JP5838506B2 - Liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid supply device and an ink jet recording apparatus, and more specifically, includes a liquid storage chamber that stores a predetermined amount of liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid, and discharges the liquid from the liquid storage chamber. The present invention relates to a liquid supply apparatus that supplies a liquid to a liquid discharge unit that performs the above-described operation and an ink jet recording apparatus including the liquid supply apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink jet recording apparatuses (ink jet printers) having various configurations have been known for ejecting ink from nozzles of a recording head and recording (printing) desired characters and figures on a recording medium.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus, gas dissolved in the ink may grow into bubbles in the process of ejecting the ink from the nozzles of the recording head. This causes ink ejection failure such as non-ejection of ink and so-called flight bending, which has been a problem in maintaining accuracy of a recorded image on a recording medium.

  In order to stabilize ink ejection, it is necessary to remove dissolved gas in the ink supplied to the recording head. Therefore, in an ink jet recording apparatus, a configuration in which a deaeration device is incorporated in the middle of the ink supply path of the recording head to remove dissolved gas in the ink is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet recording apparatus having a deaeration device in an ink supply path.

JP 2010-162821

  However, in the configuration exemplified in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a magnetic field generator for each ink bottle, which causes high costs. Further, the ink bottle itself needs to have an airtight structure, and there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the degree of deaeration of ink when the ink supply path, the ink outlet path, and the like are connected.

  In order to solve such a problem, an ink jet recording apparatus is known in which degassed ink is supplied by a liquid containing means (for example, an ink containing bag) and printing is performed in a degassed state as much as possible. However, the upper limit of the ink containing bag is usually about 500 [ml] due to the limitation of the rigidity of the bag, and large-scale commercial printing requires a large amount of ink for printing. There has been a problem that there is a limit to the ink supply in the storage means.

  On the other hand, when a method of supplying degassed ink from a large storage chamber without supplying it with a liquid storage means (for example, an ink storage bag) is used, printing a large plate that requires a large amount of ink Although it becomes possible, there is a problem that ink stays in the storage chamber or the ink flow path at the time of non-printing, and a sedimentary substance (for example, coloring material) contained in the ink settles in the flow path. The settling of the coloring material causes a change in printing density or color, or a decrease in ink ejection stability in the recording head, and thus a solution has been desired. Examples of the ink that easily causes the problem include pigment-based ink, white-based ink, and metallic glossy ink.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can prevent the sedimentation of the components in the liquid (ink) while supplying a liquid (ink) having a high degree of deaeration, and can be used for long-time printing or large printing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid supply apparatus capable of performing printing with high quality and an ink jet recording apparatus including the liquid supply apparatus.

  As an embodiment, the above-described problem is solved by a solution as disclosed below.

