JP6077186B2 - Damper and inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a damper for suppressing pressure fluctuation of a liquid flowing in a flow path, and an ink jet recording apparatus in which the damper is incorporated in an ink flow path.

  In an ink jet recording apparatus, print head maintenance is regularly performed in order to prevent and recover from print head problems. As one of the maintenance of this print head, purge is known. Purge is a technique for recovering nozzle clogging by removing ink from the print head by a method other than ejection, or removing foreign matter and bubbles in the print head. For purging, a method of pressurizing the print head from the tank side and a method of sucking from the cap side are known.

  Incidentally, in order to print a high-quality image in an ink jet recording apparatus, it is necessary to correctly control ink ejection. In order to correctly control ink ejection, it is necessary to stably supply ink to the print head. Here, “stable” means suppressing pressure fluctuation as much as possible.

  As one of the techniques for suppressing the pressure fluctuation of the ink supplied to the print head, a method is known in which a damper is installed in the ink flow path to suppress the pressure fluctuation of the ink flowing in the flow path.

  However, when a damper is installed in the ink flow path, when purging, the pressurized pressure is absorbed by the damper, and there is a drawback that it cannot be efficiently purged.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a gas-liquid separation membrane is installed as a resistance means that resists pressure fluctuations caused by fluctuations in the elastic membrane on the wall portion of the air chamber that is installed across the liquid chamber and the elastic membrane. There has been proposed a method for suppressing a decrease in transmission pressure during pressure.

JP 2012-116171 A

  However, the damper of Patent Document 1 can suppress a decrease in the transmission pressure to some extent during pressurization, but has a drawback that the decrease in the transmission pressure due to deformation of the gas-liquid separation membrane remains.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a damper and an ink jet recording apparatus that can more effectively prevent a transmission pressure from being lowered during pressurization.

  Means for solving the problems are as follows.

  (1) A main body including a common liquid chamber, a first liquid chamber, and a second liquid chamber, a first communication portion that communicates the common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber, a common liquid chamber, and a second liquid A second communication part that communicates with the chamber, an inlet part that communicates the exterior of the main body with the common liquid chamber, a first outlet that communicates the exterior of the main body with the first liquid chamber, A second outlet that communicates with the liquid chamber, an elastic membrane that suppresses pressure fluctuations in the first liquid chamber, a first opening and closing portion that selectively opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, and a first outlet And a second opening / closing part for selectively opening / closing the part and the second outlet part.

  The damper according to this aspect includes a common liquid chamber, a first liquid chamber, and a second liquid chamber in the main body. The first liquid chamber communicates with the common liquid chamber via the first communication portion, and the second liquid chamber communicates with the common liquid chamber via the second communication portion. The first communication part and the second communication part are selectively opened and closed by the first opening and closing part. Further, the common liquid chamber communicates with the outside of the main body through the inlet portion. The first liquid chamber communicates with the outside of the main body via the first outlet portion, and the second liquid chamber communicates with the outside of the main body via the second outlet portion. The first outlet part and the second outlet part are selectively opened and closed by the second opening and closing part. By selectively opening and closing the first communication part and the second communication part by the first opening and closing part, and by selectively opening and closing the first outlet part and the second outlet part by the second opening and closing part, the first liquid chamber It is possible to selectively switch between a flow path flowing out from the first outlet portion through the second liquid passage and a flow path flowing out from the second outlet portion through the second liquid chamber. For example, when a flow path that flows out from the first outlet through the first liquid chamber is selected, the first communication part is opened by the first opening / closing part, and the second communication part is closed. Moreover, a 1st exit part is opened by a 2nd opening-and-closing part, and a 2nd exit part is closed. Thereby, the flow path which flows out from a 1st exit part through a 1st liquid chamber can be selected. Moreover, when selecting the flow path which flows out from a 2nd exit part through a 2nd liquid chamber, a 1st opening / closing part closes a 1st communication part and opens a 2nd communication part. Moreover, a 1st exit part is closed by a 2nd opening-and-closing part, and a 2nd exit part is opened. Thereby, the flow path which flows out from a 2nd exit part through a 2nd liquid chamber can be selected. Since the first liquid chamber is provided with an elastic membrane, a damper function, that is, a function to suppress pressure fluctuations is selected when a flow path that flows out from the first outlet through the first liquid chamber is selected. Can be provided. On the other hand, since the second liquid chamber is not provided with an elastic film, when a flow path that flows out from the second outlet through the second liquid chamber is selected, the liquid flows without causing pressure loss. be able to. That is, according to the damper of this aspect, the damper function can be arbitrarily turned ON / OFF by switching the flow path.

  (2) The first communication portion and the second communication portion open on the same surface of one of the surfaces constituting the common liquid chamber, and the first opening / closing portion includes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. The damper according to (1), further including a first mask member that rotates about an axis orthogonal to a surface where the communication portion opens and selectively opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion.

  According to this aspect, the first opening / closing portion includes the first mask member that rotates about an axis that is orthogonal to the surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open, and rotates the first mask member. The first communication part and the second communication part are selectively opened and closed. Thereby, the first communication part and the second communication part can be selectively opened and closed by a simple operation of rotation.

  (3) The first outlet portion opens in one of the plurality of surfaces constituting the first liquid chamber, and the second outlet portion is one of the plurality of surfaces constituting the second liquid chamber. The surface opened to the surface, the surface where the first outlet portion opens and the surface where the second outlet portion opens are located on the same surface, and the second opening / closing portion is a surface where the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion open. The damper according to (2), further including a second mask member that rotates about an axis orthogonal to the first mask and selectively opens and closes the first outlet and the second outlet.

  According to this aspect, the second opening / closing portion includes the second mask member that rotates about an axis that is orthogonal to the surface where the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion open, and rotates the second mask member. The first outlet and the second outlet are selectively opened and closed. Thereby, a 1st exit part and a 2nd exit part can be selectively opened and closed by simple operation | movement called rotation.

  (4) The first mask member and the second mask member are connected to each other, and further include a rotating shaft that rotates the first mask member and the second mask member in synchronization, and the rotating shaft is rotated so that the first mask member and When the second mask member is positioned at the first position, the first mask member opens the first communication portion and closes the second communication portion, the second mask member opens the first outlet portion, and When the second outlet portion is closed and the rotation shaft is rotated to position the first mask member and the second mask member at the second position, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. And the second mask member closes the first outlet portion, opens the second outlet portion, rotates the rotation shaft, and positions the first mask member and the second mask member at the third position. The first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, and the second mask member Close outlet and a second outlet portion, the damper of (3).

  According to this aspect, the first mask member and the second mask member are connected, and the rotation shaft that rotates the first mask member and the second mask member in synchronization is provided. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously open and close the first communication portion and the second communication portion and open and close the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion only by rotating the rotating shaft. Specifically, when the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the first position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member opens the first communication portion and the second communication portion. close up. The second mask member opens the first outlet and closes the second outlet. Thereby, the flow path which flows out from a 1st exit part through a 1st liquid chamber can be selected. Further, when the rotation shaft is rotated and the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the second position, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and opens the second communication portion. Further, the second mask member closes the first outlet part and opens the second outlet part. Thereby, the flow path which flows out from a 2nd exit part through a 2nd liquid chamber can be selected. When the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the third position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, and the second mask. A member closes the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion. Thereby, the flow path in which a damper is installed can be closed.

  (5) The damper according to (4), further comprising a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotation shaft.

  According to this aspect, the rotation driving means for rotating the rotation shaft is further provided. Thereby, switching of a flow path and opening and closing of a flow path can be performed automatically.

  (6) The damper according to (5), wherein the rotation shaft is disposed at the center of the main body.

  According to this aspect, the rotating shaft is disposed at the center of the main body. Thereby, a 1st mask member and a 2nd mask member can be arrange | positioned in a compact main body.

  (7) The common liquid chamber is provided in the main body as a cylindrical space centered on the rotation axis, and the first communication portion and the second communication portion open to the circular end surface of the common liquid chamber, and the first mask The damper according to (6), wherein the member has a disk shape having a plurality of openings.

  According to this aspect, the common liquid chamber is provided in the main body as a cylindrical space centered on the rotation axis. The first communication part opens at the circular end face of the common liquid chamber to communicate with the common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber, and the second communication part opens at the circular end face of the common liquid chamber. The chamber communicates with the second liquid chamber. The first mask member has a disk shape having a plurality of openings, and rotates to selectively open and close the first communication portion and the second communication portion. Thereby, a 1st mask member and a 2nd mask member can be arrange | positioned in a compact main body. The opening is provided in the first mask member and the second mask member, for example, as a hole or a notch.

  (8) The damper according to (7), wherein a diameter of a surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion are opened and a diameter of the first mask member are the same size.

  According to this aspect, the diameter of the surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open is the same as the diameter of the first mask member. Thereby, the main body can be made compact.

  The “same size” here includes the case of “substantially the same size” as well as the case of being completely the same. That is, it means that the first mask member and the title 2 mask member are accommodated in the outer peripheral portion with almost no gap.

  (9) The first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are arranged on the same circumference around the rotation axis, and the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion are on the same circumference around the rotation axis. The damper according to (8), wherein the second mask member has an opening and a disk shape having a plurality of openings.

  According to this aspect, the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are disposed on the same circumference around the rotation axis. The first communication portion and the second communication portion open on the same circumference around the rotation axis, and communicate the outside of the main body with the first liquid chamber and the outside of the main body with the second liquid chamber. The second mask member has a disk shape having a plurality of openings, and rotates to selectively open and close the first outlet and the second outlet. Thereby, the main body can be made compact.

  (10) A main body including a first common liquid chamber, a second common liquid chamber, a first liquid chamber, and a second liquid chamber, and a first that communicates the first common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber. A communication section; a second communication section that communicates the first common liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber; a third communication section that communicates the second common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber; and a second common liquid chamber. A fourth communication part that communicates with the second liquid chamber, an inlet part that communicates the outside of the main body with the first common liquid chamber, an outlet part that communicates between the outside of the main body and the second common liquid chamber, An elastic membrane that suppresses pressure fluctuations in the liquid chamber, a first opening / closing portion that selectively opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, and a second that selectively opens and closes the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion. A damper comprising: an opening and closing unit.

  The damper according to this aspect includes a first common liquid chamber, a second common liquid chamber, a first liquid chamber, and a second liquid chamber in the main body. The first liquid chamber communicates with the first common liquid chamber via the first communication portion. The first liquid chamber communicates with the second common liquid chamber via the third communication portion. The second liquid chamber communicates with the first common liquid chamber via the second communication portion. The second liquid chamber communicates with the second common liquid chamber via the fourth communication portion. The first communication part and the second communication part are selectively opened and closed by the first opening and closing part. The third communication part and the fourth communication part are selectively opened and closed by the second opening / closing part. By selectively opening and closing the first communication portion and the second communication portion by the first opening and closing portion, and by selectively opening and closing the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion by the second opening and closing portion, the first liquid chamber It is possible to selectively switch between a flow path flowing out from the outlet portion through the second liquid chamber and a flow path flowing out from the outlet portion through the second liquid chamber. For example, when the flow path passing through the first liquid chamber is selected, the first communication part is opened by the first opening / closing part, and the second communication part is closed. Moreover, a 3rd communication part is opened by a 2nd opening / closing part, and a 4th communication part is closed. Thereby, the flow path passing through the first liquid chamber can be selected. Moreover, when selecting the flow path which passes through a 2nd liquid chamber, a 1st opening / closing part closes a 1st communication part and opens a 2nd communication part. Further, the third communication part is closed by the second opening / closing part and the fourth communication part is opened. Thereby, the flow path passing through the second liquid chamber can be selected. Since the first liquid chamber is provided with an elastic film, a damper function can be provided when a flow path passing through the first liquid chamber is selected. On the other hand, since the second liquid chamber is not provided with an elastic film, when a flow path passing through the second liquid chamber is selected, the liquid can flow without causing a pressure loss. That is, according to the damper of this aspect, the damper function can be arbitrarily turned ON / OFF by switching the flow path.

  Further, according to the damper of this aspect, the first opening / closing portion opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, or the second opening / closing portion opens and closes the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion. Thus, the flow path in which the damper is installed can be arbitrarily opened and closed. That is, by closing the first communication part and the second communication part by the first opening / closing part, or by closing the third communication part and the fourth communication part by the second opening / closing part, the flow path in which the damper is installed is formed. Can be closed. Thereby, it is not necessary to install a separate valve, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved. In addition, when closing a flow path, although a flow path should just be closed by at least one of a 1st opening / closing part and a 2nd opening / closing part, a flow path can also be closed by both.

  (11) The first communication portion and the second communication portion open on the same surface of one of the plurality of surfaces constituting the first common liquid chamber, and the first opening / closing portion includes the first communication portion and The damper according to (10), further including a first mask member that rotates about an axis orthogonal to a surface where the second communication portion opens and selectively opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion.

  According to this aspect, the first opening / closing portion includes the first mask member that rotates about an axis that is orthogonal to the surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open, and rotates the first mask member. The first communication part and the second communication part are selectively opened and closed. Thereby, the first communication part and the second communication part can be selectively opened and closed by a simple operation of rotation.

  (12) The third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open on the same surface of one of the plurality of surfaces constituting the second common liquid chamber, and the second opening / closing portion includes the third communication portion and (11) The damper according to (11), further comprising a second mask member that rotates about an axis orthogonal to a surface where the fourth communication portion opens and selectively opens and closes the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion.

  According to this aspect, the second opening / closing portion includes the second mask member that rotates about an axis that is orthogonal to the surface where the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open, and rotates the second mask member. The third communication part and the fourth communication part are selectively opened and closed. As a result, the third communication part and the fourth communication part can be selectively opened and closed by a simple operation of rotation.

  (13) The first mask member and the second mask member are connected to each other, and further include a rotation shaft that rotates the first mask member and the second mask member in synchronization with each other. When the second mask member is positioned at the first position, the first mask member opens the first communication portion and closes the second communication portion, the second mask member opens the third communication portion, and When the fourth communication portion is closed, the rotation shaft is rotated, and the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the second position, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. The second mask member closes the third communication portion, and opens the fourth communication portion, rotates the rotation shaft, and positions the first mask member and the second mask member at the third position. The first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, and the second mask member is Third communication unit and the fourth communicating portion is closed, the damper (12).

  According to this aspect, the first mask member and the second mask member are connected, and the rotation shaft that rotates the first mask member and the second mask member in synchronization is provided. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously open and close the first communication portion and the second communication portion and open and close the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion only by rotating the rotation shaft. Specifically, when the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the first position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member opens the first communication portion and the second communication portion. close up. The second mask member opens the third communication part and closes the fourth communication part. Thereby, the flow path passing through the first liquid chamber can be selected. Further, when the rotation shaft is rotated and the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the second position, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and opens the second communication portion. Further, the second mask member closes the third communication part and opens the fourth communication part. Thereby, the flow path passing through the second liquid chamber can be selected. When the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the third position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, and the second mask. The member closes the third communication part and the fourth communication part. Thereby, the flow path in which a damper is installed can be closed.

  (14) The damper according to (13), further comprising a rotation driving unit that rotates the rotation shaft.

