JP6168724B2 - Ink storage device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink that is mounted on a carriage of an ink jet printer that includes a recording head that discharges ink to a recording medium and a carriage that is mounted and moved in the main scanning direction, and is supplied to the recording head. The present invention relates to an ink storage device.

  As a conventional ink storage device, the central axis is horizontal due to the storage part for storing the ink supplied to the recording head and the buoyancy received from the ink stored in the storage part when the storage part is mounted on the carriage. By detecting the position of a disc-shaped float member floating on the ink surface in a state extending in the direction and a magnet fixed to the center of the float member when the reservoir is mounted on the carriage And a magnetic sensor that detects the position of the float member in the direction, and the float member can move in the vertical direction following the fluctuation of the liquid level in the vertical direction when the reservoir is mounted on the carriage. The storage portion is housed in a space for the float member of the storage portion in a possible state, and the storage portion mainly has an extending direction of the central axis of the float member floating on the liquid surface. Sub tank are known in the state in which in the direction perpendicular to 査 direction is mounted on a carriage (for example, see Patent Document 1.). The sub-tank can detect the position of the ink surface in the vertical direction, that is, the amount of ink stored, by detecting the position of the float member in the vertical direction using a magnetic sensor.

JP 2010-76393 A

  However, in the conventional ink storage device, the float member is fixed to the wall portion by the surface tension of the ink that exists between the float member and the wall portion that forms the space for the float member in the storage portion. In some cases, the member may be tilted and directly hooked on the wall, preventing the float member from moving. In such a case, the ink storage device cannot accurately detect the position of the ink level in the vertical direction, that is, the amount of ink stored.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink storage device that can detect the amount of ink stored more accurately than in the past.

  An ink storage device according to the present invention includes an ink storage device mounted on the carriage of an ink jet printer that includes a recording head that ejects ink onto a recording medium, and a carriage that is mounted with the recording head and is moved in the main scanning direction. A storage unit for storing the ink supplied to the recording head; and a buoyancy received from the ink stored in the storage unit when the storage unit is mounted on the carriage. A rod-like float member that floats horizontally on the ink surface in a state of extending in the horizontal direction, and a float position detection means that detects the position of the float member in the vertical direction when the reservoir is mounted on the carriage; The float member is disposed in a vertical direction when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage. The storage unit is accommodated in the storage unit in a state where it can move in the vertical direction following the fluctuation of the liquid level, and the storage unit has an extending direction of the float member floating on the liquid level. It is mounted on the carriage in a state perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention floats on the ink surface in a state where the rod-like float member extends in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the buoyancy received by the float member from the ink is the same as that of the conventional float member. Even in this case, the area where the float member covers the ink surface is larger than the conventional float member. Therefore, in the ink storage device of the present invention, when the ink liquid level fluctuates in a state where the float member is caught by the wall portion of the storage portion, the variation in the depth at which the float member sinks into the ink is the same as the conventional float member. Even so, the fluctuation of the buoyancy that the float member receives from the ink is larger than that of the conventional float member. Therefore, in the ink storage device of the present invention, when the liquid level of the ink fluctuates in a state where the float member is caught by the wall portion of the storage portion, the float member and the wall portion of the storage portion are caused by fluctuations in buoyancy that the float member receives from the ink. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the float member from being caught on the wall portion of the storage portion and hindering the movement of the float member. For this reason, the ink storage device of the present invention can detect the ink storage amount more accurately than before because the float member moves in the vertical direction more accurately than before, following the fluctuation of the liquid level in the vertical direction.

  Further, the ink storage device of the present invention is mounted on the carriage in a state in which the extending direction of the rod-like float member floating on the liquid surface is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, so that the float floating on the liquid surface is Compared to a configuration in which the extending direction of the member is mounted on the carriage in a state where the main scanning direction is the main scanning direction, the float member is moved in the extending direction by a wave generated in the ink in the main scanning direction as the carriage moves in the main scanning direction. Inclination can be suppressed.

  In the ink storage device according to the aspect of the invention, the storage unit may include a guide unit that is disposed at a position sandwiching the float member and guides the movement of the float member. When mounted on a carriage, it protrudes toward the float member in the main scanning direction and extends in the vertical direction. The float member has a guide groove into which the guide portion enters in a central portion in the extending direction. It may be formed.

  With this configuration, in the ink storage device of the present invention, since the float member is guided by the guide portion of the storage portion only in the central portion in the extending direction, the float member extends over the entire region in the extending direction. Compared with a configuration in which movement in the vertical direction is guided by the wall portion of the storage portion, the contact area between the wall portion of the storage portion and the float member can be reduced. Accordingly, the ink storage device of the present invention is configured such that the float member is fixed to the wall portion of the storage portion due to the surface tension of the ink existing between the wall portion of the storage portion and the float member, or the float member is inclined and stored. It is possible to suppress the movement of the float member from being hindered by being directly hooked on the wall portion of the portion.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the guide portion protrudes sharply toward the float member in the main scanning direction when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage, and the guide groove is The curve in the horizontal plane when the reservoir is mounted on the carriage may be a curve.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention can reduce the contact area between the guide part of the storage part and the float member, so that the ink existing between the guide part of the storage part and the float member can be reduced. It can be suppressed that the float member is fixed to the guide portion by the surface tension, or the float member is inclined and directly caught by the guide portion, thereby preventing the movement of the float member. Therefore, the ink storage device of the present invention can detect the ink storage amount more accurately because the float member moves more accurately in the vertical direction following the fluctuation of the liquid level in the vertical direction.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the float member may include a magnet, and the float position detection unit may be a magnetic sensor that detects the position of the magnet.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, when the float position detecting means is a contact type sensor, the contact type sensor may malfunction due to permeation of the thickened ink into the movable part of the contact type sensor. Further, in the ink storage device of the present invention, when the float position detecting means is an optical sensor, the optical sensor from the light emitting element to the light receiving element of the optical sensor is blocked by ink, so that the optical sensor malfunctions. there is a possibility. However, in the ink storage device of the present invention, since the float position detecting means is a magnetic sensor that is not easily affected by ink, the float position detecting means may malfunction as compared with the contact type sensor and the optical sensor. Is low. Therefore, the ink storage device of the present invention can detect the ink storage amount more accurately.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the magnet is provided at an end portion in the extending direction of the float member, and the magnetic sensor is disposed in the extending direction of the float member with respect to the float member. May be.

