to the main body 227, the upper groove 235 (see FIG. 20) sealed by the first film 228 is also closed by the closing portion 273 of the restriction plate 271. Note that when the first to sixth recesses C1 to C6 are described without being distinguished from each other, they are simply described as the recesses C hereinafter.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the opening sealing portion K is formed to have a diameter d2 (> inner diameter d1) and is larger than the inner diameter d1 of the allowable hole 272. For this reason, when the restriction plate 271 is attached to the main body 227, the restriction plate 271 covers the peripheral edge portion of the opening sealing portions K constituting the first to sixth ink introduction chambers S1 to S6. It becomes a state like this. And by arrange | positioning the permissible hole 272 of the control board 271 in the center part of each opening sealing part K, a center part will be in the state which is not covered with the control board 271. FIG. In the following description, the first to sixth ink introduction chambers S1 to S6 will be simply referred to as the ink introduction chamber S when they are described without being distinguished from each other.

  The opening sealing portion K constituting each ink introduction chamber S is displaced by a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ink introduction chamber S. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the restriction plate 271 is not disposed on the choke valve 270, when the ink is caused to flow into each ink introduction chamber S in a pressurized state by driving the pressure pump 25, the opening is opened. The sealing portion K receives a force (the upward direction in FIG. 30) that increases the volume of the ink introduction chamber S. When the ink amount in the ink introduction chamber S flows in a predetermined amount or more and the internal pressure becomes a predetermined value or more, the entire opening sealing portion K is displaced upward as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the opening sealing portion K of the present embodiment is partially displaced by the pressure difference inside and outside the ink introduction chamber S. For example, when the pressure pump 25 is driven during printing or the like, the ink flows into the ink introduction chamber S by a predetermined amount or more, and when the internal pressure of the ink introduction chamber S becomes a predetermined value or more, the opening sealing portion K A force is applied in such a direction as to increase the volume of the introduction chamber S (upward in FIG. 27). At this time, as shown in FIG. 28, the opening sealing portion K is restricted from being displaced upward at the peripheral edge by the restriction plate 271, so that the overall expansion (displacement) is prevented. Further, since the center of the opening sealing portion K is allowed to be displaced upward due to the arrangement of the permissible hole 272, it is slightly displaced toward the permissible hole 272 side. That is, when ink is introduced into the ink introduction chamber S in a pressurized state, the displacement of the entire opening sealing portion K is restricted by the closing portion 273 of the restriction plate 271. In addition, only the central portion of the opening sealing portion K is inflated via the permissive hole 272 so that the pressure in the ink introduction chamber S is in a high pressure state that causes the first film 228 to be damaged. To prevent it.

  On the other hand, when the tube pump 26e is driven or the like, the ink in the ink introduction chamber S becomes less than a predetermined amount and the internal pressure in the ink introduction chamber S decreases below a predetermined value, as shown in FIG. Then, it bends in such a direction as to reduce the volume of the ink introduction chamber S. As a result, the opening sealing portion K comes into contact with the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240 formed in the ink introduction chamber S, and the ink flow to the communication hole 242 can be blocked. FIG. 27 shows the position of the opening sealing portion K when there is no pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ink introduction chamber S. In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, the first film 228 is not fixed to the main body 227 without any slack, and the opening sealing portion K can be bent into the ink introduction chamber S. It is firmly fixed.

  Next, the operation of the choke valve 270 will be described taking choke cleaning as an example. Before starting the choke cleaning, the opening sealing portion K constituting the ink introduction chamber S of the choke valve 270 is in a state in which at least the communication hole 242 is not closed as shown in FIG. At this time, when a predetermined amount or more of ink has flowed into the ink introduction chamber S, only the central portion of the opening sealing portion K swells as shown in FIG. Movement is regulated. As a result, the opening sealing portion K that constitutes each ink introduction chamber S is in a state where displacement in a direction that increases the volume of the ink introduction chamber S is restricted by the restriction plate 271, so that it is displaced as a whole. Is getting smaller.