  According to this aspect, the rotation driving means for rotating the rotation shaft is further provided. Thereby, switching of a flow path and opening and closing of a flow path can be performed automatically.

  (15) The damper according to (14), wherein the rotation shaft is disposed at a center of the main body.

  According to this aspect, the rotating shaft is disposed at the center of the main body. Thereby, a 1st mask member and a 2nd mask member can be arrange | positioned in a compact main body.

  (16) The first common liquid chamber and the second common liquid chamber are provided in the main body as a cylindrical space centered on the rotation axis, and the first communication portion and the second communication portion are circles of the first common liquid chamber. The third communication part and the fourth communication part are open to the circular end face of the second common liquid chamber, and the first mask member and the second mask member have a plurality of openings. The damper according to (15), which has a disk shape.

  According to this aspect, the first common liquid chamber and the second common liquid chamber are provided in the main body as a cylindrical space centered on the rotation axis. The first communication portion opens at the circular end surface of the first common liquid chamber and communicates with the first common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber, and the second communication portion is formed at the circular end surface of the first common liquid chamber. Open and communicate the first common liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber. Further, the third communication part opens at the circular end surface of the second common liquid chamber to communicate with the second common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber, and the fourth communication part has a circular shape of the second common liquid chamber. The second common liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber communicate with each other by opening at the end face. The first mask member has a disk shape having a plurality of openings, and rotates to selectively open and close the first communication part and the second communication part. The second mask member has a disk shape having a plurality of openings, and rotates to selectively open and close the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion. Thereby, a 1st mask member and a 2nd mask member can be arrange | positioned in a compact main body.

  (17) The diameter of the surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open is the same as the diameter of the first mask member, and the diameter of the surface where the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open are The damper of (16), wherein the diameter of the two mask members is the same.

  According to this aspect, the diameter of the surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open is the same as the diameter of the first mask member, and the surface where the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open. The diameter is the same as the diameter of the second mask member. Thereby, the main body can be made compact.

  The “same size” here includes the case of “substantially the same size” as well as the case of being completely the same. That is, it means that the first mask member and the second mask member are accommodated in the outer peripheral portion with almost no gap.

  (18) The first liquid chamber has an elastic membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the first liquid chamber, and the elastic membrane is provided by closing the opening of the elastic membrane installation portion (1 The damper according to any one of (17) to (17).

  (19) An air chamber adjacent to the elastic membrane is provided outside the first liquid chamber, and the air chamber has a gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the air chamber, and the gas-liquid separation membrane installation The damper according to (18), further comprising a gas-liquid separation membrane that is provided by closing the opening of the portion and suppresses fluctuation of the elastic membrane.

According to this aspect, fluctuations in the elastic film can be suppressed.

  (20) A hollow main body, an inlet portion that communicates the interior and the exterior of the body, a first outlet portion that communicates the interior and exterior of the body, and a second exit portion that communicates the interior and exterior of the body And movably accommodated inside the main body and located at the first position, the second outlet portion is closed to form a first flow path that connects the inlet portion and the first outlet portion, and the second position The first outlet portion is closed to form a second flow path that connects the inlet portion and the second outlet portion, and the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion are closed when located at the third position. A damper comprising: a flow path switching member that is configured to be provided; and an elastic film that is provided in the first flow path and suppresses pressure fluctuations in the first flow path.

  The damper of this aspect includes a hollow main body including an inlet portion, a first outlet portion, and a second outlet portion. A flow path switching member is movably accommodated inside the main body, and the flow path formed inside the main body is switched or closed by moving the flow path switching member. Specifically, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the first position, the flow path switching member closes the second outlet portion and connects the inlet portion and the first outlet portion (first channel). Channel) is formed. Further, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the second position, the flow path switching member closes the first outlet portion and communicates the inlet portion and the second outlet portion (second flow path). Is formed. When the flow path switching member is positioned at the third position, the first outlet part and the second outlet part are closed by the flow path switching member. Since the first channel is provided with an elastic membrane, a damper function can be provided when the channel switching member is positioned at the first position. On the other hand, since the elastic film is not provided in the second flow path, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the second position, the liquid can flow without causing a pressure loss. That is, according to the damper of this aspect, the damper function can be arbitrarily turned ON / OFF by switching the flow path.

  (21) The flow path switching member has a cylindrical shape with a notch, is rotatably accommodated inside the main body, and is positioned at the first position so that the notch is between the inner wall surface of the main body. The damper according to (20), wherein when the first flow path is formed and positioned at the second position, the notch portion forms the second flow path with the inner wall surface of the main body.

  According to this aspect, the flow path switching member has a cylindrical shape with a notch, and is rotatably accommodated inside the main body. When the channel switching member is positioned at the first position, the notch portion forms a first channel with the inner wall surface of the main body, and when the channel switching member is positioned at the second position, the notch portion is in contact with the inner wall surface of the main body. A second flow path is formed between them. Thereby, the flow path can be switched and the flow path can be opened and closed with a simple operation of rotation.

  (22) The damper according to (21), further comprising a rotation driving unit that rotates the flow path switching member.

  According to this aspect, the rotation drive means for rotating the flow path switching member is further provided. Thereby, switching of a flow path and opening and closing of a flow path can be performed automatically.

  (23) A hollow main body, an inlet portion that communicates the inside and the outside of the main body, an outlet portion that communicates the inside and the outside of the main body, and is movably accommodated inside the body, and is located at the first position. Then, the first flow path that connects the inlet portion and the outlet portion is formed, and when it is located at the second position, the second flow passage that communicates the inlet portion and the outlet portion is formed, and when it is located at the third position, A damper comprising: a flow path switching member that closes the outlet portion; and an elastic film that is provided in the first flow path and suppresses pressure fluctuations in the first flow path.

  The damper according to this aspect includes a hollow main body including an inlet portion and an outlet portion. A flow path switching member is movably accommodated inside the main body, and the flow path formed inside the main body is switched or closed by moving the flow path switching member. Specifically, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the first position, the flow path switching member forms a flow path (first flow path) that connects the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Further, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the second position, a flow path (second flow path) that connects the inlet portion and the outlet portion is formed. Further, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the third position, the outlet portion is closed. Since the first channel is provided with an elastic membrane, a damper function can be provided when the channel switching member is positioned at the first position. On the other hand, since the elastic film is not provided in the second flow path, when the flow path switching member is positioned at the second position, the liquid can flow without causing a pressure loss. That is, according to the damper of this aspect, the damper function can be arbitrarily turned ON / OFF by switching the flow path.

  (24) The flow path switching member has a cylindrical shape with a notch, is rotatably accommodated inside the main body, and is positioned at the first position so that the notch is between the inner wall surface of the main body. The damper according to (23), wherein when the first flow path is formed and positioned at the second position, the notch portion forms a second flow path with the inner wall surface of the main body.

  According to this aspect, the flow path switching member has a cylindrical shape with a notch, and is rotatably accommodated inside the main body. When the channel switching member is positioned at the first position, the notch portion forms a first channel with the inner wall surface of the main body, and when the channel switching member is positioned at the second position, the notch portion is in contact with the inner wall surface of the main body. A second flow path is formed between them. Thereby, the flow path can be switched and the flow path can be opened and closed with a simple operation of rotation.

  (25) The damper according to (24), further comprising a rotation driving unit that rotates the flow path switching member.

  According to this aspect, the rotation drive means for rotating the flow path switching member is further provided. Thereby, switching of a flow path and opening and closing of a flow path can be performed automatically.

  (26) The first flow path has an elastic film installation part having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the first flow path, and the elastic film is provided by closing the opening of the elastic film installation part (20 The damper of any one of (25)-(25).

  (27) An air chamber adjacent to the elastic membrane is provided outside the first flow path, and the air chamber has a gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the air chamber, and the gas-liquid separation membrane installation (26) A damper having a gas-liquid separation membrane which is provided by closing the opening of the portion and suppresses fluctuation of the elastic membrane.

  According to this aspect, fluctuations in the elastic film can be suppressed.

  (28) A transport unit that transports media, a head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the media transported by the transport unit, a tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head, and a supply flow that connects the head and the tank A path, a supply liquid supply section for supplying ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path, and a damper of any one of (1) to (27) between the head and the supply liquid supply section And a damper disposed in the supply flow path.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of this aspect, a damper constituted by any one of the dampers (1) to (27) is installed in a flow path (supply flow path) for supplying ink to the head. The dampers (1) to (27) can arbitrarily turn on / off the damper function. Therefore, for example, during printing, by turning on the damper function, ink can be stably supplied to the head, and ink ejection can be controlled correctly. Thereby, a high quality image can be printed. Further, for example, when purging, turning off the damper function can prevent the transmission pressure from being lowered with respect to the head, and can be purged efficiently. Further, since the dampers (1) to (27) can close the flow path, for example, when the operation of the apparatus is stopped (including when the power is turned off), or when head maintenance is performed, etc. By closing, ink can be prevented from leaking from the head.

  (29) The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, the supply flow path is branched and connected to the head module, and the damper is individually disposed in the branched supply flow path. Inkjet recording device.

  According to this aspect, the head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, and the damper is provided for each head module. The dampers (1) to (27) also have a function of opening and closing the flow path (so-called valve function), so there is no need to install a separate valve. Thereby, space saving of the installation part of a valve | bulb can be achieved, and also the whole apparatus can be made compact.

  (30) A transport unit that transports media, a head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the media transported by the transport unit, a tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head, and a supply flow that connects the head and the tank A path, a recovery flow path connecting the head and the tank, a supply liquid supply section for supplying ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path, and a liquid supply of ink from the head to the tank via the recovery flow path And a supply damper arranged in a supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid supply unit, and (1) to (1) 27) An inkjet recording apparatus including the recovery damper that is configured by any one of the dampers of 27) and is disposed in a recovery flow path between the head and the recovery liquid feeding unit.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of this aspect, ink is circulated and supplied to the head. The flow path for supplying ink to the head (supply flow path) and the flow path for collecting ink from the head (recovery flow path) are configured by any one of the dampers (1) to (27). Dampers (supply damper and recovery damper) are installed. The dampers (1) to (27) can arbitrarily turn on / off the damper function. Therefore, for example, during printing, by turning on the damper function, ink can be stably supplied to the head, and ink ejection can be controlled correctly. Thereby, a high quality image can be printed. Further, for example, when purging, turning off the damper function can prevent the transmission pressure from being lowered with respect to the head, and can be purged efficiently. Further, since the dampers (1) to (27) can close the flow path, for example, when the operation of the apparatus is stopped (including when the power is turned off), or when head maintenance is performed, etc. By closing, ink can be prevented from leaking from the head.

  (31) The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, the supply flow path is branched and connected to the head module, the recovery flow path is branched and connected to the head module, and the supply damper is branched The ink jet recording apparatus according to (30), wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is individually disposed in the supply flow path, and the recovery damper is individually disposed in the branched recovery flow path.

  According to this aspect, the head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, and the damper is provided for each head module. The dampers (1) to (27) also have a function of opening and closing the flow path (so-called valve function), so there is no need to install a separate valve. Thereby, space saving of the installation part of a valve | bulb can be achieved, and also the whole apparatus can be made compact.

  (32) A transport unit that transports media, a head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the media transported by the transport unit, a tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head, and a supply flow that connects the head and the tank And a supply liquid supply section for supplying ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path, and a damper of (5) or (14), and a supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid supply section And a control unit that controls the damper's rotation driving means, and when discharging ink from the head, the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the first position and purged, And a controller that positions the first mask member and the second mask member at the second position.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of this aspect, a damper constituted by the damper (5) or (14) is installed in a flow path (supply flow path) for supplying ink to the head. The damper of (5) or (14) is provided with a rotation driving means, and the damper function can be automatically turned ON / OFF. The ink jet recording apparatus according to this aspect includes a control unit that controls a damper rotation driving unit to control ON / OFF of a damper function of the damper. When the ink is ejected from the head, the control unit positions the first mask member and the second mask member at the first position and turns on the damper function. On the other hand, when purging, the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the second position, and the damper function is turned off. As a result, ink pressure fluctuations can be suppressed during printing, and high-quality images can be recorded, and pressure transmission can be prevented from being lowered during purging, thereby efficiently purging.

  (33) A transport unit that transports media, a head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the media transported by the transport unit, a tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head, and a supply flow that connects the head and the tank And a supply liquid supply section for supplying ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path, and a damper (22) or (25), and a supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid supply section And a control unit for controlling the damper's rotational driving means, when ejecting ink from the head, the flow path switching member is positioned at the first position, and when purging, the flow path switching member is An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a control unit positioned at a second position.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of this aspect, a damper constituted by the damper (22) or (25) is installed in a flow path (supply flow path) for supplying ink to the head. The damper of (22) or (25) is provided with a rotation driving means, and the damper function can be automatically turned on / off. The ink jet recording apparatus according to this aspect includes a control unit that controls a damper rotation driving unit to control ON / OFF of a damper function of the damper. When the ink is ejected from the head, the control unit positions the flow path switching member at the first position and turns on the damper function. On the other hand, when purging, the flow path switching member is positioned at the second position and the damper function is turned off. As a result, ink pressure fluctuations can be suppressed during printing, and high-quality images can be recorded, and pressure transmission can be prevented from being lowered during purging, thereby efficiently purging.

  (34) The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, the supply flow path is branched and connected to the head module, and the damper is individually arranged in the branched supply flow path. (33) Inkjet recording apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, and the damper is provided for each head module. Thereby, space saving of the installation part of a valve | bulb can be achieved, and also the whole apparatus can be made compact.

  (35) A transport unit that transports media, a head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the media transported by the transport unit, a tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head, and a supply flow that connects the head and the tank A path, a recovery flow path connecting the head and the tank, a supply liquid supply section for supplying ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path, and a liquid supply of ink from the head to the tank via the recovery flow path A recovery liquid supply section, a damper (5) or (14), a supply damper disposed in a supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid supply section, and a damper (5) or (14) A control unit configured to control a recovery damper disposed in a recovery flow path between the head and the recovery liquid feeding unit, a rotation driving unit of the supply damper, and a rotation driving unit of the recovery damper. When discharging In the case where the first mask member and the second mask member of the supply damper are positioned at the first position and the first mask member and the second mask member of the recovery damper are positioned at the first position and purge is performed, the supply damper first An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a control unit that positions the first mask member and the second mask member at the second position and positions the first mask member and the second mask member of the recovery damper at the second position.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of this aspect, ink is circulated and supplied to the head. A damper (supply damper) composed of the damper (5) or (14) is provided in a flow path for supplying ink to the head (supply flow path) and a flow path for collecting ink from the head (recovery flow path). And a recovery damper). The damper of (5) or (14) is provided with a rotation driving means, and the damper function can be automatically turned ON / OFF. The ink jet recording apparatus according to this aspect includes a control unit that controls the rotation driving means of the supply damper and the recovery damper to control ON / OFF of the damper function of the supply damper and the recovery damper. When the ink is ejected from the head, the control unit positions the first mask member and the second mask member of the supply damper at the first position, and places the first mask member and the second mask member of the recovery damper at the first position. To be located. Thereby, the damper functions of the supply damper and the recovery damper are turned on. On the other hand, when purging, the first mask member and the second mask member of the supply damper are positioned at the second position, and the first mask member and the second mask member of the recovery damper are positioned at the second position. Thereby, the damper functions of the supply damper and the recovery damper are turned off. As a result, ink pressure fluctuations can be suppressed during printing, and high-quality images can be recorded, and pressure transmission can be prevented from being lowered during purging, thereby efficiently purging.