  With this configuration, in the ink storage device of the present invention, since the magnetic sensor is arranged in the extending direction of the float member with respect to the float member, the magnetic sensor is arranged in the main scanning direction with respect to the float member. As compared with the above, when a plurality of storage parts are arranged in the main scanning direction, the distance between the storage parts can be reduced. Further, in the ink storage device of the present invention, since the magnetic sensor is arranged in the extending direction of the float member with respect to the float member having a magnet at the end portion in the extending direction, the plurality of storing portions are main-scanned. When arranged in the direction, the magnetic sensor can be prevented from erroneously detecting the magnet of the float member in the reservoir other than the target reservoir.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the magnet may be provided at both end portions in the extending direction of the float member.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention can balance the weight of both end portions of the float member, so that the float member moves more accurately in the vertical direction following the fluctuation of the ink level in the vertical direction. Therefore, the ink storage device of the present invention can detect the ink storage amount more accurately.

  In the ink storage device according to the aspect of the invention, the storage unit includes a plurality of storage units, and the magnet of the float member of each of the plurality of storage units is the magnet of the float member of the other storage unit. Among them, they may be arranged in a state where they repel each other between adjacent magnets.

  The ink storage device of the present invention is arranged in a state in which the magnets of any one of the plurality of storage units are magnetically attracted to each other among the magnets of the float members of the other storage units. In this case, once the magnets start to approach each other, the magnetic attraction force between the magnets increases, and a circulation occurs in which the magnets further approach each other. The position of the float member provided with this magnet is the original position. There is a possibility that it will be closer to the wall side of the reservoir. In the ink storage device of the present invention, when the position of the float member is closer to the wall portion side of the storage portion than the original position, the surface of the storage portion is caused by the surface tension of the ink existing between the wall portion of the storage portion and the float member. There is a possibility that the float member is fixed to the wall portion, or the float member is inclined and is directly hooked on the wall portion of the storage portion, thereby preventing the movement of the float member in the vertical direction. Further, in the ink storage device of the present invention, when the position of the float member is closer to the wall of the storage part than the original position, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor for detecting the position of the magnet is the original distance. Since it becomes larger, the accuracy of detection of the position of the magnet by the magnetic sensor may be lowered. However, in the ink storage device of the present invention, the magnets of the float members of the plurality of storage units are in a state of magnetically repelling each other with the adjacent magnets among the magnets of the float members of the other storage units. Since it is arrange | positioned, it can suppress that the movement of the float member in a perpendicular direction is prevented by magnetic force. In the ink storage device of the present invention, the magnets of the float members of the plurality of storage units are in a state of magnetically repelling each other with adjacent magnets among the magnets of the float members of the other storage units. As a result, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor for detecting the position of the magnet can be prevented from becoming larger than the original distance, and as a result, the accuracy of the detection of the magnet position by the magnetic sensor can be suppressed. Can be suppressed.

  The ink jet printer of the present invention includes an ink storage device, the recording head that discharges the ink onto the recording medium, and the carriage that is mounted on the recording head and is moved in the main scanning direction. The recording head is supplied with the ink stored in the storage section, and the carriage is in a state where the extending direction of the float member floating on the liquid surface is perpendicular to the main scanning direction. It is characterized by having a reservoir.

  With this configuration, in the ink jet printer of the present invention, since the ink storage device can detect the amount of ink stored more accurately than before, the ink can be stably discharged onto the recording medium by the recording head.

  The ink jet printer of the present invention includes an ink storage device, the recording head that discharges the ink onto the recording medium, and the carriage that is mounted on the recording head and is moved in the main scanning direction. The recording head is supplied with the ink stored in the storage section, and the carriage is in a state where the extending direction of the float member floating on the liquid surface is perpendicular to the main scanning direction. A reservoir is mounted, and a plurality of the ink reservoirs are provided, and the magnet of each of the float members of the plurality of ink reservoirs is the magnet of the float member of another ink reservoir. It arrange | positions in the state which mutually repels magnetically between adjacent magnets among these.

  The inkjet printer of the present invention is arranged in a state in which the magnets of the float members of the plurality of ink storage devices are magnetically attracted to each other among the magnets of the float members of the other ink storage devices. In this case, once the magnets start to approach each other, the magnetic attraction force between the magnets increases, and a circulation occurs in which the magnets further approach each other. The position of the float member provided with this magnet is the original position. There is a possibility that it will be closer to the wall side of the reservoir. In the ink jet printer of the present invention, when the float member is closer to the reservoir wall than the original position, the wall of the reservoir is caused by the surface tension of the ink existing between the reservoir wall and the float member. There is a possibility that the float member is fixed to the portion, or the float member is inclined and is directly hooked on the wall portion of the storage portion, thereby hindering the movement of the float member in the vertical direction. However, in the ink jet printer of the present invention, the state in which the magnets of the float members of the plurality of ink storage devices repel each other magnetically with the adjacent magnets among the magnets of the float members of the other ink storage devices. Therefore, the movement of the float member in the vertical direction can be prevented from being hindered by the magnetic force.

