WO2021132283A1 - インクジェットプリンタ - Google Patents

インクジェットプリンタ Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021132283A1
WO2021132283A1 PCT/JP2020/048046 JP2020048046W WO2021132283A1 WO 2021132283 A1 WO2021132283 A1 WO 2021132283A1 JP 2020048046 W JP2020048046 W JP 2020048046W WO 2021132283 A1 WO2021132283 A1 WO 2021132283A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ink
inkjet printer
printer according
tank
supply bottle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2020/048046
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
理沙 服部
崇嘉 小栗
優 ▲高▼橋
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Roland DG Corp
Original Assignee
Roland DG Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Roland DG Corp filed Critical Roland DG Corp
Priority to JP2021567502A priority Critical patent/JP7387761B2/ja
Publication of WO2021132283A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021132283A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inkjet printer.
  • This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-237201 filed on December 26, 2019, and the entire contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference. There is.
  • an inkjet printer including an ink head that ejects ink toward a recording medium and an ink tank that stores ink supplied to the ink head, and prints a desired image on the recording medium by an inkjet method has been known. ing.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a printer including a printer main body having an ink head and an ink storage device having a large capacity ink tank having a capacity of 2 L.
  • the ink tank of Patent Document 1 is a so-called replenishment type, and is configured so that a user can replenish ink when the ink in the ink tank is consumed.
  • the printer main body and the ink storage device are separate bodies, and the printer main body and the ink tank of the ink storage device are connected by a tube or the like. Therefore, the external dimensions of the printer as a whole become large, and a large space is required for installation. Therefore, the issue is how to save the space of the printer while securing the installation space of the large-capacity ink tank.
  • the present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new inkjet printer that achieves both a large capacity of an ink tank and a space saving of a printer.
  • the inkjet printer has an ink head for ejecting ink toward a recording medium, a cover body extending in the left-right direction to cover the ink head, and an ink replenishment port for replenishing the ink.
  • An ink tank for storing the ink supplied to the head is provided. At least a part of the ink tank is arranged below the cover body in the vertical direction, and at least a part of the ink replenishment port is provided so as not to overlap the cover body in a plan view.
  • the inkjet printer includes a platen that supports a recording medium, an ink head that ejects ink toward the recording medium, a cover body that extends in the left-right direction and covers the ink head, and the cover body. It is provided in front and on the side of the platen, has an ink replenishment port for replenishing ink, and includes a plurality of ink tanks for storing the ink to be supplied to the ink head.
  • Each of the plurality of ink tanks has a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side in a plan view, and the short sides are arranged along the left-right direction.
  • the ink tank is arranged by effectively utilizing at least a part of the space under the cover body, which has been a dead space in the past.
  • a plurality of ink tanks can be made compact in the left-right direction by effectively utilizing at least a part of the space in front of the cover body and on the side of the platen, which has been a dead space in the past. Have been placed. Therefore, according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application, it is possible to suitably secure the installation space of the large-capacity ink tank while saving the space of the printer.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a right side view of the inkjet printer according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view showing the internal structure of the main body.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the ink flow path.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the ink supply device.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ink supply device.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of the ink supply device.
  • FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink supply device.
  • FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the supply bottle.
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the mounting mechanism.
  • FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG.
  • FIG. 10 showing a state in which the valve body and the ink injection port of the supply bottle are in contact with each other.
  • FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing a state in which the stopper is engaged with the supply bottle.
  • FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing a state in which the unlock switch is pressed.
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of the right side portion with the supply bottle attached.
  • FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a state in which the supply bottle is attached.
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side portion of the inkjet printer according to the modified example in a state where the supply bottle is attached.
  • FIG. 17 is a part of the right side view of the state in which the supply bottle of the inkjet printer according to the modified example is attached.
  • FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the injection port of the supply bottle according to the modified example.
  • the inkjet printer refers to a printing method by a conventionally known inkjet technique, for example, a continuous method such as a binary deflection method or a continuous deflection method, a thermal method, a piezoelectric element method, or the like. Refers to all printers that use the demand method.
  • the term "printer” is a term that includes a so-called 2D printer that prints a two-dimensional image and a so-called 3D printer (three-dimensional modeling apparatus) that forms a three-dimensional modeled object.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of an inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 10.
  • FIG. 2 is a right side view of the printer 10.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view showing the internal structure of the main part (specifically, the main body part 12 described later) of the printer 10.
  • left, right, top, and bottom mean left, right, top, and bottom as seen from the user (user of the printer 10) in front of the printer 10, respectively, and the user from the printer 10.
  • the one that approaches is the front, and the one that moves away is the rear.
  • the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawing represent front, back, left, right, top, and bottom, respectively. However, these are merely directions for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation mode of the printer 10.
  • the printer 10 is a 2D printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is a printing device that prints on the recording medium 5.
  • the printer 10 is a so-called Roll-to-Roll type.
  • the printer 10 is a large-sized printer that prints on a large-format recording medium 5.
  • the recording medium 5 is a roll-shaped medium in this embodiment.
  • the recording medium 5 includes not only papers such as plain paper and printing paper for inkjet, but also resin materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester, fabrics such as woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics, and aluminum. It includes media made of various materials such as iron, wood and glass.
  • the printer 10 has two legs 11, a casing 19 supported by the legs 11 and covering the main body 12 and the piping boxes 18L and 18R, and an ink tank 151 (see FIG. 2). 70A to 70H, and a plurality of ink supply devices 70A to 70H.
  • the leg portion 11 typically contacts the floor surface and supports the main body portion 12 and the piping box portions 18L and 18R from below.
  • the leg portion 11 is arranged below the main body portion 12.
  • the two legs 11 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.
  • the two legs 11 sandwich the platen 14, which will be described later, from both sides in the left-right direction.
  • the vertical length (height) of the leg portion 11 is between the waist height and the chest height in a standard user's standing position, and is, for example, about 70 to 110 cm.
  • the two legs 11 each include a first leg 11A and a second leg 11B, respectively.
  • the first leg portion 11A is in contact with the lower surface of the main body portion 12.
  • the first leg portion 11A extends downward from the lower end of the main body portion 12.
  • the first leg portion 11A extends vertically.
  • the second leg portion 11B extends in the front-rear direction from the lower end of the first leg portion 11A.
  • the second leg portion 11B extends parallel to the lower surface of the main body portion 12.
  • the main body portion 12 is arranged above the leg portion 11.
  • the main body 12 is supported by the legs 11.
  • the main body portion 12 is arranged at a predetermined height from the floor surface by the leg portions 11.
  • the main body 12 extends in the left-right direction.
  • the main body 12 constitutes a printing space for printing on the recording medium 5.
  • a guide rail 13 inside the main body 12, a guide rail 13, a part of the platen 14, a plurality of ink heads 20, a plurality of dampers 22, and a plurality of ink flows
  • a part of the road 40 and a control device 80 are arranged.
  • a part of the ink flow path 40 is arranged outside the main body 12.
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are arranged outside the main body 12.
  • the ink head 20, the damper 22, the ink flow path 40, and the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are each eight.
  • the ink head 20, the damper 22, the ink flow path 40, and the ink supply devices 70A to 70H do not necessarily have to be the same number.
  • the piping box portions 18L and 18R are attached to the lower surface of the main body portion 12.
  • the piping box portions 18L and 18R are provided below the main body portion 12.
  • the piping box portions 18L and 18R have a box shape.
  • the piping box portions 18L and 18R are provided on the left side and the right side of the platen 14.
  • the piping box portions 18L and 18R sandwich the platen 14 from both sides in the left-right direction. As a result, the dead space of the printer 10 can be reduced, and the installation area of the printer 10 can be reduced.
  • the lengths of the piping box portions 18L and 18R in the front-rear direction are shorter than those of the main body portion 12.
  • the piping box portions 18L and 18R overlap with the main body portion 12 (see FIG. 5).
  • the side view at least a part of the piping box portions 18L and 18R overlaps with the platen 14.
  • a part of the ink flow path 40 and the like are arranged inside the piping box portions 18L and 18R.
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are arranged outside the piping box portions 18L and 18R.
  • the casing 19 is a housing that covers the main body portion 12 and the piping box portions 18L and 18R. In the present embodiment, the casing 19 covers the entire guide rail 13. The casing 19 covers at least a part of the platen 14. A part of the platen 14 is arranged outside the casing 19.
  • the casing 19 separates the main body portion 12 and the piping box portions 18L and 18R. In the present embodiment, the main body portion 12 that covers the ink head 20 and the piping box portions 18L and 18R that accommodate a part of the ink flow path 40 are separately partitioned by the casing 19, but the main body portion 12 And the piping box portions 18L and 18R may be integrally covered by the casing 19.
  • the casing 19 is an example of a cover body.
  • the casing 19 is divided into three regions in the left-right direction: a left side portion 19L, a central portion 19M, and a right side portion 19R.
  • An operation panel 19C is provided on the right side portion 19R.
  • the operation panel 19C is provided on the front surface of the casing 19 (specifically, the front surface of the main body 12) so that the user can easily operate the operation panel 19C.
  • the operation panel 19C is inclined so as to be positioned forward toward the lower side. That is, the operation panel 19C is tilted forward.
  • the operation panel 19C also serves as an input unit for the user to input information related to printing.
  • the operation panel 19C is provided with a display unit 19D for displaying information related to printing.
  • the guide rail 13 is provided on the main body portion 12 and extends in the left-right direction (main scanning direction).
  • the guide rail 13 extends from the left side portion 19L to the right side portion 19R.
  • the carriage 30 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 13.
  • the carriage 30 is arranged in a predetermined standby position (not shown) in the right side portion 19R.
  • the carriage 30 is arranged at a predetermined maintenance position (not shown) in the left side portion 19L, for example, when performing maintenance on the ink head 20.
  • An ink head 20 and a damper 22 are mounted on the carriage 30.
  • the carriage 30 may be further equipped with various devices such as a light irradiation device (for example, an ultraviolet lamp) and various members.
  • the carriage 30 reciprocates in the left-right direction by the carriage moving mechanism 16.
  • the carriage moving mechanism 16 is a mechanism for moving the carriage 30 in the left-right direction along the guide rail 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage moving mechanism 16 has a pulley 17b and a pulley 17a arranged on the left end side and the right end side of the guide rail 13. A carriage motor 16a is connected to the pulley 17a. The carriage motor 16a is electrically connected to the control device 80 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 80. An endless belt 15 is wound around the pulley 17a and the pulley 17b, respectively. The carriage 30 is fixed to the belt 15. When the carriage motor 16a is driven, the pulley 17a rotates and the belt 15 travels. As a result, the carriage 30 moves in the left-right direction along the guide rail 13.
  • the platen 14 supports the recording medium 5 at the time of printing.
  • a recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 14 at the time of printing.
  • Printing on the recording medium 5 is performed on the platen 14.
  • the platen 14 is provided on the main body portion 12 and extends in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the platen 14 is provided between the two legs 11. In the left-right direction, the platen 14 is provided between the piping box portions 18L and 18R.
  • the platen 14 is provided between the ink supply devices 70A to 70D and the ink supply devices 70E to 70H. As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 14 also extends in the front-rear direction.
  • the front end 14t of the platen 14 is located closer to the casing 19 (right side in FIG. 2) than the front end 11t of the second leg portion 11B. As shown in FIG. 3, the platen 14 is arranged below the guide rail 13.
  • the platen 14 is provided with a pair of upper and lower grit rollers (not shown) and pinch rollers (not shown).
  • the grit roller is connected to a feed motor (not shown).
  • the grit roller is rotationally driven by a feed motor.
  • the ink head 20 ejects a droplet of ink 59 (see FIG. 4) toward the recording medium 5.
  • the ink head 20 is arranged above the platen 14.
  • the ink head 20 is mounted on the carriage 30.
  • the plurality of ink heads 20 are arranged in the left-right direction.
  • the ink head 20 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 13 via the carriage 30.
  • the number of ink heads 20 is the same as the number of ink supply devices 70A to 70H (8). However, the number of ink heads 20 does not have to be the same as the number of ink supply devices 70A to 70H.
  • the lower surface 20a (see FIG. 4) of the ink head 20 faces the platen 14.
  • a nozzle 21 (see FIG. 4) for ejecting ink 59 is formed on the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20.
  • an actuator (not shown) made of a piezoelectric element or the like is provided inside the ink head 20. By driving this actuator, the ink 59 is ejected from the nozzle 21 of the ink head 20.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an ink flow path 40.
  • the plurality of (here, eight) ink flow paths 40 are the paths of the ink 59 that connect the ink tanks 151 of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H and the plurality of ink heads 20, respectively.
  • the ink 59 of the ink tank 151 is supplied to the ink head 20 through the ink flow path 40, respectively.
  • the ink flow path 40 of the present embodiment is configured so that the ink 59 can be circulated including the ink tank 151. Therefore, a part of the ink 59 that has flowed from the ink tank 151 to the ink flow path 40 returns to the ink tank 151 again.
  • the ink 59 may be the same as that conventionally used, and there is no particular limitation.
  • the ink 59 may be a solvent-based pigment ink, a water-based pigment ink, a water-based dye ink, or the like.
  • the ink 59 may be, for example, a photocurable ink containing a photopolymerizable monomer and a photopolymerization initiator system and having a property of being cured by light irradiation (for example, an ultraviolet curable UV ink).