  (36) A transport unit that transports media, a head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the media transported by the transport unit, a tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head, and a supply flow that connects the head and the tank A path, a recovery flow path connecting the head and the tank, a supply liquid supply section for supplying ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path, and a liquid supply of ink from the head to the tank via the recovery flow path A recovery liquid supply section, a damper of (22) or (25), a supply damper arranged in a supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid supply section, and a damper of (22) or (25) A control unit configured to control a recovery damper disposed in a recovery flow path between the head and the recovery liquid feeding unit, a rotation driving unit of the supply damper, and a rotation driving unit of the recovery damper. To discharge In the case where the supply damper flow path switching member is positioned at the first position and the recovery damper flow path switching member is positioned at the first position for purging, the supply damper flow path switching member is set at the second position. And a controller that positions the flow path switching member of the recovery damper at the second position.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of this aspect, ink is circulated and supplied to the head. A damper (supply damper) composed of a damper (22) or (25) is provided in a flow path (supply flow path) for supplying ink to the head and a flow path (collection flow path) for collecting ink from the head. And a recovery damper). The damper of (22) or (25) is provided with a rotation driving means, and the damper function can be automatically turned on / off. The ink jet recording apparatus according to this aspect includes a control unit that controls the rotation driving means of the supply damper and the recovery damper to control ON / OFF of the damper function of the supply damper and the recovery damper. When the ink is ejected from the head, the control unit positions the flow path switching member of the supply damper at the first position and positions the flow path switching member of the recovery damper at the first position. Thereby, the damper functions of the supply damper and the recovery damper are turned on. On the other hand, when purging, the flow path switching member of the supply damper is positioned at the second position, and the flow path switching member of the recovery damper is positioned at the second position. Thereby, the damper functions of the supply damper and the recovery damper are turned off. As a result, ink pressure fluctuations can be suppressed during printing, and high-quality images can be recorded, and pressure transmission can be prevented from being lowered during purging, thereby efficiently purging.

  (37) The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, the supply flow path is branched and connected to the head module, the recovery flow path is branched and connected to the head module, and the supply damper is branched. The ink jet recording apparatus according to (35) or (36), wherein the recovery damper is individually disposed in the supply flow path, and the recovery damper is individually disposed in the branched recovery flow path.

  According to this aspect, the head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules, and the supply damper and the recovery damper are provided for each head module. Thereby, space saving of the installation part of a valve | bulb can be achieved, and also the whole apparatus can be made compact.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to more effectively prevent the transmission pressure from being reduced during pressurization and to save space.

The front view which shows 1st Embodiment of the damper which concerns on this invention 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the damper shown in FIG. 1 (2-2 sectional view of FIG. 3). 3-3 sectional view of the damper shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 4-4 sectional view of the damper shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 1st Embodiment (damper function: ON) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 1st Embodiment (damper function: OFF) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 1st Embodiment (damper function: OFF) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 1st Embodiment (flow path: closed) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 1st Embodiment (flow path: closed) FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of a damper according to the present invention (cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 11). 11-11 sectional drawing of the damper shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 2nd Embodiment (damper function: OFF) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 2nd Embodiment (flow path: closed) FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of a damper according to the present invention (cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 15). 15-15 sectional view of the damper shown in FIG. 16-16 sectional drawing of the damper shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of a damper The top view which shows another example of a mask member The top view which shows another example of a mask member The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 4th Embodiment of the damper concerning this invention 21-21 sectional view of the damper shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 4th Embodiment (damper function: OFF) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 4th Embodiment (flow path: closed) FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of a damper according to the present invention (a sectional view taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 25). 25-25 sectional view of the damper shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 5th Embodiment (damper function: OFF) Explanatory drawing of the effect | action of the damper of 5th Embodiment (flow path: closed) Schematic configuration diagram of inkjet printer A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the head Top view of the nozzle surface of the head Enlarged view of the nozzle arrangement area provided in the head module Schematic configuration diagram of ink supply unit Block diagram showing system configuration of control system of inkjet printer Schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the ink supply unit

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

"damper"
First, an embodiment of a damper according to the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment of Damper]
<Constitution>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a damper according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view (2-2 sectional view of FIG. 3) of the damper shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a 3-3 cross-sectional view of the damper shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a 4-4 cross-sectional view of the damper shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the damper 10 of this Embodiment is provided with the cylindrical main body 12 with which both ends were obstruct | occluded. The main body 12 includes one inlet portion 14 and two outlet portions 16A and 16B. In the following, one outlet portion 16A is referred to as a first outlet portion 16A, and the other outlet portion 16B is referred to as a second outlet portion 16B.

  The inlet portion 14 is a connection portion on the inlet side of the pipe connected to the damper 10. The inlet portion 14 is disposed on one end face of the main body 12 (upper end face in FIG. 1). The inlet portion 14 has a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to protrude from the end surface on one side of the main body 12 along the axial direction of the main body 12.

  The first outlet portion 16 </ b> A and the second outlet portion 16 </ b> B are connecting portions on the outlet side of the pipe connected to the damper 10. 16A of 1st exit parts and the 2nd exit part 16B are arrange | positioned at the other end surface (lower end surface in FIG. 1) of the main body 12. FIG. The first outlet portion 16 </ b> A and the second outlet portion 16 </ b> B both have a cylindrical shape, and are provided so as to protrude along the axial direction of the main body 12 from the other end surface of the main body 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the main body 12 includes a common liquid chamber 18, a first liquid chamber 20, a second liquid chamber 22, and an air chamber 24 inside. The inside of the main body 12 has a two-layered structure composed of an upper layer portion and a lower layer portion, a common liquid chamber 18 is disposed in the upper layer portion, and a first liquid chamber 20 and a second liquid chamber 22 are disposed in the lower layer portion. The air chamber 24 is arranged.

  The common liquid chamber 18 is a space into which the liquid flowing in from the inlet portion 14 first flows. The common liquid chamber 18 is provided in the main body 12 as a cylindrical space, and is arranged coaxially with the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. The inlet portion 14 communicates with the common liquid chamber 18.

  The first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are spaces into which the liquid flowing into the common liquid chamber 18 flows next. The first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are formed inside the main body 12 as independent spaces, and are arranged on a circumference of a radius R centering on an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. In the damper 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an annular region centering on an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 is divided into three equal parts in the circumferential direction, and the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 20 are separated. A liquid chamber 22 is formed. That is, of the three regions (first region, second region, and third region) divided into three equal parts, two regions (first region and second region) are divided into the first liquid chamber 20 and the first region. The first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are formed inside the main body 12 by being assigned to the two liquid chambers 22. In this case, the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are formed in a fan shape. The remaining one region (third region) is arranged as the solid portion 26 on the same level as the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22. For this reason, in the damper 10 of the present embodiment, the first liquid chamber 20, the second liquid chamber 22, and the solid portion 26 are arranged in parallel on the same circumference.

  The solid portion 26 functions as a closing portion for closing the opening 48A of the first mask member 48, as will be described later. One end surface (the upper end surface in FIG. 2) of the solid portion 26 forms the bottom surface (lower end surface in FIG. 2) of the common liquid chamber 18, and is orthogonal to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. Formed as a flat surface. That is, the bottom surface of the common liquid chamber 18 is formed as a plane orthogonal to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion of the first liquid chamber 20 opens to the bottom surface of the common liquid chamber 18, and this opening portion serves as a first communication portion 28 </ b> A that communicates the common liquid chamber 18 and the first liquid chamber 20. Function. The liquid that has flowed into the common liquid chamber 18 flows into the first liquid chamber 20 via the first communication portion 28A.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion of the second liquid chamber 22 opens to the bottom surface of the common liquid chamber 18, and this opening portion serves as a second communication portion 28 </ b> B that communicates the common liquid chamber 18 and the second liquid chamber 22. Function. The liquid that has flowed into the common liquid chamber 18 flows into the second liquid chamber 22 via the second communication portion 28B.

  As described above, the bottom surface of the common liquid chamber 18 is perpendicular to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 and is formed flat, so that the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are on the same plane. Open to.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the first liquid chamber 20 is perpendicular to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 and is formed flat. The first outlet portion 16 </ b> A opens to the bottom surface of the first liquid chamber 20 and communicates the outside of the main body 12 and the first liquid chamber 20. The liquid flowing into the first liquid chamber 20 flows out of the main body 12 from the first outlet portion 16A.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the second liquid chamber 22 is perpendicular to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 and is formed flat. The second outlet portion 16 </ b> B opens at the bottom surface of the second liquid chamber 22 and communicates the outside of the main body 12 and the second liquid chamber 22. The liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber 22 flows out of the main body from the second outlet portion 16B.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the first liquid chamber 20 and the bottom surface of the second liquid chamber 22 are located on the same plane. Accordingly, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are arranged on the same plane. Further, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are arranged on a circumference of a radius R centering on an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12, as shown in FIG. More specifically, the first outlet portion 16A is disposed at a position rotated 120 ° clockwise relative to the second outlet portion 16B.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the air chamber 24 is disposed along the outer periphery of the first liquid chamber 20 as an arc-shaped space. The air chamber 24 and the first liquid chamber 20 are separated from each other via an arc-shaped partition wall 32. In the partition wall 32, the inner peripheral portion constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the first liquid chamber 20, and the outer peripheral portion constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24.

  A part of the partition wall 32 is formed of an elastic film 34. The elastic film 34 is attached to an elastic film installation portion 36 provided in the partition wall 32 and constitutes a part of the partition wall 32. The elastic membrane installation part 36 is provided in the partition wall 32 as an opening that communicates the first liquid chamber 20 and the air chamber 24. The elastic film 34 is attached to the partition wall 32 so as to close the elastic film installation portion 36. The elastic film 34 attached to the partition wall 32 constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the first liquid chamber 20 and constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24. As a result, the first liquid chamber 20 and the air chamber 24 are isolated via the elastic film 34. The liquid stored in the first liquid chamber 20 absorbs pressure fluctuations when the elastic film 34 is elastically deformed.

  In the air chamber 24, a part of the inner wall surface is constituted by a gas-liquid separation film 38. The gas-liquid separation membrane 38 is attached to a plurality of gas-liquid separation membrane installation portions 40 provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 and constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24. The gas-liquid separation membrane installation part 40 is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 as an opening for communicating the outside of the main body 12 and the air chamber 24. The gas-liquid separation membrane 38 is attached to the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 so as to close the gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion 40. The gas-liquid separation film 38 attached to the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24. The gas-liquid separation membrane 38 has a predetermined ventilation resistance, and the fluctuation of the elastic membrane 34 is suppressed by this ventilation resistance.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 12 is configured to be divided into three parts along the axial direction. Specifically, it is configured to be separable into a cylindrical trunk 12A, an upper lid 12B attached to the upper part of the trunk 12A, and a lower lid 12C attached to the lower part of the trunk 12A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the body portion 12 </ b> A has a cylindrical shape, a space in which the first liquid chamber 20 is formed, a space in which the second liquid chamber 22 is formed, and a space in which the air chamber 24 is formed. , And a portion that forms the solid portion 26.

  The upper lid portion 12B has a disk shape, is attached to the upper portion of the trunk portion 12A, and closes the upper portion of the trunk portion 12A. The inlet 14 is provided in the upper lid 12B. The attachment of the upper lid portion 12B to the trunk portion 12A is performed via a bolt, for example.

  The upper lid portion 12B includes a circular recess 42 on a surface (a lower surface in FIG. 2) located inside the main body 12 when attached to the trunk portion 12A. The recess 42 forms the first liquid chamber 20 with the body 12A when the upper cover 12B is attached to the body 12A.

  The lower lid portion 12C has a disk shape, is attached to the lower portion of the trunk portion 12A, and closes the lower portion of the trunk portion 12A. The first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are provided in the lower lid portion 12C. The attachment of the lower lid portion 12C to the trunk portion 12A is performed, for example, via a bolt.

  The lower lid portion 12C is attached to the trunk portion 12A so that the inner surface (the upper surface in FIG. 2) constitutes the bottom surfaces of the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22. In addition, a circular recess 52 for attaching a second mask member 50 to be described later is provided on the inner surface of the lower lid portion 12C. The recess 52 forms a space for placing the second mask member 50 between the lower cover 12C and the solid part 26 by attaching the lower lid 12C to the body 12A. This space is formed in a shape that matches the shape of the second mask member 50.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 12 selectively opens the first opening / closing portion 44 for selectively opening / closing the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B, and the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B. And a second opening / closing part 46 that opens and closes.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first opening / closing part 44 includes a first mask member 48. The first mask member 48 rotates around an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 to selectively open and close the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B. The first mask member 48 has a disk shape that matches the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the common liquid chamber 18, and is disposed on the bottom surface of the common liquid chamber 18. That is, the first mask member 48 has the same diameter as the diameter (inner diameter) of the common liquid chamber 18 and is accommodated inside the common liquid chamber 18 without a gap. A seal member that seals a gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first mask member 48 is disposed on the inner peripheral wall surface of the common liquid chamber 18. The first liquid chamber 20 is covered by the first mask member 48 with the first communication portion 28 </ b> A, which is a communication portion with the common liquid chamber 18, and the second liquid chamber 22 is covered by the first mask member 48. The second communication portion 28 </ b> B that is a communication portion with the 18 is covered.

  The first mask member 48 includes an opening 48A. Hereinafter, the opening 48A is referred to as a first opening 48A. 48 A of 1st opening parts are arrange | positioned on the periphery of the radius R centering on the center of the 1st mask member 48. As shown in FIG. The first opening 48 </ b> A is formed through the first mask member 48. Accordingly, by positioning the first opening 48A at the position where the first communication portion 28A is formed, the common liquid chamber 18 and the first liquid chamber 20 can communicate with each other, and the first opening 48A is connected to the second communication portion 28B. Therefore, the common liquid chamber 18 and the second liquid chamber 22 can be communicated with each other. On the other hand, by shifting the first opening 48A from the formation position of the first communication portion 28A and the formation position of the second communication portion 28B, that is, by positioning the first opening 48A on the solid portion 26, the first communication portion 28A. And the 2nd communication part 28B can be closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second opening / closing part 46 includes a second mask member 50. The second mask member 50 rotates around an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 to selectively open and close the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B. The second mask member 50 has a disk shape and is disposed in a space formed between the bottom surface of the recess 52 and the lower surface of the solid portion 26. As a result, the second mask member 50 is disposed inside the main body 12 so as to be sandwiched between the bottom surface of the recess 52 and the lower surface of the solid portion 26. The second mask member 50 has the same diameter as the diameter (inner diameter) of the recess 52 and is accommodated inside the recess 52 without any gap. A seal member that seals a gap formed between the inner peripheral wall surface of the recess 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the second mask member 50 is disposed. In the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B, the opening portions of the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are covered by the second mask member 50.

