JP6828497B2 - Cleaning method for liquid discharge device and filter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a liquid discharge device and a filter.

Conventionally, various liquid ejection devices for ejecting liquid ink from a ejection unit have been used. Among these, a liquid ejection device is used in which a filter is provided in the ink supply path from the ink accommodating portion to the ejecting portion, and the purpose is to suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the ejecting portion.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device provided with a removable filter in a flow path from a cartridge which is an ink accommodating portion to a liquid ejection portion.
Further, Patent Document 2 includes a liquid ejection device including a filter capable of changing the posture of the supply path from the ink cartridge, which is an ink accommodating portion, to the nozzle of a recording head, which is an ejection portion, so as to follow the direction of ink flow. Is disclosed.

JP-A-2006-95882 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-799

However, in a conventional liquid ejection device provided with a filter in the ink supply path, the filter is gradually clogged with foreign matter, so that the filter may be clogged with foreign matter and the ink flow rate may decrease. Here, in a configuration including a removable filter as disclosed in Patent Document 1, foreign matter is frequently clogged with the filter depending on the type of ink used, and it is necessary to replace the filter frequently. Then, replacement of the filter may be a heavy load depending on the configuration of the filter, the configuration of the apparatus, and the like.
On the other hand, in a configuration including a filter whose posture can be changed along the ink flow direction as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the filter is provided so as to follow the ink flow direction when the filter is clogged with foreign matter. By changing the posture and letting the liquid flow for a while, it is possible to remove the foreign matter stuck in the filter with a small load.
However, in recent years, users have been demanding more effective removal of foreign matter stuck in the filter.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to effectively suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the ejection part due to the supply of ink from the ink containing portion to the ejection portion with a small load.

The liquid ejection device according to the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a supply flow path for supplying the ink from a liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, and a sheet arranged in the supply flow path. A filter having a shape, a posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the filter so as to invert the filter, a branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge portion in the supply flow path, and the filter. A switching portion capable of switching between flowing the liquid flowing through the forming position of the filter into the discharging portion and the branch flow path is provided, and the liquid passing through the forming position of the filter by the switching portion is branched. It is characterized in that it is configured so that the liquid can be switched to flow in the flow path, the posture of the filter can be changed by the posture changing means, and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter can flow into the branch flow path. ..

According to this aspect, the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position to flow into the branch flow path, the attitude changing means inverts the filter, and the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position flows into the branch flow path. be able to. That is, by inverting the filter, foreign matter stuck in the filter can be easily removed without replacing the filter, and by turning the filter in the opposite direction to the direction in which the liquid flows, the filter can be effectively used. The clogged foreign matter can be removed. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter through the branch flow path, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion.

The liquid ejection device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a supply flow path for supplying the ink from a liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, a sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path, and the filter. A posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the ink, a determination unit for determining the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the supply flow path, and a branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge unit in the supply flow path. It is determined that the determination unit does not satisfy a predetermined flow condition, including a switching unit capable of switching between flowing the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter to the discharge unit and the branch flow path. In this case, the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter so as to flow into the branch flow path, the posture changing means changes the posture of the filter, and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter is changed. It is configured so that it can flow through the branch flow path.

According to this aspect, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the switching unit switches the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position to flow into the branch flow path, and the attitude changing means switches the attitude of the filter. Can be changed to allow the liquid that has passed through the filter formation position to flow into the branch flow path. That is, by changing the posture of the filter, foreign matter stuck in the filter can be easily removed without replacing the filter, and it is appropriate to make the determination unit determine that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied. Foreign matter stuck in the filter can be effectively removed at the right timing. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter through the branch flow path, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion.

In the liquid discharge device of the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the posture changing means can reverse the filter, and the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied. In this case, the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter to flow into the branch flow path, the filter is inverted by the posture changing means, and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter is branched. It is characterized in that it is configured so that it can flow through a flow path.

According to this aspect, the posture changing means can invert the filter, and when the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the attitude changing means inverts the filter. That is, by inverting the filter, foreign matter stuck in the filter can be easily removed without replacing the filter, and by turning the filter in the opposite direction to the direction in which the liquid flows, the filter can be effectively used. The clogged foreign matter can be removed.

In the second or third aspect, the liquid discharge device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a pressure detection unit in the supply flow path, and the determination unit is based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit. It is characterized in that the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter is determined.

According to this aspect, the supply flow path is provided with a pressure detection unit, and the determination unit determines the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the filter forming position based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit. Foreign matter stuck in the filter can be removed at an appropriate timing based on the detection result.

In the fourth aspect, the liquid discharge device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes two pressure detection units with the filter sandwiched in the supply flow path, and the determination unit has two pressure detection units. It is characterized in that the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter is determined based on the pressure difference of.

According to this aspect, the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter is determined based on the pressure difference between the two pressure detection units provided with the filter sandwiched in the supply flow path, so that it is appropriate with high accuracy. It is possible to determine the cleaning timing (filter posture change timing) of the filter.

In the fourth or fifth aspect, the liquid discharge device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention determines that the determination unit does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition and then determines that the predetermined flow condition is satisfied. In such a case, the posture of the filter is returned by the posture changing means, and the switching portion switches the liquid flowing through the forming position of the filter so as to flow to the discharge portion.

According to this aspect, since it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is satisfied, it can be determined that the cleaning of the filter (changing the posture of the filter and flowing the liquid) has been properly performed, and the filter can be determined. By returning the posture, it is possible to effectively suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the discharge portion thereafter.

The liquid discharge device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention determines the formation position of the filter when the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied in any one of the second to fifth aspects. It is characterized in that the liquid that has passed through and flows can flow through the branch flow path for a predetermined time.