  • the ink tanks 151 of the eight ink supply devices 70A to 70H are filled with inks containing different color materials, for example, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, light cyan ink, and light magenta ink. Light black ink and white ink are stored.
  • the type of ink 59 (coloring material, properties, use, etc.) is not limited at all.
  • the ink flow path 40 has flexibility and flexibility, and is configured to be elastically deformable.
  • the ink flow path 40 is composed of, for example, a flexible tube.
  • Four of the eight ink flow paths 40 extend from the ink tanks 151 of the ink supply devices 70A to 70D to the inside of the piping box portion 18L and the inside of the main body portion 12. The remaining four extend from the ink tanks 151 of the ink supply devices 70E to 70H to the inside of the piping box portion 18R and the inside of the main body portion 12. As shown in FIG.
  • the ink flow paths 40 include a first flow path 40a, a second flow path 40b, a third flow path 40c, a fourth flow path 40d, a fifth flow path 40e, and a sixth flow path.
  • a flow path 40f and a seventh flow path 40g are provided.
  • a liquid feed pump 41, a degassing device 43, a branch member 45, a damper 22, a pressure adjusting valve 46, and so on. Is provided.
  • various devices and members may be further provided in the middle of the ink flow path 40, if necessary.
  • the ink flow path 40 may be provided with, for example, a filtration device for filtering the ink 59.
  • the upstream end of the first flow path 40a is connected to the ink outlet 152O (see also FIG. 8) of the ink tank 151.
  • the downstream end of the first flow path 40a is connected to the liquid feed pump 41.
  • the upstream end of the second flow path 40b is connected to the liquid feed pump 41.
  • the downstream end of the second flow path 40b is connected to the degassing device 43.
  • the upstream end of the third flow path 40c is connected to the degassing device 43.
  • the downstream end of the second flow path 40b is connected to the branch member 45.
  • the upstream end of the fourth flow path 40d is connected to the branch member 45.
  • the downstream end of the fourth flow path 40d is connected to the damper 22.
  • the upstream end of the fifth flow path 40e is connected to the damper 22.
  • the downstream end of the fifth flow path 40e is connected to the ink head 20.
  • the upstream end of the sixth flow path 40f is connected to the branch member 45.
  • the downstream end of the sixth flow path 40f is connected to the pressure regulating valve 46.
  • the upstream end of the seventh flow path 40 g is connected to the pressure regulating valve 46.
  • the downstream end of the seventh flow path 40g is connected to the ink inlet 153I (see also FIG. 8) of the ink tank 151.
  • the first flow path 40a, the second flow path 40b, the third flow path 40c, the fourth flow path 40d, and the fifth flow path 40e are used in the ink tank during printing, cleaning of the ink head 20, and the like. It constitutes an ink supply flow path for sending the ink 59 in 151 to the ink head 20.
  • the sixth flow path 40f and the seventh flow path 40g form an ink recirculation flow path for circulating the ink 59 in the ink tank 151.
  • the first flow path 40a, the second flow path 40b, the third flow path 40c, the sixth flow path 40f, and the seventh flow path 40g are ink circulation flow paths that circulate the ink 59 in the ink tank 151. Consists of.
  • the liquid feed pump 41 is a liquid feed device that sends the ink 59 of the ink tank 151 to the ink head 20.
  • the liquid feed pump 41 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a diaphragm pump, a tube pump, a syringe pump, or the like. In this embodiment, one liquid feed pump 41 is provided in each ink flow path 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid feed pump 41 is arranged inside the piping box portions 18L and 18R. The liquid feed pump 41 is connected to the motor 42. The motor 42 is arranged inside the piping box portions 18L and 18R. The motor 42 is electrically connected to the control device 80 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 80.
  • the degassing device 43 is a device that removes air dissolved in the ink 59 and air bubbles mixed in the ink 59.
  • one degassing device 43 is provided in each ink flow path 40.
  • the degassing device 43 is arranged inside the piping box portions 18L and 18R, respectively.
  • the degassing device 43 is connected to the vacuum pump 44.
  • the vacuum pumps 44 are arranged one by one inside the piping box portions 18L and 18R.
  • One vacuum pump 44 is connected to each of the four degassing devices 43.
  • the vacuum pump 44 is electrically connected to the control device 80 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 80.
  • the damper 22 is provided directly above the ink head 20.
  • the damper 22 relaxes the pressure fluctuation of the ink 59 during printing and stabilizes the ejection operation of the ink 59 from the nozzle 21 of the ink head 20.
  • the damper 22 is mounted on the carriage 30 together with the ink head 20.
  • the damper 35 is not essential and may be omitted in other embodiments.
  • the pressure adjusting valve 46 is a valve body that adjusts the pressure of the ink head 20 and the ink flow path 40.
  • the pressure adjusting valve 46 is a valve body that closes between the sixth flow path 40f and the seventh flow path 40g of the ink flow path 40. By opening and closing the pressure adjusting valve 46, the pressure applied to the ink head 20 and the ink flow path 40 can be adjusted.
  • the pressure regulating valve 46 is a pressure reducing valve (relief valve) here. In this embodiment, one pressure regulating valve 46 is provided in each ink flow path 40.
  • the pressure regulating valve 46 is electrically connected to the control device 80 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 80.
  • the pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged outside the casing 19. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressure regulating valve 46 is attached to the outer surface of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H. Specifically, the pressure adjusting valve 46 is attached to the rear surface of the ink replenishing unit 190, which will be described later. In the front-rear direction, the pressure adjusting valve 46 is arranged in front of the piping box portions 18L and 18R. The pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged in front of the liquid feeding pump 41 and the degassing device 43. The pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged in front of the casing 19. The pressure adjusting valve 46 is arranged on the side closer to the casing 19 (on the right side in FIG. 2) than the ink replenishing unit 190. The pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged on the side closer to the casing 19 (on the right side in FIG. 2) than the front end 14t of the platen 14.
  • the pressure adjusting valve 46 is arranged below the main body 12.
  • the pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged below the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20.
  • the pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged above the ink tank 151.
  • the pressure adjusting valve 46 is arranged between the main body 12 and the ink tank 151.
  • at least a part of the pressure adjusting valve 46 overlaps with the main body portion 12. As a result, the dead space of the printer 10 can be effectively utilized.
  • At least a part of the pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged above the upper end of the liquid feed pump 41.
  • At least a part of the pressure regulating valve 46 is arranged above the upper end of the deaerator 43.
  • the pressure adjusting valve 46 is opened to open the space between the 6th flow path 40f and the 7th flow path 40g.
  • the ink 59 in the ink tank 151 flows through the ink circulation flow path and is returned to the ink tank 151.
  • the ink 59 in the ink tank 151 can be agitated, and for example, pigments and the like that tend to settle can be preferably dispersed. Therefore, the ink 59 stored in the ink tank 151 can be maintained in a homogeneous state.
  • the degassing device 43 is provided in the ink circulation flow path, the degassing level of the ink 59 can be improved by circulating the ink 59.
  • the pressure adjusting valve 46 When the ink 59 is circulated during printing, for example, the pressure adjusting valve 46 is opened, the liquid feeding pump 41 is driven, and the liquid feeding amount of the liquid feeding pump 41 is made larger than the amount required by the ink head 20. As a result, the ink 59 can be continuously agitated even during printing. Further, when cleaning the ink head 20, for example, the pressure adjusting valve 46 is closed, and the space between the sixth flow path 40f and the seventh flow path 40g is closed. By driving the liquid feed pump 41 in this state, the ink 59 in the ink tank 151 is concentrated in the ink supply flow path, and the ink 59 is concentratedly supplied to the ink head 20.
  • the plurality of (here, eight) ink supply devices 70A to 70H are for supplying ink 59 having different color materials, properties, uses, and the like to the ink head 20.
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H do not replace the ink tank 151 itself, but from the ink replenishment supply bottle 400 (see FIG. 9) to the ink 59.
  • This is a replenishment type (non-disposable) ink supply device that is replenished and used repeatedly.
  • the configuration of the supply bottle 400 will be described later.
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are provided on the front surface of the printer 10. Specifically, it is provided in front of the casing 19. As a result, the user can add the ink 59 from the front side of the printer 10 while checking, for example, the display unit 19D and the progress of printing. However, at least a part of the plurality of ink supply devices 70A to 70H may be provided on the side or the rear of the casing 19, for example.
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are not mounted on the carriage 30 and do not move in the left-right direction.
  • the eight ink supply devices 70A to 70H are arranged on the left and right sides of the main body 12 by dividing them into four. Four ink supply devices 70A to 70H are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the left side portion 19L and the right side portion 19R, respectively.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are provided on the left side of the central portion 19M of the casing 19 and the platen 14.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are provided outside the left leg portion 11 (the side away from the central portion 19M, the left side in FIG. 1).
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are provided below the main body portion 12.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are provided in front of the piping box portion 18L.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are arranged in a row along the left-right direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are arranged so that a part thereof overlaps in the vertical direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are provided on the right side of the central portion 19M of the casing 19 and the platen 14.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are provided on the outer side (the side away from the central portion 19M, the right side in FIG. 1) from the right leg portion 11.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are provided below the main body portion 12.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are provided in front of the piping box portion 18R.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are arranged in a row along the left-right direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are arranged so that a part thereof overlaps in the vertical direction.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are attached to the front surface of the piping box portion 18L, respectively. Specifically, the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are fixed to the piping box portion 18L so as to stand upright in the vertical direction. The four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are supported by the left side portion 19L of the casing 19, respectively, via the piping box portion 18L. Similarly, the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are attached to the front surface of the piping box portion 18R, respectively. Specifically, the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are fixed to the piping box portion 18R so as to stand upright in the vertical direction. The four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are supported by the right side portion 19R of the casing 19, respectively, via the piping box portion 18R.
  • the left and right width WL1 of the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are narrower than the left and right width WL2 of the piping box portion 18L.
  • the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D are contained in the width WL2 of the piping box portion 18L.
  • the left and right widths of the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are narrower than the left and right widths of the piping box portion 18R.
  • the ink supply devices 70E to 70H are contained in the width WL2 of the piping box portion 18R.
  • the left and right width WL1 of the four ink supply devices 70A to 70D and the four ink supply devices 70E to 70H are the same, and the left and right width WL2 of the piping box portion 18L and the piping box portion 18R are the same. ..
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H overlaps with the platen 14. Further, when the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are divided into a front side portion and a rear side portion by the center line CL in the front-rear direction, the front side portion of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H is arranged in front of the operation panel 19C. There is. The rear portion of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H is arranged below the operation panel 19C. Therefore, in a plan view, the front portion of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H does not overlap with the main body portion 12. In a plan view, the rear portion of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H overlaps with the main body portion 12.
  • the positions of the front end and the rear end of the plurality of ink supply devices 70A to 70H are the same.
  • the front ends 70t of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are located closer to the main body 12 (on the right side in FIG. 2) than the front ends 11t of the second leg portion 11B.
  • a vertical line perpendicular to the second leg portion 11B and passing through the front end 70t is shown by a virtual line TL.
  • the front ends 70t of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H are located closer to the main body 12 (on the right side in FIG. 2) than the front ends 14t of the platen 14.
  • the recording medium 5 is guided by the platen 14 to the front of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H. Therefore, the user can easily pick up the recording medium 5 after printing is completed by inserting his / her hands into both side surfaces of the platen 14.
  • the number of ink supply devices is eight, but the number and arrangement of the ink supply devices are not limited at all.
  • the ink supply devices 70A to 70H may be directly attached to the main body portion 12 without interposing the piping box portions 18L and 18R. Further, for example, when the types of ink 59 are small, the ink supply device may be attached only to the piping box portion 18L or the piping box portion 18R.
  • the plurality of ink supply devices 70A to 70H all have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the ink supply device will be described by taking the ink supply device 70H as an example. However, the plurality of ink supply devices 70A to 70H do not necessarily all have the same configuration, and some of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H may have different configurations from the ink supply devices 70H.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the ink supply devices 70E to 70H of the printer 10.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ink supply device 70H.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of the ink supply device 70H.
  • FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink supply device 70H.
  • the ink supply device 70H includes an ink storage unit 150, an ink amount detection unit 160, and an ink replenishment unit 190.
  • the ink supply device 70H includes an ink storage unit 150, an ink amount detection unit 160, and an ink replenishment unit 190.
  • the ink storage unit 150 is a portion that stores ink 59.
  • the ink storage unit 150 includes an ink tank 151.
  • the ink tank 151 is a container in which the ink 59 is stored.
  • the ink tank 151 is a container that is not disposable even when the amount of ink 59 is low and can be used continuously.
  • one side surface (the right side surface of FIG. 2) of the ink tank 151 is fixed to the piping box portion 18R.
  • the ink tank 151 is attached so as not to be detachable from the piping box portion 18R without a tool. As a result, poor connection between the ink tank 151 and the ink flow path 40 is less likely to occur.
  • the ink tank 151 is supported by the piping box portion 18R.
  • the ink tank 151 is not mounted on the carriage 30 and does not move in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink tank 151 is arranged below the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20. In the vertical direction, the distance between the upper end of the ink tank 151 and the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20 can be approximately 50 to 200 mm, for example, 100 to 150 mm.
  • the ink tank 151 has a flat box shape. As shown in FIG. 7, the ink tank 151 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. However, the ink tank 151 may have an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or the like in a plan view.