  When the choke cleaning is started, the CPU 111 (see FIG. 9) stops driving the pressurizing pump motor 125 (see FIG. 9) and the cap lifting motor 126 (see FIG. 9) according to the choke cleaning program. Drive. Then, the sending of air from the pressurizing pump 25 (see FIG. 12) is stopped, and the cap 26a (see FIG. 3) seals the nozzle forming surface.

  Further, the CPU 111 moves to the suction stage, drives the tube pump motor 127 (see FIG. 9), and accumulates negative pressure inside the cap 26a. As a result, ink is sucked through the recording head 148, and ink in the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber (not shown) of the valve unit 155 (see FIG. 18) starts to decrease. Then, when the pressure in the first pressure chamber 203 and the second pressure chamber is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, the second film member 189 is bent as in the printing of the second embodiment, and the first valve The member 188 and the second valve member (not shown) rotate.

  Then, the ink in the ink flow path of the ink supply tube 152 (see FIG. 13) on the upstream side of each valve unit 155 flows into the valve unit 155. At this time, since the air from the pressure pump 25 is not sent out, the ink in the first to sixth ink introduction chambers S1 to S6 provided on the upstream side of the ink supply tube 152 also starts to gradually decrease. .

  When the pressure in each ink introduction chamber S decreases below a predetermined value, each opening sealing portion K of the first film 228 receives a force that approaches the protrusion 240 in each ink introduction chamber S. . At this time, as described above, before each opening sealing portion K is displaced to the protrusion 240 side, the opening sealing portion K is separated from the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240 by the restriction of the closing portion 273 of the restriction plate 271. It is in a position that is not greatly separated. In this way, the amount of ink sucked from the ink introduction chamber S until the opening sealing portion K is brought into contact with the protrusion 240 during chalk cleaning is reduced. As a result, the time from when the tube pump 26e starts driving to when the opening sealing portion K is brought into contact with the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240 is shortened.

  And if the opening sealing part K contact | abuts on the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240, the communication hole 242 will be obstruct | occluded. As a result, the flow of ink flowing into the communication hole 242 from the first to sixth ink introduction chambers S1 to S6 is blocked. In this state, by continuing the suction operation by the tube pump 26e, negative pressure is accumulated on the downstream side of each ink introduction chamber S as a boundary. Then, the CPU 111 measures the driving time of the tube pump motor 127 according to the choke cleaning program. When a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 111 moves to a pressure increasing stage and starts driving the pressure pump motor 125. Then, when the CPU 111 starts driving the pressure pump motor 125, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the choke cleaning program.

  As a result, air supply from the pressure pump 25 is started, and ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 23 in a pressurized state. Ink supplied in a pressurized state flows in at a stroke from the upstream side of each ink introduction chamber S in an attempt to eliminate the negative pressure accumulated on the downstream side of each ink introduction chamber S. As a result, the ink having an increased flow velocity instantaneously flows in each ink introduction chamber S and on the downstream side of each ink introduction chamber S. As a result, it is possible to perform so-called choke cleaning in which bubbles and impurities staying downstream from the respective ink introduction chambers S are discharged from the nozzles of the recording head 148 together with the ink.

Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects described in (9) of the second embodiment and (10) to (12) of the third embodiment.
(14) In the fourth embodiment, the choke valve 270 is provided in the choke valve 270, and the direction in which the flow path resistance is reduced (the ink introduction chamber S) with respect to the first film 228 that is bent by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of each ink introduction chamber S. A restricting plate 271 is provided for restricting displacement in the direction of increasing the volume. Therefore, when the flow path resistance is increased by bending the opening sealing portion K of the first film 228 during the chalk cleaning, the opening sealing portion K is configured to reduce the flow path resistance by the regulation plate 271. Since the displacement to is previously suppressed, the range of displacement of the opening sealing portion K is reduced. That is, the opening sealing portion K can be displaced immediately to a position necessary for cleaning (a position where it abuts on the upper surface 241 of the protrusion 240) at the time of chalk cleaning. It is possible to shorten the time until the flow path is closed and improve the response of the opening sealing portion K to the start of driving the tube pump 26e.