According to this aspect, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the liquid flowing through the filter forming position is flowed to the branch flow path for a predetermined time, so that the filter can be easily cleaned (filter posture). Can be changed to allow the liquid to flow).

In the liquid discharge device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the determination unit obtains a predetermined flow condition as a predetermined time elapses after changing the posture of the filter. It is characterized in that it is determined that the condition is not satisfied.

According to this aspect, since the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied as a predetermined time elapses after changing the posture of the filter, it is easy to clean the filter (change the posture of the filter to liquid). It is possible to control the start of (flowing).

In the second or third aspect, the liquid ejection device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention includes a calculation unit that calculates the amount of the ink flowing through the supply flow path, and the determination unit is the posture of the filter. It is characterized in that it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied according to the calculation result by the calculation unit that the predetermined amount of the ink has passed through the formation position of the filter after changing the above.

According to this aspect, the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied according to the calculation result by the calculation unit that the predetermined amount of ink has passed through the formation position of the filter after changing the posture of the filter. It is possible to control the start of cleaning the filter (changing the posture of the filter and flowing the liquid).

In the liquid ejection device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the switching portion switches the ink so as to flow into the branch flow path, and the posture changing means causes the ink to flow. It is characterized in that the posture of the filter can be changed so that the ink can flow into the branch flow path.

According to this aspect, since the filter is cleaned with ink, it is possible to suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the ejection portion with a simple structure.

In any one of the first to ninth aspects, the liquid discharge device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is a liquid that switches to the ink between the accommodating portion and the filter in the supply flow path. A cleaning liquid supply unit capable of supplying a certain cleaning liquid to the supply flow path is provided, the cleaning liquid is switched so as to pass through the formation position of the filter and flow to the branch flow path by the switching unit, and the filter is switched by the posture changing means. It is characterized in that the cleaning liquid can be flowed into the branch flow path by changing the posture of the ink.

According to this aspect, since the filter is washed with the cleaning liquid, it is possible to effectively suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the discharge portion.

The method for cleaning the filter according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a supply flow path for supplying the ink from the liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, a sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path, and the above. A posture changing means capable of reversing the filter, a branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge section in the supply flow path, and a liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter in the discharge section. A method for cleaning a filter in a liquid discharge device including a switching unit capable of switching between flowing in the ink and flowing in the branch flow path, wherein the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter by the switching part is the branch flow path. The filter is inverted by the posture changing means, and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter is allowed to flow into the branch flow path.

According to this aspect, the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position to flow into the branch flow path, the attitude changing means inverts the filter, and the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position flows into the branch flow path. be able to. That is, by inverting the filter, foreign matter stuck in the filter can be easily removed without replacing the filter, and by turning the filter in the opposite direction to the direction in which the liquid flows, the filter can be effectively used. The clogged foreign matter can be removed. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter through the branch flow path, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion.

The method for cleaning the filter according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes a supply flow path for supplying the ink from the liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, a sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path, and the above. A posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the filter, a branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge portion in the supply flow path, and a liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter are sent to the discharge portion. It is a method of cleaning a filter in a liquid discharge device including a switching unit capable of switching between flowing and flowing in the branch flow path, and determines the flow condition of the liquid flowing in the supply flow path, and determines the predetermined flow condition. When it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position so as to flow into the branch flow path, and the attitude changing means changes the attitude of the filter to form the filter. It is characterized in that the liquid that has passed through the above is flowed through the branch flow path.

According to this aspect, when it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the filter forming position to flow into the branch flow path, and the posture changing means changes the posture of the filter. , The liquid that has passed through the filter formation position can flow into the branch flow path. That is, by changing the posture of the filter, foreign matter stuck in the filter can be easily removed without replacing the filter, and by determining that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the effect is obtained at an appropriate timing. Foreign matter stuck in the filter can be removed. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter through the branch flow path, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion.

The schematic diagram of the printing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. The block diagram of the printing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart of the filter cleaning method using the printing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. The schematic diagram of the printing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a main part of the printing apparatus for explaining a method of cleaning a filter performed by using the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart of the filter cleaning method using the printing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention.

Hereinafter, a printing device as a liquid discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Example 1] (FIGS. 1 to 7)
First, an outline of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are shown as three axes orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is an axis along one of the horizontal directions, which is the width of the printing apparatus, that is, the axis along the depth direction in the drawing. The Y-axis is the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis, that is, the axis along the longitudinal direction of the printing apparatus. The Z-axis is an axis along the vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction. Further, the tip side of each of the illustrated arrows is defined as the "positive side" or "+ side", and the proximal end side is defined as the "negative side" or "-side". Further, the upper side of FIG. 1 is referred to as "upper (upper)", and the lower side is referred to as "lower (lower)".
Further, in the present specification, the flow of ink I as a liquid from the upstream side (accommodation portion 2 side) to the downstream side (ejection portion 12 side) is referred to as "supplying ink I", and ink I is referred to as ink I. The supply direction does not necessarily have to coincide with the gravity direction.

The printing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an accommodating unit 2 that stores ink I, an ejection unit 12 that is supplied with ink I from the accommodating unit 2 and ejects the supplied ink I to perform printing, and the accommodating unit 2. It is connected to the discharge unit 12 and includes a supply flow path 16 in which the ink I flows from the accommodating unit 2 toward the discharge unit 12.