  • the ink tank 151 includes a pair of short sides 151N and a pair of long sides 151W. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the short side 151N of the ink tank 151 extends in the left-right direction. The short side 151N extends along the main body 12 and the casing 19. The long side 151W extends along the front-rear direction. The long side 151W extends so as to be orthogonal to the main body 12 and the casing 19.
  • the ink supply devices 70E to 70H are arranged side by side so that the long sides 151W face each other.
  • the "rectangular shape” means, for example, the following shapes (1) to (3): (1) A shape in which a long side 151W and a short side 151N are joined to each other via a curved line. (2) A shape in which at least one of the long side 151W and the short side 151N is not straight but curved or uneven; at least one of the long side 151W and the short side 151N is bent, and a plurality of A term that includes a shape composed of a straight line or a curved line.
  • the material of the ink tank 151 may be the same as that conventionally used for this type of application, and there is no particular limitation.
  • the ink tank 151 is preferably provided with appropriate rigidity, gas barrier property, and water vapor barrier property.
  • the surface of the ink tank 151 in contact with the ink 59 is preferably made of a material that has excellent ink corrosion resistance and does not easily deteriorate the ink 59.
  • the ink tank 151 is made of, for example, a resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicon, and a fluororesin.
  • the ink tank 151 may be provided with a coating layer made of resin or the like on the inner surface or the outer surface. When the ink 59 is photocurable, the ink tank 151 may have a black appearance and a light-shielding property.
  • the ink tank 151 includes a tank main body 152 having an upper opening 152U opened upward, and a lid 153 covering the upper opening 152U.
  • the tank body 152 is an example of a lower member
  • the lid body 153 is an example of an upper member.
  • the ink tank 151 may further include another member between the tank body 152 and the lid 153 in the vertical direction, for example.
  • the tank body 152 and the lid 153 can be formed, for example, by injection molding of a resin material.
  • the tank body 152 and the lid body 153 are each formed as one member.
  • the tank body 152 and / or the lid 153 may be formed by combining and joining a plurality of members.
  • the tank body 152 has a flange portion (edge portion) 152E on the peripheral edge of the upper opening 152U.
  • the lid body 153 has a flange portion 153E on the outer peripheral edge.
  • the flange portion 152E of the tank body 152 and the flange portion 153E of the lid body 153 are overlapped and joined by a joining member 159 such as a bolt.
  • the flange joint portion 158 is formed.
  • the ink tank 151 is integrated by a flange coupling portion 158.
  • the upper opening 152U of the tank body 152 is hermetically sealed by the lid 153.
  • the flange portion 152E is an example of the first flange portion
  • the flange portion 153E is an example of the second flange portion.
  • the ink supply devices 70E to 70H are arranged so that the flange coupling portions 158 are staggered in the vertical direction. In other words, the flange coupling portion 158 is displaced in the vertical direction. As a result, the large-capacity ink tank 151 can be compactly stored in the left-right direction.
  • the flange coupling portions 158 of the ink supply devices 70E and 70G are arranged above the flange coupling portions 158 of the ink supply devices 70F and 70H. In the two adjacent ink supply devices 70E to 70H, at least a part of the flange coupling portion 158 is arranged so as to overlap each other with a predetermined overlap width OL.
  • the tank main body 152 has a lower wall 152A, a rear wall 152B, and a front wall 152C.
  • the lower wall 152A is formed with a lower opening (not shown) penetrating in the vertical direction.
  • the rear wall 152B extends upward from the lower wall 152A.
  • the front wall 152C faces the rear wall 152B.
  • the front wall 152C is inclined so as to be located rearward as it goes downward.
  • the front wall 152C has a slope shape that gradually slopes downward from the front to the rear.
  • the front wall 152C is inclined toward the ink outlet 152O. As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 152C is inclined downward as it approaches the main body 12. As a result, even if the user approaches the printer 10 when replenishing the ink 59, the user's foot is less likely to hit the ink tank 151.
  • the front wall 152C is an example of a tank inclined surface.
  • the tank body 152 has a hollow structure.
  • An ink storage chamber 154 is partitioned in the tank body 152.
  • a gas-liquid interface between air and ink 59 exists in the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the volume of the ink storage chamber 154 is typically larger than the volume of the supply bottle 400 (see FIG. 9).
  • the capacity of the ink 59 that can be accommodated in the ink storage chamber 154 is typically 1 L or more, for example, 1.5 to 2 L. In this way, the ink tank 151 can accommodate a larger amount of ink 59 than, for example, an ink cartridge as a consumable item.
  • the capacity of the ink 59 that can be stored in the ink storage chamber 154 may be approximately twice or more, for example, 3 to 5 times the capacity of the ink 59 stored in the supply bottle 400.
  • an ink outflow pipe 152F is formed on the rear wall 152B of the tank body 152.
  • the ink outflow tube 152F extends in a direction orthogonal to the rear wall 152B (front-rear direction in FIG. 8).
  • the downstream end of the ink outflow pipe 152F that is, the end on the side away from the ink storage chamber 154 is the ink outlet 152O.
  • One end of the ink flow path 40 specifically, the upstream end of the first flow path 40a is connected to the ink outlet 152O.
  • the ink 59 in the ink storage chamber 154 flows out from the ink outlet 152O to the first flow path 40a of the ink flow path 40 and is supplied to the ink head 20.
  • the lid body 153 is a member that covers the upper opening 152U of the tank body 152. As shown in FIG. 7, the lid body 153 has a rectangular shape in a plan view.
  • the lid body 153 includes a plate-shaped portion 153B extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 2, at least a part of the lid 153 is arranged below the main body 12. At least a part of the lid 153 is arranged above the upper end of the liquid feed pump 41.
  • the lid 153 is arranged below the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20. As shown in FIG. 5, in a plan view, at least a part of the lid 153 overlaps with the main body 12.
  • the lid body 153 is provided with an atmospheric communication unit 153A.
  • the atmospheric communication unit 153A is a member that maintains the inside of the ink storage chamber 154 in a state of atmospheric pressure and suppresses evaporation of the ink 59 in the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the air communication unit 153A opens the ink storage chamber 154 to the atmosphere.
  • the atmospheric communication unit 153A is a labyrinth structure that meanders the flow of the atmosphere.
  • the atmospheric communication portion 153A is arranged in front of the piping box portion 18R in the front-rear direction.
  • the air communication unit 153A is arranged on the side closer to the main body portion 12 (on the right side in FIG. 2) than the ink replenishment portion 190 of the ink supply device 70H.
  • the atmospheric communication portion 153A is arranged on the side closer to the main body portion 12 (on the right side in FIG. 2) than the front end 14t of the platen 14.
  • the air communication unit 153A is arranged in front of the liquid feed pump 41 and the deaerator 43 (on the left side in FIG. 2).
  • the air communication unit 153A is arranged above the upper end of the liquid feed pump 41.
  • the atmospheric communication portion 153A is arranged below the main body portion 12.
  • the atmospheric communication portion 153A is arranged below the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20.
  • a distance (for example, a distance of 1 cm or more) is secured between the air communication portion 153A and the main body portion 12 so that the atmosphere can flow.
  • FIG. 5 in a plan view, at least a part (here, all) of the atmospheric communication portion 153A overlaps with the main body portion 12.
  • the atmospheric communication portion 153A has a through hole 153H that penetrates the lid 153 in the vertical direction and communicates between the inside and the outside of the ink storage chamber 154, and the outer surface of the lid 153 (FIG. 7). It is provided on the upper surface) and includes a serpentine 153S that connects the through hole 153H and the atmosphere, and a resin film 153M that covers the through hole 153H and the serpentine 153S. In a plan view, the through hole 153H may overlap with the casing 19 (for example, the main body portion 12).
  • the meandering path 153S meanders in an elongated manner in order to lengthen the fluid flow path from the through hole 153H to the atmosphere.
  • the serpentine 153S is an example of an atmospheric communication groove.
  • the resin film 153M may be, for example, a porous film having minute pores that allow the passage of gas while blocking the passage of the ink 59.
  • the resin film 153M may be a film made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene.
  • the lid body 153 further includes a lid body opening 313 and an ink inflow pipe 153F.
  • the lid opening 313 is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank 151.
  • the "upper surface” includes the highest surface (top surface) in the vertical direction among the wall portions constituting the lid body 153, and refers to all the surfaces facing downward in the vertical direction.
  • the upper surface of the lid 153 may be a flat surface, for example, a horizontal surface, may have irregularities on the surface, may be curved, or may be inclined.
  • the lid opening 313 penetrates the lid 153 in the vertical direction.
  • the lid opening 313 is an example of an ink replenishment port.
  • the lid opening 313 is provided between the height of the waist and the height of the chest in a standard user's standing position, for example, at a height of about 70 to 110 cm. Has been done.
  • the user can replenish the ink 59 without bending the waist and bending or bending the knee and crouching. Therefore, the workload at the time of replenishing the ink of the user can be reduced.
  • the "waist height in a standing state of a standard user” means the waist height position of a standard operator who operates the printer 10, and is, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5640373 and Japanese Patent No. 5640373. It is the same as the height described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5942479.
  • Japanese it can be 845.9 mm for men and 768.8 mm for women.
  • foreigners for example, Americans
  • it can be 934.3 mm for men and 829.9 mm for women (according to the 1998 adult average data).
  • the lid opening 313 is provided in front of the casing 19. In plan view, at least a portion of the lid opening 313 does not overlap the casing 19. As a result, the user can add the ink 59 to the ink tank 151 without moving the ink tank 151, for example. Therefore, the ink 59 can be added even while the printer 10 is being used (for example, during printing).
  • the entire lid opening 313 is provided in front of the casing 19. In plan view, the entire lid opening 313 does not overlap the casing 19.
  • the lid opening 313 is arranged in front of the center line CL in the front-rear direction of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H. This makes it possible to improve the workability of the user when refilling ink.
  • the lid opening 313 overlaps the front wall 152C in a plan view.
  • the ink 59 replenished from the ink replenishment unit 190 typically moves in the ink storage chamber 154 along the front wall 152C.
  • the front wall 152C functions as a guide for guiding the ink 59 from the ink replenishing unit 190.
  • the ink 59 in the ink storage chamber 154 can be made to flow in one direction, and the ink 59 can be agitated. Further, even if the ink 59 is replenished vigorously, the bubbling of the ink 59 is suppressed. As a result, minute bubbles are less likely to be mixed with the ink 59, and the generated bubbles are less likely to overflow from the tank body 152.
  • the ink inflow pipe 153F extends along the vertical direction.
  • the lower end of the ink inflow tube 153F is the ink inflow port 153I.
  • One end of the ink flow path 40 specifically, the downstream end of the seventh flow path 40g, which is a part of the ink return flow path, is connected to the ink inflow port 153I.
  • the ink 59 that has flowed through the ink circulation flow path is returned to the ink storage chamber 154 from the ink inflow port 153I.
  • the ink inlet 153I projects into the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the ink inlet 153I is provided above the ink outlet 152O.
  • the ink inlet 153I overlaps the front wall 152C in a plan view.
  • the ink 59 flowing in from the ink inlet 153I moves in the ink storage chamber 154 along the front wall 152C.
  • the front wall 152C functions as a guide for guiding the ink 59 from the ink inlet 153I.
  • the ink 59 in the ink storage chamber 154 can be made to flow in one direction, and the ink 59 can be agitated.
  • foaming of the ink 59 is suppressed, and it becomes difficult for minute bubbles to be mixed with the ink 59.
  • the ink 59 containing minute bubbles is less likely to flow out into the ink flow path 40.
  • the ink amount detection unit 160 is a detection mechanism that detects the amount of ink (typically, the remaining amount of ink 59) in the ink storage chamber 154 of the ink tank 151 by using the head pressure of the ink 59. By utilizing the head pressure of the ink 59, the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 154 can be accurately detected over a long period of time.
  • the ink amount detecting unit 160 includes a pressure sensitive film 161, a detected member 162, an urging member 163, a sensor unit 164, and a casing 165.
  • the casing 165 is a case for accommodating the detected member 162, the urging member 163, and the sensor unit 164.
  • the casing 165 is made of, for example, a metal such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel, or a resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • the casing 165 may have a black appearance and a light-shielding property.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is a member whose degree of bending deformation changes according to the head pressure of the ink 59 in the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is attached to the lower wall 152A of the tank body 152. Specifically, it is attached along the edge of the lower opening of the lower wall 152A.
  • the pressure-sensitive film 161 constitutes a part of the lower surface (here, the bottom surface) of the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the material of the pressure-sensitive film 161 may be the same as that conventionally used for this type of application, and is not particularly limited.
  • the pressure sensitive membrane 161 is preferably made of a material having low gas permeability and water vapor permeability.
  • the surface of the pressure sensitive film 161 in contact with the ink is preferably made of a material having excellent ink corrosion resistance.
  • the pressure-sensitive film 161 is, for example, a resin film having a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensitive film 161 is a flexible film having flexibility.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is attached with a tension sufficient to bend and deform in a direction away from the lower opening 152D, in other words, in a direction away from the gas-liquid interface of the ink storage chamber 154 (lower part of FIG. 8).
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is displaced in a direction away from the ink storage chamber 154 (lower part in FIG. 8) due to the head pressure of the ink 59.