  The ink storage device of the present invention can detect the amount of ink stored more accurately than before.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view in the vicinity of a carriage shown in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram of the main body shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sub tank shown in FIG. 2 in a partially disassembled state. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the sub tank shown in FIG. 4 in a state where a seal film and a magnetic sensor are removed. It is the II sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a perspective view of the flame | frame of the subtank shown in FIG. (A) is a top view of the float member shown in FIG. (B) is a front view of the float member shown in FIG. (C) is side surface sectional drawing of the float member shown in FIG. (A) is front sectional drawing of the subtank shown in FIG. 4 which expanded the vicinity of the groove | channel for guides of a float member. (B) is the upper surface sectional drawing of the sub tank shown in FIG. 4 which expanded the vicinity of the groove | channel for guides of a float member. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view in the vicinity of the carriage shown in FIG. 2 and showing the magnetization direction of a magnet. (A) is a schematic top view of the sub-tank shown in FIG. 4, and is a diagram showing a magnetization direction of a magnet different from the example shown in FIG. (B) is a schematic top view of the sub-tank shown in FIG. 4, and shows the magnetization direction of the magnet different from the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 (a). FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the vicinity of the carriage shown in FIG. 2, and shows a magnetization direction of a magnet different from the example shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view of the sub tank shown in FIG. 4 in which the vicinity of the guide groove of the float member is enlarged, and is a view showing an example different from the example shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet printer 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printer 10 includes a transport device 20 that transports a recording medium 91 such as paper, and a main body 30 that extends in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 10a.

  The transport device 20 is a device that transports the recording medium 91 in a sub-scanning direction indicated by an arrow 10b with respect to a recording head 40 described later of the main body 30.

  The main body 30 includes a guide rail 31 extending in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 10a, and a carriage 32 supported by the guide rail 31 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 10a. The carriage 32 has a recording head 40 mounted thereon.

  The inkjet printer 10 moves the recording head 40 in the main scanning direction by the carriage 32 with respect to the recording medium 91 that does not move in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10 a, and directs ink from the nozzles of the recording head 40 toward the recording medium 91. It is an apparatus that executes printing in the main scanning direction by the recording head 40 by discharging. Further, the inkjet printer 10 transports the recording medium 91 in the sub-scanning direction by the transport device 20 with respect to the recording head 40 that does not move in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10b, so that the sub-scan of the recording head 40 with respect to the recording medium 91 is performed. This is a device that changes the position in the direction every time printing in the main scanning direction ends.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the carriage 32.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 30 includes two recording heads 40 mounted on the carriage 32 and two sub tanks 50 mounted on the carriage 32. Each recording head 40 includes four nozzle rows (not shown) in which a plurality of nozzles (not shown) are arranged substantially linearly. The sub tank 50 is a device for storing the ink supplied to the recording head 40 and constitutes the ink storage device of the present invention. A total of eight nozzle rows of the two recording heads 40 have a one-to-one correspondence with a total of eight storage portions 60 described later of the two sub tanks 50, and ink is supplied from the corresponding storage portions 60. Yes.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the main body 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 30 includes a main tank 33 for supplying ink 92 to the sub tank 50, a valve 34 provided on a flow path that connects the main tank 33 and the sub tank 50, and air in the sub tank 50. An air pump 35 for changing the pressure of the sub tank 50, a pressure sensor 36 for detecting the pressure of air on the flow path communicating with the sub tank 50 and the air pump 35, and a computer (not shown). The sub tank 50 has a storage unit 60 for storing the ink 92 supplied to the recording head 40 and a buoyancy received from the ink 92 stored in the storage unit 60 when the storage unit 60 is mounted on the carriage 32. The rod-shaped float member 70 that floats on the liquid surface 92a of the ink 92 in a state of extending in the horizontal direction, and the position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c when the storage unit 60 is mounted on the carriage 32 are detected. And a magnetic sensor 80 as a float position detecting means of the present invention. The sub tank 50 is mounted on the carriage 32 in a state in which the extending direction of the float member 70 floating on the liquid surface 92a is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 10a (see FIG. 2). Eight main tanks 33, valves 34, air pumps 35, and pressure sensors 36 are provided. The eight main tanks 33, the valves 34, the air pump 35, and the pressure sensor 36 have a one-to-one correspondence with the total eight storage units 60 of the two sub tanks 50.

  When the recording head 40 ejects ink, the storage amount of the ink 92 in the storage unit 60 storing the ink 92 supplied to the recording head 40 decreases. The computer of the main body 30 determines the position of the liquid surface 92a of the ink 92 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c based on the position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c detected by the magnetic sensor 80 of the sub tank 50, that is, The amount of ink 92 stored in the storage unit 60 of the sub tank 50 can be monitored. Then, when the storage amount of the ink 92 in the storage unit 60 is smaller than the predetermined first storage amount, the computer until the storage amount of the ink 92 in the storage unit 60 becomes larger than the predetermined second storage amount, The ink is replenished from the main tank 33 to the reservoir 60 by controlling the valve 34. Accordingly, an appropriate amount of ink 92 is always stored in the storage unit 60 of the sub tank 50.