  The second mask member 50 includes an opening 50A. Hereinafter, the opening 50A is referred to as a second opening 50A. The second opening 50 </ b> A is disposed on a circumference having a radius R with the center of the second mask member 50 as the center. The second opening 50 </ b> A is formed through the second mask member 50. Therefore, the first outlet portion 16A can be opened by positioning the second opening portion 50A on the same axis as the first outlet portion 16A, and the second opening portion 50A can be on the same axis as the second outlet portion 16B. By positioning, the second outlet portion 16B can be opened. On the other hand, by shifting the second opening 50A from the position of the first outlet part 16A and the position of the second outlet part 16B, that is, by being positioned below the solid part 26, the first outlet part 16A and the second outlet part 16A 2 The outlet 16B can be closed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 12 includes a rotary shaft 54 that is connected to the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 and rotates the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 in synchronization. A motor 56 is provided as a rotation driving means for rotating the rotation shaft.

  The rotation shaft 54 is arranged coaxially with the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. The main body 12 is provided with a rotation shaft insertion hole 58 through which the rotation shaft 54 is inserted. The rotation shaft insertion hole 58 is formed along an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 from the center of the lower surface portion of the main body 12. The rotation shaft 54 is disposed along the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 by being inserted into the rotation shaft insertion hole 58. The first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are connected to the rotation shaft 54 and are arranged coaxially with the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12.

  In the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 connected to the rotation shaft 54, the first opening 48A and the second opening 50A are coaxially arranged. Therefore, when the rotation shaft 54 is rotated, the first opening 48A and the second opening 50A are always located on the same axis and on the circumference of the radius R centering on the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. Move synchronously.

  The motor 56 is attached to the lower surface portion of the main body 12. The motor 56 is connected to the rotation shaft 54 and rotates the rotation shaft 54.

  The first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 move between the first position, the second position, and the third position when the rotation shaft 54 is rotationally driven by the motor 56.

  Here, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the first position, the first opening 48A is located at the position where the first communication portion 28A is formed, and the second opening 50A is the first outlet portion. It is located on the same axis of 16A. In this case, a flow path that flows out from the first outlet portion 16 </ b> A through the first liquid chamber 20 is formed inside the damper 10.

  When the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the second position, the first opening 48A is located at the formation position of the second communication portion 28B, and the second opening 50A is located at the second outlet portion 16B. Located on the same axis. In this case, a flow path that flows out from the second outlet portion 16 </ b> B through the second liquid chamber 22 is formed inside the damper 10.

  When the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the third position, the first opening 48A is located on the solid portion 26. In this case, the flow path of the damper 10 is closed.

  The first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are moved to the second position by rotating 120 ° clockwise from the first position, and are moved to the third position by rotating 120 ° clockwise from the second position. Moving.

<Action>
The damper 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above can turn the damper function ON / OFF and open / close the flow path by rotating the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 with the motor 56. it can. That is, the position of the first opening 48A provided in the first mask member 48 and the position of the second opening 50A provided in the second mask member 50 are switched to switch the flow path through which the liquid flows in the damper 10. Thus, the damper function is turned ON / OFF. Further, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are opened and closed by switching the positions of the first opening portion 48A provided in the first mask member 48 and the second opening portion 50A provided in the second mask member 50. By doing so, the flow path is opened and closed.

  Here, the damper function provided by the damper 10 is a flow path in which the liquid flowing into the damper 10 from the inlet portion 14 is turned on by selecting a flow path that flows through the first liquid chamber 20 and flows through the second liquid chamber 22. It is turned off by selecting.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when using the damper 10 of the present embodiment, a pipe V having a bifurcated tip is connected to the outlet side. That is, one end of the bifurcated tip is connected to the first outlet portion 16A, and the other is connected to the second outlet portion 16B.

[When the damper function is ON]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the damper function is turned on. FIG. 4A shows the open / close state of the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B when the damper function is turned on, and FIG. 4B shows the first communication portion when the damper function is turned on. The open / close state of the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B is shown.

  As described above, when the damper function is turned on, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the first position, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located above the first communication portion 28A. As a result, the common liquid chamber 18 and the first liquid chamber 20 communicate with each other. On the other hand, the second communication portion 28B is covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the common liquid chamber 18 to the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the first position, as shown in FIG. 5B, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is positioned on the same axis as the first outlet portion 16A. Thereby, the 1st exit part 16A is opened. On the other hand, the second outlet portion 16B is covered with the second mask member 50 and closed.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position, the first communication portion 28A is opened and the second communication portion 28B is closed. Further, the first outlet portion 16A is opened and the second outlet portion 16B is closed. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, a route that flows out from the first outlet portion 16 </ b> A through the first liquid chamber 20 is formed inside the damper 10.

  Since the first liquid chamber 20 is provided with the elastic film 34, the elastic film 34 can absorb the pressure fluctuation of the liquid flowing in the damper. That is, the damper function can be turned on.

[When turning off the damper function]
6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the damper, and show the state of the damper when the damper function is turned off. 6A shows the open / close state of the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B when the damper function is turned off, and FIG. 6B shows the first communication portion when the damper function is turned off. The open / close state of the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B is shown.

  As described above, when the damper function is turned off, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the second position, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located above the second communication portion 28B. Thereby, the common liquid chamber 18 and the second liquid chamber 22 communicate with each other. On the other hand, the first communication portion 28 </ b> A is covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the common liquid chamber 18 to the first liquid chamber 20 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the second position, as shown in FIG. 6B, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is positioned coaxially with the second outlet portion 16B. Thereby, the 2nd exit part 16B is opened. On the other hand, the first outlet 16A is covered with the second mask member 50 and closed.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position, the first communication portion 28A is closed and the second communication portion 28B is opened. Further, the first outlet portion 16A is closed, and the second outlet portion 16B is opened. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, a route that flows out from the second outlet portion 16 </ b> B through the second liquid chamber 22 is formed inside the damper 10.

  Since the second liquid chamber 22 is not provided with the elastic film 34, the liquid can flow without using the damper function. That is, the damper function can be turned off.

[When closing the flow path]
8 and 9 are explanatory views of the operation of the damper, and show the state of the damper when the flow path is closed. 8A shows the open / closed state of the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B when the flow path is closed, and FIG. 8B shows the first outlet when the flow path is closed. The opening / closing states of the part 16A and the second outlet part 16B are shown.

  As described above, when the flow path is closed, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the third position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located on the solid portion 26 as shown in FIG. Thus, the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the flow path from the common liquid chamber 18 to the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the second position, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are covered with the second mask member 50 and closed as shown in FIG. 8B.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position, the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are closed, and the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion are closed. Part 16B is closed. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the flow path of the liquid which flows through the inside of the damper 10 is interrupted. That is, the flow path is closed.

  Thus, according to the damper 10 of the present embodiment, the damper function can be arbitrarily turned ON / OFF. Thereby, switching according to a use can be performed with one damper.

  Further, according to the damper 10 of the present embodiment, since the flow path can be opened and closed, it is not necessary to separately install a valve for closing the flow path, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved.

[Second Embodiment of Damper]
<Constitution>
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view (10-10 sectional view of FIG. 11) showing a second embodiment of the damper according to the present invention. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the damper 11-11 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the damper according to the present embodiment has two main liquid chambers (first common liquid chamber and second common liquid chamber) in the main body, only one outlet portion, and The second opening / closing portion selectively selects the third communication portion (the communication portion between the first liquid chamber and the second common liquid chamber) and the fourth communication portion (the communication portion between the second liquid chamber and the second common liquid chamber). It is mainly different from the damper of the first embodiment in that it opens and closes. Therefore, only the differences will be described here.

  In the following, one of the two common liquid chambers (the upper common liquid chamber in FIG. 10) is referred to as the first common liquid chamber 18A, and the other (the lower common liquid chamber in FIG. 10) is the second common liquid chamber. The chamber 18B will be described. Moreover, about an exit part, the code | symbol 16 is used and it demonstrates.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the main body 12 includes a first common liquid chamber 18A, a first liquid chamber 20, a second liquid chamber 22, an air chamber 24, and a second common liquid chamber 18B. . The inside of the main body 12 has a three-layer structure composed of an upper layer portion, a middle layer portion, and a lower layer portion, the first common liquid chamber 18A is disposed in the upper layer portion, the first liquid chamber 20 in the middle layer portion, A two-liquid chamber 22 and an air chamber 24 are disposed, and a second common liquid chamber 18B is disposed in the lower layer portion.

  The structure of the first common liquid chamber 18A is the same as the structure of the common liquid chamber 18 in the damper 10 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the section 4-4 in FIG. 10 is the same as FIG.

  The inlet portion 14 opens to the ceiling surface (the upper surface in FIG. 10) of the first common liquid chamber 18A, and communicates the outside of the main body 12 and the first common liquid chamber 18A.

  The structures of the first liquid chamber 20, the second liquid chamber 22, and the air chamber 24 are the same as the first liquid chamber 20, the second liquid chamber 22, and the air chamber 24 in the damper 10 of the first embodiment described above. It is the same as the basic structure. Therefore, the section 3-3 in FIG. 10 is the same as FIG.

  However, in the damper 10 of the first embodiment, the first liquid chamber 20 is communicated with the outside of the main body 12 via the first outlet portion 16A, and the second liquid chamber 22 is connected to the main body via the second outlet portion 16B. However, the damper 10 of the present embodiment is different from the damper 10 of the first embodiment in that both are in communication with the second common liquid chamber 18B. That is, the first liquid chamber 20 is communicated with the second common liquid chamber 18B via the third communication portion 30A, and the second liquid chamber 22 is communicated with the second common liquid chamber 18B via the fourth communication portion 30B. This is different from the damper 10 of the first embodiment.

  The second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is provided in the main body 12 as a cylindrical space, and is arranged coaxially with the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the lower portion of the first liquid chamber 20 opens to the ceiling surface (the upper surface in FIG. 10) of the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B, and this opening portion is connected to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B and the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B. It functions as a third communication portion 30A that communicates with the liquid chamber 20. The liquid that has flowed into the first liquid chamber 20 flows into the second common liquid chamber 18B via the third communication portion 30A. The lower portion of the second liquid chamber 22 opens at the bottom surface of the second common liquid chamber 18B, and the opening functions as a fourth communication portion 30B that communicates the second common liquid chamber 18B and the second liquid chamber 22. To do. The liquid that has flowed into the second liquid chamber 22 flows into the second common liquid chamber 18B via the fourth communication portion 30B.

  Here, the ceiling surface of the second common liquid chamber 18B is perpendicular to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 and is formed flat. Therefore, the 3rd communication part 30A and the 4th communication part 30B open on the same surface. The ceiling surface of the second common liquid chamber 18B is configured by the other end surface of the solid portion 26 (the lower end surface in FIG. 10). The other end surface of the solid portion 26 is formed as a plane orthogonal to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12.

  The second common liquid chamber 18B is formed inside the main body 12 by a recess 52 formed on the inner surface (the upper surface in FIG. 10) of the lower lid portion 12C. That is, the lower lid portion 12 </ b> C is attached to the body portion 12 </ b> A to be formed inside the main body 12 by the inner wall surface of the recess 52 and the other end surface of the solid portion 26.

  The outlet portion 16 is disposed on the other end surface (lower end surface in FIG. 10) of the main body 12, and is disposed on the circumference of the radius R centering on the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. The outlet portion 16 has a cylindrical shape, and is provided so as to protrude from the other end surface of the main body 12 along the axial direction of the main body 12. The outlet 16 opens to the bottom surface (the lower end surface in FIG. 10) of the second common liquid chamber 18B, and communicates the second common liquid chamber 18B with the outside of the main body 12.

  In the damper 10 of the first embodiment, the second opening / closing portion 46 is configured to selectively open and close the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B, but the damper 10 of the present embodiment. Then, the second opening / closing part 46 is configured to selectively open and close the third communication part 30A and the fourth communication part 30B.

  The second opening / closing part 46 includes a second mask member 50. The second mask member 50 rotates around an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 to selectively open and close the third communication portion 30A and the fourth communication portion 30B. The second mask member 50 has a disk shape that matches the shape of the inner peripheral portion of the second common liquid chamber 18B, and is disposed so as to overlap the ceiling surface of the second common liquid chamber 18B. That is, the diameter of the second mask member 50 is the same as the diameter (inner diameter) of the second common liquid chamber 18B, and is accommodated inside the second common liquid chamber 18B without a gap. A seal member that seals a gap formed between the second common liquid chamber 18B and the outer peripheral surface of the second mask member 50 is disposed on the inner peripheral wall surface of the second common liquid chamber 18B. The first liquid chamber 20 is covered by the second mask member 50 and the third communication portion 30A, which is a communication portion with the second common liquid chamber 18B, and the second liquid chamber 22 is covered by the second mask member 50. The 4th communication part 30B which is a communication part with 2 common liquid chambers 18B is covered.

  The second mask member 50 includes an opening 50A. Hereinafter, the opening 50A is referred to as a second opening 50A. The second opening 50 </ b> A is disposed on a circumference having a radius R with the center of the second mask member 50 as the center. The second opening 50 </ b> A is formed through the second mask member 50. Therefore, by positioning the second opening 50A at the position where the third communication portion 30A is formed, the first liquid chamber 20 and the second common liquid chamber 18B can be communicated with each other, and the second opening 50A is communicated with the fourth communication portion. The second liquid chamber 22 and the second common liquid chamber 18B can be communicated with each other by being positioned at the position where the portion 30B is formed. On the other hand, by shifting the second opening 50A from the position of the third communication part 30A and the position of the fourth communication part 30B, that is, by positioning it below the solid part 26, the third communication part 30A and the fourth communication part 30A The four communicating portions 30B can be closed.

  The second mask member 50 is coupled to the rotation shaft 54 together with the first mask member 48 and rotates in synchronization with the first mask member 48. In the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50, the first opening 48A and the second opening 50A are arranged coaxially. Therefore, when the rotation shaft 54 is rotated, the first opening 48A and the second opening 50A are always located on the same axis and on the circumference of the radius R centering on the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. Move synchronously. The first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 move between the first position, the second position, and the third position when the rotation shaft 54 is rotationally driven by the motor 56.

  Here, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the first position, the first opening 48A provided in the first mask member 48 is located at the formation position of the first communication portion 28A, The second opening 50A provided in the second mask member 50 is located at the formation position of the third communication portion 30A. In this case, a flow path that flows from the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A through the first liquid chamber 20 to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is formed inside the damper 10.

  When the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the second position, the first opening 48A provided in the first mask member 48 is located at the formation position of the second communication portion 28B, and 2nd opening part 50A with which 2 mask member 50 was equipped is located in the formation position of the 4th communication part 30B. In this case, a flow path that flows from the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A through the second liquid chamber 22 to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is formed inside the damper 10.

  When the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the third position, the first opening 48A provided in the first mask member 48 is located on the solid portion 26, and the second mask The second opening 50 </ b> A provided in the member 50 is located below the solid portion 26. In this case, the flow path of the damper 10 is closed.

  The first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are moved to the second position by rotating 120 ° clockwise from the first position, and are moved to the third position by rotating 120 ° clockwise from the second position. Moving.