  • the pressure-sensitive film 161 is displaced in the direction away from the gas-liquid interface as the head pressure of the ink 59 stored in the ink storage chamber 154 increases.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is displaced in the direction approaching the ink storage chamber 154 (upper in FIG. 8). In other words, the pressure-sensitive film 161 is displaced in the direction closer to the gas-liquid interface as the head pressure of the ink 59 stored in the ink storage chamber 154 is lower.
  • the member to be detected 162 is a member that is detected by the sensor unit 164 when the pressure sensitive film 161 bends and deforms.
  • the member to be detected 162 is arranged outside and directly below the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the member to be detected 162 is arranged outside the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the member to be detected 162 is arranged inside the casing 165.
  • the member to be detected 162 does not come into contact with the ink 59 stored in the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the member to be detected 162 extends along the long side 151W of the casing 165.
  • the member to be detected 162 is preferably made of a lightweight material that is harder than the pressure-sensitive film 161 and does not hinder the displacement of the pressure-sensitive film 161.
  • the detected member 162 is supported on the rear surface of the casing 165.
  • the detected member 162 is configured to be tiltable with the rear end portion as a fulcrum portion (tilt center).
  • the detected member 162 tilts in a direction approaching the ink storage chamber 154 and a direction away from the ink storage chamber 154 (vertical direction in FIG. 8) in conjunction with the degree of bending deformation of the pressure sensitive film 161.
  • the position of the member to be detected 162 changes (that is, it is displaced).
  • the detected member 162 has a first shielding portion P1, a second shielding portion P2 extending upward from the upper end of the first shielding portion P1, and a third shielding portion extending upward from the upper end of the second shielding portion P2. It is provided with a unit P3.
  • the positions of the front ends of the first shielding portion P1 and the second shielding portion P2 are the same.
  • the positions of the rear ends of the second shielding portion P2 and the third shielding portion P3 are the same.
  • the urging member 163 is a member that directly or indirectly contacts the pressure-sensitive film 161 to urge the pressure-sensitive film 161 in the direction of approaching the ink storage chamber 154 (upper part of FIG. 8). One end of the urging member 163 is fixed to the lower surface of the detected member 162, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the casing 165. The urging member 163 is arranged outside the ink storage chamber 154. The urging member 163 is arranged inside the casing 165. The urging member 163 does not come into contact with the ink 59 stored in the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the urging member 163 may be the same as that conventionally used for this type of application, and is not particularly limited.
  • the urging member 163 may be made of metal.
  • the urging member 163 may be an elastic body.
  • the urging member 163 is a columnar coil spring in this embodiment.
  • the urging member 163 is maintained in a compressed state.
  • the urging member 163 urges the pressure sensitive film 161 in the direction of approaching the ink storage chamber 154 via the detected member 162.
  • the sensor unit 164 is a member that detects the position of the pressure sensitive film 161.
  • the sensor unit 164 is configured to indirectly detect the position of the pressure sensitive film 161 by detecting the position of the member to be detected 162.
  • the sensor unit 164 is arranged outside the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the sensor unit 164 is arranged inside the casing 165.
  • the sensor unit 164 does not come into contact with the ink 59 stored in the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the sensor unit 164 is electrically connected to the control device 80 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 80.
  • the sensor unit 164 includes a first sensor S1 and a second sensor S2.
  • the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are fixed to the wall surface of the casing 165 so that the positions in the vertical direction are the same.
  • the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are transmission type photo sensors (photo interrupters) which are a kind of non-contact type sensors. Since the photo sensor has a fast response time, it can perform accurate detection in real time.
  • the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 each have a light emitting unit (not shown) that irradiates light along an optical axis extending in the left-right direction, and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. doing.
  • the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the shielding portion 162D.
  • the head pressure of the ink 59 in the ink storage chamber 154 decreases.
  • the bending deformation of the pressure sensitive film 161 is alleviated by the urging force of the urging member 163.
  • the shielding unit 162D moves in the direction approaching the ink storage chamber 154 (upper part in FIG. 8)
  • the third shielding unit P3 reaches the detection position (between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit) of the first sensor S1.
  • the first sensor S1 is in the HIT state for detecting the third shielding portion P3.
  • the second sensor S2 is in the UNHIT state.
  • the bending deformation of the pressure sensitive film 161 is further alleviated.
  • the shielding unit 162D moves further upward, the second shielding unit P2 reaches the detection positions (between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit) of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2.
  • both the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are in the HIT state in which the second shielding portion P2 is detected.
  • the shielding unit 162D moves further upward, the first shielding unit P1 reaches the detection position (between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit) of the second sensor S2.
  • the second sensor S2 is in the HIT state for detecting the first shielding portion P1.
  • the first sensor S1 is in the UNHIT state.
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 is connected to the ink storage unit 150 via the lid opening 313.
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 is configured so that the ink 59 can be replenished from the ink replenishment supply bottle 400 (see FIG. 9).
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 is configured such that the supply bottle 400 can be attached and detached. Therefore, as compared with the case where the user holds the supply bottle for replenishment by hand and pours the ink, it is less likely that the ink 59 is spilled and wasted or the periphery of the printer 10 is contaminated.
  • the supply bottle 400 is an example of a replenishment container containing the replenishment ink 59.
  • the ink 59 contained in the supply bottle 400 is moved to the ink storage unit 150. Further, by removing the supply bottle 400 from the ink replenishment unit 190, the empty supply bottle 400 can be recovered.
  • FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the supply bottle 400.
  • the supply bottle 400 is represented in a typical market distribution state.
  • the direction when the supply bottle 400 is mounted on the ink replenishment unit 190 is used unless otherwise specified.
  • the supply bottle 400 at the time of market distribution is upside down from the direction when it is attached to the ink replenishment unit 190. However, this does not limit the installation mode of the supply bottle 400 and the like.
  • the supply bottle 400 is attached to a container body 410 containing ink 59, a bottle-side connecting portion 420 provided at one end of the container body 410 and attached to the ink replenishing unit 190, and a container body 410, and is a bottle at the time of market distribution. It has a cap 430 that covers the side connection portion 420.
  • the container body 410 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the lower portion is thinner than the upper portion.
  • the container body 410 has a hollow structure.
  • the volume of the supply bottle 400 is typically smaller than the volume of the ink reservoir 154.
  • the capacity of the ink 59 contained in the supply bottle 400 can be approximately 250 mL or more, typically 300 to 1000 mL, for example 500 mL.
  • the container body 410 has a first straight portion 411, a tapered portion 412, a second straight portion 413, a protruding portion 414, and a front end portion 415.
  • the first straight portion 411 constitutes an upper portion of the container body 410.
  • the first straight portion 411 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction.
  • the first straight portion 411 has a top surface that closes the upper end.
  • a tapered portion 412 is continuous below the first straight portion 411.
  • the tapered portion 412 is inclined so as to narrow in the direction of insertion into the mounting mechanism 192 (here, downward).
  • the tapered portion 412 is inclined so as to narrow downward.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 412 is formed here as a conical surface.
  • the shape of the tapered portion 412 is not limited to the conical surface, and may be formed in an R shape such as a part of a spherical surface.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion 412 forms a held surface 412a held by the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the second straight portion 413 is continuous below the tapered portion 412.
  • the second straight portion 413 is also formed in a cylindrical shape.
  • the diameter of the second straight portion 413 is smaller than the diameter of the first straight portion 411.
  • a protruding portion 414 is provided below the second straight portion 413.
  • the protruding portion 414 is also formed in a cylindrical shape.
  • the diameter of the protruding portion 414 is larger than the diameter of the second straight portion 413.
  • a front end portion 415 is provided below the protrusion 414. In the present embodiment, the front end portion 415 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the same diameter as the second straight portion 413.
  • the protruding portion 414 protrudes from the second straight portion 413 and the front end portion 415 in the radial direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the container body 410 has a first stepped surface 414a formed between the second straight portion 413 and the protruding portion 414, and a second stepped surface 414b formed between the protruding portion 414 and the front end portion 415. I have.
  • the first stepped surface 414a constitutes the upper surface of the protruding portion 414 and faces upward.
  • the second stepped surface 414b constitutes the lower surface of the protruding portion 414 and faces downward.
  • the first straight portion 411 occupies more than half the length of the entire container body 410 with respect to the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400. Therefore, the first stepped surface 414a is provided on the front side (lower side of FIG. 9) in the insertion direction with respect to the center of the supply bottle 400 in the insertion direction. As will be described in detail later, the first stepped surface 414a is an engaging portion with which the lock mechanism 290 (see FIG. 10), which will be described later, is engaged.
  • the lock mechanism 290 is a mechanism that regulates the upward movement of the supply bottle 400. When the supply bottle 400 is attached to the ink replenishment unit 190, the supply bottle 400 is held by the lock mechanism 290 below the half in the insertion direction.
  • the first straight portion 411 does not have to occupy more than half the length of the entire container body 410, and the supply bottle 400 does not necessarily have to be held on the front side of the half in the insertion direction.
  • a bottle-side connecting portion 420 is provided at the lower end of the container body 410, that is, at the lower end of the front end portion 415.
  • the bottle-side connection portion 420 is a portion connected to the tank-side connection portion 300 (see FIG. 10), which will be described later, when the supply bottle 400 is mounted on the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the bottle-side connecting portion 420 has an ink injection port 421 opened at an end (lower end) on the insertion direction side of the container body 410, and a sealing film 422 provided at the ink injection port 421.
  • a bottle-side tapered surface 421a having an inclination corresponding to the receiving-side tapered surface 215a1 (see FIG.
  • the tank-side connecting portion 300 is formed on the peripheral edge of the ink injection port 421, here, the inner peripheral surface of the ink injection port 421. Has been done.
  • the horizontal positions between the bottle-side connecting portion 420 and the tank-side connecting portion 300 are aligned.
  • the container body 410 has a fixed shape and is configured to maintain the above-mentioned shape regardless of the capacity of the ink 59.
  • the supply bottle 400 is held and engaged by the mounting mechanism 192. Further, as will be described in detail later, the supply bottle 400 presses the valve body 210 (see FIG. 10) provided in the mounting mechanism 192. Therefore, the supply bottle 400 is not configured to have flexibility like a pouch, but is configured to have stylistic properties.
  • the portion of the container body 410 that comes into contact with the ink, here the entire container body 410, is formed of resin so as not to chemically react with the ink.
  • the container body 410 is formed of a resin having resistance to ink 59 and light-shielding property, for example, opaque polypropylene (PP).
  • PP polypropylene
  • the appearance of the container body 410 may be black or brown because it can effectively block light.
  • a sealing film 422 is stretched above the tapered surface 421a on the bottle side so as to close the ink injection port 421.
  • the sealing film 422 is heat-welded to the periphery of the ink injection port 421, for example.
  • the sealing film 422 seals the supply bottle 400 with the ink 59 contained therein.
  • the sealing film 422 airtightly seals the ink injection port 421 of the container body 410.
  • the sealing film 222 is formed of, for example, a resin film such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a metal foil such as aluminum foil, or the like.
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 includes a replenishment port cover 191 and a mounting mechanism 192.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 covers the upper part of the mounting mechanism 192, specifically, the upper part of the insertion portion 270 and the opening portion 163O described later.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is a member that prevents dust and dirt from entering the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the refill port cover 191 is also a member that prevents light from entering the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the user opens the refill port cover 191 and inserts the supply bottle 400 into the mounting mechanism 192 to add the ink 59.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is arranged below the main body 12 and the operation panel 19C.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is arranged below the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20.
  • the distance between the upper end of the replenishment port cover 191 and the lower surface 20a of the ink head 20 may be approximately 50 to 200 mm, for example, 100 to 150 mm.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is arranged above the front end 14t of the platen 14.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is provided in front of the casing 19.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is arranged in front of the center line CL in the front-rear direction of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H. At least a part (here, all) of the replenishment port cover 191 is located in front of the main body portion 12.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 does not overlap with the casing 19.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 does not overlap the casing 19 at all in a plan view and is completely exposed.
  • the replenishment port cover 191 is arranged directly above the lid opening 313. Since the replenishment port cover 191 is exposed in a plan view, the ink 59 can be added to the ink tank 151 without moving the ink tank 151. Therefore, the ink 59 can be added even while the printer 10 is being used (for example, during printing).
  • the mounting mechanism 192 is configured so that the user can insert the supply bottle 400. Specifically, the mounting mechanism 192 is configured so that the container body 410 of the supply bottle 400 can be inserted while being sealed with the sealing film 422. Therefore, as compared with the case where the user removes the sealing film 422 by himself / herself, it is less likely that the ink 59 is spilled and wasted or the periphery of the printer 10 is soiled.
  • the mounting mechanism 192 is formed of, for example, a resin material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyacetal (POM), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • the portion of the mounting mechanism 192 that comes into contact with the supply bottle 400 may be made of a highly slidable resin, for example, POM.
  • the mounting mechanism 192 is provided on the upper portion of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H.
  • the mounting mechanism 192 is provided above the ink tank 151.
  • the ink 59 of the supply bottle 400 is moved to the ink tank 151 via the mounting mechanism 192 by the action of gravity.
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the mounting mechanism 192 of FIG.
  • the mounting mechanism 192 includes an insertion portion 270, a holding mechanism 280, and a tank-side connecting portion 300.
  • the insertion portion 270 is a portion that first comes into contact with the supply bottle 400.
  • the tank-side connection portion 300 is provided in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 with respect to the opening 271 of the insertion portion 270.