  Further, in order to prevent the ink 92 from unintentionally dropping from the nozzles of the recording head 40, the air pressure in the storage section 60 of the sub tank 50 needs to be always maintained at a negative pressure. However, if the air pressure in the storage section 60 of the sub tank 50 is too low, it will hinder ink ejection by the recording head 40. Therefore, the air pressure in the storage section 60 of the sub tank 50 needs to be always maintained at an appropriate negative pressure. In the inkjet printer 10, when the recording head 40 ejects ink, the storage amount of the ink 92 in the storage unit 60 storing the ink 92 supplied to the recording head 40 decreases, and the air pressure in the storage unit 60 is reduced. Decreases. The computer of the main body 30 can monitor the air pressure in the storage section 60 of the sub tank 50 based on the air pressure on the flow path detected by the pressure sensor 36. When the air pressure in the storage unit 60 becomes lower than the predetermined first pressure, the computer controls the air pump 35 until the air pressure in the storage unit 60 becomes higher than the predetermined second pressure. . Thereby, the pressure of the air in the storage part 60 of the sub tank 50 is always maintained at an appropriate negative pressure.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sub tank 50 in a partially disassembled state. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the sub tank 50 with the seal film 52 and the magnetic sensor 80 removed. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the frame 51 of the sub tank 50.

  4 to 7, the sub tank 50 includes the float member 70 and the magnetic sensor 80, the frame 51, the seal film 52 that is welded to the right side surface and the left side surface of the frame 51, and the ink 92 (see FIG. 4). 3), and a float guide 54 for guiding the movement of the float member 70.

  The frame 51 and the seal film 52 constitute two storage parts 60 in total, two on the right side and the left side.

  The frame 51 is formed of a plastic having a low specific gravity that is hardly affected by the ink 92, such as polypropylene. The frame 51 connects the four reservoirs 60 to the corresponding main tanks 33 (see FIG. 3) and the four reservoirs 60 to the corresponding air pumps 35 (see FIG. 3). A connection portion 51b for connecting the four storage portions 60 to the corresponding recording head 40 (see FIG. 3), a sensor attachment portion 51d for attaching the magnetic sensor 80, and a float guide. 54, a guide mounting portion 51e for mounting 54, an upper rib 51f for defining the upper limit position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c, and a lower limit position for the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. A lower rib 51g.

  A total of two seal films 52 are welded to the right side and the left side of the frame 51, respectively. For example, the seal film 52 is formed of a two-layer structure in which the frame 51 side is made of plastic such as polypropylene, which is not easily affected by the ink 92, and the opposite side of the frame 51 side is polyethylene, such as polyethylene terephthalate, which is difficult to transmit oxygen and has high strength. Has been. Here, a merit of using a plastic that does not easily transmit oxygen is that, for example, dissolved oxygen in the ink 92 is bubbled in the recording head 40, that is, ink cavitation occurs in the recording head 40. This means that ejection failure can be prevented. Cavitation is likely to occur when the amount of dissolved oxygen in the ink 92 is large, but the amount of dissolved oxygen in the ink 92 in the reservoir 60 is kept small by using a plastic that is difficult to transmit oxygen for the seal film 52. In addition, since ink with a small amount of dissolved oxygen can be supplied to the recording head 40, the occurrence of cavitation can be prevented. Further, since the seal film 52 is transparent, it is possible to visually check the inside of the storage unit 60 from the outside during maintenance, such as whether the state of the float member 70 is normal. Further, since the seal film 52 is flexible, a wave generated in the ink 92 in the main scanning direction in accordance with the movement of the carriage 32 (see FIG. 2) in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a is reduced by buffering. Can do.

  The filters 53 are welded to the frame 51 one by one in each of the four storage portions 60.

  The float guide 54 is attached to the frame 51 one by one inside each of the four reservoirs 60. The float guide 54 is made of a plastic that is not easily affected by the ink 92, such as polypropylene. The float guide 54 includes two guide portions 54 a that are arranged at positions sandwiching the float member 70 and guide the movement of the float member 70. The two guide portions 54a protrude to the float member 70 side in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a when the storage portion 60 is mounted on the carriage 32, and extend in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. The float guide 54 has a hole 54b into which the float member 70 is inserted. The hole 54b communicates with a space 54c sandwiched between the two guide portions 54a.

  The float member 70 is stored in a state where the float member 70 can move in the vertical direction following the fluctuation of the liquid level 92a of the ink 92 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c when the storage unit 60 is mounted on the carriage 32. It is stored in the part 60.

  One magnetic sensor 80 is attached to the frame 51 for each of the four storage portions 60. The magnetic sensor 80 is a magnetic sensor that detects the position of a magnet 73 of a float member 70 to be described later, and is configured by a Hall element, for example. The magnetic sensor 80 is disposed in the extending direction of the float member 70 with respect to the float member 70, that is, in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10 b, and the magnets provided at both end portions of the float member 70 in the extending direction. The position of the closer magnet 73 out of 73 is detected.

  FIG. 8A is a top view of the float member 70. FIG. 8B is a front view of the float member 70. FIG. 8C is a side sectional view of the float member 70.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the float member 70 includes a hollow member 71, two members 72 welded to the member 71 on both sides of the member 71, and two members one attached to each of the two members 72. And a magnet 73.

  The member 71 and the member 72 are made of plastic, such as polypropylene, which is hardly damaged by the ink 92 (see FIG. 3).

  The magnet 73 is a cylindrical ferrite magnet. The magnets 73 are provided at both ends of the float member 70 in the extending direction indicated by arrows 70a.