The disclosed liquid supply apparatus includes a liquid storage chamber that stores a predetermined amount of liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid, and supplies the liquid to the liquid discharge unit that discharges the liquid from the liquid storage chamber An apparatus, a liquid introduction path for sending liquid from the liquid storage means to the liquid storage chamber, a deaeration means for degassing the liquid, and a liquid supply from the liquid storage chamber to the deaeration means A first liquid flow path; a second liquid flow path for feeding the liquid degassed by the degassing means to the liquid storage chamber; the first liquid flow path; and the second liquid flow path. And a liquid lead-out path for supplying liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid discharge means, and the liquid storage chamber is a partition wall having an opening in the chamber. A partitioned area is provided, the outlet of the second liquid flow path and the liquid The Rukoto inlet of Detchi is provided in the compartmentalized areas, the de-gas liquid supplies to the liquid discharge means, said liquid discharge means liquid that has not been supplied to the area outside that is the partition And is sent to the inlet of the first liquid flow path for feeding the liquid to the deaeration means . According to this, the outlet of the liquid channel (second liquid channel) through which the degassed liquid is sent and the inlet of the liquid channel (liquid outlet channel) that sends the liquid to the liquid ejection means, Is provided in the partitioned area, it is possible to supply the liquid ejecting means with a degassed liquid or a liquid with a very high degree of degassing. Further, the liquid that has not been supplied to the liquid discharge means flows out of the partitioned area and is further sent to the inlet of the liquid flow path (first liquid flow path) that sends the liquid to the deaeration means. In addition to the effect of preventing sedimentation by circulation, the degree of deaeration of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can be gradually increased.
In addition, since there is no degassing means in the liquid flow path (liquid outlet path) from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid discharge means, pressure loss due to the degassing means and pressure fluctuations due to changes in operating conditions of the degassing means can occur. Instead, the liquid can be supplied to the downstream of the liquid storage chamber at a stable pressure.
In addition, the liquid storage means and the liquid storage chamber need not have an airtight structure, and the liquid can be deaerated and circulated with a compact and simple structure. In addition, since the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber only needs to be gradually deaerated, the effect that the processing capacity of the deaeration means is sufficient is obtained.
Moreover, since the liquid feeding means for feeding the liquid to the deaeration means can also serve as the liquid feeding means for circulating the liquid, there is no need to provide a separate liquid feeding means for circulation, and the system is compact and simple. can do.
In this way, a liquid with a very high degree of deaeration can be supplied to the liquid discharge means while storing a large amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber. Can be done with high quality.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the partitioned region is provided such that the opening is positioned below the liquid level of the liquid stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber. According to this, since the outflow action of the liquid is generated from the inside of the partitioned area to the outside (that is, the liquid storage chamber), the action of stirring the liquid in the liquid storage chamber is generated. Therefore, the sedimentation preventing effect of the sedimentary substance in the liquid can be obtained.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the partitioned region is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber. According to this, since the outflow action of the liquid is generated from the inside of the partitioned area to the outside (that is, the liquid storage chamber), the action of stirring the liquid near the bottom portion in the liquid storage chamber is particularly generated. Therefore, the sedimentation can be effectively eliminated at the bottom or near the bottom in the liquid storage chamber where the sedimentary substance in the liquid is sedimented.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the partitioned region is provided so that the opening is positioned above the liquid level of the liquid stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber. According to this, since the liquid overflows from the inside of the partitioned area and flows into the liquid storage chamber, an operation of stirring the liquid in the liquid storage chamber occurs. Therefore, the sedimentation preventing effect of the sedimentary substance in the liquid can be obtained.

  In the present invention, a subtank that is disposed in the liquid lead-out path between the liquid storage chamber and the liquid discharge means and stores liquid, and a third tank that sends liquid from the subtank to the liquid storage chamber. And a third liquid feeding means for feeding the liquid in the third liquid channel, and the liquid is preferably circulated between the sub tank and the liquid storage chamber. According to this, the liquid downstream from the liquid storage chamber can also be circulated. In addition, the liquid whose degassing degree has decreased downstream of the liquid storage chamber can be returned to the liquid storage chamber and degassed by the degassing means.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the liquid storage chamber is provided with a float member that floats on the liquid stored in the chamber. According to this, since the float member floats on the liquid level of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, the contact between the liquid level and the atmosphere (air) can be inhibited. For this reason, it can prevent that the dissolved gas to a liquid increases again, when the deaerated liquid touches air. Further, the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can be gradually degassed even in a state where the degassing means has a low degassing capacity.

  The disclosed ink jet recording apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus including the liquid supply device, a recording head as the liquid ejecting unit, and a carriage that fixes the recording head, and the liquid supply device includes the recording head. A liquid is supplied to the head. According to this, since recording (printing) can be performed using a liquid (ink) with a high degree of deaeration, ink ejection such as non-ejection of ink caused by gas dissolved in the ink or so-called flight bending is performed. Defects can be prevented and high-quality recording becomes possible. In addition, since sedimentation of the sedimentary substance contained in the ink can be prevented, it is possible to prevent a change in printing density or color due to the sedimentation, or a decrease in ink ejection stability in the recording head, and high quality. Recording is possible.

  According to the disclosed liquid supply apparatus, it is possible to supply ink with a high degree of deaeration while preventing sedimentation of the components in the ink. By applying it to an ink jet recording apparatus, printing for a long time or large plate printing can be performed. It becomes possible to carry out with high quality.

It is the schematic which shows the example of the liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording device which concern on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording device which concern on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the liquid storage chamber and its periphery structure in the liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording device which concern on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the liquid storage chamber and its peripheral structure in the liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording device which concern on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the liquid storage chamber and its peripheral structure in the liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording device which concern on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the liquid storage chamber and its peripheral structure in the liquid supply apparatus and inkjet recording device which concern on 4th embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, an example of an inkjet recording apparatus (inkjet printer) will be described as an apparatus including the liquid supply apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments, and the repetitive description thereof may be omitted.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 including a liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. For convenience of explanation, the left and right and up and down directions of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 are indicated by the arrow directions in FIG. Further, the front-rear direction of the paper surface in FIG.