  • the tank side connection portion 300 is a portion to which the supply bottle 400 is connected.
  • the holding mechanism 280 is provided on the side and above the insertion portion 270.
  • the holding mechanism 280 is a mechanism for holding the supply bottle 400 in a state of being connected to the tank side connecting portion 300.
  • the holding mechanism 280 supports the supply bottle 400 so that the axis of the container body 410 is along the vertical direction.
  • the holding mechanism 280 may support the supply bottle 400 so that the axis of the container body 410 is tilted from the vertical direction.
  • the insertion portion 270 is a tubular member into which the supply bottle 400 is inserted.
  • the insertion portion 270 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a diameter slightly larger than that of the protrusion 214 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the insertion portion 270 extends in the vertical direction.
  • the insertion portion 270 has an opening 271 that opens upward, and is configured so that the supply bottle 400 can be inserted from above.
  • the holding mechanism 280 includes an inlet portion 281 arranged above the insertion portion 270 and a lock mechanism 290 provided on the side of the insertion portion 270.
  • the inlet 281 has a holding surface 281a that is inclined so as to correspond to the held surface 412a of the supply bottle 400.
  • the holding surface 281a has an inclination that widens toward the rear side (upper side in FIG. 10) of the supply bottle 400 in the insertion direction.
  • the holding surface 281a is formed on a conical surface.
  • the holding surface 281a is adjacent to the opening 271 of the insertion portion 270.
  • the holding surface 281a extends upward from the opening 271 and opens upward.
  • the holding surface 281a is made of the same material as the held surface 412a of the supply bottle 400.
  • the holding surface 281a is formed of a resin material. As a result, it is possible to prevent the held surface 412a from being worn or damaged as compared with the case where the holding surface 281a is made of a material (for example, a metal material) having a hardness significantly different from that of the held surface 412a. However, the material of the holding surface 281a does not have to be the same as the held surface 412a of the supply bottle 400.
  • the lock mechanism 290 is a mechanism that regulates the movement of the supply bottle 400 in a state of being connected to the tank side connection portion 300 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.
  • the lock mechanism 290 also functions as a stopper portion. That is, the lock mechanism 290 is configured to stop the supply bottle 400 from falling so that the supply bottle 400 is not connected to the tank side connection portion 300 simply by inserting the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270. In other words, the lock mechanism 290 prevents the supply bottle 400 from being connected to the tank side connection portion 300 only by its own weight.
  • the bottle-side connection portion 420 at the tip of the supply bottle 400 is located above the tank-side connection portion 300.
  • the lock mechanism 290 is provided on the rear side (upper side in FIG. 10) of the supply bottle 400 in the insertion direction with respect to the tank side connection portion 300. If the function as a stopper is not taken into consideration, the position of the lock mechanism 290 is not limited to the rear side of the tank side connection portion 300 in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the lock mechanism 290 includes a stopper 291, a first urging member 292, and an unlock switch 293.
  • the stopper 291 is inserted into a side hole 274 opened in the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270.
  • the stopper 291 extends in a substantially horizontal direction.
  • the stopper 291 is configured to be movable in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270.
  • the stopper 291 protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270 and comes into contact with the supply bottle 400 inserted into the insertion portion 270 (hereinafter, referred to as a lock position Pr).
  • an unlock position Pu A position outside the insertion portion 270 in the radial direction of the lock position Pr and allowing the supply bottle 400 inserted into the insertion portion 270 to pass laterally (see FIG. 13, hereinafter referred to as an unlock position Pu). And, it is configured to be movable. In the following, the state in which the stopper 291 protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270 is locked, and the state in which the stopper 291 retracts to the outside in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270. Also called unlocked state.
  • the first urging member 292 urges the stopper 291 so that the stopper 291 is held at the lock position Pr.
  • the unlock position Pu may be a position where the entire stopper 291 is retracted to the outside in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270, and is radially outside the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270. It may be a position where a part of the stopper 291 protrudes inward.
  • the stopper 291 includes a spring receiving surface 291a that receives the urging force of the first urging member 292.
  • the spring receiving surface 291a extends in the vertical direction.
  • the first urging member 292 is, here, a coil spring.
  • the first urging member 292 is provided in a compressed state.
  • the first urging member 292 is not limited to the coil spring, and may be a leaf spring or the like.
  • the first urging member 292 extends in the horizontal direction.
  • the first urging member 292 is compressed between the spring receiving surface 291a and the vertical surface 290a provided on the mounting mechanism 192 so as to face the spring receiving surface 291a. Therefore, the first urging member 292 presses the stopper 291 inward in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270.
  • the portion of the stopper 291 that protrudes into the insertion portion 270 has a receiving portion 291b that comes into contact with the supply bottle 400 when the supply bottle 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 270 while the stopper 291 is in the locked state.
  • the receiving portion 291b has an inclined surface 291b1 inclined from the outward side to the inward side in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270 along the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the inclined surface 291b1 faces upward.
  • the first pressing portion 215a is one of the pressing portions of the supply bottle 400 that abuts on the receiving portion 291b of the stopper 291 and presses the receiving portion 291b downward.
  • the first urging member 292 urges the stopper 291 so that when the receiving portion 291b receives a predetermined force in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400, the stopper 291 shifts to the unlocked state.
  • the stopper 291 is held inside the unlock position Pu.
  • the predetermined force is larger than the weight of the supply bottle 400 in which the ink 59 is contained.
  • the predetermined force is preferably larger than the weight of the supply bottle 400 when the ink 59 having a capacity of half or more is contained, and is larger than the weight of the supply bottle 400 when the ink 59 is contained to the full capacity. Is more preferable.
  • the stopper 291 retracts radially outward of the insertion portion 270 due to the weight of the supply bottle 400, it is still maintained at a position inside the unlock position Pu and abuts on the first pressing portion 415a.
  • the unlock switch 293 is formed in a rod shape and extends in the vertical direction.
  • the unlock switch 293 is configured to be pushable downward in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400, here.
  • the lower surface 293a of the unlock switch 293 is inclined from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270 along the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the inclined lower surface 293a of the lock release switch 293 is supported from below by the protrusion 291c provided on the stopper 291.
  • the protrusion 291c is formed in a substantially columnar shape extending in the left-right direction.
  • the upper surface 293b of the lock release switch 293 protrudes upward from the portion of the mounting mechanism 192 near the lock release switch 293.
  • the upper surface 293b of the unlock switch 293 is configured to be pressed by the user.
  • the unlock switch 293 is arranged side by side with the insertion portion 270. In the present embodiment, the unlock switches 293 are arranged side by side in front of the insertion portion 270.
  • FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the unlock switch 293 is pressed.
  • the lock release switch 293 is pushed in while the stopper 291 is located at the lock position Pr, the protrusion 291c of the stopper 291 is moved outward in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270 by the inclined lower surface 293a of the lock release switch 293. Pushed towards. As a result, the stopper 291 retracts outward in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270.
  • the unlock switch 293 is pushed in by a predetermined distance or more, the stopper 291 moves to the unlock position Pu.
  • the lock release switch 293 and the protrusion 291c of the stopper 291 constitute an release mechanism for moving the stopper 291 to the unlock position Pu against the urging force of the first urging member 292.
  • the release mechanism converts the force that pushes the lock release switch 293 in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 into a force that moves the stopper 291 radially outward of the insertion portion 270. As a result, the release mechanism moves the stopper 291 to the unlock position Pu.
  • the inclined lower surface 293a of the unlock switch 293 and the substantially cylindrical protrusion 291c of the stopper 291 exert a force to push the unlock switch 293 in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400, and the stopper 291 is inserted into the insertion portion 270. It constitutes a direction change part that converts the force to move outward in the radial direction of.
  • the configuration of the release mechanism is not limited to such a mechanism.
  • the insertion portion 270 includes a protrusion 275 protruding into the insertion portion 270.
  • the protrusion 275 is provided near the upper end of the insertion portion 270.
  • the vertical position of the protrusion 275 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, it is above the protrusion 214 of the supply bottle 400 mounted on the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the protrusion 275 is formed of, for example, elastic rubber.
  • the protrusion 275 allows the supply bottle 400 to pass through when the supply bottle 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 270, and when the supply bottle 400 is connected to the tank side connection portion 300, the protrusion 275 is viewed in the insertion direction. It is configured to overlap a part of the supply bottle 400.
  • the protrusion 275 is configured to overlap the protrusion 214 of the supply bottle 400 when viewed from above when the supply bottle 400 is connected to the tank side connection portion 300.
  • the method of inserting the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270 despite the presence of the protrusion 275 is not particularly limited, but for example, the supply bottle 400 may be inserted into the insertion portion 270 by deforming the elastic protrusion 275. Alternatively, the protrusion 275 may be avoided by moving the supply bottle 400 to the side opposite to the protrusion 275 and inserting it into the insertion portion 270. Alternatively, the protrusion 275 may be avoided by tilting the supply bottle 400 and inserting it into the insertion portion 270. In addition, two or more of the above methods may be used in combination. When the supply bottle 400 is moved directly upward from the state of being connected to the tank side connection portion 300, the protruding portion 214 of the supply bottle 400 collides with the protrusion 275 and receives resistance from the protrusion 275.
  • the portion of the supply bottle 400 that overlaps the protrusion 275 in the plan view is the protrusion 214, but the portion of the supply bottle 400 that overlaps the protrusion 275 in the plan view may be anywhere.
  • the tank side connection portion 300 is provided at the bottom portion 272 of the insertion portion 270.
  • the tank-side connecting portion 300 includes an ink passage 301, a valve body 310, a valve body contact portion 302, and a second urging member 303.
  • the ink passage 301 is a space below the valve body 310 and above the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the ink passage 301 communicates with the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the ink passage 301 connects the valve body 310 to which the supply bottle 400 is connected and the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the ink passage 301 is a space between the ink storage chamber 154 and the valve body 310.
  • the valve body 310 is provided between the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301.
  • the valve body 310 includes a needle portion 311 as a connection end that is connected to the supply bottle 400 when the supply bottle 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 270.
  • the valve body 310 is an example of an opening / closing mechanism that opens or closes between the needle portion 311 and the ink passage 301 in response to the supply bottle 400 being attached to or detached from the attachment mechanism 192.
  • the valve body 310 includes a needle portion 311 and an inflow port 312 provided in the needle portion 311 and a lid opening 313, and an internal flow path 314 connecting the inflow port 312 and the lid opening 313. ing.
  • the ink 59 moves from the insertion portion 270 to the ink passage 301 via the needle portion 311 of the valve body 310 and the internal flow path 314.
  • the needle portion 311 includes a sharp tip portion 311a that penetrates the sealing film 222 of the supply bottle 400 in a state where the supply bottle 400 is mounted on the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the tip portion 311a has a conical shape in which the diameter decreases upward.
  • the needle portion 311 is configured to be able to break through the sealing film 222.
  • a plurality of inflow ports 312 that open upward are formed in the needle portion 311.
  • the internal flow path 314 extends downward from the inflow port 312.
  • the internal flow path 314 penetrates the valve body 310 in the vertical direction.
  • a lid opening 313 is opened at the lower end of the internal flow path 314.
  • the valve body 310 includes a contact portion 315a that receives a force for inserting the supply bottle 400 when the supply bottle 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 270.
  • the supply bottle 400 comes into direct contact with the contact portion 315a.
  • the supply bottle 400 may indirectly contact the contact portion 315a via another member.
  • the contact portion 315a is provided on a disk-shaped receiving plate 315 extending in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the needle portion 311.
  • the contact portion 315a is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the receiving plate 315 and is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the contact portion 315a includes a receiving side tapered surface 315a1 that is inclined from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction along the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the receiving side tapered surface 315a1 is provided on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the tip portion 311a of the needle portion 311.
  • the receiving side tapered surface 315a1 is configured to fit into the bottle side tapered surface 421a formed in the ink injection port 421 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the valve body 310 moves downward when the supply bottle 400 is pushed into the insertion portion 270 and the bottle-side tapered surface 421a presses the receiving-side tapered surface 315a1.
  • the valve body 310 is configured to be movable in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270 and in the opposite direction.
  • the receiving side tapered surface 315a1 and the bottle side tapered surface 421a of the supply bottle 400 are inclined from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction along the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400. However, it may be inclined from the outer side to the inner side in the radial direction along the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the receiving-side tapered surface 315a1 and the bottle-side tapered surface 421a of the supply bottle 400 may be inclined so as to correspond to the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400, and the orientation and angle thereof are not limited.
  • FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stopper 291 is engaged with the supply bottle 400.
  • the engagement of the supply bottle 400 with the stopper 291 will be described later, but as shown in FIG. 12, the valve body 310 is configured to move downward with respect to the insertion portion 270 when pushed downward by the supply bottle 400.
  • the lid portion 316 is separated from the lid opening portion 313 in the vertical direction.
  • the upper portion of the valve body 310 on which the needle portion 311, the internal flow path 314, and the receiving plate 315 are formed and the lid portion 316 are connected by a connecting portion 317.
  • the upper end of the connecting portion 317 is connected to the upper portion of the valve body 310, and the lower end is connected to the lid portion 316.
  • the lid portion 316 is formed in a disk shape and extends in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the connecting portion 317.
  • a valve body side seal portion 316a is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lid portion 316.
  • the valve body side seal portion 316a has an inclination from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction along the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the mounting mechanism 192 includes a tank-side seal portion 302a1 having an inclination corresponding to the valve body-side seal portion 316a.