<Action>
The damper 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above has a damper function by rotating the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 with the motor 56, similarly to the damper of the first embodiment. Can be turned on and off, and the flow path can be opened and closed. That is, the position of the first opening 48A provided in the first mask member 48 and the position of the second opening 50A provided in the second mask member 50 are switched to switch the flow path through which the liquid flows in the damper 10. Thus, the damper function is turned ON / OFF. Further, the positions of the first opening 48A provided in the first mask member 48 and the second opening 50A provided in the second mask member 50 are switched, and the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are changed to the first one. The flow path is opened and closed by opening and closing with the first mask member 48 and opening and closing the third communication portion 30A and the fourth communication portion 30B with the second mask member 50.

  Here, the damper function provided by the damper 10 is turned on when the liquid flowing into the damper 10 from the inlet portion 14 selects the flow path passing through the first liquid chamber 20, and the flow path passing through the second liquid chamber 22. It is turned off by selecting.

[When the damper function is ON]
As described above, when the damper function is turned on, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the first position, as shown in FIG. 10, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located at the position where the first communication portion 28A is formed. Thereby, the first common liquid chamber 18A and the first liquid chamber 20 are communicated with each other. On the other hand, the second communication portion 28B is covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the first common liquid chamber 18A to the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is located at the first position, as shown in FIG. 10, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is located at the formation position of the third communication portion 30A. Thereby, the 1st liquid chamber 20 and the 2nd common liquid chamber 18B are connected. On the other hand, the fourth communication portion 30B is covered and closed by the second mask member 50. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the second common liquid chamber 18B to the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position, the first communication portion 28A and the third communication portion 30A are opened, and the second communication portion 28B and the fourth communication portion 28A are connected. Part 30B is closed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, a flow path that flows from the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A through the first liquid chamber 20 to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is formed inside the damper 10. That is, a flow path that flows from the inlet portion 14 in the order of the first common liquid chamber 18A, the first liquid chamber 20, and the second common liquid chamber 18B and flows out from the outlet portion 16 is formed.

  Since the first liquid chamber 20 is provided with the elastic film 34, the elastic film 34 can absorb the pressure fluctuation of the liquid flowing in the damper. That is, the damper function can be turned on.

[When turning off the damper function]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the damper function is turned off.

  As described above, when the damper function is turned off, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position.

  When the first mask member 48 is positioned at the second position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is positioned at the position where the second communication portion 28B is formed. As a result, the first common liquid chamber 18A and the second liquid chamber 22 communicate with each other. On the other hand, the first communication portion 28 </ b> A is covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the first common liquid chamber 18A to the first liquid chamber 20 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the second position, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is positioned at the position where the fourth communication portion 30B is formed. As a result, the second liquid chamber 22 communicates with the second common liquid chamber 18B. On the other hand, the third communication portion 30 </ b> A is covered and closed by the second mask member 50. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the second common liquid chamber 18B to the first liquid chamber 20 is blocked.

  In this way, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position, the first communication portion 28A and the third communication portion 30A are closed, and the second communication portion 28B and the fourth communication portion are closed. Part 30B is opened. As a result, a flow path that flows from the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A through the second liquid chamber 22 to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is formed inside the damper 10. That is, a flow path that flows from the inlet portion 14 in the order of the first common liquid chamber 18A, the second liquid chamber 22, and the second common liquid chamber 18B and flows out from the outlet portion 16 is formed.

  Since the second liquid chamber 22 is not provided with the elastic film 34, the liquid can flow without using the damper function. That is, the damper function can be turned off.

[When closing the flow path]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the flow path is closed.

  As described above, when the flow path is closed, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the third position, the first opening 48 </ b> A of the first mask member 48 is located on the solid portion 26. Thus, the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the flow path from the first common liquid chamber 18A to the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the third position, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is positioned below the solid portion 26. As a result, the third communication portion 30A and the fourth communication portion 30B are covered with the second mask member 50 and closed. Thereby, the flow path from the second common liquid chamber 18B to the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position, the communication portions are closed. Thereby, the flow path of the liquid flowing inside the damper 10 is blocked. That is, the flow path is closed.

  As described above, the damper 10 according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily turn on / off the damper function similarly to the damper 10 according to the first embodiment. Thereby, switching according to a use can be performed with one damper. Further, since the flow path can be opened and closed, it is not necessary to separately install a valve for opening and closing the flow path, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved.

[Third embodiment of the damper]
<Constitution>
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 15) showing a third embodiment of the damper according to the present invention. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the damper shown in FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of the damper shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the damper 10 according to the present embodiment has the outer shape of the main body 12, the shape of each liquid chamber provided in the main body 12, and the structure of the communication portion in the second embodiment. It is different from the damper of the form. Therefore, only the differences will be described here.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the damper 10 of the present embodiment, the main body 12 is formed in a square box shape (the cross section is rectangular).

  The first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are formed in the main body 12 as a square box-shaped space (a space having a rectangular cross section). In particular, in the damper 10 of the present embodiment, the inside of the main body 12 is divided into two equal parts, and the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 are formed inside the main body 12.

  The first common liquid chamber 18A and the second common liquid chamber 18B are also formed in the main body 12 as a square box-shaped space (a space having a rectangular cross section).

  The first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 each have a ceiling portion and a bottom portion, and a communication portion is provided at the ceiling portion and the bottom portion. That is, the first communication chamber 28 </ b> A that communicates the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A and the first liquid chamber 20 is provided in the ceiling portion of the first liquid chamber 20, and the first common portion is provided in the ceiling portion of the second liquid chamber 22. A second communication portion 28B that communicates the liquid chamber 18A and the second liquid chamber 22 is provided. In addition, a third communication portion 30 </ b> A that connects the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B and the first liquid chamber 20 is provided at the bottom of the first liquid chamber 20, and the second common liquid chamber is provided at the bottom of the second liquid chamber 22. A fourth communication portion 30B that communicates the 18B and the second liquid chamber 22 is provided. Each communication portion 28A, 28B, 30A and 30B is formed as a circular hole so as to penetrate the ceiling portion and the bottom portion of the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22.

  The communication portions 28A, 28B, 30A and 30B are arranged on a circumference having a radius R with the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 as the center, and the first communication portion 28A is connected to the second communication portions 28B through 180B. ° Arranged at the rotated position. The third communication part 30A is arranged coaxially with the first communication part 28A, and the fourth communication part 30B is arranged coaxially with the second communication part 28B.

<Action>
The damper 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above has a damper function by rotating the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 with the motor 56 as in the damper of the second embodiment. ON / OFF and open / close the flow path.

  Here, if the position where the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located coaxially with the first communication portion 28A is the first position of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50, the first mask The member 48 and the second mask member 50 move to the second position when rotated 180 ° from the first position, and move to the third position when rotated 90 °.

  When the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the first position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located on the same axis as the first communication portion 28A, and the second mask member 50 is located. The second opening 50A is located on the same axis as the third communication portion 30A.

  When the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are located at the second position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located on the same axis as the second communication portion 28B, and the second mask. The second opening 50A of the member 50 is located on the same axis as the fourth communication portion 30B.

  Further, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is shifted from the formation position of the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B. The second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is located at a position shifted from the formation position of the third communication portion 30A and the fourth communication portion 30B.

[When the damper function is ON]
When the damper function is turned on, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the first position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located coaxially with the first communication portion 28A formed as a circular hole. Thereby, the first common liquid chamber 18A and the first liquid chamber 20 are communicated with each other. On the other hand, the second communication portion 28B is covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the first common liquid chamber 18A to the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the first position, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is positioned coaxially with the third communication portion 30A formed as a circular hole. Thereby, the 1st liquid chamber 20 and the 2nd common liquid chamber 18B are connected. On the other hand, the fourth communication portion 30B is covered and closed by the second mask member 50. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the second common liquid chamber 18B to the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position, the first communication portion 28A and the third communication portion 30A are opened, and the second communication portion 28B and the fourth communication portion 28A are connected. Part 30B is closed. As a result, a flow path that flows from the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A through the first liquid chamber 20 to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is formed inside the damper 10. That is, a flow path that flows from the inlet portion 14 in the order of the first common liquid chamber 18A, the first liquid chamber 20, and the second common liquid chamber 18B and flows out from the outlet portion 16 is formed. Since the first liquid chamber 20 is provided with the elastic film 34, the elastic film 34 can absorb the pressure fluctuation of the liquid flowing in the damper. That is, the damper function can be turned on.

[When turning off the damper function]
When turning off the damper function, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position.

  When the first mask member 48 is positioned at the second position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is positioned on the same axis as the second communication portion 28B formed as a circular hole. As a result, the first common liquid chamber 18A and the second liquid chamber 22 communicate with each other. On the other hand, the first communication portion 28 </ b> A is covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the first common liquid chamber 18A to the first liquid chamber 20 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is positioned at the second position, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is positioned on the same axis as the fourth communication portion 30B formed as a circular hole. As a result, the second liquid chamber 22 communicates with the second common liquid chamber 18B. On the other hand, the third communication portion 30 </ b> A is covered and closed by the second mask member 50. Thereby, the inflow of the liquid from the second common liquid chamber 18B to the first liquid chamber 20 is blocked.

  In this way, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position, the first communication portion 28A and the third communication portion 30A are closed, and the second communication portion 28B and the fourth communication portion are closed. Part 30B is opened. As a result, a flow path that flows from the first common liquid chamber 18 </ b> A through the second liquid chamber 22 to the second common liquid chamber 18 </ b> B is formed inside the damper 10. That is, a flow path that flows from the inlet portion 14 in the order of the first common liquid chamber 18A, the second liquid chamber 22, and the second common liquid chamber 18B and flows out from the outlet portion 16 is formed. Since the second liquid chamber 22 is not provided with the elastic film 34, the liquid can flow without using the damper function. That is, the damper function can be turned off.

[When closing the flow path]
When closing the flow path, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position.

  When the first mask member 48 is located at the third position, the first opening 48A of the first mask member 48 is located at a position shifted from the formation positions of the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B. Thus, the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are covered with the first mask member 48 and closed. Thereby, the flow path from the first common liquid chamber 18A to the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  When the second mask member 50 is located at the third position, the second opening 50A of the second mask member 50 is located at a position shifted from the formation positions of the third communication portion 30A and the fourth communication portion 30B. As a result, the third communication portion 30A and the fourth communication portion 30B are covered with the second mask member 50 and closed. Thereby, the flow path from the second common liquid chamber 18B to the first liquid chamber 20 and the second liquid chamber 22 is blocked.

  As described above, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position, the communication portions are closed. Thereby, the flow path of the liquid flowing inside the damper 10 is blocked. That is, the flow path is closed.

  As described above, the damper 10 according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily turn on / off the damper function similarly to the damper 10 according to the first embodiment. Thereby, switching according to a use can be performed with one damper. Further, since the flow path can be opened and closed, it is not necessary to separately install a valve for opening and closing the flow path, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved.

  Further, as shown in the damper of the present embodiment, the shape of the main body, the shape of each liquid chamber, and the structure of each communication portion are not particularly limited, and various forms can be adopted.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 rotate around an axis passing through the center of the main body 12 to open and close each communicating portion and the outlet portion. The rotation centers of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are not necessarily set at the center of the main body 12. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the damper, and shows an example in which the rotation centers of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set so as to be shifted from the center of the main body 12. As shown in the figure, the rotation centers of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 can be set to be shifted from the center CO of the main body 12. In addition, like the dampers of the first and second embodiments, the overall configuration can be made compact by making the shape of the main body 12 cylindrical.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, the volume of the 1st liquid chamber 20 and the volume of the 2nd liquid chamber 22 do not necessarily need to be the same, One side can also be set larger than the other. In the example shown in the figure, the volume of the second liquid chamber 22 is made larger than the volume of the first liquid chamber 20.

[Modification of Mask Member (First Mask Member and Second Mask Member)]
In each of the above embodiments, a disk-shaped mask member is used as the mask member (first mask member and second mask member) constituting the opening / closing part (first opening / closing part and second opening / closing part). The configuration of the mask member is not limited to this. The structure of a mask member should just be a structure which can selectively open and close a communicating part and an exit part.

  FIG. 18 is a plan view showing another example of the mask member (corresponding to a sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 14).

  The first mask member 48 of the damper shown in the figure includes a disc-shaped shaft portion 60 and three valve bodies 62A, 62B and 62C provided on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 60. .

  The shaft portion 60 has a disk shape and is connected to the rotating shaft 54. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 54 is rotated, the rotating shaft 54 rotates with the rotating shaft 54.

  The three valve bodies 62A, 62B, and 62C are configured as members that block the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B, and are disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 60 at intervals of 90 °. Here, when the valve body 62A is the first valve body, the valve body 62B is the second valve body, and the valve body 62C is the third valve body, the first valve body 62A and the third valve body 62C are: The first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are configured as a valve body that simultaneously closes, and the second valve body 62B is configured as a valve body that closes one of the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B. The

  In the first mask member 48 configured as described above, when the first communication portion 28A is opened, the second valve body 62B is positioned on the second communication portion 28B. As a result, the first communication portion 28A is opened and the second communication portion 28B is closed. Further, when opening the second communication portion 28B, the second valve body 62B is positioned on the first communication portion 28A. As a result, the first communication portion 28A is closed and the second communication portion 28B is opened. Further, when the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are closed, the first valve body 62A and the third valve body 62C are positioned on the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B. Thereby, both the first communication portion 28A and the second communication portion 28B are closed.

  FIG. 19 is a plan view showing another example of the mask member (corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along 16-16 in FIG. 14).

  In the damper of the first embodiment, the opening provided in the mask member is formed as a circular hole. However, as shown in FIG. 19, the opening provided in the mask member has, for example, a notch ( It can also be formed as a dent 48A.

[Other variations]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the mask member is configured to be rotationally driven by a motor, but may be configured to be manually rotationally driven.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the first mask member and the second mask member are driven by a common rotation driving unit. However, the first mask member and the second mask member may be driven by separate rotation driving units.

  Moreover, although the damper of each said embodiment is provided with the air chamber, it can also be set as the structure which does not provide an air chamber. The same applies to the gas-liquid separation membrane, and the gas-liquid separation membrane may be omitted.

[Fourth Embodiment of Damper]
<Constitution>
FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view (sectional view taken along the line 20-20 in FIG. 21) showing a fourth embodiment of the damper according to the present invention. 21 is a 21-21 cross-sectional view of the damper shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the damper 10 of the present embodiment includes a cylindrical main body 12 with both ends closed. The main body 12 is hollow and includes a cylindrical space (internal space) S therein.

  The main body 12 includes one inlet portion 14 and two outlet portions 16A and 16B. In the following, one outlet portion 16A is referred to as a first outlet portion 16A, and the other outlet portion 16B is referred to as a second outlet portion 16B.

  The inlet portion 14 is a connection portion on the inlet side of the pipe connected to the damper 10. The inlet portion 14 is disposed on one end surface (the upper end surface in FIG. 20) of the main body 12. The inlet portion 14 has a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to protrude from the end surface on one side of the main body 12 along the axial direction of the main body 12. The inlet portion 14 opens to the ceiling surface (the upper surface in FIG. 20) of the internal space S of the main body 12 and communicates the outside and the inside of the main body 12. The ceiling surface of the internal space S of the main body 12 is perpendicular to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 and is formed flat.