The supply flow path 16 is provided with an auxiliary accommodating portion 4 in which ink I flowing from the accommodating portion 2 toward the ejection portion 12 side is temporarily stored, and between the accommodating portion 2 and the sub accommodating portion 4. An electromagnetic valve 3 is provided. The solenoid valve 3 opens and closes the supply flow path 16 between the accommodating portion 2 and the sub accommodating portion 4, and switches whether or not the ink I is supplied from the accommodating portion 2 to the sub accommodating portion 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the solenoid valve 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 33, and its operation is controlled.

Further, the supply flow path 16 is provided with a valve 5 and a valve 15 electrically connected to the control unit 33, and a sheet-shaped filter 9 for capturing foreign matter of ink I is provided between the valve 5 and the valve 15. A foreign matter removing portion 7 having the above is provided. Here, the foreign matter removing unit 7 includes a filter 9, a filter chamber 8 in which the filter 9 is formed, and a rotating unit 10 that is electrically connected to the control unit 33 and can rotate (reverse) the filter 9. .. Further, the valve 15 causes the liquid (ink I) flowing from the upstream side (accommodation portion 2 side) toward the valve 15 to flow toward the discharge portion 12 or into the branch flow path 17 toward the waste liquid tank (not shown). It is configured so that it can be switched between flowing and flowing. The position of the filter chamber 8 (the position where the filter 9 is formed) is set in the discharge portion 12 so as to be closer to the discharge portion 12 than the central portion of the supply flow path 16 between the accommodating portion 2 and the discharge portion 12, for example. It is desirable to be close. This is because the foreign matter can be removed at a position close to immediately before the discharge portion 12.
Here, "sheet-like" refers to a thin plate shape, but is not limited to that, and includes flexible ones, wavy ones, and the like.
Further, as an example of the "filter", for example, it is composed of a sheet material provided with a large number of micropores by knitting a wire rod made of a metal material, and the fine pores allow ink to pass through and suppress the passage of foreign matter. Examples thereof include those that exhibit functions, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. For example, if it is resistant to ink I, it may be made of a material other than a metal material.

Further, a pressure sensor 6 and a pressure sensor 11 as a pressure detecting unit capable of detecting the pressure of the supply flow path 16 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the foreign matter removing unit 7 in the supply flow path 16.

The printing device 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the filter 9 can be cleaned under the control of the control unit 33, and the valve 15, the foreign matter removing unit 7, and the pressure sensor when cleaning the filter 9. The detailed operation (cleaning method of the filter 9) relating to 6 and the pressure sensor 11 will be described later.

Hereinafter, each part of the printing apparatus 1 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a machine base 32, an accommodating unit 2, an ejection unit 12 for ejecting ink I supplied from the accommodating unit 2 to a medium M for printing, and an accommodating unit 2. A supply flow path 16 for connecting the discharge unit 12, a transport unit 27 for transporting the medium M, a drying unit 23 for drying the ink I on the medium M, an elevating mechanism 14, and a control unit 33 are provided. There is.

In this embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the transport direction for transporting the medium M is the X-axis direction, the direction parallel to the transport direction is the Y-axis direction, and the directions orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are the Z-axis directions.

The accommodating portion 2 accommodates inks I for each color independently of each other. As the ink I, for example, four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, which contain a dye or a pigment as a coloring material in water as a solvent, can be used. It is also possible to change the accommodating portion 2 to be used (that is, change to an accommodating portion in which the type of ink contained is different), in which case it is necessary to clean the filter 9 in addition to the supply flow path 16. ..

The transport unit 27 is arranged on a machine base 32, a feeding device 39 for feeding out a long medium M wound in a roll shape, a winding device 20 for winding a printed medium M, and at the time of printing. A support device 35 for supporting the medium M is provided.

The feeding device 39 is arranged on the upstream side of the medium M in the feeding direction, that is, on the upstream side in the Y-axis direction from the machine base 32. The feeding device 39 has a sending roller 40 in which the medium M is wound in a roll shape and sends out the medium M, and a tensioner 38 for applying tension to the medium M between the sending roller 40 and the support device 35. ing. A motor (not shown) is connected to the delivery roller 40, and the delivery roller 40 can be rotated by the operation of the motor.

Further, as the medium M, a printing material can be used. The printing material refers to the fabric, clothes, and other clothing products to be printed. The fabric includes natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool, chemical fibers such as nylon, and composite fiber woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and non-woven fabrics mixed thereto. In addition, clothing and other clothing products include furniture such as T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, handbags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads, etc. after sewing, as well as parts in the state before sewing. It also includes the fabrics before and after cutting that exist as.
When a printing material is used as the medium M, the concentration of the coloring material contained in the ink I used tends to be high, so that the coloring material crystallizes and the crystals of the coloring material tend to clog the filter 9 as foreign matter. It becomes a tendency.

Further, as the medium M, in addition to the above-mentioned printing material, plain paper, high-quality paper, glossy paper, or other special paper for inkjet recording can be used. The medium M includes, for example, a plastic film that has not been surface-treated for inkjet printing, that is, has not formed an ink absorbing layer, and a base material such as paper coated with plastic and plastic. Those to which a film is adhered can also be used. The plastic is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

The take-up device 20 is arranged on the downstream side of the medium M in the feed direction, that is, on the downstream side in the Y-axis direction with respect to the unwinding device 39. The winding device 20 has a winding roller 21 that winds the medium M in a roll shape, and a tensioner 22, a tensioner 26, and a tensioner 28 that apply tension to the medium M between the winding roller 21 and the support device 35. ing. A motor (not shown) is connected to the take-up roller 21, and the take-up roller 21 can be rotated by the operation of the motor. The tensioner 22, the tensioner 26, and the tensioner 28 are arranged at intervals in this order in the direction away from the take-up roller 21, respectively.