  The float member 70 is a substantially columnar member. The float member 70 has a central portion in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a. That is, in the float member 70, a guide groove 70b into which the guide portion 54a (see FIG. 4) of the float guide 54 (see FIG. 4) enters is formed in the central portion in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a. The guide groove 70b has a curved shape in a horizontal plane when the storage unit 60 is mounted on the carriage 32. The float member 70 is parallel to a center line extending in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a, and two planes 70c that are symmetrical with respect to the center line in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a. It is formed on both sides of the guide groove 70b.

  FIG. 9A is a front sectional view of the sub tank 50 in which the vicinity of the guide groove 70b of the float member 70 is enlarged. FIG. 9B is a top cross-sectional view of the sub tank 50 in which the vicinity of the guide groove 70b of the float member 70 is enlarged.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the diameter of the thinnest portion of the central portion of the float member 70 in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a is the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a of the space 54c of the float guide 54. Less than the width at. On the other hand, the smallest width in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a of the portion adjacent to the guide groove 70b of the float member 70, that is, the distance between the two planes 70c in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c is: It is larger than the width in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a of the space 54c of the float guide 54. Accordingly, the float member 70 is sandwiched between the two guide portions 54a of the float guide 54 and guided in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c without coming out of the space 54c of the float guide 54.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the vicinity of the carriage 32 and shows the magnetization direction of the magnet 73.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the same sub tank 50, the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the four reservoirs 60 are between the adjacent magnets 73 among the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other reservoirs 60. Are arranged in a state where they repel each other magnetically.

  Further, the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the two sub tanks 50 are arranged in a state of magnetically repelling each other with the adjacent magnets 73 among the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other sub tanks 50. Yes.

  Note that the N pole and the S pole in FIG. 10 may all be reversed.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the sub tank 50 will be described.

  First, the magnet 73 is attached to the member 72 so that the N pole of the magnet 73 is on the outside. Next, the two members 72 to which the magnets 73 are attached are welded to both sides of the member 71 to manufacture the float member 70.

  Four filters 53 are welded to the frame 51.

  Then, after the float member 70 is inserted into the hole 54 b of the float guide 54, the float member 70 moves relative to the float guide 54 until the two guide portions 54 a of the float guide 54 enter the guide groove 70 b of the float member 70. Moved. Next, the float guide 54 is attached to the guide attachment portion 51 e of the frame 51 with the two guide portions 54 a of the float guide 54 entering the guide groove 70 b of the float member 70.

  When the two float guides 54 are attached to the guide attachment portion 51 e of the frame 51 on the right side of the frame 51, the seal film 52 on the right side of the frame 51 is welded to the frame 51. Similarly, when the two float guides 54 are attached to the guide attachment portion 51 e of the frame 51 on the left side surface of the frame 51, the seal film 52 on the left side surface side of the frame 51 is welded to the frame 51.

  Finally, the four magnetic sensors 80 are attached to the sensor attachment portion 51d of the frame 51, and the sub tank 50 is manufactured.

  Next, the operation of the sub tank 50 will be described.

  When the liquid level 92a of the ink 92 stored in the storage unit 60 of the sub tank 50 is lowered in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c due to the discharge of the ink 92 by the recording head 40, the float member 70 floating on the liquid level 92a is While being guided by the two guide portions 54a of the float guide 54, the float guide 54 descends in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c together with the liquid level 92a. At this time, the magnetic sensor 80 detects the position of the magnet 73 of the float member 70. When the float member 70 is in contact with the lower rib 51g of the frame 51 on the plane 70c, the float member 70 does not descend even if the liquid level 92a descends.

  Similarly, when the liquid level 92a of the ink 92 stored in the storage unit 60 of the sub tank 50 rises in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c due to replenishment of the ink 92 from the main tank 33, the float floating on the liquid level 92a. The member 70 rises in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c together with the liquid level 92a while being guided by the two guide portions 54a of the float guide 54. At this time, the magnetic sensor 80 detects the position of the magnet 73 of the float member 70. When the float member 70 is in contact with the upper rib 51f of the frame 51 on the plane 70c, the float member 70 does not rise even if the liquid level 92a rises.

  As described above, the sub tank 50 floats on the liquid surface 92a of the ink 92 in a state where the rod-like float member 70 extends in the horizontal direction, so that the buoyancy that the float member 70 receives from the ink 92 is the conventional float. Even if it is the same size as the member, the area where the float member 70 covers the liquid surface 92a of the ink 92 is larger than the conventional float member. Therefore, in the sub tank 50, when the liquid level 92a of the ink 92 fluctuates in a state where the float member 70 is hooked on the wall portion of the storage portion 60, the variation in the depth at which the float member 70 sinks into the ink 92 is the conventional float member. Even when the float member 70 is the same as the conventional float member, the float member 70 receives a fluctuation in buoyancy from the ink 92. Therefore, when the liquid level 92a of the ink 92 fluctuates in a state where the float member 70 is caught by the wall portion of the storage unit 60, the sub tank 50 has the float member 70 and the storage unit due to fluctuations in buoyancy that the float member 70 receives from the ink 92. Since the hook with the wall portion of 60 is eliminated, it is possible to prevent the float member 70 from being caught by the wall portion of the storage portion 60 and preventing the float member 70 from moving. Therefore, the sub tank 50 follows the fluctuation of the liquid level 92a in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c, and the float member 70 moves in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c more accurately than before. Can be detected. In the inkjet printer 10, since the sub tank 50 can detect the amount of ink 92 stored more accurately than in the past, the recording head 40 can stably eject the ink 92 onto the recording medium 91.