  • the tank-side seal portion 302a1 is provided on a cylindrical valve body contact portion 302 extending downward from the bottom portion 272 of the insertion portion 270.
  • the tank-side seal portion 302a1 is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the lower end 302a of the valve body contact portion 302. As shown in FIG.
  • valve body side seal portion 316a and the tank side seal portion 302a1 are in contact with each other.
  • the lid opening 313 and the ink passage 301 are closed by the contact between the valve body side seal portion 316a and the tank side seal portion 302a1.
  • the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301 are closed by the valve body 310.
  • the closure here may be a seal to prevent the passage of ink or air, or may be merely to prevent the passage of air or light.
  • the valve body 310 is provided between the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301, and is a position for closing between the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301 (hereinafter referred to as a closing position Pc). It is configured to be movable between a position called (see FIG. 10) and a position (hereinafter referred to as an opening position Po, see FIG. 12) that opens between the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301. As shown in FIGS.
  • the closed position Pc is the position of the valve body 310 which is the uppermost part of the movable range of the valve body 310 and in which the valve body side seal portion 316a and the tank side seal portion 302a1 come into contact with each other. ..
  • the open position Po is below the closed position Pc, and is the position of the valve body 310 where the valve body side seal portion 316a and the tank side seal portion 302a1 are separated from each other.
  • valve body 310 when the valve body 310 is located at the closed position Pc, the lid opening 313 is separated from the ink passage 301.
  • the valve body side seal portion 316a is located between the lid opening 313 and the ink passage 301 when the valve body 310 is located at the closed position Pc. As a result, the valve body side seal portion 316a closes between the lid opening 313 and the ink passage 301.
  • the second urging member 303 urges the valve body 310 so that the valve body 310 is held at the closed position Pc.
  • the second urging member 303 is a coil spring here.
  • the second urging member 303 is not limited to the coil spring, and may be, for example, a leaf spring or the like.
  • the second urging member 303 is arranged in a compressed state between the lower surface 315b of the receiving plate 315 of the valve body 310 and the spring seat surface 302b provided on the valve body contact portion 302.
  • the spring seat surface 302b is arranged below the lower surface 315b of the receiving plate 315 and extends in the horizontal direction.
  • the second urging member 303 urges the valve body 310 so that when the contact portion 315a of the valve body 310 is pushed in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 with a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force, the valve body 310 moves to the open position Po. doing.
  • the valve body 310 moves to the open position Po when the contact portion 315a is pushed in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 with a force equal to or greater than the predetermined force. Therefore, when the supply bottle 400 is mounted on the mounting mechanism 192, the ink storage chamber 154 and the inside of the supply bottle 400 communicate with each other.
  • the spring seat surface 302b is provided with a bypass passage 304 penetrating in the vertical direction.
  • the bypass passage 304 connects the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301.
  • the bypass passage 304 is a passage that connects the insertion portion 270 and the ink passage 301 by a route different from the internal flow path 314 of the valve body 310.
  • the valve body 310 closes between the bypass passage 304 and the ink passage 301 at the closing position Pc.
  • the valve body 310 opens between the bypass passage 304 and the ink passage 301 at the opening position Po.
  • the bypass passage 304 is also closed when the supply bottle 400 is not mounted on the mounting mechanism 192. Further, when the supply bottle 400 is mounted on the mounting mechanism 192, the bypass passage 304 is opened.
  • the bypass passage 304 is arranged below the inflow port 312 of the valve body 310.
  • the user In order to mount the supply bottle 400 on the mounting mechanism 192, the user first opens the replenishment port cover 191 and inserts the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270. Specifically, the user inserts the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270 while holding the supply bottle 400 so as to avoid collision between the protrusion 214 of the supply bottle 400 and the protrusion 275 of the insertion portion 270.
  • the supply bottle 400 is once held in the state shown in FIG. That is, the supply bottle 400 is not connected to the tank side connection portion 300 simply by dropping the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270. As a result, the unintended connection between the supply bottle 400 and the tank side connection portion 300 is suppressed.
  • FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the valve body 310 and the ink injection port 421 of the supply bottle 400 are in contact with each other.
  • FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stopper 291 is engaged with the supply bottle 400 as described above.
  • the tip portion 311a of the needle portion 311 of the valve body 310 comes into contact with the sealing film 222 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the needle portion 311 breaks through the sealing film 222 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the inflow port 312 formed in the needle portion 311 penetrates into the inside of the supply bottle 400, the ink 59 contained in the supply bottle 400 flows into the inflow port 312. In this process, a part of the ink 59 does not flow into the inflow port 312 and spills into the insertion portion 270.
  • the valve body 310 when the needle portion 311 breaks through the sealing film 222 of the supply bottle 400, the valve body 310 is immobile due to the urging of the second urging member 303.
  • the urging force of the second urging member 303 may be set to be smaller than the resistance when the needle portion 311 breaks through the sealing film 222 of the supply bottle 400, and therefore the valve body 310 is set downward at this time. You may move. In other words, at this time, the supply bottle 400 and the tank side connection portion 300 may communicate with each other.
  • the inclined surface 291b1 of the stopper 291 abuts on the lower corner (front corner in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400) 214c of the protruding portion 214 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the front corner 214c is a second pressing portion that comes into contact with the receiving portion 291b of the stopper 291 and presses the receiving portion 291b.
  • the stopper 291 is pushed downward by the front corner 214c and moves outward in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270 due to the effect of the inclination of the inclined surface 291b1.
  • the front corner 214c moves below the inclined surface 291b1, and the stopper 291 comes into contact with the side surface of the protrusion 214 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the bottle-side tapered surface 421a of the supply bottle 400 is in contact with the receiving-side tapered surface 315a1 of the valve body 310. ..
  • the force for pushing the supply bottle 400 downward is directly transmitted to the valve body 310.
  • the valve body 310 moves downward.
  • the valve body 310 moves from the closed position Pc to the open position Po, for example, as shown in FIG.
  • the inside of the supply bottle 400 and the ink passage 301 communicate with each other.
  • the ink 59 inside the supply bottle 400 moves to the ink passage 301.
  • the supply bottle 400 When the supply bottle 400 is further pushed downward from the state shown in FIG. 11, the supply bottle 400 shifts to the locked state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, in the locked state, the protruding portion 214 is located in front of the stopper 291 in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400. In the locked state, the stopper 291 is in contact with the first stepped surface 214a formed between the protruding portion 214 and the second straight portion 213.
  • the second straight portion 213 is adjacent to the protruding portion 214 on the rear side in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400, and is configured to be smaller in diameter in the radial direction than the protruding portion 214.
  • a first stepped surface 214a facing upward is formed between the protruding portion 214 and the second straight portion 213.
  • the stopper 291 restricts the supply bottle 400 from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction by abutting on the first stepped surface 214a as the engaging portion.
  • the tank-side connecting portion 300 includes a needle portion 311 as a connection end that comes into contact with the supply bottle 400, and a second urging member 303 that urges the needle portion 311 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the stopper 291 of the lock mechanism 290 protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface 273 of the insertion portion 270 due to the urging of the first urging member 292, and the supply It engages with the first stepped surface 214a as an engaging portion provided on the bottle 400, and restricts the supply bottle 400 from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.
  • the stopper 291 regulates the movement of the supply bottle 400 in the opposite direction of the insertion direction, and the second urging member 303 urges the supply bottle 400 in the opposite direction of the insertion direction, whereby a part of the supply bottle 400 is released. It is sandwiched from above and below by the stopper 291 and the valve body 310. As a result, the supply bottle 400 is fixed to the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the holding surface 281a as a part of the holding mechanism 280 holds the held surface 412a formed on the tapered portion 212 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the contact between the holding surface 281a inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 and the held surface 412a receives a force for the supply bottle 400 to rotate, and the fixed state of the supply bottle 400 is stabilized.
  • the stopper 291 is provided only on the front side of the supply bottle 400. Therefore, due to the urging force of the second urging member 303, the supply bottle 400 tends to rotate in the urging direction of the second urging member 303 about the portion in contact with the stopper 291.
  • the holding surface 281a and the held surface 412a receive this rotational force. However, a part of the rotational force may be received by the vertical plane of the inlet portion 281 of the holding mechanism 280. As a result, the supply bottle 400 can be stably supported in the insertion direction.
  • a part of the supply bottle 400 is located outside the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the user can easily attach / detach the supply bottle 400 by grasping the portion (here, the first straight portion 411) protruding outward from the mounting mechanism 192 of the supply bottle 400.
  • the supply bottle 400 may be entirely housed inside the mounting mechanism 192 while being held by the holding mechanism 280.
  • the mounting mechanism 192 may be provided with a sensor or the like for confirming that the supply bottle 400 has been mounted.
  • the printer 10 may be configured to display a display prompting the removal of the supply bottle 400 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply bottle 400 is confirmed to be attached.
  • the predetermined time is longer than the time required for all the ink 59 in the supply bottle 400 to move to the ink tank 151.
  • the time required for all the ink 59 in the supply bottle 400 to move to the ink tank 151 is measured in advance.
  • the lock release switch 293 When removing the supply bottle 400 from the mounting mechanism 192, the lock release switch 293 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 13, when the unlock switch 293 is pressed, the protrusion 291c of the stopper 291 is pushed outward in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270 by the inclined lower surface 293a of the unlock switch 293. .. As a result, the stopper 291 retracts outward in the radial direction of the insertion portion 270. When the unlock switch 293 is pushed in by a predetermined distance or more, the stopper 291 moves to the unlock position Pu. As a result, the supply bottle 400 is released from being fixed. According to the configuration of the unlock mechanism, the supply bottle 400 can be unlocked by a simple operation of pressing the unlock switch 293.
  • the lock release switch 293 is arranged side by side with the insertion portion 270, and is configured to be able to be pushed in the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400.
  • the lock is released by pressing the unlock switch 293. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand how to release the lock.
  • the supply bottle 400 When the lock is released, the supply bottle 400 receives the urging force of the second urging member 303 via the valve body 310. Therefore, when the lock is released, the supply bottle 400 receives the urging force of the second urging member 303 and is moved in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.
  • the protrusion 275 of the insertion portion 270 is provided to limit the movement of the supply bottle 400. If the protrusion 275 is not provided, the supply bottle 400 moves too fast when the lock is released, for example, the ink 59 remaining in the supply bottle 400 scatters or the supply bottle 400 flies. There is a risk of chilling.
  • the protrusion 275 is provided to avoid such a problem.
  • the protrusion 275 is configured to overlap the protrusion 214 of the supply bottle 400 when viewed from above when the supply bottle 400 is connected to the tank side connection portion 300. Therefore, when the lock of the supply bottle 400 is released from the state of being connected to the tank side connection portion 300, the protruding portion 214 of the supply bottle 400 collides with the protrusion 275. As a result, the supply bottle 400 receives resistance from the protrusion 275. As a result, the speed at which the supply bottle 400 separates from the mounting mechanism 192 is reduced.
  • the valve body 310 moves to the closed position Pc again. As a result, the communication with the ink tank 151 is released.
  • the ink 59 is photocurable, it is preferably stored in a state where it is not irradiated with light. Further, in order to prevent drying, it is still preferable that the ink 59 is stored in a state where it does not come into contact with the outside air.
  • the printer 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the valve body 310 closes between the ink passage 301 and the insertion portion 270 except when the supply bottle 400 is mounted on the mounting mechanism 192. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink 59 contained in the ink tank 151 from being irradiated with light and being exposed to the outside air.
  • FIG. 14 is a front view of the right side portion 19R in a state where the supply bottles 400a and 400b are attached to the ink supply devices 70G and 70H, respectively.
  • FIG. 15 is a right side view of the printer 10 in a state where the supply bottles 400a and 400b are attached to the ink supply devices 70G and 70H, respectively.
  • the printer 10 is configured so that ink 59 can be simultaneously added to a plurality of ink supply devices 70G and 70H from a plurality of supply bottles 400a and 400b.
  • the supply bottles 400a and 400b have the same shape as the supply bottle 400 and contain ink 59 containing different coloring materials.
  • an interval DL is secured between adjacent supply bottles 400a and 400b so that a standard user's finger can be inserted.
  • the interval DL is typically not less than or equal to the diameter of the supply bottles 400a and 400b, and may be approximately 20 mm or more, for example 20 to 50 mm.
  • the control device 80 includes a feed motor (not shown), a carriage motor 16a of the carriage 30, a piezoelectric element of the ink head 20, a motor 42 of the liquid feed pump 41, a vacuum pump 44 of the degassing device 43, and pressure. It is communicably connected to the regulating valve 46 and the sensor unit 164 of the ink amount detecting unit 160, and controls their operations.
  • the hardware configuration of the control device 80 is not particularly limited.
  • the control device 80 stores, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving print data or the like, a central processing unit (CPU: central processing unit) for executing instructions of a control program, a program executed by the CPU, or the like. It may be provided with a CPU (read only memory) and a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for deploying a program.
  • the control device 80 includes a print control unit 81, a determination unit 82, and a notification unit 83.
  • Each part of the control device 80 may be composed of software or hardware.
  • Each part of the control device 80 may be realized by one or more processors, or may be incorporated in a circuit.
  • the print control unit 81 is a control unit that executes a print operation based on print data.
  • the print control unit 81 conveys the recording medium 5 in the front-rear direction (sub-scanning direction) by controlling the feed motor.