The support device 35 is arranged between the feeding device 39 and the winding device 20. The support device 35 includes a driven roller 37 and a driven roller 30 arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, an endless belt 31 that is hung on the driven roller 37 and the driven roller 30 and supports the medium M on the upper surface thereof. It has a tensioner 36 and a tensioner 29 that apply tension to the medium M between the main roller 37 and the driven roller 30.

A motor (not shown) is connected to the main roller 37, and the main roller 37 can be rotated by the operation of the motor. Further, the driven roller 30 can rotate in conjunction with the driven roller 37 by transmitting the rotational force of the driven roller 37 via the endless belt 31.

The endless belt 31 is a belt on which an adhesive layer having adhesiveness is formed on the front surface thereof. A part of the medium M is adhesively fixed to the adhesive layer and conveyed in the Y-axis direction. Then, during this transfer, the medium M is printed. Further, after printing is performed, the medium M is peeled off from the endless belt 31.

The tensioner 36 and the tensioner 29 are also arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, like the main roller 37 and the driven roller 30.

The tensioner 36 can sandwich the medium M together with the endless belt 31 with the driving roller 37, and the tensioner 29 can sandwich the medium M with the driven roller 30 together with the endless belt 31. As a result, the medium M tensioned by the tensioner 36 and the tensioner 29 is fixed to the endless belt 31 and conveyed while the tension is applied. Under such a state, the medium M is less likely to be wrinkled, for example, during transportation, so that when printing is performed, the printing is accurate and of high quality.

As shown in FIG. 2, such a transport unit 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 33, and its operation is controlled.

The ejection unit 12 includes a carriage unit 18 having a plurality of nozzles 19 that eject ink I onto the medium M and record by printing, and an X-axis table (not shown) that movably supports the carriage unit 18 in the X-axis direction. And have. Here, the printing device 1 has a movable portion 13, and the movable portion 13 having the ejection portion 12 is a portion that can be moved when printing is performed.

Further, the ejection unit 12 has a piezo piezoelectric element corresponding to each nozzle 19, and when a voltage is applied to the piezo piezoelectric element, ink I is ejected as droplets from each nozzle 19. Such a discharge unit 12 is electrically connected to the control unit 33, and its operation is controlled.

In the printing device 1, the medium M fed by the feeding device 39 is intermittently fed in the Y-axis direction as a sub-scan in a fixed state of being adhesively fixed by an endless belt 31, and the carriage unit 18 is intermittently fed to the fixed state medium M. Ink I is ejected from the nozzle 19 while reciprocating in the X-axis direction as the main scan. This can be done until printing is completed and an image pattern is formed on the medium M. The image pattern may be printed in multiple colors or printed in a single color.

The elevating mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 1 can adjust the height of the nozzle 19. The elevating mechanism 14 may have, for example, a motor, a ball screw, and a linear guide. In addition, this motor has a built-in encoder. The height of the nozzle 19 can be detected based on the amount of rotation detected by this encoder. As shown in FIG. 2, such an elevating mechanism 14 is also electrically connected to the control unit 33, and its operation is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drying unit 23 is located downstream of the discharge unit 12 in the transport direction of the medium M, and is arranged between the support device 35 and the take-up roller 21 of the take-up device 20.

The drying unit 23 has a chamber 25 and a coil 24 arranged in the chamber 25. The coil 24 is composed of, for example, a nichrome wire, and is a heating element that generates heat by supplying electric power. Then, the heat generated by the coil 24 can dry the ink I on the medium M passing through the chamber 25.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 33 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 and a storage unit 42.

The CPU 41 executes programs for various processes such as the print process described above.
The storage unit 42 has, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) which is a kind of non-volatile semiconductor memory, and can store various programs and the like.

As will be described later, the notification unit 34 notifies that the filter 9 is clogged (does not satisfy a predetermined flow condition), that the cleaning operation of the filter 9 is being executed, and the like. .. The notification unit 34 is composed of, for example, a monitor, a buzzer, a lamp, and the like. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that the cleaning operation of the filter 9 is being executed, and in some cases, prompt the user to replace the filter 9.

Next, a cleaning method of the filter 9 performed by using the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described.
Here, FIGS. 3 to 6 are schematic views of a main part of the printing device 1 for explaining a cleaning method of the filter 9 performed by using the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, and each of the filters 9 It represents the state of the cleaning method in a predetermined step.
Further, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a cleaning method of the filter 9 performed by using the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the cleaning method of the filter 9 performed by using the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is started, printing is first started in step S110. Specifically, printing is started by inputting print data from a PC (not shown) connected to the printing device 1 of this embodiment.

Next, in step S120, the pressure P1 on the upstream side and the pressure P2 on the downstream side of the filter 9 are detected. Specifically, the pressure sensor 6 detects the pressure P1 on the upstream side of the filter 9, and the pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure P2 on the downstream side of the filter 9. Then, in step S130, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 is smaller than the predetermined threshold value P0.

Note that FIG. 3 shows the states from step S110 to step S130.
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink I flows in the direction A1 on the upstream side of the filter 9 in the supply flow path 16, flows in the direction A2 between the filter 9 and the valve 15 in the supply flow path 16, and flows in the direction A2. It flows in the direction A3 on the downstream side of the valve 15 in the road 16.

Then, when it is determined in step S130 that ΔP ≧ P0, it is considered that the filter 9 is clogged, and the valve 15 is switched in step S140. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, by operating the valve 15 to switch the direction in which the ink I flows, the ink I is switched from the direction A3 to the direction A3'.