First, a schematic configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 including a liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a liquid (here, ink) 2 is supplied to a liquid ejecting unit (here, a recording head) 22 by a liquid supply apparatus 10, and the ink 2 is ejected from the recording head 22. This is a device for recording (printing) characters and designs on an external recording medium.

  Note that in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the liquid supply system is provided separately for each type of ink used (for example, black ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, cyan ink, etc.), so the same liquid is used. Although the same number of supply devices 10 as the types of ink are provided, only two systems are shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity.

The liquid supply apparatus 10 includes a liquid storage chamber 30 that stores ink 2 supplied from a liquid storage unit 17 (for example, an ink bottle) in which a liquid (here, ink) 2 is stored. The details of the liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration characteristic of this embodiment will be described later.
Here, reference numeral 41 is a liquid introduction path for feeding ink from the liquid storage means 17 to the liquid storage chamber 30, and reference numeral 44 is for feeding ink from the liquid storage chamber 30 to the recording head 22 as liquid ejection means. This is a liquid outlet path. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second liquid feeding means (for example, a liquid feed pump such as a tube pump) 52 for feeding the liquid in the liquid lead-out path 44 is in the middle of the liquid lead-out path 44 (here, the liquid storage chamber). 30 and a sub-tank 32 described later). However, in the case of supplying with a water head difference, the second liquid feeding means 52 may not be provided.

  In addition, the liquid supply device 10 is provided with a deaeration unit 31 that degass the ink, and a first liquid channel 41 that feeds ink from the liquid storage chamber 30 to the deaeration unit 31. A second liquid flow path 42 is provided for returning the ink deaerated by the deaeration means 31 to the liquid storage chamber 30 again. Further, the first liquid channel 41 includes a first liquid feeding means (for example, a liquid feeding pump such as a tube pump) 51 for feeding the liquid in the first liquid channel 41 and the second liquid channel 42. It is provided on the way. It is also conceivable that the liquid feed pump 51 is provided in the middle of the second liquid channel 42.

  Here, as the deaeration means 31, a known deaeration module having a hollow fiber membrane is used as an example. The schematic configuration and operation will be described. The deaeration module includes a deaeration membrane (here, a hollow fiber membrane) in a case, and fills one side of the deaeration membrane with ink, and the deaeration membrane. By depressurizing the other side (in this embodiment, the pressure is reduced by connecting a vacuum pump 54), degassing is performed by utilizing the action of gas (air) in the ink diffusing into the degassing film. is there.

Further, in the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a sub tank 32 that stores ink is provided in the middle of the liquid outlet path 44 between the liquid storage chamber 30 and the recording head 22. Furthermore, a third liquid channel 43 that returns the liquid from the sub tank 32 to the liquid storage chamber 30 again, and third liquid feeding means (for example, a tube pump) for feeding the liquid in the third liquid channel 43 Liquid feed pump) 53 is provided in the middle of the third liquid flow path 43. Here, the storage amount of the ink 2 in the sub tank 32 is detected by the liquid level sensor 33 and controlled by the control unit 24 so as to be a predetermined amount.
As a modification, a configuration in which the third liquid channel 43 and the third liquid feeding means 53 are not provided is also conceivable.

  On the other hand, an example of the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a central body portion 12 supported by support legs 11, a left body portion 13 provided on the left side of the central body portion 12, and a right body portion 14 provided on the right side of the central body portion 12. And an upper body part 15 that connects the left and right body parts 13 and 14 and extends parallel to the upper side of the central body part 12.

  On the front side of the left body portion 13, an operation display portion 13 a configured from operation switches, display devices, and the like is provided. In addition, a control unit 24 is provided inside the left body portion 13, and the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is configured such that operation control of each unit is performed by the control unit 24. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for example, signal wirings connecting each component and the control unit 24 are omitted for the sake of simplification.