  Since the sub tank 50 is mounted on the carriage 32 in a state where the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a of the float member 70 floating on the liquid level 92a is perpendicular to the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a, the sub tank 50 is mounted on the liquid level 92a. The movement of the carriage 32 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a as compared with the configuration in which the floated float member 70 is mounted on the carriage 32 in a state where the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a is the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the float member 70 from being inclined in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a by the wave generated in the ink 92 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a.

  When the width of the storage section 60 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a is large, the sub tank 50 applies ink 92 to the ink 92 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a as the carriage 32 moves in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a. Waves are likely to occur. Therefore, it is preferable that the width in the storage portion 60 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a is small. Here, the sub tank 50 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the carriage 32 in a state in which the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a of the float member 70 floating on the liquid surface 92a is perpendicular to the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a. Since it is mounted, the width in the reservoir 60 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a can be reduced.

  Further, if the width of the carriage 32 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a is large, the width of the entire inkjet printer 10 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a becomes large. Therefore, the width of the carriage 32 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a is The smaller one is preferable. Furthermore, in order to reduce the possibility that the magnetic sensor 80 of the sub-tank 50 erroneously detects the position of the magnet 73 of the float member 70 of the adjacent sub-tank 50, the sub-tanks 50 are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. It is necessary to Therefore, it is preferable that the width in the storage portion 60 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a is small. Here, the sub tank 50 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the carriage 32 in a state in which the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a of the float member 70 floating on the liquid surface 92a is perpendicular to the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a. Since it is mounted, the width in the reservoir 60 in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a can be reduced.

  Further, in the sub tank 50, the float member 70 is guided by the guide portion 54a of the storage portion 60 only in the central portion in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a, so that the float member 70 is guided by the guide portion 54a of the storage portion 60. Compared with the configuration in which the movement in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c is guided by the wall portion of the storage portion 60 over the entire region in the extending direction indicated by, the contact area between the wall portion of the storage portion 60 and the float member 70 Can be reduced. As a result, in the sub tank 50, the float member 70 is fixed to the wall portion of the storage portion 60 or the float member 70 is inclined by the surface tension of the ink 92 existing between the wall portion of the storage portion 60 and the float member 70. Thus, it is possible to suppress the movement of the float member 70 from being hindered by being directly hooked on the wall portion of the storage portion 60.

  Further, since the sub tank 50 guides the movement of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c by the guide portion 54a, the trajectory of the movement of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c becomes substantially constant. The position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by 10c can be stably detected by the magnetic sensor 80. Accordingly, the sub tank 50 follows the fluctuation of the liquid level 92a in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c, and the float member 70 moves more accurately in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. Therefore, the storage amount of the ink 92 is detected more accurately. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the float position detecting means of the present invention is the magnetic sensor 80 that detects the position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c by magnetism, but the float member in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. The position of 70 may be detected by a method other than magnetism. For example, the float position detecting means of the present invention may be a contact type sensor that detects the position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10 c by contacting the float member 70. The float position detecting means of the present invention is an optical sensor that detects the position of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c when the optical path from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked by the float member 70. Also good.

  However, when the float position detection means of the present invention is a contact type sensor, the sub tank 50 may cause the contact type sensor to malfunction due to the ink 92 having increased viscosity entering the movable part of the contact type sensor. is there. Further, in the sub tank 50, when the float position detecting means of the present invention is an optical sensor, the optical path from the light emitting element to the light receiving element of the optical sensor is blocked by the ink 92, thereby causing the optical sensor to malfunction. there is a possibility. However, the sub tank 50 is a magnetic sensor 80 in which the float position detecting means of the present invention is not easily affected by the ink 92, so that the float position detecting means may malfunction as compared with the contact sensor and the optical sensor. The nature is low. Accordingly, the sub tank 50 can detect the amount of ink 92 stored more accurately.

  Further, when the float position detecting means of the present invention is an optical sensor, the sub tank 50 needs to transmit light emitted from the light emitting element of the optical sensor from the outside to the inside of the storage unit 60, and thus the ink 92 Is UV curable ink, from the outside of the reservoir 60 through the portion of the wall of the reservoir 60 that transmits light emitted from the light emitting element of the optical sensor from the outside of the reservoir 60 to the inside. There is a possibility that the ultraviolet curable ink is cured by the light transmitted inside. However, in the sub tank 50, the float position detecting means of the present invention is the magnetic sensor 80, so that a portion that transmits light from the outside to the inside of the storage portion 60 does not need to be formed on the wall portion of the storage portion 60. Accordingly, in the sub tank 50, the portion that transmits light from the outside to the inside of the storage portion 60 is not formed on the wall portion of the storage portion 60, so that even if the ink 92 is an ultraviolet curable ink, the storage portion 60. It is possible to prevent the ultraviolet curable ink from being cured by the light transmitted from the outside to the inside.

  Further, in the sub tank 50, the magnetic sensor 80 is disposed in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a of the float member 70 with respect to the float member 70, so the main scanning indicated by the arrow 10a with respect to the float member 70 is indicated by the magnetic sensor 80. Compared with the structure arrange | positioned in the direction, when the several storage part 60 is arranged in the main scanning direction shown by the arrow 10a, the distance of the storage parts 60 can be made small.

  Further, in the sub tank 50, the magnetic sensor 80 is arranged in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a of the float member 70 with respect to the float member 70 having the magnet 73 at the end portion in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a. The magnetic sensor 80 is prevented from erroneously detecting the magnet 73 of the float member 70 in the reservoir 60 other than the target reservoir 60 when the plurality of reservoirs 60 are arranged in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a. Can do.