Next, in step S150, the rotating unit 10 is driven by the control of the control unit 33, and as shown in FIG. 5, the filter 9 is rotated in the rotation direction B to reverse the rotation. That is, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the filter 9 is set so that the surface 9a is on the upstream side in the direction in which the ink I flows in the normal time such as printing, and the filter 9 is cleaned. The filter 9 is rotated so that the back surface 9b is on the upstream side in the direction in which the ink I flows.
In this embodiment, when the valve 15 is switched (step S140) and when the filter 9 is rotated (step S150), the valve 5 is closed to stop the flow of ink I. However, it is not necessary to stop the flow of ink I when switching the valve 15 and when rotating the filter 9.

Next, in step S160, the ink I flows from the upstream side of the filter 9 to the branch flow path 17 via the downstream side of the filter 9 (that is, the liquid ink I is supplied to the filter chamber 8 and passed through). Then, the filter 9 is washed with the ink I. As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the filter 9 is washed with the ink I.

Next, in step S170, in order to notify the user that the filter 9 is clogged and the filter 9 is being cleaned, the user is notified by displaying these on a monitor (not shown) or the like. .. However, this step can be omitted.

Next, in step S180, cleaning of the filter 9 is performed until a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the filter 9 is washed until the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value Pα.

Then, when ΔP <Pα in step S180, the filter 9 is inverted by rotating the filter 9 in the rotation direction B as shown in FIG. 6 in step S190. That is, the arrangement of the filter 9 is returned so that the surface 9a of the filter 9 is on the upstream side in the direction in which the ink I flows.
Here, the filter 9 of the present embodiment is a filter in which the front surface 9a and the back surface 9b are fixed, and by returning the arrangement of the filter 9, foreign matter that could not be cleaned is suppressed from flowing to the discharge portion 12. From this point of view, in this step, the arrangement of the filter 9 is returned so that the surface 9a is on the upstream side in the direction in which the ink I flows. However, this step can be omitted when using a filter whose front surface and back surface are not fixed.

Next, in step S200, the valve 15 switching operation is performed. That is, the ink I flows from the direction A3'to the direction A3 by operating the valve 15 to switch the direction in which the ink I flows so as to change from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. Switch to. Then, at the end of this step, the cleaning method of the filter 9 of this embodiment is completed.
In this embodiment, when the filter 9 is returned (step S190) and the valve 15 is switched (step S200), the valve 5 is closed to stop the flow of ink I. However, it is not necessary to stop the flow of ink I when returning the filter 9 and when switching the valve 15.

As described above, the method for cleaning the filter of this embodiment is a supply flow path 16 for supplying ink I from the liquid ink I accommodating portion 2 to the ejection portion 12, and a sheet shape arranged in the supply flow path 16. Filter 9, the rotating portion 10 as a posture changing means capable of reversing the filter 9, the branch flow path 17 provided between the filter 9 and the discharge portion 12 in the supply flow path 16, and the filter 9. A filter in a printing apparatus 1 including a valve 15 as a switching unit capable of switching between flowing a liquid (ink I) flowing through a forming position (filter chamber 8) through a discharge unit 12 and a branch flow path 17. 9 is the cleaning method.
Then, the valve 15 switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 to flow into the branch flow path 17 (step S140), the rotating portion 10 inverts the filter 9 (step S150), and passes through the formation position of the filter 9. The liquid is passed through the branch flow path 17 (step S160).
According to the cleaning method of the filter 9 of this embodiment, by reversing the filter 9, foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be easily removed without replacing the filter 9, and the liquid flow direction can be changed. By turning over (reversing) the filter 9 in the opposite direction, the foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be effectively removed. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 through the branch flow path 17, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion 12, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion 12.

In other words, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a supply flow path 16 that supplies ink I from the liquid ink I accommodating portion 2 to the ejection portion 12, and a sheet shape arranged in the supply flow path 16. Filter 9, a rotating portion 10 capable of changing the posture of the filter 9 so as to invert the filter 9, a branch flow path 17 provided between the filter 9 and the discharge portion 12 in the supply flow path 16, and a filter. A valve 15 is provided, which can switch between flowing the liquid (ink I) flowing through the formation position of 9 through the ejection portion 12 and the branch flow path 17.
Then, the valve 15 switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 to flow into the branch flow path 17, the rotating portion 10 changes the posture of the filter 9, and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 is passed through the branch flow path. It is configured so that it can flow to 17.
According to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by inverting the filter 9, foreign matter clogged in the filter 9 can be easily removed without replacing the filter 9, and the direction is opposite to the direction in which the liquid flows. By turning the filter 9 over, foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be effectively removed. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 through the branch flow path 17, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion 12, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion 12.

To summarize from another viewpoint, the filter cleaning method of the present embodiment is arranged in the supply flow path 16 for supplying the ink I from the liquid ink I accommodating portion 2 to the discharge portion 12 and the supply flow path 16. It passes through the sheet-shaped filter 9, the rotating portion 10 whose posture of the filter 9 can be changed, the branch flow path 17 provided between the filter 9 and the discharge portion 12 in the supply flow path 16, and the formation position of the filter 9. This is a method for cleaning the filter 9 in the printing apparatus 1, which includes a valve 15 capable of switching between flowing the liquid (ink I) flowing through the ink I in the ejection section 12 and the branch flow path 17.
Then, the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the supply flow path 16 is determined (step S130), and when it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 by the valve 15 is the branch flow path 17 (Step S140), the posture of the filter 9 is changed by the rotating unit 10 (step S150), and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 is flowed into the branch flow path 17 (step S160).
According to the cleaning method of the filter 9 of this embodiment, by changing the posture of the filter 9, foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be easily removed without replacing the filter 9, and a predetermined flow condition can be obtained. By determining that the condition is not satisfied, the foreign matter clogged in the filter 9 can be effectively removed at an appropriate timing. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 through the branch flow path 17, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion 12, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion 12.