  (15) In the fourth embodiment, the restricting plate 271 is provided on the opposite side of the first film 228 from the ink introduction chamber S side, and closes the peripheral edge of the opening sealing portion K from the outside, thereby opening the opening seal. The outward displacement of the stop K is restricted. For this reason, since the restriction plate 271 is disposed from above the opening sealing portion K and can be prevented from being displaced simply by closing the peripheral edge portion thereof, a simple configuration can be achieved. Further, since the regulation plate 271 is provided outside the ink flow path, it is possible to prevent contamination of the ink and obstruction of the ink flow.

  (16) In the fourth embodiment, the restricting plate 271 closes the peripheral portion of the opening sealing portion K, and restricts displacement in the direction of increasing the volume of the ink introduction chamber S. The opening 272 is provided with an allowance hole 272 that is formed in the closing portion 273 and allows displacement of the central portion of the opening sealing portion K. For this reason, while the displacement of the opening sealing portion K is restricted by the closing portion 273 and the displacement of the opening sealing portion K is partially allowed by the allowable hole 272, the pressure in the ink introduction chamber S is increased. In this case, the first film 228 can be prevented from being damaged by the pressure. In addition, the configuration can be simplified by forming the blocking portion 273 into a plate shape.

  (17) In the fourth embodiment, the first to sixth ink introduction chambers S1 to S6 are provided, and the regulating plate is attached to the main body 227 having the upper and lower surfaces fixed to the first and second films 228 and 229. 271 is arranged. And the restriction | limiting board 271 accept | permits the closure part 273 which obstruct | occludes a peripheral part among each opening sealing part K which comprises 1st-6th ink introduction chamber S1-S6, and the displacement of each center part, respectively. The number of permissible holes 272 is provided. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately provide a restriction plate for restricting the displacement of each opening sealing portion K with respect to each opening sealing portion K. For this reason, the increase in a manufacturing process and an assembly process can be suppressed.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
In the first embodiment, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b of the valve unit 21 include the first film member 45, the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b, the first and second The second spherical recesses 63a and 63b are formed. The first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b formed between the first and second square recesses 61a and 61b and the first and second spherical recesses 63a and 63b are connected to the first and second step surfaces 65a and 65b, respectively. The second filters 43a and 43b are attached.

  The first film member 45 is brought into contact with or separated from the first and second filters 43a and 43b to change the flow path resistance. If the flow resistance can be changed by bending the first film member 45, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b are changed to have other configurations. You may make it do. For example, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b may not include the first and second filters 43a and 43b.

  For example, as in the second to fourth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 31, the first ink introduction chamber 131a is provided with an annular annular protrusion 132a provided so as to surround the communication hole 81a. Also good. In this way, as shown in FIG. 32, when the chalk cleaning is performed, the first film member 45 is bent inward so as to come into contact with the annular convex portion 132a, so that the communication hole 81a is more reliably formed. It becomes possible to seal. As a result, more reliable chalk cleaning can be performed. Note that the second ink introduction chamber may be similarly changed.

  In the first, second and fourth embodiments, the first film member 45 and the film 157 have predetermined pressures in the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b and the ink introduction chambers 178 and S, respectively. When the pressure is lower than the pressure, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b and the ink introduction chambers 178 and S are bent in the direction of decreasing the volume (in the direction of increasing the flow resistance).

  As shown in FIG. 36, the first unit film member 45 (film 157, first film 228) is always added to the valve unit 21 so that the volume of the first ink introduction chamber 84a (ink introduction chamber 178, S) is increased. An urging means 137a for urging in the direction of decreasing may be provided. The biasing means 137a includes a fixed end 139a that cannot move with respect to the flow path forming member 41 and the main body 156, and a coil spring 141a that is interposed between the fixed end 139a and the first film member 45. It may be configured by.

  According to this, the first film member 45 (the film 157 and the first film 228) is always in the first ink introduction chamber 84a unless the pressurized pump 25 is driven to supply pressurized ink. (Ink introduction chamber 178, S) is maintained at a position where the flow path resistance increases. As a result, for example, when the drive of the pressure pump 25 is not stopped, such as during maintenance of the ink jet recording apparatuses 11 and 145, the flow path resistance in the first ink introduction chamber 84a (ink introduction chamber 178, S). Can remain large. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the leakage of ink from the connection portion between the ink supply tubes 35 and 152 and the ink cartridge 23 when the ink cartridge 23 is replaced. Note that the second ink introduction chamber 84b may be similarly changed so as to be provided with an urging means.