  • the print control unit 81 controls the movement of the carriage 30 and the ink head 20 in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) by controlling the carriage motor 16a.
  • the print control unit 81 controls the ejection of ink 59 from the nozzle 21 by controlling the piezoelectric element of the ink head 20.
  • the print control unit 81 controls the motor 42 of the liquid feed pump 41 to adjust the flow and stop of the ink 59 in the ink flow path 40 and the liquid feed amount.
  • the print control unit 81 degass the ink 59 by controlling the vacuum pump 44 of the degassing device 43. By controlling the opening and closing of the pressure adjusting valve 46, the print control unit 81 switches the communication state between the sixth flow path 40f and the seventh flow path 40g, and adjusts the pressures of the ink head 20 and the ink flow path 40. ..
  • the determination unit 82 is a control unit that determines the amount of ink in the ink tank 151 based on the communication result of the ink amount detection unit 160 with the sensor unit 164.
  • the determination unit 82 controls the light emitting unit of the first sensor S1 and the light emitting unit of the second sensor S2 to irradiate the light.
  • the light receiving amount is input to the determination unit 82 from the light emitting unit of the first sensor S1 and the light receiving unit of the second sensor S2.
  • the determination unit 82 detects that the sensor has switched from the UNHIT state to the HIT state when the light receiving amount changes to or less than a predetermined reference value for each of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2.
  • the reference value is stored in the determination unit 82 in advance.
  • the notification unit 83 is a control unit that notifies the user of the determination result of the determination unit 82.
  • the method of notifying the user is not particularly limited.
  • the notification unit 83 may display the display unit 19D of the printer 10 with characters, illustrations, or the like to indicate that the ink is in the ink end state, and visually notify the user.
  • the notification unit 83 may give a notification by voice such as a buzzer or an announcement, for example.
  • the notification unit 83 may issue a warning or the like urging the user to replenish the ink 59.
  • the printer 10 As described above, in the printer 10, at least a part of the space that has been a dead space in the past, for example, the space under the main body 12 and the space in front of the piping boxes 18L and 18R and on the side of the platen 14 A plurality of ink supply devices 70A to 70H are arranged in effective use. Therefore, it is possible to secure the installation space of the large-capacity ink tank 151 while saving the space of the printer 10. As a result, the dead space of the printer 10 can be reduced, the installation area of the printer 10 can be reduced, and the capacity of the ink tank 151 can be increased.
  • the printer 10 at least a part (for example, all) of the lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313 is exposed from the casing (cover body) 19 in a plan view. Specifically, it is exposed from the main body 12. This allows the user to add ink 59 to the ink tank 151 without, for example, removing the ink tank 151 from the printer 10 or pulling it forward. Therefore, the ink 59 can be added even while the printer 10 is being used (for example, during printing).
  • the lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313 is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank 151.
  • the capacity of the ink 59 that can be stored in the ink storage chamber 154 can be increased, and the capacity of the ink tank 151 can be suitably increased.
  • the ink tank 151 is located in front of the casing (cover body) 19 in a plan view. Specifically, it is located in front of the main body 12.
  • the user can add ink 59 from the front of the printer 10 while checking, for example, the display unit 19D and the progress of printing.
  • the entire lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313 is provided so as not to overlap the casing (cover body) 19 in a plan view. Specifically, it is provided so as not to overlap with the main body portion 12. This makes it possible to improve the workability of the user when refilling ink.
  • the lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313 is provided in front of the center line CL in the front-rear direction of the ink tank 151. This makes it possible to improve the workability of the user when refilling ink.
  • the lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313 is provided at a position equal to or higher than the waist height in the standing state of the user.
  • the user can replenish the ink 59 without bending and bending his hips or bending his knees and crouching. Therefore, the workload at the time of replenishing the ink of the user can be reduced.
  • the printer 10 of the present embodiment further includes a platen 14 that supports the recording medium, and an ink flow path 40 that has one end connected to the ink tank 151 and the other end connected to the ink head 20.
  • At least a part of the casing (cover body) 19 is arranged on the side of the platen 14, and at least a part of the components constituting the ink flow path 40 (for example, the liquid feed pump 41, the motor 42, the degassing device 43, etc.)
  • a piping box portion 18L, 18R for accommodating one or more of the vacuum pumps 44) is provided.
  • the ink tank 151 is fixed to the piping box portions 18L and 18R. As a result, poor connection between the ink tank 151 and the ink flow path 40 is less likely to occur, as compared with the case where the ink tank 151 itself is detachable or movable, for example. Therefore, the ink 59 can be stably supplied to the ink head 20.
  • the casing (cover body) 19 extends from the left side to the right side of the platen 14.
  • the main body 12 extends from the left side to the right side of the platen 14.
  • Ink tanks 151 are provided on the left side and the right side of the platen 14, respectively.
  • a part of the component components (for example, the pressure adjusting valve 46) constituting the ink flow path 40 is a casing (cover) in front of the piping box portions 18L and 18R and in the vertical direction. It is provided between the body) 19 and the ink tank 151. Specifically, it is provided between the main body 12 and the ink tank 151. As a result, the dead space of the printer 10 can be effectively utilized.
  • the ink flow path 40 includes a degassing device 43 for degassing ink, and at least a part of the degassing device 43 is provided inside the piping box portions 18L and 18R.
  • the degassing device 43 includes, for example, a vacuum pump 44, and tends to be generally large in size. However, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the set area of the printer 10.
  • the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 containing the replenishment ink 59 is connected to the insertion portion 270 into which the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 is detachably inserted and the lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313.
  • the tank side connection part (connection part) 300 to which the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 inserted into the insertion part 270 is connected, and the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 are connected to the tank side connection part (connection part) 300.
  • a holding mechanism 280 for holding in a state is further provided.
  • the ink passage 301 connecting the tank side connection portion (connection portion) 300 and the lid opening (ink replenishment port) 313 and the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 can be attached or detached.
  • a valve body (opening / closing mechanism) 310 that opens or closes between the tank-side connecting portion (connecting portion) 300 and the ink passage 301 is further provided.
  • the holding mechanism 280 is arranged in front of the casing (cover body) 19. Specifically, it is arranged in front of the main body portion 12 and the piping box portions 18L and 18R. This makes it possible to improve the workability of the user when refilling ink.
  • an operation panel (input unit) 19C for the user to input information related to printing is provided on the front surface of the casing (cover body) 19, specifically, the front surface of the main body unit 12, and is a holding mechanism.
  • the 280 is arranged in front of the operation panel (input unit) 19C, and in a state where the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 is held by the holding mechanism 280, the upper end of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 is the operation panel (replenishment container).
  • Input unit) It is configured to be located below 19C in the vertical direction. As a result, the user can input information to the operation panel 19C even while the ink 59 is being added.
  • a display unit 19D for displaying information related to printing is provided on the front surface of the casing (cover body) 19, specifically, the front surface of the main body unit 12, and the holding mechanism 280 is a display unit. It is arranged in front of the 19D, and when the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 is held by the holding mechanism 280, the upper end of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 is located vertically below the display unit 19D. It is configured in. As a result, the user can check the display unit 19D even while the ink 59 is being added.
  • the volume of the ink tank 151 is larger than the volume of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400.
  • the number of times the ink 59 is added during printing can be reduced.
  • ink is less likely to run out.
  • the workload of the user at the time of ink replenishment can be reduced.
  • the printer 10 of the present embodiment there are a plurality of holding mechanisms 280, and the plurality of holding mechanisms 280 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and supply bottles (replenishment containers) 400 are held in each of the plurality of holding mechanisms 280.
  • the interval DL into which the user's finger enters is secured between the adjacent supply bottles (replenishment containers) 400.
  • the user can add ink 59 from the plurality of supply bottles 400 at the same time when the ink 59 is reduced at the same time in the adjacent ink supply devices 70E to 70H. Therefore, the ink 59 can be added efficiently.
  • the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 includes a container main body 410 in which the ink 59 is stored and an ink injection port 421 formed at one end of the container main body 410, and is provided with an insertion portion 270.
  • the holding mechanism 280 is a supply bottle (replenishment) with the ink injection port 421 facing downward in the vertical direction.
  • Container is configured to hold 400.
  • the ink 59 of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 moves downward (on the side of the ink storage chamber 154) due to its own weight. Therefore, a device or mechanism for moving ink from the supply bottle to the ink tank becomes unnecessary.
  • the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 includes a held surface 412a inclined so as to narrow in the insertion direction into the insertion portion 270, and the holding mechanism 280 corresponds to the held surface 412a.
  • the holding surface 281a is provided so as to be inclined.
  • the holding surface 281a and the held surface 412a are made of the same material, for example, a resin material.
  • the holding surface 281a or the held surface 412a is worn by the other, as compared with the case where the holding surface 281a and the held surface 412a are made of materials having significantly different hardness (for example, a resin material and a metal material). It can be suppressed.
  • the weight of the supply bottle 400 can be reduced.
  • the insertion direction of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 into the insertion portion 270 is the vertical direction
  • the holding mechanism 280 inserts the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 so as to extend in the vertical direction. It is configured to hold.
  • the user can easily mount the supply bottle 400 on the mounting mechanism 192 by grasping the portion (for example, the first straight portion 411) protruding upward from the holding mechanism 280 of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400.
  • the supply bottle 400 can be easily detached from the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the holding mechanism 280 causes the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 in a state of being connected to the tank side connection portion (connection portion) 300 to move in the direction opposite to the insertion direction into the insertion portion 270. It is provided with a locking mechanism 290 to regulate. Thereby, the connection between the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 and the tank side connection portion 300 can be made more stable.
  • the portions of the ink tank 151 and the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 in contact with the ink are both formed of a resin material.
  • the ink 59 is a photocurable ink and the portion of the ink tank 151 and the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 in contact with the ink is made of metal, the photocurable ink and the metal may chemically react with each other. This may cure the photocurable ink.
  • the portion of the ink tank 151 and the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 in contact with the ink is made of resin, the curing of the photocurable ink 59 can be suppressed.
  • the ink tank 151 is a tank body (lower member) having an upper opening (opening) 152U and a flange portion 152E provided around the upper opening (opening) 152U. 152, a plate-shaped portion 153B arranged above the tank body (lower member) 152 and covering the upper opening (opening) 152U, and a flange portion 153E provided around the lid (plate-shaped portion) 153. It is provided with a lid body (upper member) having the above, and a flange connecting portion 158 for connecting the flange portion 152E of the tank body (lower member) 152 and the flange portion 153E of the lid body (upper member).
  • the large-capacity ink tank 151 can be manufactured relatively easily and at low cost.
  • the configuration can be simplified and the man-hours required for assembly can be reduced.
  • the risk of ink leakage can be reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the amount of ink in the ink amount detecting unit 160 can be improved.
  • the printer 10 of the present embodiment there are a plurality of ink tanks 151, and the plurality of ink tanks 151 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the flange coupling portions 158 of the adjacent ink tanks 151 are displaced in the vertical direction. ing. As a result, the large-capacity ink tank 151 can be compactly arranged in the left-right direction.
  • the flange coupling portions 158 of the adjacent ink tanks 151 are overlapped with each other in the overlapping width OL in the plan view.
  • the large-capacity ink tank 151 can be compactly arranged in the left-right direction.
  • the ink tank 151 is provided on the upper surface with an atmospheric communication portion 153A that communicates the inside of the ink tank 151 with the atmosphere, and at least a part of the atmospheric communication portion 153A is a casing (cover) in the vertical direction. It is arranged vertically below (here, directly below) the casing (cover body) 19 in a state where the air can flow between the body) 19 and the casing (cover body) 19. Specifically, it is arranged in a state where an interval at which the atmosphere can flow is secured between the main body portion 12 and the main body portion 12.
  • the air communication unit 153A may be completely blocked or the resin film 153M may be damaged.
  • the air communication part 153A By arranging at least a part of the air communication part 153A vertically below the casing (cover body) 19, specifically, the main body 12, it is possible to prevent the air communication part 153A from being unintentionally blocked. Can be done. Further, it is possible to prevent the resin film 153M from being damaged. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ink 59 from volatilizing more than expected and causing a change in the physical properties of the ink 59 beyond the guarantee.
  • the lid opening (ink refilling port) 313 is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank 151, and in a plan view, at least a part of the lid opening (ink refilling port) 313 is a casing. (Cover body) It is arranged so as not to overlap with 19. Specifically, it is provided so as not to overlap with the main body portion 12. As a result, the user can add ink 59 from the front side of the printer 10 when the ink 59 in the ink tank 151 is low.
  • each of the plurality of ink tanks 151 has a front wall (tank inclined surface) 152C formed so as to incline downward from the front to the rear.
  • the ink 59 replenished from the ink replenishing unit 190 easily moves in the ink storage chamber 154 along the front wall 152C, and foaming of the ink 59 is suppressed.
  • the front wall of the ink tank 151 is vertical or is formed so as to be inclined forward, even if the user approaches the printer 10 when adding the ink 59, the user's foot is inked. It becomes difficult to hit the tank 151. Therefore, it is possible to improve the workability of the user when refilling ink.
  • the front end 14t of the platen 14 is located in front of all the front ends 70t of the plurality of ink tanks 151 in the side view.
  • the recording medium 5 is guided by the platen 14 to the front of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H. Therefore, the user can easily pick up the recording medium 5 after printing is completed by inserting his / her hands into both side surfaces of the platen 14.