  The first outlet portion 16 </ b> A and the second outlet portion 16 </ b> B are connecting portions on the outlet side of the pipe connected to the damper 10. 16 A of 1st exit parts and the 2nd exit part 16B are arrange | positioned at the other end surface (lower end surface in FIG. 20) of the main body 12. FIG. The first outlet portion 16 </ b> A and the second outlet portion 16 </ b> B both have a cylindrical shape, and are provided so as to protrude along the axial direction of the main body 12 from the other end surface of the main body 12. 16A of 1st exit parts and the 2nd exit part 16B open to the bottom face (lower surface in FIG. 20) of the internal space S of the main body 12, and connect the exterior and the inside of the main body 12 with the inside. The bottom surface of the internal space S of the main body 12 is perpendicular to the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 and is formed flat.

  In the internal space S of the main body 12, a flow path switching member 70 for switching the flow path formed inside the main body 12 is accommodated so as to be rotatable around the axis. The channel switching member 70 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, is accommodated on the same axis of the main body 12 (= the same axis of the inner space S), and passes through the center of the main body 12 (= the center of the inner space S). Is supported so as to be rotatable around the center.

  The diameter (outer diameter) of the flow path switching member 70 is formed to be the same size as the diameter (inner diameter) of the internal space S of the main body 12. Therefore, the flow path switching member 70 is accommodated without a gap between the inner peripheral portion of the main body 12.

  Further, the flow path switching member 70 is formed such that its axial length is shorter than the axial length of the internal space S of the main body 12. The flow path switching member 70 is disposed on the bottom surface of the internal space S of the main body 12 and is rotatably supported. For this reason, a space is formed in the internal space S of the main body 12 between the flow path switching member 70 and the ceiling surface. This space constitutes a part of the flow path of the liquid that has flowed into the main body 12.

  The flow path switching member 70 includes a notch 70A on the outer periphery. The cutout portion 70 </ b> A is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the flow path switching member 70 along the axial direction of the flow path switching member 70 as a fan-shaped groove. In the damper of the present embodiment, it is formed on the outer periphery of the flow path switching member 70 as a fan-shaped groove having an opening of 120 °.

  When the flow path switching member 70 is accommodated in the internal space S of the main body 12, a fan-shaped space is formed between the notch 70 </ b> A and the inner peripheral wall surface of the internal space S. This space constitutes a part of the flow path of the liquid that has flowed into the main body 12.

  Between the space formed between the flow path switching member 70 and the ceiling surface of the internal space S of the main body 12 and the notch portion 70A of the flow path switching member 70 between the inner peripheral surface of the internal space S of the main body 12. The spaces to be formed communicate with each other to form one flow path. This flow path moves by rotating the flow path switching member 70.

  Here, it is assumed that the flow path switching member 70 moves around three positions of the first position, the second position, and the third position by rotating around the axis O. The three positions are equally spaced (120 ° intervals). When the channel switching member 70 is located at the first position, the channel formed inside the main body 12 is the first channel, and when the channel switching member 70 is located at the second position, the channel formed inside the main body 12 is the second channel. If the flow path formed in the main body 12 when the flow path is located at the third position is a third flow path, the respective flow paths are formed in the main body 12 at intervals of 120 °.

  16 A of 1st exit parts are arrange | positioned in the position connected to a 1st flow path. That is, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position, the flow path switching member 70 is disposed at a position communicating with the space formed in the notch 70A and the internal space S.

  The second outlet portion 16B is disposed at a position communicating with the second flow path. That is, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the second position, the flow path switching member 70 is disposed at a position communicating with the space formed in the notch 70A and the internal space S.

  As a result, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the first position, the liquid flowing in from the inlet portion 14 flows out from the first outlet portion 16A, and when it is located at the second position, it flows out from the second outlet portion 16B.

  On the other hand, since no outlet part communicates with the third flow path, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the third position, the liquid flowing in from the inlet part 14 is blocked. That is, the flow path is closed.

  Part of the inner wall surface of the main body 12 is constituted by an elastic film 34. The main body 12 includes an air chamber 24 in a part of the outer peripheral wall surface. As shown in FIG. 21, the air chamber 24 is arranged along the outer peripheral wall of the first liquid chamber 20 as an arc-shaped space. The air chamber 24 is isolated from the internal space S of the main body 12 through an arc-shaped partition wall 32. In the partition wall 32, the inner peripheral portion constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the internal space S, and the outer peripheral portion constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24.

  The elastic film 34 is provided on the partition wall 32. The partition wall 32 includes an elastic film installation part 36 for attaching the elastic film 34. The elastic membrane installation part 36 is provided in the partition wall 32 as an opening that communicates the internal space S of the main body 12 and the air chamber 24. The elastic film 34 is attached to the partition wall 32 so as to close the elastic film installation portion 36. The elastic film 34 attached to the partition wall 32 constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the internal space S and constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24. As a result, the internal space S of the main body 12 and the air chamber 24 are isolated via the elastic film 34.

  In the air chamber 24, a part of the inner wall surface is constituted by a gas-liquid separation film 38. The gas-liquid separation membrane 38 is attached to a plurality of gas-liquid separation membrane installation portions 40 provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 and constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24. The gas-liquid separation membrane installation part 40 is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 as an opening for communicating the outside of the main body 12 and the air chamber 24. The gas-liquid separation membrane 38 is attached to the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 so as to close the gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion 40. The gas-liquid separation film 38 attached to the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body 12 constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the air chamber 24. The gas-liquid separation membrane 38 has a predetermined ventilation resistance, and the fluctuation of the elastic membrane 34 is suppressed by this ventilation resistance.

  The elastic film 34 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the notch 70A when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position. That is, it is arranged on the inner peripheral wall surface of the internal space S that the notch 70A faces when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the first position. The inner peripheral wall surface of the internal space S at this time constitutes the inner wall surface of the first flow path. Therefore, the elastic film 34 is provided in the first flow path. Since the cutout portion 70A is formed in the flow path switching member 70 with an opening of 120 °, the elastic film 34 is installed within a range of 120 °.

  The elastic film 34 is closed by the outer peripheral wall surface of the flow path switching member 70 when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the second position and the third position. Accordingly, the elastic film 34 is not provided in the second flow path and the third flow path.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the flow path switching member 70 is connected to the rotation shaft 54. The rotation shaft 54 is arranged coaxially with the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12. The main body 12 includes a rotation shaft insertion hole 58 through which the rotation shaft 54 is inserted. The rotation shaft insertion hole 58 is formed along an axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 from the center of the lower surface portion of the main body 12.

  A motor 56 is connected to the rotating shaft 54. The motor 56 is attached to the lower surface portion of the main body 12. The flow path switching member 70 rotates about the axis O passing through the center of the main body 12 by rotating the rotation shaft 54 with the motor 56, and between the first position, the second position, and the third position. Move to each other.

  The damper 10 of the present embodiment is also configured so that the main body 12 can be divided into three parts along the axial direction. Each part is joined via a bolt (not shown).

<Action>
The damper 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above can turn the damper function ON / OFF and open / close the flow path by rotating the flow path switching member 70 with the motor 56.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when using the damper 10 of the present embodiment, a pipe V having a bifurcated tip is connected to the outlet side. That is, one end of the bifurcated tip is connected to the first outlet portion 16A, and the other is connected to the second outlet portion 16B.

[When the damper function is ON]
When the damper function is turned on, the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position, the notch portion 70 </ b> A provided in the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the installation position of the elastic film 34.

  Further, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the first position, the space formed inside the main body 12 by the notch portion 70A is communicated with the first outlet portion 16A. Thereby, the 1st exit part 16A is opened.

  On the other hand, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the first position, the second outlet portion 16B is covered and blocked by the flow path switching member 70. Thereby, the 2nd exit part 16B is closed.

  Thus, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position, a flow path (first flow path) connecting the inlet portion 14 and the first outlet portion 16A is formed inside the main body 12. Since the elastic film 34 is provided in the first flow path, the pressure fluctuation of the liquid flowing in the main body can be absorbed. That is, the damper function can be turned on.

[When turning off the damper function]
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the damper function is turned OFF. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view of the damper when the damper function is turned off (corresponding to the section 20-20 in FIG. 21), and FIG. 2B is a damper when the damper function is turned off. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view of the installation portion of the flow path switching member: corresponding to the 21-21 cross section of FIG. 20).

  When turning off the damper function, the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the second position.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the second position, the space formed inside the main body 12 by the notch 70A is communicated with the second outlet 16B. Thereby, the 2nd exit part 16A is opened.

  On the other hand, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the second position, the first outlet portion 16A is covered and blocked by the flow path switching member 70. Thereby, the first outlet portion 16A is closed. Further, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the second position, the elastic film 34 is covered with the flow path switching member 70.

  Thus, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the second position, a flow path (second flow path) that connects the inlet portion 14 and the second outlet portion 16B is formed inside the main body 12. Since there is no elastic film 34 in the second flow path, the liquid can flow without absorbing the pressure of the liquid flowing in the main body. That is, the damper function can be turned off.

[When closing the flow path]
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the flow path is closed. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view (corresponding to a section 20-20 in FIG. 21) of the damper when the flow path is closed, and FIG. 2B is a crossing of the damper when the flow path is closed. FIG. 21 is a plan view (a cross-sectional view of an installation portion of a flow path switching member: corresponding to a section 21-21 in FIG. 20).

  When closing the flow path, the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the third position.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the third position, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are covered and blocked by the flow path switching member 70. Thereby, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are closed. That is, the flow path is closed.

  As described above, the damper 10 according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily turn on / off the damper function similarly to the damper according to each of the above embodiments. Thereby, switching according to a use can be performed with one damper.

  Further, according to the damper 10 of the present embodiment, since the flow path can be opened and closed, it is not necessary to separately install a valve for closing the flow path, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved.

[Fifth embodiment of damper]
<Constitution>
FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view (sectional view taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 25) showing a fifth embodiment of a damper according to the present invention. 25 is a 25-25 cross-sectional view of the damper shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the damper of the present embodiment is mainly different from the damper of the fourth embodiment in that there is only one outlet and the flow path switching member 70 has an outlet shielding part. Is different. Therefore, only the differences will be described here.

  In addition, about an exit part, the code | symbol 16 is used and it demonstrates. The outlet portion 16 is disposed at the position where the first outlet portion 16A is disposed in the damper according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the flow path switching member 70 includes an outlet shielding part 70 </ b> B on the end face on the outlet side (the lower end face in FIG. 24).

  The outlet shielding part 70B is formed as a columnar protruding part so as to protrude from the end face of the flow path switching member 70 on the outlet part side. The outlet shielding part 70B is disposed at a position that shields the outlet part 16 when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the third position.

  When the flow path switching member 70 is accommodated in the internal space S of the main body 12, the end face of the outlet shielding part 70 </ b> B comes into contact with the bottom surface part of the internal space S. For this reason, the flow path switching member 70 is disposed inside the main body 12 in a state of floating from the bottom surface of the internal space S. As a result, two spaces are formed inside the main body 12 with the flow path switching member 70 interposed therebetween. The two spaces communicate with each other via a notch portion 70A provided in the flow path switching member 70, and form a liquid flow path that flows inside the main body 12.

  Further, when the flow path switching member 70 is rotated by the motor 56, the outlet shielding portion 70 </ b> B rotates while sliding on the bottom surface of the internal space S. As described above, the outlet shielding part 70B is arranged at a position that shields the outlet part 16 when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the third position. Therefore, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at a position other than the third position, the outlet portion 16 is opened.

<Action>
The damper 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above can turn the damper function ON / OFF and open / close the flow path by rotating the flow path switching member 70 with the motor 56.

[When the damper function is ON]
When the damper function is turned on, the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position.

  As shown in FIG. 24, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the first position, the notch 70A provided in the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the installation position of the elastic film 34 (see FIG. 21).

  The outlet shielding part 70B closes the outlet part 16 only when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the third position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the first position, the outlet portion 16 is opened. As a result, a flow path (first flow path) connecting the inlet portion 14 and the outlet portion 16 is formed inside the main body 12. Since the elastic film 34 is provided in the first flow path, the pressure fluctuation of the liquid flowing in the main body can be absorbed. That is, the damper function can be turned on.

[When turning off the damper function]
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the damper function is turned OFF. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view of the damper when the damper function is turned off (corresponding to the section 24-24 in FIG. 25), and FIG. 2B is a damper when the damper function is turned off. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view of the installation portion of the outlet shielding portion: corresponding to the 25-25 cross section of FIG. 24).

  When turning off the damper function, the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the second position.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the second position, the elastic film 34 is covered with the flow path switching member 70 (see FIG. 22).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 26B, when the flow path switching member 70 is located at the second position, the outlet portion 16 is in an opened state. As a result, a flow path (second flow path) connecting the inlet portion 14 and the outlet portion 16 is formed inside the main body 12. Since there is no elastic film 34 in the second flow path, the liquid can flow without absorbing the pressure of the liquid flowing in the main body. That is, the damper function can be turned off.

[When closing the flow path]
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the damper, and shows the state of the damper when the flow path is closed. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view (corresponding to a section 24-24 in FIG. 25) of the damper when the flow path is closed, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the damper when the flow path is closed. It is a surface view (transverse section of the installation part of an exit shielding part: it is equivalent to 25-25 cross section of FIG. 24).

  When closing the flow path, the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the third position.

  As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, when the flow path switching member 70 is positioned at the third position, the outlet shielding part 70B provided in the flow path switching member 70 is positioned on the same axis as the outlet section 16. . Thereby, the exit part 16 is closed. That is, the flow path is closed.

  As described above, the damper 10 according to the present embodiment can arbitrarily turn on / off the damper function similarly to the damper according to each of the above embodiments. Thereby, switching according to a use can be performed with one damper.

  Further, according to the damper 10 of the present embodiment, since the flow path can be opened and closed, it is not necessary to separately install a valve for closing the flow path, and the number of parts can be reduced and the space can be saved.

[Modified Damper of Fourth and Fifth Embodiments]
In the dampers of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the flow path switching member is rotationally driven by a motor, but may be manually rotationally driven.

  Moreover, in the dampers of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the flow path switching member has a cylindrical shape, but the shape of the flow path switching member is not limited to this. The shape of the flow path switching member may be any shape that can move in the main body to form the first flow path and the second flow path in the main body, and can move in the main body and close the outlet portion. .

<Inkjet recording device>
<Constitution>
FIG. 28 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printer which is an embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

  The ink jet printer 100 is a color ink jet printer that prints a color image on a paper (sheet) P as a medium using inks of four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. A transport unit 110 that transports along the transport path, a print unit 120 that prints an image on a sheet P transported by the transport unit 110 in a single pass, and an ink supply unit that supplies ink to a print head included in the print unit 120 130.

[Transport section]
The transport unit 110 includes a plurality of drums 112A, 112B, and 112C, and transports the paper P along a certain transport path while delivering the paper P from drum to drum. Each of the drums 112A, 112B, and 112C conveys the paper P by winding the paper P around the circumferential surface and rotating it. Each of the drums 112 </ b> A, 112 </ b> B, and 112 </ b> C includes a gripper, and holds the paper P on the outer peripheral surface by gripping the leading end of the paper P with the gripper.