In other words, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a supply flow path 16 that supplies ink I from the liquid ink storage unit 2 to the discharge unit 12, and a sheet-like shape that is arranged in the supply flow path 16. The filter 9, the rotating unit 10 that can change the posture of the filter 9, the control unit 33 as a determination unit that determines the flow condition of the liquid (ink I) flowing through the supply flow path 16, and the filter 9 in the supply flow path 16. A branch flow path 17 provided between the and the discharge section 12, and a valve 15 capable of switching between flowing the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter 9 through the discharge section 12 and the branch flow path 17. Be prepared.
Then, when the control unit 33 determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the valve 15 switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 to flow into the branch flow path 17, and the rotating unit 10 switches the posture of the filter 9. Is changed so that the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 can flow into the branch flow path 17.
According to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by changing the posture of the filter 9, foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be easily removed without replacing the filter 9, and a predetermined flow is performed by the control unit 33. By determining that the condition is not satisfied, the foreign matter clogged in the filter 9 can be effectively removed at an appropriate timing. Further, by flowing the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 through the branch flow path 17, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the discharge portion 12, and the foreign matter can be suppressed from being mixed into the discharge portion 12.

Further, as described above, the rotating unit 10 can invert the filter 9, and when the control unit 33 determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the valve 15 passes through the formation position of the filter 9. The liquid is switched so as to flow to the branch flow path 17, the filter 9 is inverted by the rotating portion 10, and the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter 9 can flow to the branch flow path 17. That is, by inverting the filter 9, foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be easily removed without replacing the filter 9, and the effect is obtained by turning the filter 9 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the liquid flows. The structure is such that foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 can be removed.

Further, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes a pressure sensor 6 and a pressure sensor 11 which are pressure detection units in the supply flow path 16, and the control unit 33 is a position where the filter 9 is formed based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit. It is possible to determine the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the. Therefore, the printing device 1 of this embodiment has a configuration capable of removing foreign matter stuck in the filter 9 at an appropriate timing based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit.

Specifically, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes two pressure detection units (pressure sensor 6 and pressure sensor 11) sandwiching a filter in the supply flow path 16, and the control unit 33 detects two pressures as described above. The flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter 9 is determined based on the pressure difference of the portions. Therefore, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration capable of determining an appropriate cleaning timing of the filter 9 (posture change timing of the filter 9) with high accuracy.
However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter 9 may be determined by a method other than the pressure detection unit, or based on the detection result of one pressure detection unit. The flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter 9 may be determined.

The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment rotates in step S190 when it is determined in step S130 that the control unit 33 does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition and then in step S180 it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is satisfied. The posture of the filter 9 is returned by the unit 10, and in step S200, the valve 15 switches the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter 9 to the discharge unit 12. As described above, since the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment determines that the predetermined flow condition is satisfied, the cleaning of the filter 9 (changing the posture of the filter 9 to flow the liquid) is appropriately executed. It is possible to determine that the filter 9 has been removed, and by returning the posture of the filter 9, it is possible to effectively suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the discharge portion 12 thereafter.

Here, in the filter cleaning method of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7, when it is determined in step S130 that the control unit 33 does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition, the predetermined flow condition is satisfied in step S180. The cleaning (supply of liquid) of the filter 9 in step S160 was continued until it was determined that the result was reached.
However, when the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment determines in step S130 that the control unit 33 does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition, the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter 9 is sent to the branch flow path 17 for a predetermined time. It is also possible to shed. As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can easily control the cleaning of the filter 9 (changing the posture of the filter 9 to allow the liquid to flow).

Further, in the filter cleaning method of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 7, in step S130, the control unit 33 satisfies or does not satisfy a predetermined flow condition based on the detection results of the pressure sensor 6 and the pressure sensor 11. Was being judged.
However, the control unit 33 of this embodiment is predetermined as a predetermined time (for example, one year) elapses after changing the posture of the filter 9 without using the detection results of the pressure sensor 6 and the pressure sensor 11. It is also possible to determine that the flow condition of is not satisfied. As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can easily control the start of cleaning of the filter 9 (changing the posture of the filter 9 to allow the liquid to flow).

Further, the control unit 33 of the present embodiment also serves as a calculation unit for calculating the amount of ink I flowing through the supply flow path 16, and after changing the posture of the filter 9, a predetermined amount of ink I filters. It is also possible to determine that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied with the calculation result of passing through the formation position of 9. As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can easily control the start of cleaning of the filter 9 (changing the posture of the filter 9 to allow the liquid to flow).
The amount of ink I flowing through the supply flow path 16 is, for example, the amount of ink I ejected and the number of times the ink is ejected due to printing, the amount of ink I consumed due to the maintenance operation (cleaning operation, etc.) of the ejection unit 12, and the amount thereof. The number of times can be stored in the storage unit 42, and a calculation can be performed based on the stored information.

Further, as described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the valve 15 switches the ink I so that it flows into the branch flow path 17, the rotating portion 10 changes the posture of the filter 9, and the ink I is transferred to the branch flow path. It is configured so that it can flow to 17. That is, since the filter 9 is cleaned with the ink I, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a simple structure and suppresses the mixing of foreign matter into the ejection portion 12.
However, the configuration is not limited to this. The filter 9 may be configured to be washable with a liquid different from the ink I.