  • the printer 10 according to this embodiment has been described above.
  • the inkjet printer according to the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the present invention can be carried out based on the contents disclosed in the present specification and common general technical knowledge in the art.
  • the techniques described in the claims include various modifications and modifications of the embodiments illustrated above. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the above-described embodiment with another modification, and it is also possible to add another modification to the above-described embodiment. Further, the above-described embodiment and the following modified modes can be appropriately combined. Further, if the technical feature is not explained as essential, it can be deleted as appropriate.
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side portion of the inkjet printer 500.
  • FIG. 17 is a part of the right side view of the inkjet printer 500.
  • ink supply devices 70I to 70P are provided on the right side portion 19R of the casing 19.
  • the specific configuration of the ink supply devices 70I to 70P may be the same as that of the ink supply devices 70A to 70H described above.
  • 16 and 17 show a state in which the supply bottle 400 is attached to each of the eight ink supply devices 70I to 70P. Further, in FIG. 17, the ink replenishment portion 190 and the air communication portion 153A provided on the upper part of the lid body 153 are covered with the lid body cover 153C.
  • eight ink supply devices 70I to 70P are arranged in two rows along the left-right direction.
  • the eight ink supply devices 70I to 70P are arranged in a staggered manner in the front-rear direction. That is, the ink supply devices 70I to 70L are arranged in front of the ink supply devices 70M to 70P.
  • the ink supply devices 70I to 70L on the front side are supported by the piping box portion 18R via an L-shaped support member 18M.
  • the ink supply devices 70I to 70L on the front side are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction.
  • the ink supply devices 70I to 70L on the front side are aligned in the vertical direction.
  • the ink supply devices 70M to 70P on the rear side are directly supported by the piping box portion 18R.
  • the ink supply devices 70M to 70P on the rear side are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction.
  • the ink supply devices 70M to 70P on the rear side are aligned in the vertical direction.
  • the ink supply devices 70I to 70L are examples of ink tanks located on the rear side, and the ink supply devices 70M to 70P are examples of the ink tanks located on the front side.
  • the ink supply device 70L on the front side is arranged below the ink supply device 70P on the rear side.
  • the front wall (tank inclined surface) 152C of the ink tank 151 of the ink supply device 70P on the rear side overlaps with the ink tank 151 of the ink supply device 70L on the front side. That is, the front wall 152C of the ink tank 151 of the ink supply device 70P on the rear side has a slope shape that gradually inclines downward from the front to the rear, similarly to the ink supply devices 70A to 70H described above. Therefore, there is a space portion that is a dead space in front of and below the front wall 152C.
  • the ink supply device 70L on the front side is inserted by effectively utilizing the space portion of the ink supply device 70P on the rear side.
  • the ink outflow pipe 152F of the ink supply device 70L on the front side is arranged above the ink outflow pipe 152F of the four ink supply devices 70P on the rear side.
  • the position of the ink outflow tube 152F of the ink supply device 70L on the front side and the position of the ink outflow tube 152F of the ink supply device 70P on the rear side are deviated from each other.
  • the piping and wiring of the ink flow paths 40 of the ink supply devices 70I to 70L on the front side can be satisfactorily routed to the piping box portion 18R side.
  • the first flow path 40a can be passed through the inside of the support member 18M and extended to the inside of the piping box portion 18R.
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 is provided with a mounting mechanism 192, and the supply bottle 400 is detachably configured.
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 is a through hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and may be configured so that the user can pour ink 59 from the supply bottle 400.
  • the ink replenishing unit 190 may not have, for example, a holding mechanism 280, and may be configured to hold the supply bottle 400 in a state where the user holds it in his / her hand.
  • the ink replenishment unit 190 may not have, for example, the lock mechanism 290, and may be configured such that the supply bottle 400 starts the replenishment of the ink 59 only by its own weight.
  • the ink tank 151 is composed of a tank body (lower member) 152 and a lid body (upper member) 153, and the entire tank body 152 is located above the entire lid body 153. It was. However, it is not limited to this.
  • the ink tank 151 is, for example, provided with any of the following: (1) a member forming a part of the ink tank 151 is provided between the tank body 152 and the lid 153; (2) above the tank body 152, A member forming a part of the ink tank 151 is provided; (3) a member forming a part of the ink tank 151 is provided below the lid 153; (4) a step is formed at the lower end of the tank body 152. At the same time, a step is formed at the upper end of the lid 153, and a part of the lower end of the tank body 152 is located below a part of the upper end of the lid 153; May be good.
  • the ink inlet 153I and the lid opening 313 overlap with the slope-shaped front wall 152C in a plan view.
  • the ink inlet 153I and / or the lid opening 313 does not have to overlap the front wall 152C.
  • the atmospheric communication portion 153A provided in the lid 153 is a labyrinth structure including a through hole 153H, a serpentine 153S, and a resin film 153M.
  • the air communication unit 153A is composed of a conventionally known gas-liquid separator such as a mesh-shaped gas-liquid separator, a centrifugal separator, a surface tension separator, a gravity separator, and a corelesser. May be good.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is arranged on the lower wall 152A of the tank body 152.
  • the pressure-sensitive film 161 may be arranged in a lower portion of a side wall (horizontal wall) extending along the vertical direction of the tank body 152.
  • a side opening may be formed on the side wall of the tank body 152, and the pressure sensitive film 161 may be attached to the tank body 152 so as to close the side opening.
  • the urging member 163 may be attached to the pressure sensitive film 161 so as to be stretchable in the horizontal direction.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 is made of a flexible film. However, it is not limited to this.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 does not have to have flexibility.
  • the pressure sensitive film 161 may be, for example, a rubber member.
  • the pressure-sensitive film 161 may be, for example, an elastic member that can expand and contract in a direction approaching the ink storage chamber 154 and a direction away from the ink storage chamber 154.
  • the telescopic member may have, for example, a fold-shaped cross-sectional shape and may be configured to be stretchable in an accordion shape.
  • the urging member 163 was a coil spring. However, it is not limited to this.
  • the urging member 163 is arranged below, for example, the member to be detected 162, is arranged at a position facing the first magnetic body having a predetermined magnetic pole and the first magnetic body, and is arranged at a position facing the first magnetic body. It is configured to include a second magnetic material having a magnetic pole that repels the pressure-sensitive film 161 and to urge the pressure-sensitive film 161 by a reaction force acting between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material. You may be.
  • the sensor unit 164 includes the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2.
  • the number of sensors may be three or more.
  • one sensor may be configured to be able to detect the states of a plurality of ink tanks 151.
  • both the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are transmissive photosensors.
  • the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 may have different configurations from each other.
  • the first sensor S1 and / or the second sensor S2 may be, for example, a reflective photo sensor, a non-contact type position sensor, a contact type switch, or the like. ..
  • the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 into the insertion portion 270 is downward.
  • the insertion direction of the supply bottle 400 may be, for example, a horizontal direction or an oblique vertical direction.
  • the ink tank 151 and the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 are both made of resin.
  • the materials of the ink tank 151 and the supply bottle 400 can be appropriately selected, and are not limited to resin.
  • the supply bottle 400 does not have to have a fixed shape, for example, when the printer 10 does not have the mounting mechanism 192.
  • the refill container may have a bag shape such as an ink pouch.
  • the sealing film 422 of the supply bottle (replenishment container) 400 and the cap 430 face each other directly, and there is a gap between the sealing film 422 and the cap 430.
  • the sealing film 422 and the cap 430 may indirectly face each other via other members. Further, there may not be a gap between the sealing film 422 and the cap 430.
  • FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the injection port 421 of the supply bottle 600.
  • the supply bottle 600 includes a container body 410 in which the ink injection port 421 is formed and a sealing film 422 stretched so as to close the ink injection port 421, similarly to the supply bottle 400 described above. ,have.
  • the supply bottle 600 further has a cap 630 attached to the front end 415 of the container body 410 and a protective member 640 arranged between the cap 630 and the sealing film 422.
  • the cap 630 has a base 631 and a standing wall portion 632 that rises from the base.
  • the protective member 640 is a member that protects the fragile sealing film 422.
  • the protective member 640 is arranged between the inner surface of the base 631 and the sealing film 422.
  • the protective member 640 is in contact with the base 631 and the sealing film 422.
  • the sealing film 422 indirectly faces the cap 630 via the protective member 640.
  • the protective member 640 is made of rubber, for example.
  • the protective member 640 is, for example, an annular shape (for example, an annular shape).
  • the protective member 640 is preferably arranged along the heat-welded welded portion W of the sealing film 422.
  • the protective member 640 is preferably arranged so as to cover the peripheral edge of the welded portion W of the sealing film 422.
  • the protective member 640 can function as a shock absorbing member that cushions the impact on the sealing film 422. That is, the supply bottle 600 may be accidentally dropped during market distribution (for example, during transportation) or during use.
  • the sealing film 422 when the side of the cap 630 collides with the ground, the water hammer action of the contained ink 59 causes the ink 59 to be contained.
  • the sealing film 422 is displaced downward in the vertical direction, and a large load is applied to the peripheral edge of the welded portion W.
  • the welded portion W may be stretched or peeled off, the sealing film 422 may be damaged, and the ink 59 may leak out.
  • the protective member 640 is arranged on the peripheral edge of the welded portion W of the sealing film 422, the protective member 640 can absorb the impact.
  • the welded portion W of the sealing film 422 is less likely to be damaged, and the ink 59 can be prevented from leaking out.
  • the protective member 640 is interposed between the sealing film 422 and the cap 630, it is possible to prevent the cap 630 from being pressed against the sealing film 422 with a strong force when the cap 630 is fastened. .. Further, even if the cap 630 has burrs or the like, it is possible to prevent the burrs or the like from coming into direct contact with the sealing film 422.
  • the holding mechanism 280 includes an inclined holding surface 281a and a locking mechanism 290.
  • the holding mechanism may be, for example, a mechanism for gripping the supply bottle.
  • the holding mechanism does not have to be a part of the mounting mechanism, and a part or all of the holding mechanism may be provided outside the mounting mechanism.
  • the holding surface 281a and the held surface 412a are formed as a conical surface and have a linear shape in a side view, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the holding surface 281a and the held surface 412a may have a curved shape in the side view, or may have a step in the side view, for example.
  • the carriage 30 is configured to move in the left-right direction
  • the recording medium 5 is configured to move in the front-rear direction
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the movement of the carriage 30 and the recording medium 5 is relative, and either of them may move in the left-right direction or the front-back direction.
  • the recording medium 5 may be arranged immovably, and the carriage 30 may be configured to be movable in both the scanning direction and the front-rear direction.
  • both the carriage 30 and the recording medium 5 may be configured to be movable in both directions.
  • the configuration of the printer 10 is not particularly limited.
  • the printer 10 may be, for example, a flatbed type printer.
  • the printer 10 may include an irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet rays, or may include a cutting head that cuts the recording medium 5.

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)
PCT/JP2020/048046 2019-12-26 2020-12-22 インクジェットプリンタ Ceased WO2021132283A1 (ja)

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WO2023102662A1 (en) * 2021-12-10 2023-06-15 Maplejet Limited System for delivering ink to a printhead

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JPH1148491A (ja) * 1997-08-01 1999-02-23 Seiko Epson Corp インクジェット式記録装置
CN104553340A (zh) * 2015-01-30 2015-04-29 杭州御澜科技有限公司 连续式自动供墨系统及其连续供墨方法
JP2016147504A (ja) * 2016-05-25 2016-08-18 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体収容ユニット
JP2018008510A (ja) * 2016-06-29 2018-01-18 キヤノン株式会社 液体供給機構、液体吐出装置および液体供給方法
JP2018140604A (ja) * 2017-02-28 2018-09-13 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
JP2019085112A (ja) * 2017-11-01 2019-06-06 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インク収容ボトル

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JP2000043293A (ja) * 1998-07-31 2000-02-15 Canon Inc 画像形成方法およびその装置
JP6070090B2 (ja) * 2012-11-12 2017-02-01 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置
JP6926750B2 (ja) * 2017-07-12 2021-08-25 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体収容容器
JP2020006631A (ja) * 2018-07-11 2020-01-16 セイコーエプソン株式会社 印刷装置
JP1632295S (https=) * 2018-08-27 2019-05-27
JP7138725B2 (ja) * 2018-12-17 2022-09-16 ローランドディー．ジー．株式会社 インクジェットプリンタ及びインク供給装置

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JPH1148491A (ja) * 1997-08-01 1999-02-23 Seiko Epson Corp インクジェット式記録装置
CN104553340A (zh) * 2015-01-30 2015-04-29 杭州御澜科技有限公司 连续式自动供墨系统及其连续供墨方法
JP2016147504A (ja) * 2016-05-25 2016-08-18 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体収容ユニット
JP2018008510A (ja) * 2016-06-29 2018-01-18 キヤノン株式会社 液体供給機構、液体吐出装置および液体供給方法
JP2018140604A (ja) * 2017-02-28 2018-09-13 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
JP2019085112A (ja) * 2017-11-01 2019-06-06 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インク収容ボトル

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023102662A1 (en) * 2021-12-10 2023-06-15 Maplejet Limited System for delivering ink to a printhead
US20250050652A1 (en) * 2021-12-10 2025-02-13 Maplejet Limited System for delivering ink to a printhead

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