  In addition, a guide rail 15a extending left and right is provided inside the upper body portion 15, and the head unit 20 is attached to the guide rail 15a. The head unit 20 includes a carriage 21 that is attached to the guide rail 15 a and is movable left and right, and a recording head 22 mounted on the carriage 21. It is to be noted that a single or a plurality of recording heads 22 are publicly known, and any configuration may be employed in the present embodiment (in FIG. 1, the single recording head 22 is used for the sake of simplicity of explanation). It is illustrated as a configuration to be provided). In this embodiment, a known pressure damper unit 23 is provided on the upstream side of the recording head 22, but a configuration in which the pressure damper unit 23 is not provided is also conceivable. Here, the pressure damper unit 23 absorbs the pressure fluctuation of the ink supplied from the sub tank 32 and adjusts the pressure to a predetermined range to send the ink to the recording head 22.

  A plurality of ejection nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink downward toward the recording medium M are formed on the lower surface of the recording head 22. Ink ejection control at each ejection nozzle is performed by a control signal output from the control unit 24 to each recording head 22.

  A flat platen 12a extending left and right is exposed on the upper surface of the central body portion 12, and a feed roller (not shown) extending left and right is exposed on the rear side of the platen 12a. Yes. The feed roller is rotationally driven by a front / rear drive motor 19 provided inside the central body portion 12. Therefore, the sheet-like recording medium M to be printed is sandwiched between a pinch roller (not shown) provided on the upper body portion 15 and a feed roller, and is controlled according to a control signal from the control unit 24. By driving the front / rear drive motor 19, the recording medium M can be fed back and forth with a feed amount corresponding to the drive control amount.

  A liquid storage means mounting portion 16 is provided on the upper portion of the right body portion 14, and a liquid storage means 17 is mounted on the liquid storage means mounting portion 16. The liquid storage unit 17 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 30 via the flow path (liquid introduction path 40) of the ink 2 described above. Here, the control unit 24 responds to the liquid level of the ink 2 stored in the liquid storage chamber 30, that is, according to the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 33 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) that detects the liquid level. The control signal is output, the ink 2 in the liquid storage means 17 is supplied to the liquid storage chamber 30 via the liquid introduction path 40, and the state where a predetermined amount of the ink 2 is stored in the liquid storage chamber 30 is maintained. . In the present embodiment, an example in which a detachable ink bottle is used as the liquid storage unit 17 is described. However, instead of this, a configuration using an ink storage bag or an ink cartridge is also conceivable (not shown).

  In addition, a right and left drive motor 18 for moving the head unit 20 left and right along the guide rail 15a is provided inside the right body portion 14. By driving the left and right drive motor 18 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 24, the left and right drive motor 18 can be moved left and right by a feed amount corresponding to the drive control amount.

  Here, the characteristic liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration in the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, for example, signal wirings connecting each component and the control unit 24 are not shown for simplification of the drawing.

  The liquid storage chamber 30 is provided with a region 30a partitioned by a partition wall 30b having an opening 30c in the chamber. In the present embodiment, the partitioned region 30a is provided so that the opening 30c is located below the liquid level position L1 of the ink 2 stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber 30 (that is, in the liquid). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid storage chamber 30 is provided at the bottom. That is, the opening 30 c is arranged so as to face the bottom surface 30 d of the liquid storage chamber 30.

  Further, as described above, the liquid storage chamber 30 is connected to each flow path for feeding the ink 2. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 40a is an outlet of the liquid introduction path 40, and reference numeral 41a is the first. The inlet of the liquid channel 41, reference numeral 42 a is the outlet of the second liquid channel 42, reference numeral 43 a is the outlet of the third liquid channel 43, and reference numeral 44 a is the inlet of the liquid outlet channel 44. . The positions where the outlet 40a of the liquid introduction path 40 and the outlet 43a of the third liquid path 43 are provided are not particularly limited, and the predetermined liquid level of the stored ink 2 is outside the partitioned area 30a. It is provided below the position L1.

  On the other hand, as a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment, an outlet 42a of the second liquid channel 42 and an inlet 44a of the liquid outlet channel 44 are provided in the partitioned region 30a. Furthermore, it is preferable that the inlet 41a of the first liquid channel 41 is also provided in the partitioned region 30a. In particular, in the partitioned region 30a, from the position farthest from the opening 30c, the outlet 42a of the second liquid channel 42, then the inlet 44a of the liquid outlet channel 44, and then the inlet 41a of the first liquid channel 41 A configuration in which the components are arranged in this order is preferable.