  Note that the paper P is fed to the transport unit 110 one by one from a paper feeding device (not shown). Further, the printed paper P is sequentially discharged from a terminal drum 112C to a paper discharge tray (not shown).

[Print section]
The print unit 120 prints an image on the paper P conveyed by the conveyance unit 110 in a single pass. Therefore, the print unit 120 includes a line-type print head (line head) corresponding to the width of the paper P. In addition, since the inkjet printer 100 of the present embodiment prints a color image, it is provided with a plurality of print heads (hereinafter referred to as heads). Specifically, a head 122C that discharges cyan ink, a head 122M that discharges magenta ink, a head 122Y that discharges yellow ink, and a head 122K that discharges black ink are provided. The heads 122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K are arranged at a certain interval on the transport path of the paper P transported by the drum 112B.

  Here, the configuration of the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y and 122K will be outlined. Since the configurations of the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K are the same, the configuration of the head 122 will be described here.

  FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the head.

  As shown in the figure, the head 122 is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules 124 in a line. As an example, the head 122 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting 16 head modules 124 in a line.

  The head modules 124 have the same structure, and are connected to each other by being attached to a linear bar frame 128. The bar frame 128 includes a mounting portion (not shown) for attaching each head module 124. Each head module 124 is detachably attached to a mounting portion provided in the bar frame 128. Each head module 124 is attached to the bar frame 128, so that the nozzle surfaces provided at the tip end are connected in a line to constitute one nozzle surface as a whole.

  FIG. 30 is a plan view of the nozzle surface of the head. In the figure, the arrow Y direction is the transport direction of the paper P. The arrow X direction is the width direction of the paper P (the axial direction of the drum).

  The nozzle surface 126 has a rectangular shape as a whole, and is provided with a belt-like nozzle arrangement region 126A at the center. The nozzle N is provided in the nozzle arrangement region 126A.

  FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a nozzle arrangement region provided in the head module. In the figure, the arrow Y direction is the transport direction of the paper P, and the arrow X direction is the longitudinal direction of the head 122.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the nozzles N are arranged in a matrix. More specifically, the nozzles N are arranged at a constant pitch along a straight line x parallel to the X direction, and the nozzles N are arranged at a constant pitch along a straight line y inclined by a predetermined angle (α) with respect to the straight line x. Arranged. By arranging the nozzles N in this way, it is possible to narrow the interval between the nozzles N projected in the longitudinal direction of the head 122 (main scanning direction (X direction)), and the nozzles N can be arranged at high density. . In this case, the substantial arrangement direction of the nozzles N is the X direction. That is, the nozzle N is arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction of the head 122.

  Each head module 124 is individually provided with an ink supply port 125S, and ink is individually supplied (see FIG. 32).

[Ink supply unit]
The ink supply unit 130 supplies ink to the head 122 provided in the print unit 120. The ink supply unit 130 is provided for each head 122. That is, the cyan head 122C includes an ink supply unit that supplies cyan ink, the magenta head 122M includes an ink supply unit that supplies magenta ink, and the yellow head 122Y includes a yellow ink supply unit. The black head 122K is provided with an ink supply unit for supplying black ink. Since the configuration of each ink supply unit is the same, the configuration of the ink supply unit 130 will be described here.

  FIG. 32 is a schematic configuration diagram of the ink supply unit.

  The ink supply unit 130 mainly includes a tank 132 that stores ink to be ejected from the head 122, a supply pump 134S that supplies the ink stored in the tank 132 toward the head 122, and a supply pump 134S that supplies the ink from the tank 132. A supply manifold 136S that branches the flow path of the ink to be liquefied for each head module 124, and a damper 10 that is installed in each ink flow path branched by the supply manifold 136S are configured.

  The tank 132 stores ink that is ejected from the head 122. The tank 132 is connected to a main supply pipe 138S for feeding ink in the tank.

  The supply pump 134 </ b> S is an example of a supply liquid supply unit, and supplies ink stored in the tank 132 toward the head 122. The supply pump 134S is constituted by a tube pump, for example, and is installed in the middle of the main supply pipe 138S.

  The supply manifold 136S branches one ink flow path into a plurality of channels. The supply manifold 136S includes a single inlet and a plurality of outlets, and causes the ink flowing in from the inlets to flow out from each outlet portion evenly. A main supply pipe 138S is connected to the inlet of the supply manifold 136S, and an individual supply pipe 140S is connected to the outlet. The individual supply pipes 140S are set to have the same flow path length. The main supply pipe 138S, the supply manifold 136S, and the individual supply pipe 140S constitute an ink supply flow path.

  The damper 10 is installed in each individual supply pipe 140S. The damper 10 is configured by the damper according to any one of the embodiments described above. Here, the damper of the first embodiment is used. Since the damper according to the first embodiment includes two outlet portions, a pipe having a bifurcated tip is used on the outlet portion side (see FIG. 1).

  Driving of the motor 56 provided in each damper 10 is controlled by the ink supply control unit. The drive of the supply pump 134S provided in the main supply pipe 138S is similarly controlled by the ink supply control unit.

[Control system]
FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the control system of the inkjet printer.

  The inkjet printer 100 includes a computer 150 that functions as a control unit. The computer 150 functions as a transport control unit that controls the transport unit 110, a print control unit that controls the print unit 120, and an ink supply control unit that controls the ink supply unit 130 by executing a predetermined control program.

  The computer 150 includes a communication unit 152 for communicating with an external device, an operation unit 154 for operating the inkjet printer 100, a display unit 156 for displaying various information, and a storage unit for storing various data. 158 etc. are connected. Image data of an image to be printed by the ink jet printer 100 is taken into the computer 150 via the communication unit 152. Further, a control program executed by the computer 150, various data necessary for control, and the like are stored in the storage unit 158.

  The computer 150 functions as an image processing unit by executing a predetermined control program. The image processing unit performs predetermined image processing on the image data of the image to be printed, and generates dot data necessary for printing by the printing unit 120. The computer 150 prints an image on the paper P by driving the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y and 122K based on the generated dot data.

<Action>
-Basic operation of the damper The damper of the above embodiment can turn the damper function ON / OFF and open / close the flow path by rotating the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 with the motor 56. Specifically, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the first position, the damper function is turned on, and when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the second position. The damper function is turned off. Further, when the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are positioned at the third position, the flow path is closed.

  The damper 10 is appropriately turned ON / OFF according to the state of the apparatus. Further, the channel is appropriately opened and closed according to the state of the apparatus. Hereinafter, an example in which the flow path is closed when the damper function is turned on, when the damper function is turned off, will be described.

・ During printing During printing, the damper function of each damper 10 is turned on.

  The ink jet printer 100 executes print processing based on a print job. The print job is input from an external device via the communication unit 152.

  When a print job is input, the computer 150 generates dot data necessary for printing by the printing unit 120 from image data included in the print job.

  When the dot data is generated, the computer 150 feeds the paper P to the paper feeding device according to the print job. The sheet P fed from the sheet feeding device is transported along a certain transport path by the transport unit 110.

  The computer 150 drives the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K according to the generated dot data, and ejects ink from each of the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K toward the paper P that is transported by the transport unit 110. As a result, an image is printed on the paper P.

  In printing, ink is supplied from the ink supply unit 130 to the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K. The ink is supplied by driving the supply pump 134S.

  Here, when the ink supply is started, the damper function of each damper 10 is turned ON. That is, the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set to the first position. When the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set to the first position, the flow path formed inside the main body 12 is set as the first flow path. Since the elastic film 34 is provided in the first flow path, a damper function can be provided. That is, the damper function can be turned on and the pressure fluctuation of the ink flowing through the damper 10 can be absorbed.

  By turning on the damper function during printing, ink can be stably supplied to each head module 124, and ink ejection can be controlled correctly. Thereby, a high quality image can be printed.

-Purge When performing recovery processing of the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y and 122K by purging, the damper function of each damper 10 is turned off. Here, purging means discharging a small amount of ink from the head by a method other than ejection.

  When purging, first, the damper function of each damper 10 is turned off. That is, the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set to the second position. When the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set to the second position, the flow path formed inside the main body 12 is set to the second flow path. Since the elastic film 34 is not provided in the second flow path, the damper function can be turned off. That is, the ink can flow without absorbing the pressure applied to the ink.

  After turning off the damper function of the damper 10, the supply pump 134S is driven. As a result, the ink in each of the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y and 122K is pressurized, and the ink is purged from the nozzles. At this time, the damper 10 provided in each of the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y and 122K has the damper function turned off, so that the ink can be pressurized efficiently.

-When purging only a specific head module Only a specific head module can be purged. In this case, the damper function of the damper 10 connected to the purge-target head module is turned off, and the other head modules close the flow path. Thereby, only a specific head module can be purged.

When the flow path of the damper 10 is closed, the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set to the third position. When the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 are set to the third position, the first outlet portion 16A and the second outlet portion 16B are closed, and the flow path of the damper 10 is closed. Thereby, the supply of ink to the head module connected to the damper 10 can be stopped.

-Replacement of head module As described above, in the head 122 of the present embodiment, each head module 124 is detachably attached to the bar frame 128. Therefore, when some of the head modules 124 fail, only the failed head module 124 can be replaced and used. When the head module is replaced, the flow paths of all the dampers 10 are closed.

  When the head module 124 is replaced, only the damper 10 connected to the replaced head module 124 is opened to replenish ink. In this case, any one of the first channel and the second channel may be selected.

When stopping the operation of the apparatus When stopping the operation of the inkjet printer 100, the flow paths of all the dampers 10 are closed.

  This can prevent ink from leaking from the heads 122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K during the pause.

  As described above, according to the ink jet printer 100 of the present embodiment, ink can be stably supplied during printing, and ink can be efficiently pressurized during purging.

  In order to realize the same function as the damper of the present embodiment without using the damper of the present embodiment, a flow path provided with a damper and a flow path not provided with a damper are provided, and each of them is provided. Although a valve must be provided, these functions can be realized by a single damper by using the damper of the present embodiment. Thereby, the space required for installing the damper can be saved, and the entire apparatus can be made compact.

[Other Embodiments of Ink Supply Unit]
<Constitution>
FIG. 34 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the ink supply unit.

  The ink supply unit 130 of the present embodiment circulates and supplies ink to the head 122 (122C, 122M, 122Y, and 122K). In this case, each head module 124 constituting the head 122 is provided with an ink supply port 125S and an ink recovery port 125R.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the ink supply unit 130 includes a tank 132, a main supply pipe 138S, a main recovery pipe 138R, a supply manifold 136S, a recovery manifold 136R, a supply pump 134S, and a recovery pump 134R. A supply pipe 140S, an individual recovery pipe 140R, a supply damper 10S, and a recovery damper 10R are provided.

  The tank 132 stores ink that is ejected from the head 122.

  The main supply pipe 138S connects the tank 132 and the supply manifold 136S.

  The main recovery pipe 138R connects the tank 132 and the recovery manifold 136R.

  The supply pump 134 </ b> S as an example of the supply liquid supply unit is installed in the middle of the main supply pipe 138 </ b> S, and supplies ink from the tank 132 toward the head 122.

  The recovery pump 134R as an example of the recovery liquid feeding unit is installed in the middle of the main recovery pipe 138R and feeds ink from the head 122 toward the tank 132.

  The supply manifold 136S branches one ink flow path into a plurality of channels. The supply manifold 136S includes one inlet and a plurality of outlets, and the ink flowing in from one inlet is branched equally to flow out from each outlet. A main supply pipe 138S is connected to the inlet of the supply manifold 136S, and an individual supply pipe 140S is connected to each outlet.

  Each individual supply pipe 140S is set to have the same flow path length. Each individual supply pipe 140 </ b> S is connected to the ink supply port 125 </ b> S of the head module 124.

  The main supply pipe 138S, the supply manifold 136S, and the individual supply pipe 140S constitute an ink supply flow path.

  The recovery manifold 136R collects a plurality of ink flow paths into one. The recovery manifold 136R includes a plurality of inlets and one outlet, collects the ink flowing from the plurality of inlets into one, and causes the ink to flow out from one outlet. A main recovery pipe 138R is connected to the outlet of the recovery manifold 136R, and an individual recovery pipe 140R is connected to each inlet.

  The individual recovery pipes 140R are set to have the same flow path length. Each individual recovery pipe 140R is connected to an ink recovery port 125R of the head module 124, respectively.

  The main recovery pipe 138R, the recovery manifold 136R, and the individual recovery pipe 140R constitute an ink recovery flow path.

  The supply damper 10S is installed in each individual supply pipe 140S. The supply damper 10S is configured by the damper according to any one of the embodiments described above. Here, the damper of the first embodiment is used. Since the damper according to the first embodiment includes two outlet portions, a pipe having a bifurcated tip is used on the outlet portion side (see FIG. 1).

  The recovery damper 10R is installed in each individual recovery pipe 140R. The recovery damper 10R is configured by the damper according to any one of the embodiments described above. Here, the damper of the first embodiment is used. In addition, since the damper of 1st Embodiment is equipped with two exit parts, the pipe | tube with which the front-end | tip was divided into two is used on the exit part side (refer FIG. 1).

  Driving of the motor 56 provided in the supply damper 10S and the motor 56 provided in the supply damper 10S is controlled by the ink supply control unit. The ink supply control unit similarly controls the drive of the supply pump 134S provided in the main supply pipe 138S and the recovery pump 134R provided in the main recovery pipe 138R.

<Action>
The ink is supplied to the head 122 as follows. That is, the supply pump 134S and the recovery pump 134R are driven to generate an ink flow from the tank 132 toward the head 122 and an ink flow from the head 122 toward the tank 132. As a result, the ink is circulated and supplied to the head 122.

  Note that when the ink is supplied, the drive of the supply pump 134S and the recovery pump 134R is controlled so that a predetermined back pressure is applied to the ink in the head.

  During printing, the damper function of each damper (the supply damper 10S and the recovery damper 10R) is turned on. That is, the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 of each damper are set to the first position, and the flow path formed in the main body is set to the first flow path. As a result, it is possible to accurately control ink ejection with high accuracy while suppressing fluctuations in pressure of the ink supplied to the head.

  During purging, the damper function of each damper is turned off. That is, the positions of the first mask member 48 and the second mask member 50 of each damper are set to the second position, and the flow path formed in the main body is set to the second flow path. As a result, the applied pressure can be prevented from being absorbed by the damper, and ink can be efficiently purged.

  When purging only a specific head module 124, the damper function is turned off only for the damper connected to the purge target head module 124, and the damper connected to the other head module 124 closes the flow path. As a result, only a specific head module 124 can be purged.

  Thus, in the ink supply unit of the present embodiment, ink can be circulated and supplied.

  In the ink supply unit of the present embodiment, the space required for installing the damper can be saved, and the entire apparatus can be made compact.

[Inkjet recording apparatus and other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules. However, a normal head, that is, a head that does not connect a plurality of head modules can also be used.