  In the first embodiment, the first film member 45 is in contact with the first and second filters 43a and 43b during the negative pressure accumulation during the chalk cleaning, and the first and second filters 43a, 43b The flow of ink passing through 43b was cut off. If the flow path resistance is increased with respect to the ink passing through the first and second filters 43a and 43b, the flow need not be completely blocked.

  In the second embodiment, the film 157 is in contact with the protrusion 179 so as to close the communication hole 180. In the third and fourth embodiments, the first film 228 is in contact with the protrusion 240 to block the communication hole 242. If the flow path resistance is increased with respect to the ink passing through the communication holes 180 and 242, it is not necessary to completely block the flow.

  In the first embodiment, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b are provided with first and second pressure chambers 106a and 106b, and first and second valve members 49a and 49b. The valve unit 21 is integrally provided. Alternatively, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84 a and 84 b may be provided separately from the valve unit 21.

  In the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the communication holes 81 a and 242 are formed inside the first film member 45, the second film member 51, and the first film 228, as in the second embodiment. You may make it stick the sealing material which obstruct | occludes.

  In the second embodiment, the sealing material 183 is provided on the ink introduction chamber 178 side of the film 157, but this may be omitted. In the third embodiment, six urging springs 261 that face the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 are provided outside the first film 228, but this is omitted. Also good.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, the protrusions 179 and 240 through which the communication holes 180 and 242 pass are provided on the bottom surfaces of the ink introduction chamber 178 and the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6. I made it. In addition to this, the protrusions 179 and 240 are omitted, and the filter is accommodated in the recess and the film 157 or the first film 228 is brought into contact with the filter so as to pass through the filter as in the first embodiment. The communication holes 180 and 242 may be closed so as to block the ink flow.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, the concave portion 177 and the first concave portion C1 to the sixth concave portion C6 are provided with inclined surfaces and the bottom surfaces thereof are formed in a flat shape, but other shapes may be used, for example, It may be spherical. Moreover, although the recessed part 177 and the 1st recessed part C1-the 6th recessed part C6 were formed in circular shape, you may form in a square shape etc. like 1st Embodiment.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the lengths D1 to D6 of the first ink channel L1 to the sixth ink channel L6 of the focusing channel 220 are the length D1, the length D2, and the length D3, respectively. Although the length D4, the length D6, and the length D6 are assumed to be larger in this order, the flow paths may be formed in other orders. The lengths M1 to M6 of the flow paths from the introduction holes 234 of the choke valves 221 and 270 to the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 are lengths M1 to M6. Although it has become larger in order, the flow paths may be formed so as to be in other orders. That is, it is only necessary that the lengths of the entire ink flow path constituted by the ink flow path of the converging flow path 220 and the ink flow paths of the choke valves 221 and 270 communicating therewith are equal.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the choke valves 221 and 270 include the six first ink introduction chambers S1 to the sixth ink introduction chambers S6. The number of inks used in the type recording device 145 may be the same as that of ink, and a plurality of inks may be used. Further, when the ink jet recording apparatus uses one kind of ink, a choke valve in which one ink introduction chamber is formed may be connected to the focusing flow path 220.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, the ink jet recording apparatus 145 is provided with converging channels 151 and 220, and the converging channels 151 and 220 are integrally formed with an ink channel and an air channel. It was. In addition to this, in the second embodiment, an ink supply tube 35 and an air supply tube 39 similar to those in the first embodiment may be provided instead of the focusing flow path 151. Then, a connection portion in which the ink introduction chamber 178 is formed may be provided on the connection side of each ink cartridge 23, and one end of the ink supply tube 35 may be connected to this connection portion. Also in the third and fourth embodiments, an ink supply tube 35 and an air supply tube 39 may be provided instead of the focusing flow path 220. Further, the choke valves 221 and 270 may be provided in the middle of the ink supply tube 152 connecting the valve unit 155 and the ink cartridge 23.