  Moreover, since the float member 70 is equipped with the magnet 73 in the both ends of the extending direction which the float member 70 shows with the arrow 70a, the balance of the weight of the both ends of the float member 70 can be taken. Accordingly, the sub tank 50 follows the fluctuation of the liquid level 92a in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c, and the float member 70 moves more accurately in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. Therefore, the storage amount of the ink 92 is detected more accurately. can do.

  Of the two magnets 73 of the float member 70, the one farther from the magnetic sensor 80 is not necessarily detected because it is not detected by the magnetic sensor 80. For example, in terms of the balance of the weights of both end portions of the float member 70, the two magnets 73 of the float member 70 that are far from the magnetic sensor 80 can be replaced with members having the same specific gravity as the magnet 73. . However, it is practically difficult to prepare a member having the same specific gravity as the magnet 73. Further, when either one of the members attached to the two members 72 of the float member 70 is not the magnet 73, the float is compared with the configuration in which both the members attached to the two members 72 of the float member 70 are the magnets 73. In assembling the member 70 itself or in assembling the float member 70 into the sub tank 50, it is necessary to determine which of the two members 72 of the float member 70 has the magnet 73 attached thereto. To do. Since the float member 70 in the present embodiment includes the same magnet 73 at both end portions in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a, these problems do not occur.

  In all the members 72 of the float member 70 in the present embodiment, the magnetization directions of the magnets 73 to be attached are aligned. Therefore, it is not necessary to distinguish the two members 72 of the float member 70 in assembling the float member 70 itself or incorporating the float member 70 into the sub tank 50, so that the work efficiency is good.

  In addition, the float member 70 in the present embodiment can be easily changed in total length in the extending direction indicated by the arrow 70a only by replacing the member 71 with a member having a different length.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic top view of the sub-tank 50 and shows the magnetization direction of the magnet 73 different from the example shown in FIG. FIG. 11B is a schematic top view of the sub-tank 50 and shows the magnetization direction of the magnet 73 different from the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sub-tank 50 is configured such that the magnet 73 of the float member 70 of any of the four reservoirs 60 is between the adjacent magnets 73 of the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other reservoirs 60. When the magnets 73 are arranged so as to be magnetically attracted to each other, once the magnets 73 start to approach each other, a circulation occurs in which the magnetic attraction force between the magnets 73 increases and the magnets 73 further approach each other. There is a possibility that the position of the float member 70 provided with the magnet 73 is closer to the wall portion side of the storage portion 60 than the original position.

  When the position of the float member 70 is closer to the wall portion side of the storage portion 60 than the original position, the sub tank 50 has a storage portion due to the surface tension of the ink 92 existing between the wall portion of the storage portion 60 and the float member 70. There is a possibility that the float member 70 is fixed to the wall portion 60, or the float member 70 is inclined and directly hooked on the wall portion of the storage portion 60, thereby preventing the movement of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. is there. However, as shown in FIG. 10, in the sub tank 50, the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the four reservoirs 60 are located between adjacent magnets 73 among the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other reservoirs 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c from being hindered by the magnetic force.

  Further, when the position of the float member 70 is closer to the wall portion side of the reservoir 60 than the original position, the sub tank 50 has an original distance between the magnet 73 and the magnetic sensor 80 for detecting the position of the magnet 73. Since it becomes larger than the distance, the accuracy of detecting the position of the magnet 73 by the magnetic sensor 80 may be lowered. However, as shown in FIG. 10, in the sub tank 50, the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the four reservoirs 60 are located between adjacent magnets 73 among the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other reservoirs 60. Are arranged in a state where they repel each other magnetically, so that the distance between the magnet 73 and the magnetic sensor 80 for detecting the position of the magnet 73 can be prevented from becoming larger than the original distance. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy in detecting the position of the magnet 73 by the magnetic sensor 80.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic top view in the vicinity of the carriage 32, and shows the magnetization direction of the magnet 73 different from the example shown in FIG.

  In the inkjet printer 10, as shown in FIG. 12, the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the two subtanks 50 are mutually magnetic between the magnets 73 adjacent to the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other subtanks 50. When the magnets 73 are arranged so as to be attracted to each other, once the magnets 73 start to approach each other, the magnetic attraction force between the magnets 73 increases to cause a circulation in which the magnets 73 further approach each other. There is a possibility that the position of the float member 70 provided with is closer to the wall portion side of the storage portion 60 than the original position.

  When the position of the float member 70 is closer to the wall portion side of the storage portion 60 than the original position, the ink jet printer 10 stores the surface by the surface tension of the ink 92 existing between the wall portion of the storage portion 60 and the float member 70. The float member 70 may be fixed to the wall portion of the portion 60, or the float member 70 may be tilted and directly hooked on the wall portion of the storage portion 60, thereby preventing the movement of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. There is. However, in the inkjet printer 10, as shown in FIG. 10, the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the two subtanks 50 are between the adjacent magnets 73 among the magnets 73 of the float members 70 of the other subtanks 50. Since they are arranged magnetically repelling each other, it is possible to suppress the movement of the float member 70 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c from being hindered by the magnetic force.