[Example 2] (FIGS. 8 to 13)
Next, an example of the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment in which the filter 9 can be washed with a liquid different from the ink I will be described.
Here, FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
9 to 12 are schematic views of the main parts of the printing device 1 for explaining the cleaning method of the filter 9 performed by using the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, and the printing device 1 of the first embodiment. It is a figure corresponding to FIGS. 3 to 6.
Further, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for cleaning the filter 9 performed by using the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 of the printing device 1 of the first embodiment.
The components common to those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The electrical configuration of the printing device 1 of this embodiment corresponds to FIG. 2 of the printing device 1 of the first embodiment because the difference is that the bulb 43 is connected to the control unit 33 instead of the bulb 5. The figure is omitted.
As is clear from a comparison between FIGS. 1 and 8, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a valve 43 connected to the cleaning liquid supply unit 44 connected to the cleaning liquid storage unit 45 is formed instead of the valve 5. The configuration is substantially the same as that of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except that the above. Therefore, the cleaning method of the filter 9 performed by using the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be mainly described.

Since steps S110 to S130 in FIG. 13 are exactly the same as steps S110 to S130 in FIG. 7, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Note that FIG. 9 shows the states from step S110 to step S130.
As shown in FIG. 9, the ink I flows in the supply flow path 16 in the order of direction A0, direction A1, direction A2, and direction A3.

In the cleaning method of the filter 9 of this embodiment, when it is determined in step S130 that ΔP ≧ P0, it is considered that the filter 9 is clogged, and in step S140, not only the valve 15 but also the valve 43 is switched. Also do. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, by operating the valve 43 and the valve 15 to switch the direction in which the liquid flows, the ink I is prevented from flowing to the downstream side of the valve 43, and the cleaning liquid accommodating portion 45 The cleaning liquid is switched so as to flow in the order of direction A0', direction A1, direction A2, and direction A3'.

Further, since step S150 in FIG. 13 is exactly the same as step S150 in FIG. 7, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, FIG. 11 shows a state corresponding to steps S150 to S180.
Also in this embodiment, the flow of the liquid (ink I and cleaning liquid) is stopped when the valve 43 and the valve 15 are switched (step S140) and when the filter 9 is rotated (step S150). However, it is not necessary to stop the flow of the liquid when switching the valve 43 and the valve 15 and when rotating the filter 9.

In step S160, the cleaning liquid is flowed from the upstream side of the filter 9 to the branch flow path 17 via the downstream side of the filter 9 (that is, the cleaning liquid which is a liquid is supplied to and passed through the filter chamber 8). Clean the filter 9. As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the filter 9 is cleaned with a cleaning liquid.

Further, since steps S170 to S190 in FIG. 13 are exactly the same as steps S170 to S190 in FIG. 7, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In step S190, as shown in FIG. 12, the filter 9 is inverted by rotating it in the rotation direction B.

Next, in step S200, the valve 43 and the valve 15 are switched. That is, by operating the valve 43 and the valve 15 to switch the direction in which the liquid flows so as to change from the state shown in FIG. 12 to the state shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning liquid does not flow to the downstream side of the valve 43. In addition, the ink I that has flowed in the order of direction A0, direction A1, and direction A2 is switched so that it flows in direction A3 instead of direction A3'.
In this embodiment, the flow of the liquid (ink I and cleaning liquid) is stopped when the filter 9 is returned (step S190) and when the valve 15 is switched (step S200). However, it is not necessary to stop the flow of the liquid when returning the filter 9 and when switching between the valve 43 and the valve 15.
Finally, in step S210, the ink I is flowed in the order of direction A0, direction A1, direction A2, and direction A3 for a predetermined time (supplied to the supply flow path 16 and the filter chamber 8 and passed through) to pass the filter 9. , The supply flow path 16 and the filter chamber 8 are co-washed with ink I, and the cleaning method of the filter 9 of this embodiment is completed at the end of this step.

As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid supply unit capable of supplying the liquid cleaning liquid to the supply flow path 16 by switching to the ink I between the accommodating unit 2 and the filter 9 in the supply flow path 16. 44 is provided, the cleaning liquid is switched to flow to the branch flow path 17 through the formation position of the filter 9 by the valve 15 (corresponding to step S140), and the posture of the filter 9 is changed by the rotating portion 10 (corresponding to step S150). ), The cleaning liquid can be flowed through the branch flow path 17 (corresponding to step S160). Since the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has such a configuration, the filter 9 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid, so that it is possible to effectively suppress the mixing of foreign matter into the ejection portion 12. In addition, the consumption of ink I can be suppressed.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.
For example, in a configuration in which the filter 9 can be washed with a cleaning liquid as in the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, when the control unit 33 determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the filter 9 is inverted until the filter 9 is washed. It may be a configuration that does not allow it. This is because the cleaning liquid can dissolve crystals of the color material of ink I as foreign matter, and therefore the foreign matter can be removed even if the cleaning liquid flows in contact with the filter 9.
Further, when the control unit 33 determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the rotating unit 10 does not automatically invert the filter 9, but notifies the user of the determination result and the user manually presses the filter 9. It may be configured to be inverted.