  In the fourth embodiment, a restricting unit may be provided on the ink introduction chamber S side of the first film 228. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, a pressure receiving plate 280 may be disposed inside the opening sealing portion K constituting the ink introduction chamber S. Then, a part of the pressure receiving plate 280 may be fixed to the inside of the opening sealing part K, and the other part may be suspended according to gravity without being fixed to the opening sealing part K. In this way, the opening sealing portion K receives a force that bends toward the ink introduction chamber S due to the gravity of the pressure receiving plate 280, and displacement in a direction that increases the volume of the ink introduction chamber S is restricted. .

  Also, as shown in FIG. 38, an elastic means may be provided as a restricting means on the ink introduction chamber S side of the first film 228. For example, two sets of latching portions 281 are disposed on the inside of the opening sealing portion K constituting the ink introducing chamber S and the bottom surface of the ink introducing chamber S, and a tension spring 282 is wound around each latching portion 281. Each end may be hooked. Then, an elastic force may be applied to the opening sealing portion K by the tension spring 282 so as to bring the protrusion 240 in the ink introduction chamber S closer. The elastic means is not limited to the tension spring, and may be composed of an elastic member such as a compression spring or a rubber member.

  In the fourth embodiment, a compression spring that urges the first film 228 toward the ink introduction chamber S may be provided outside the ink introduction chamber S. In addition, only when the opening sealing portion K swells without being laid on the first film 228, a surface that abuts the opening sealing portion K and restricts displacement in the direction in which the opening sealing portion K swells is provided. Restricting means may be provided.

  In the fourth embodiment, the restriction hole 272 may not be formed in the restriction plate 271 but may be formed in a simple plate shape. In this case, for example, when the inside of the ink introduction chamber S does not become a high pressure that damages the first film 228, the time until the opening sealing portion K closes the communication hole 242 at the time of chalk cleaning. The responsiveness as a choke valve can be improved.

  In the fourth embodiment, the restriction plate 271 is provided with a plurality of permissible holes 272 in order to restrict the displacement of the opening sealing portions K constituting the plurality of ink introduction chambers S. As in the embodiment, a restriction plate provided with a restriction hole may be provided for each ink introduction chamber S provided individually.

  In the fourth embodiment, the restriction plate 271 can be applied to the ink introduction chambers of the second and third embodiments, but can be arranged in the valve unit 21 of the first embodiment. It may be. That is, the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b of the valve unit 21 are provided with restriction plates provided with restriction holes, respectively, so that the first film member 45 serves as the first and second filters 43a and 43a. Displacement in a direction away from 43b may be restricted.

  In the fourth embodiment, six allowable holes 272 that are the same number as the opening sealing portions K are formed in the restriction plate 271, but six or more allowable holes may be formed. For example, the restriction plate 271 may include a plurality of allowable holes for one opening sealing portion K. In this way, damage to the first film 228 can be prevented more reliably.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first film member 45, the film 157, and the first film 228 are made of a material that can be thermally welded to a thermoplastic resin. It may be formed. In this case, the film is attached to the flow path forming member 41 with an adhesive or the like. If it does in this way, a film can also have the function of a sealing material.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the rib 136a is provided in the first ink introduction chamber 135a (ink introduction chamber 178, first ink introduction chamber S1 to sixth ink introduction chamber S6). You may make it provide. The rib 136a is not in contact with the first film member 45 (film 157, first film 228) during printing. As shown in FIG. 35, the rib 136a abuts against the first film member 45 (film 157, first film 228) and accumulates between the communication hole 69 and the communication hole 81a when negative pressure is accumulated by chalk cleaning. It is provided so as to block the flow of (communication holes 180, 242). Note that the second ink introduction chamber may be similarly changed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the suction unit is embodied in the capping device 26. This may be changed to other suction means capable of sucking ink from the nozzles of the recording head 20.

  In each of the above embodiments, the pressurizing pump 25 and the pressurizing tube 37 are embodied as the pressure adjusting means. This is supplied to the first and second ink introduction chambers 84a and 84b of the valve unit 21, the ink introduction chamber 178 of the converging channel 151, or the first ink introduction chamber S1 to the sixth ink introduction chamber S6 of the choke valve 221. As long as the pressure of the ink to be changed can be changed, the pressure may be embodied in other pressure adjusting means.