  FIG. 13 is a top sectional view of the sub tank 50 in which the vicinity of the guide groove 70b of the float member 70 is enlarged, and is a view showing an example different from the example shown in FIG. 9B.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the guide portion 54a of the float guide 54 is a float in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 10a when the storage portion 60 (see FIG. 4) is mounted on the carriage 32 (see FIG. 2). You may protrude sharply to the member 70 side. With this configuration, the sub tank 50 can reduce the contact area between the float guide 54 and the float member 70 of the float guide 54 of the storage section 60, so that the guide section 54 a of the float guide 54 of the storage section 60 and the float The float member 70 is fixed to the guide portion 54a by the surface tension of the ink 92 (see FIG. 3) existing between the member 70 and the float member 70 is tilted and directly hooked on the guide portion 54a. It can suppress that the movement of 70 is prevented. Accordingly, the sub tank 50 follows the fluctuation of the liquid level 92a (see FIG. 3) in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c (see FIG. 3), and the float member 70 moves more accurately in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 10c. Therefore, the storage amount of the ink 92 can be detected more accurately.

  The ink jet printer 10 of the type shown in FIG. 1 performs printing in the main scanning direction by the recording head 40 by moving the recording head 40 in the main scanning direction by the carriage 32 with respect to the recording medium 91 that does not move in the main scanning direction. The position of the recording head 40 in the sub-scanning direction relative to the recording medium 91 is transferred to the recording head 40 in the main scanning direction by carrying the recording medium 91 in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the recording head 40 that is not moved in the sub-scanning direction It is an ink jet printer of the method to change to. However, the inkjet printer of the present invention may be an inkjet printer of a system other than the system in the present embodiment. For example, the inkjet printer of the present invention causes the recording head 40 to perform printing in the main scanning direction by moving the recording head 40 in the main scanning direction by the carriage 32 with respect to the recording medium 91 that is placed on the table and does not move. By moving the main body 30 in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the table on which the recording medium 91 is placed, the position of the recording head 40 relative to the recording medium 91 in the sub-scanning direction is changed each time printing in the main scanning direction is completed. It may be an ink jet printer of the type.

  Further, the inkjet printer 10 is configured to include two subtanks 50 in the present embodiment, but may be configured to include only one subtank 50, or may include three or more subtanks 50. It may be a configuration.

  Moreover, although the subtank 50 is the structure provided with the four storage parts 60 in this Embodiment, the structure provided only with the one storage part 60 may be sufficient, and only the two storage parts 60 are included. The structure provided may be sufficient, the structure provided with only the three storage parts 60 may be sufficient, and the structure provided with more than five storage parts 60 may be sufficient.

  The float member 70 is a substantially columnar member in the present embodiment, but may be a member having a shape other than the substantially columnar shape. For example, the float member 70 may be a substantially square columnar member.

10 Inkjet printer 32 Carriage 40 Recording head 50 Sub tank (ink storage device)
54a guide section 60 storage section 70 float member 70b guide groove 73 magnet 80 magnetic sensor (float position detection means)
91 Recording medium 92 Ink 92a Liquid surface

Claims (8)

An ink storage device mounted on the carriage of an ink jet printer, comprising: a recording head that discharges ink to a recording medium; and a carriage that is mounted with the recording head and is moved in the main scanning direction of the horizontal direction. ,
A storage portion for storing the ink supplied to the recording head, and a horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction by buoyancy received from the ink stored in the storage portion when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage A rod-shaped float member that floats on the ink surface in a state where the ink is stored, and a float position detection unit that detects a position of the float member in a vertical direction when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage,
The float member is accommodated in the reservoir in a state where it can move in the vertical direction following the change in the liquid level in the vertical direction when the reservoir is mounted on the carriage. ,
The reservoir is mounted on the carriage in a state in which the extending direction of the float member floating on the liquid surface is in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction,
The storage unit includes a guide unit that guides the movement of the float member,
The guide portion extends in a vertical direction when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage, and is disposed at a position sandwiching the float member in the main scanning direction, and moves the float member in the vertical direction. Guide and
The float member is a substantially columnar member, and movement is guided by the guide part,
The float member includes a magnet,
The magnet is provided in at least one of an end portion on one side and an end portion on the other side in the extending direction of the float member,
The float position detecting means is a magnetic sensor for detecting the position of the magnet;
The magnetic sensor is arranged at a location on the magnet side where the magnetic sensor detects a position among the location on one side and the location on the other side in the extending direction of the float member with respect to the float member ,
The guide portion protrudes toward the float member in the main scanning direction when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage,
The ink storage device , wherein the float member is formed with a guide groove into which the guide portion enters in a central portion in the extending direction .   2. The ink storage device according to claim 1, wherein, of the widths in the storage unit in the horizontal direction, a width in the main scanning direction is shorter than a width in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction.   The ink storage device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet has a circular cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the float member.   The ink storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnets are provided at both end portions in the extending direction of the float member. A plurality of the storage units are provided,
The magnets of the float members of the plurality of reservoirs are arranged in a state of magnetically repelling each other with adjacent magnets among the magnets of the float members of the other reservoirs. The ink storage device according to claim 1, wherein the ink storage device is an ink storage device.   The guide portion protrudes sharply toward the float member in the main scanning direction when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage.
  The ink storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide groove has a curved shape in a horizontal plane when the storage portion is mounted on the carriage.   The ink storage device according to claim 1, the recording head that discharges the ink onto the recording medium, and the carriage that is mounted and moved in the main scanning direction. And
  The recording head is supplied with the ink stored in the storage unit,
  The ink jet printer, wherein the carriage is mounted with the storage portion in a state in which an extending direction of the float member floating on the liquid surface is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction.   A plurality of the ink storage devices are provided,
  The magnets of the float members of each of the plurality of ink storage devices are arranged in a state of magnetically repelling each other with adjacent magnets among the magnets of the float members of the other ink storage devices. The inkjet printer according to claim 7, wherein the inkjet printer is provided.

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