1 ... printing device (liquid discharge device), 2 ... accommodating unit, 3 ... solenoid valve, 4 ... sub accommodating unit,
5 ... Valve, 6 ... Pressure sensor (pressure detection unit), 7 ... Foreign matter removal unit,
8 ... Filter chamber (position where filter 9 is formed), 9 ... Filter, 9a ... Surface,
9b ... Back side, 10 ... Rotating part (posture changing means), 11 ... Pressure sensor (pressure detecting part),
12 ... Discharge part, 13 ... Movable part, 14 ... Elevating mechanism, 15 ... Valve (switching part),
16 ... Supply flow path, 17 ... Branch flow path, 18 ... Carriage unit, 19 ... Nozzle,
20 ... Winding device, 21 ... Winding roller, 22 ... Tensioner, 23 ... Drying part,
24 ... Coil, 25 ... Chamber, 26 ... Tensioner, 27 ... Conveyor,
28 ... tensioner, 29 ... tensioner, 30 ... driven roller, 31 ... endless belt,
32 ... Machine stand, 33 ... Control unit (judgment unit, calculation unit), 34 ... Notification unit, 35 ... Support device,
36 ... tensioner, 37 ... driving roller, 38 ... tensioner, 39 ... feeding device,
40 ... Sending roller, 41 ... CPU, 42 ... Storage unit, 43 ... Valve,
44 ... cleaning liquid supply unit, 45 ... cleaning liquid storage unit, I ... ink (liquid), M ... medium

Claims (12)

A supply flow path for supplying the ink from the liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, and
A sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path and
A posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the filter and
A determination unit that determines the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the supply flow path, and
A branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge portion in the supply flow path,
It is provided with a switching portion capable of switching between flowing the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter through the discharge portion and the branch flow path.
When the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the switching unit switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter to flow into the branch flow path, and the attitude changing means switches the attitude of the filter. It is configured so that the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter can flow into the branch flow path .
The determination unit moves forward as a predetermined time elapses after changing the posture of the filter.
A liquid discharge device for determining that a predetermined flow condition is not satisfied . A supply flow path for supplying the ink from the liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, and
A sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path and
A posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the filter and
A determination unit that determines the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the supply flow path, and
A branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge portion in the supply flow path,
The liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter is allowed to flow to the discharge portion or to the branch flow path.
A switching part that can switch whether to flow or not
A calculation unit for calculating the amount of the ink flowing through the supply flow path is provided.
When it is determined that the determination unit does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition, the switching unit moves forward.
The liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter is switched so that it flows into the branch flow path, and the appearance is described.
The posture of the filter was changed by the force changing means, and the filter passed through the forming position of the filter.
It is configured so that the liquid can flow through the branch flow path.
After changing the posture of the filter, the determination unit fills the ink with a predetermined amount of the ink.
With the calculation result by the calculation unit that the unit has passed the formation position of the tar, the predetermined flow condition is satisfied.
A liquid discharge device characterized in that it is determined not to be used. In the liquid discharge device according to claim 2,
The posture changing means can invert the filter and
When it is determined that the determination unit does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition, the switching unit switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter to flow into the branch flow path, and the attitude changing means reverses the filter. A liquid discharge device characterized in that the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter can be allowed to flow into the branch flow path. In the liquid discharge device according to claim 2 or 3.
A pressure detector is provided in the supply flow path.
The determination unit is a liquid discharge device that determines the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit. In the liquid discharge device according to claim 4,
Two pressure detection units are provided in the supply flow path with the filter in between.
The determination unit is a liquid discharge device that determines the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter based on the pressure difference between the two pressure detection units. In the liquid discharge device according to claim 4 or 5.
When it is determined that the determination unit does not satisfy the predetermined flow condition and then it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is satisfied, the posture of the filter is returned by the posture changing means, and the switching unit of the filter A liquid discharge device characterized in that the liquid flowing through the formation position is switched so as to flow to the discharge portion. In the liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.
It is characterized in that, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied, the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter can be flowed to the branch flow path for a predetermined time. Liquid discharge device. In the liquid discharge device according to claim 2 or 3.
The liquid discharge device is characterized in that the determination unit determines that a predetermined flow condition is not satisfied as a predetermined time elapses after changing the posture of the filter. In the liquid discharge device according to claim 2 or 3.
A calculation unit for calculating the amount of the ink flowing through the supply flow path is provided.
The determination unit determines that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied according to the calculation result by the calculation unit that a predetermined amount of the ink has passed through the formation position of the filter after changing the posture of the filter. A characteristic liquid discharge device. In the liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
It is characterized in that the switching portion switches the ink so that it flows into the branch flow path, the posture changing means changes the posture of the filter, and the ink can flow into the branch flow path. Liquid discharge device. A supply flow path for supplying the ink from the liquid ink accommodating portion to the ejection portion, and
A sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path and
A posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the filter so as to invert the filter.
When,
A branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge portion in the supply flow path,
The liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter is allowed to flow to the discharge portion or to the branch flow path.
A switching part that can switch whether to flow or not
In between the filter and the receiving portion in the supply passage, and a cleaning liquid supply section capable of supplying a cleaning liquid is a liquid in the supply passage by switching to the ink,
The liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter flows into the branch flow path by the switching portion.
The posture of the filter is changed by the posture changing means, and the fill is changed.
It is configured so that the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the tar can flow into the branch flow path.
,
The switching portion switches the cleaning liquid so that it passes through the formation position of the filter and flows into the branch flow path, and the posture changing means changes the posture of the filter so that the cleaning liquid flows through the branch flow path. A liquid discharge device characterized in that it is configured to be possible. A supply flow path for supplying the ink from a liquid ink accommodating portion to a discharge portion, a sheet-shaped filter arranged in the supply flow path, a posture changing means capable of changing the posture of the filter, and the supply. Switching between a branch flow path provided between the filter and the discharge section in the flow path and switching between flowing the liquid flowing through the formation position of the filter through the discharge section and the branch flow path. A method of cleaning a filter in a liquid discharge device including a part.
After determining the flow condition of the liquid flowing through the supply flow path and changing the posture of the filter.
When it is determined that the predetermined flow condition is not satisfied as the predetermined time elapses , the switching portion switches the liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter to flow into the branch flow path, and the posture changing means A method for cleaning a filter, which comprises changing the posture of the filter and allowing a liquid that has passed through the formation position of the filter to flow into the branch flow path.

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