  In each of the above embodiments, the choke cleaning program is a program that causes the CPU 111 to measure the driving time of the tube pump motor 127 and to start driving the pressure pump motor 125 after a predetermined time has elapsed. did. Alternatively, the choke cleaning program may be a program in which the CPU 111 starts driving the pressure pump motor 125 based on a factor other than the result of measuring the driving time of the tube pump motor 127.

  In each of the above embodiments, the valve units 21 and 155 are provided with two ink introduction chambers, two pressure chambers, etc. in one valve unit 21 and 155 so as to correspond to two colors of ink. . Alternatively, the number of ink introduction chambers and pressure chambers may be changed so that the valve units 21 and 155 correspond to one color ink or correspond to three or more color inks.

  In each of the above embodiments, the ink cartridge 23 as a liquid cartridge is configured by an ink pack 32 as a liquid storage portion and an ink case 31 as a pressurizing chamber. This may be embodied in a liquid cartridge constituted by other liquid storage portions and a pressurizing chamber. The other liquid container may be embodied as a liquid container and a pressurizing chamber by partitioning the inside of the box or the like with a film as a flexible part. Good.

  In each of the above embodiments, the ink jet recording apparatus 11 (including printing apparatuses such as a fax machine and a copier) that ejects ink has been described as the liquid ejecting apparatus. This may be embodied in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects another liquid. For example, as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects another liquid, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL display, and a surface emitting display, or a living body used for biochip manufacturing It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects organic matter or a sample ejecting apparatus as a precision pipette.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11,145 ... Inkjet recording apparatus as a liquid ejecting apparatus 20, 148 ... Recording head as a liquid ejecting head 21, 155 ... Valve unit as a liquid supply valve unit, 23 ... As a liquid storage means and a liquid cartridge Ink cartridge, 25 ... pressurizing pump constituting pressure adjusting means, 26 ... capping device as suction means, 32 ... ink pack as liquid container, 32a, 32b ... film as flexible part, 32c ... liquid guide Ink discharge port as outlet, 33 ... Ink case as pressurizing chamber, 35, 152 ... Ink supply tube constituting liquid supply path, 37 ... Pressurizing tube constituting air flow path, 39 ... Constructing air flow path Air supply tube, 41... Flow path forming member, 43a and 43b... First and second filters, 4 ... 1st film member as a flexible member, 49a, 49b, 188 ... 1st and 2nd valve member as an on-off valve, 61a, 61b ... 1st and 2nd square as a large cross-sectional area flow path Recesses, 63a, 63b ... first and second spherical recesses as small cross-sectional area flow paths, 65a, 65b ... first and second step surfaces as steps, 106a, 106b ... first and second pressures Chamber, 137a ... biasing means, 151, 220 ... converging flow path constituting liquid supply path, 157 ... film as a flexible member, 158 ... groove for air constituting pressure adjusting means, 164 ... as a connecting portion Ink introduction portion, 177... Concave portion as large cross-sectional area flow path, 179, 240... Projection forming step, 180, 242 .. communication hole as small cross-sectional area flow path, 185. ... as a flow path forming member Main body, 228... First film as flexible member, 271... Restricting plate as restricting means, 272... Permissible hole as hole, 273 .. Closed portion, C1 to C6. 1st to 6th recesses, P: a recording medium as a target.

Claims (1)

Liquid storage means for storing liquid;
A liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid from a nozzle to a target;
A liquid supply path for guiding the liquid from the liquid storage means to the liquid jet head;
In a driving method of a liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: suction means for sucking the liquid from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head;
The liquid supply path is formed by a flexible member in which a part of a wall surface constituting the liquid supply path is bent by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the liquid supply path,
A pressure reduction step of reducing the pressure of the fluid in the liquid supply path upstream of the flexible member by the pressure adjusting means;
A suction stage for sucking the liquid from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head by the suction means when the pressure of the fluid in the liquid supply path on the upstream side of the flexible member becomes a predetermined value or less;
And a pressure increasing step of increasing the pressure of the fluid in the liquid supply path upstream of the flexible member by the pressure adjusting means after the suction step. Driving method.

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