  In the embodiment described above, one head is composed of 16 head modules, but the number of head modules constituting one head is not particularly limited.

  In the above embodiment, the head modules are connected in a line as the form in which the head modules are connected in a line. However, the head modules may be arranged in a staggered pattern and connected in a line. In addition, a plurality of head modules can be arranged in parallel to form a head that ejects one kind of ink.

  In the above-described embodiment, a pump is used as the supply liquid feeding unit. However, it is also possible to use a configuration in which ink is fed from the tank to the head using a water head difference. In this case, the tank constitutes the supply liquid feeding unit. Similarly, the ink can be collected from the head by utilizing the water head difference. In this case, the ink supply unit includes a tank for supplying ink (supply tank) and a tank for collecting ink (collection tank).

  In the above embodiment, the damper is installed only on the individual supply pipe, but the damper can also be installed on the main supply pipe. The damper (main damper) installed in the main supply pipe is installed mainly for the purpose of suppressing the pulsation of the supply pump, and a damper having a large liquid chamber capacity is used. With respect to the ink supply unit that circulates and supplies ink, a damper can also be installed in the main recovery pipe.

  In the ink jet printer of the above embodiment, the damper of the first embodiment is used, but the damper of other embodiments can also be used.

  The ink jet recording apparatus is not limited to an ink jet printer. As an inkjet recording apparatus, for example, a color filter manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a color filter by discharging ink or the like onto a film or glass, an organic EL display panel (an organic EL solution (organic electroluminescence solution)) is discharged onto a substrate ( A device for forming organic electroluminescence display panels), a device for forming bumps for mounting components by discharging molten solder (broadly defined ink) onto a substrate, and a liquid containing metal (broadly defined ink) An apparatus for forming a wiring pattern and various film forming apparatuses for discharging a droplet to form a film may be used as long as it can discharge a droplet.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Damper, 10R ... Recovery damper, 10S ... Supply damper, 12 ... Main body, 12A ... Trunk part, 12B ... Upper lid part, 12C ... Lower lid part, 14 ... Inlet part, 16 ... Outlet part, 16A ... First outlet part , 16B ... second outlet, 18 ... common liquid chamber, 18A ... first common liquid chamber, 18B ... second common liquid chamber, 20 ... first liquid chamber, 22 ... second liquid chamber, 24 ... air chamber, 26 ... Solid part, 28A ... 1st communication part, 28B ... 2nd communication part, 30A ... 3rd communication part, 30B ... 4th communication part, 32 ... Septum, 34 ... Elastic film, 36 ... Elastic film installation part, 38 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Gas-liquid separation membrane, 40 ... Gas-liquid separation membrane installation part, 42 ... Concave part, 44 ... 1st opening / closing part, 46 ... 2nd opening / closing part, 48 ... 1st mask member, 48A ... 1st opening part, 50 ... 1st 2 mask members, 50A ... second opening, 52 ... recess, 54 ... rotating shaft, 56 ... motor, 58 ... rotating shaft insertion hole, 60 ... shaft 62A, 62B, 62C ... valve body, 70 ... flow path switching member, 70A ... notch, 70B ... outlet shield, 100 ... inkjet printer, 110 ... transport unit, 112A, 112B, 112C ... drum, 122 (122C) 122M, 122Y, 122K) ... head, 124 ... head module, 125R ... ink recovery port, 125S ... ink supply port, 126 ... nozzle surface, 126A ... nozzle arrangement area, 128 ... bar frame, 130 ... ink supply unit, 132 ... tank, 134R ... recovery pump, 134S ... supply pump, 136R ... recovery manifold, 136S ... supply manifold, 138R ... main recovery pipe, 138S ... main supply pipe, 140R ... individual recovery pipe, 140S ... individual supply pipe, 150 ... computer 152 communication unit 154 operation unit 156 Display unit, 158 ... storage unit, the axis passing through the center of the O ... body, P ... paper, S ... internal space, V ... piping

Claims (37)

A main body including a common liquid chamber, a first liquid chamber, and a second liquid chamber;
A first communication portion communicating the common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber;
A second communication portion communicating the common liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber;
An inlet communicating the outside of the main body and the common liquid chamber;
A first outlet portion communicating the outside of the main body and the first liquid chamber;
A second outlet portion communicating the outside of the main body and the second liquid chamber;
An elastic membrane that suppresses pressure fluctuations in the first liquid chamber;
A first opening / closing part for selectively opening and closing the first communication part and the second communication part;
A second opening / closing part for selectively opening and closing the first outlet part and the second outlet part;
Damper equipped with. The first communication portion and the second communication portion open on the same surface of one of the surfaces constituting the common liquid chamber,
The first opening / closing portion rotates about an axis orthogonal to a surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open, and selectively opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. Comprising a first mask member;
The damper according to claim 1. The first outlet portion opens on one of a plurality of surfaces constituting the first liquid chamber,
The second outlet portion opens on one of a plurality of surfaces constituting the second liquid chamber,
The surface on which the first outlet portion opens and the surface on which the second outlet portion opens are located on the same plane,
The second opening / closing part selectively opens and closes the first outlet part and the second outlet part by rotating around an axis perpendicular to a surface where the first outlet part and the second outlet part open. Comprising a second mask member;
The damper according to claim 2. A rotating shaft for connecting the first mask member and the second mask member to rotate the first mask member and the second mask member synchronously;
When the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the first position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member opens the first communication portion, and the second communication portion. And the second mask member opens the first outlet part and closes the second outlet part,
When the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the second position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. And the second mask member closes the first outlet part and opens the second outlet part,
When the rotating shaft is rotated to position the first mask member and the second mask member at a third position, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, A second mask member closes the first outlet and the second outlet;
The damper according to claim 3. Rotation driving means for rotating the rotating shaft is further provided.
The damper according to claim 4. The rotation shaft is disposed at the center of the main body,
The damper according to claim 5. The common liquid chamber is provided in the main body as a cylindrical space around the rotation axis,
The first communication part and the second communication part open on a circular end surface of the common liquid chamber,
The first mask member has a disk shape with a plurality of openings.
The damper according to claim 6. The diameter of the surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open and the diameter of the first mask member are the same size.
The damper according to claim 7. The first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are disposed on the same circumference around the rotation axis,
The first outlet portion and the second outlet portion open on the same circumference around the rotation axis,
The second mask member has a disk shape having a plurality of openings.
The damper according to claim 8. A main body comprising a first common liquid chamber, a second common liquid chamber, a first liquid chamber, and a second liquid chamber;
A first communicating portion communicating the first common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber;
A second communication portion communicating the first common liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber;
A third communication portion communicating the second common liquid chamber and the first liquid chamber;
A fourth communication portion communicating the second common liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber;
An inlet communicating the outside of the main body and the first common liquid chamber;
An outlet communicating the outside of the main body and the second common liquid chamber;
An elastic membrane that suppresses pressure fluctuations in the first liquid chamber;
A first opening / closing part for selectively opening and closing the first communication part and the second communication part;
A second opening / closing part for selectively opening and closing the third communication part and the fourth communication part;
Damper equipped with. The first communication part and the second communication part open on the same surface of one of the surfaces constituting the first common liquid chamber,
The first opening / closing portion rotates about an axis orthogonal to a surface where the first communication portion and the second communication portion open, and selectively opens and closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. Comprising a first mask member;
The damper according to claim 10. The third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open on the same surface of one of the surfaces constituting the second common liquid chamber,
The second opening / closing portion rotates about an axis perpendicular to a surface where the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open, and selectively opens and closes the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion. Comprising a second mask member;
The damper according to claim 11. A rotating shaft for connecting the first mask member and the second mask member to rotate the first mask member and the second mask member synchronously;
When the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the first position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member opens the first communication portion, and the second communication portion. The second mask member opens the third communication portion, and closes the fourth communication portion,
When the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at the second position by rotating the rotation shaft, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion. The second mask member closes the third communication part and opens the fourth communication part,
When the rotating shaft is rotated to position the first mask member and the second mask member at a third position, the first mask member closes the first communication portion and the second communication portion, The second mask member closes the third communication portion and the fourth communication portion;
The damper according to claim 12. Rotation driving means for rotating the rotating shaft is further provided.
The damper according to claim 13. The rotation shaft is disposed at the center of the main body,
The damper according to claim 14. The first common liquid chamber and the second common liquid chamber are provided in the main body as a cylindrical space around the rotation axis,
The first communication part and the second communication part open on a circular end surface of the first common liquid chamber,
The third communication portion and the fourth communication portion open to a circular end surface of the second common liquid chamber,
The first mask member and the second mask member have a disk shape having a plurality of openings,
The damper according to claim 15. The diameter of the surface where the first communication part and the second communication part are opened and the diameter of the first mask member are the same size,
The diameter of the surface where the third communication part and the fourth communication part are opened and the diameter of the second mask member are the same size.
The damper according to claim 16. The first liquid chamber has an elastic membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the first liquid chamber,
The elastic membrane is provided by closing an opening of the elastic membrane installation portion.
The damper according to any one of claims 1 to 17. An air chamber adjacent to the elastic membrane outside the first liquid chamber;
The air chamber is provided with a gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the air chamber, and the opening of the gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion is closed to suppress fluctuation of the elastic membrane. A gas-liquid separation membrane
The damper according to claim 18. A hollow body,
An inlet communicating the inside and the outside of the main body;
A first outlet communicating the inside and the outside of the main body;
A second outlet communicating the inside and the outside of the main body;
When movably accommodated inside the main body and positioned at the first position, the second outlet portion is closed to form a first flow path that connects the inlet portion and the first outlet portion, When positioned at the second position, the first outlet portion is closed to form a second flow path that connects the inlet portion and the second outlet portion, and when positioned at the third position, the first outlet portion and A flow path switching member for closing the second outlet portion;
An elastic membrane provided in the first flow path for suppressing pressure fluctuations in the first flow path;
Damper equipped with. The flow path switching member has a columnar shape with a notch, is rotatably accommodated in the main body, and is positioned at the first position, so that the notch is in contact with the inner wall surface of the main body. Forming the first flow path between them and, when located at the second position, the notch portion forms the second flow path with the inner wall surface of the main body,
The damper according to claim 20. A rotation driving means for rotating the flow path switching member;
The damper according to claim 21. A hollow body,
An inlet communicating the inside and the outside of the main body;
An outlet communicating the inside and the outside of the main body;
When the first body is movably accommodated in the main body and is located at the first position, a first flow path that connects the inlet portion and the outlet portion is formed, and when located at the second position, the inlet portion and the outlet are formed. Forming a second flow path communicating with the portion, and when located at the third position, a flow path switching member for closing the outlet portion;
An elastic membrane provided in the first flow path for suppressing pressure fluctuations in the first flow path;
Damper equipped with. The flow path switching member has a columnar shape with a notch, is rotatably accommodated in the main body, and is positioned at the first position, so that the notch is in contact with the inner wall surface of the main body. Forming the first flow path between them and, when located at the second position, the notch portion forms the second flow path with the inner wall surface of the main body,
The damper according to claim 23. A rotation driving means for rotating the flow path switching member;
The damper according to claim 24. The first flow path has an elastic membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the first flow path,
The elastic membrane is provided by closing an opening of the elastic membrane installation portion.
The damper according to any one of claims 20 to 25. An air chamber adjacent to the elastic membrane outside the first flow path;
The air chamber is provided with a gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion having an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the air chamber, and the opening of the gas-liquid separation membrane installation portion is closed to suppress fluctuation of the elastic membrane. A gas-liquid separation membrane
The damper according to claim 26. A transport section for transporting media;
A head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head;
A supply flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A supply liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path;
A damper comprising the damper according to any one of claims 1 to 27, and disposed in the supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid feeding unit,
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules,
The supply channel is branched and connected to the head module,
The damper is individually arranged in the branched supply flow path,
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 28. A transport section for transporting media;
A head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head;
A supply flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A recovery flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A supply liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path;
A recovery liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the head to the tank via the recovery flow path;
A supply damper, comprising the damper according to any one of claims 1 to 27, disposed in the supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid feeding unit,
A recovery damper comprising the damper according to any one of claims 1 to 27, disposed in the recovery flow path between the head and the recovery liquid feeding unit,
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules,
The supply channel is branched and connected to the head module,
The recovery channel is branched and connected to the head module,
The supply damper is individually arranged in the branched supply flow path,
The recovery damper is individually arranged in the branched recovery flow path.
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 30. A transport section for transporting media;
A head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head;
A supply flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A supply liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path;
A damper comprising the damper according to claim 5 or 14, and disposed in the supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid feeding unit,
A controller that controls the rotation driving unit of the damper, wherein when the ink is ejected from the head, the first mask member and the second mask member are positioned at a first position and purged; A controller that positions the first mask member and the second mask member in a second position;
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: A transport section for transporting media;
A head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head;
A supply flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A supply liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path;
A damper comprising the damper according to claim 22 or 25, and disposed in the supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid feeding unit,
A controller for controlling the rotation driving means of the damper, wherein when the ink is ejected from the head, the flow path switching member is positioned at the first position and when purging, the flow path switching member is A control unit located at two positions;
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules,
The supply channel is branched and connected to the head module,
The damper is individually arranged in the branched supply flow path,
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 32 or 33. A transport section for transporting media;
A head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head;
A supply flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A recovery flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A supply liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path;
A recovery liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the head to the tank via the recovery flow path;
A supply damper configured by the damper according to claim 5 or 14 and disposed in the supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid feeding unit,
A recovery damper comprising the damper according to claim 5 or 14, and disposed in the recovery flow path between the head and the recovery liquid feeding unit,
A control unit for controlling the rotation driving unit of the supply damper and the rotation driving unit of the recovery damper, wherein when the ink is ejected from the head, the first mask member and the second mask of the supply damper When the member is positioned at the first position and the first mask member and the second mask member of the recovery damper are positioned at the first position and purging is performed, the first mask member and the second mask of the supply damper are disposed. A controller that positions two mask members in a second position and positions the first mask member and the second mask member of the recovery damper in a second position;
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: A transport section for transporting media;
A head that ejects ink from nozzles toward the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head;
A supply flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A recovery flow path connecting the head and the tank;
A supply liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the tank to the head via the supply flow path;
A recovery liquid feeding section for feeding ink from the head to the tank via the recovery flow path;
A supply damper, comprising the damper according to claim 22 or 25, disposed in the supply flow path between the head and the supply liquid feeding unit,
A recovery damper configured by the damper according to claim 22 or 25 and disposed in the recovery flow path between the head and the recovery liquid feeding unit,
A control unit for controlling the rotation driving unit of the supply damper and the rotation driving unit of the recovery damper, wherein when the ink is ejected from the head, the flow path switching member of the supply damper is set to a first position. And when the flow path switching member of the recovery damper is positioned at the first position and purging, the flow path switching member of the supply damper is positioned at the second position, and the recovery damper A controller that positions the flow path switching member at the second position;
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: The head is configured by connecting a plurality of head modules,
The supply channel is branched and connected to the head module,
The recovery channel is branched and connected to the head module,
The supply damper is individually arranged in the branched supply flow path,
The recovery damper is individually arranged in the branched recovery flow path.
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 35 or 36.

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