  According to said structure, the ink deaerated from the 2nd liquid flow path 42 can be sent out to the site | part (namely, innermost part) farthest from the opening part 30c in the divided area | region 30a. The delivered ink flows in the direction of the opening 30c, and the action of pushing out the non-deaerated ink stored in the partitioned area 30a in the direction of the opening 30c occurs. The effect of increasing the filling rate of the degassed ink in the region 30a is generated (if a longer time is taken, the effect of increasing the deaeration degree of the entire ink in the liquid storage chamber 30 occurs). At this time, the deaerated ink delivered from the second liquid flow path 42 is sucked into the inlet 44a of the liquid outlet path 44 in the middle of the direction toward the opening 30c. That is, it is possible to send out the degassed ink or the ink with a very high degree of degassing to the liquid outlet path 44. As described above, the flow of the deaerated ink is generated in the partitioned area 30a, and the filling rate of the degassed ink is increased, so that the inside of the liquid storage chamber 30 (except for the partitioned area 30a). Even when the ink is not deaerated, it is possible to obtain a remarkable effect that the deaerated ink or the ink with a very high degree of deaeration can be delivered to the liquid outlet path 44. In other words, it is possible to supply the recording head 22 with degassed ink or ink with a very high degree of deaeration that does not cause a problem in printing in a very short time after the apparatus is activated. Therefore, it is possible to solve a problem that causes a problem (for example, non-ejection of ink caused by dissolved gas in the ink) during ejection (printing) from the recording head.

  Similarly, the inlet 41a of the first liquid channel 41 for feeding liquid to the deaeration means 31 is also provided in the partitioned region 30a, so that the ink deaerated into the first liquid channel 41 or the Since ink with a high degree of deaeration can be sent out, the degree of deaeration of the ink deaerated by the deaeration means 31 can be further increased.

  Further, the opening 30c is arranged so as to face the bottom surface 30d of the liquid storage chamber 30, so that the ink flows out from the opening 30c into the liquid storage chamber 30 (that is, from the inside of the partitioned region 30a to the outside). When this occurs, it is possible to obtain an effect of stirring the sedimentary substance of the ink that has settled on the bottom surface 30d. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the sedimentary substance of the ink settles in the liquid storage chamber 30 and causes a problem (for example, the printing becomes thin) at the time of ejection (printing) from the recording head 22.

  The configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. Here, operation | movement of the inkjet recording device 1 provided with the said liquid supply apparatus 10 is demonstrated along the distribution | circulation of the ink inside an apparatus (refer FIGS. 1-3).

  First, based on a control signal from the control unit 24, the ink 2 is supplied from the liquid storage means (here, ink bottle) 17 to the liquid storage chamber 30 through the liquid introduction path 40 and stored in the liquid storage chamber 30. Is done. The storage amount of the ink 2 is detected by the liquid level sensor 33 and controlled by the control unit 24 so as to be a predetermined amount (predetermined liquid level L1).

  Subsequently, the 1st liquid feeding means 51 is made into an operation state. By operating the first liquid feeding means 51, ink is fed from the partitioned region 30 a in the liquid storage chamber 30 to the deaeration means 31 through the first liquid flow path 41.

  Next, the degassing means 31 degass the ink, and the degassed ink flows from the degassing means 31 to the liquid storage chamber 30 by the transport force of the first liquid feeding means 51. Liquid is fed through the path 42. At this time, the degassed ink is delivered into the region 30a defined from the outlet 42a of the second liquid flow path 42, whereby the above-described effects are achieved.

Subsequently, the 2nd liquid feeding means 52 is made into an operation state. By operating the second liquid feeding means 52, ink is fed from the partitioned region 30 a in the liquid storage chamber 30 to the sub tank 32 through the liquid outlet path 44.
In the case of a modification in which the second liquid feeding means 52 is not provided, ink is fed by a water head difference.

  Next, ink is supplied from the sub tank 32 to the recording head 22 through the liquid outlet path 44 based on a control signal from the control unit 24 according to the amount of ink consumed in the recording head 22. In the present embodiment, ink is supplied from the sub tank 32 to the recording head 22 via the pressure damper unit 23.

  The ink that reaches the recording head 22 is ejected from each ejection nozzle based on a control signal output from the control unit 24, and recording (printing) is performed on a desired recording medium.

  On the other hand, when the third liquid feeding means 53 is in an operating state, the ink stored in the sub tank 32 is supplied from the sub tank 32 to the liquid storage chamber 30 through the third liquid channel 43. That is, an ink circulation flow path is formed that returns from the liquid storage chamber 30 to the liquid storage chamber 30 again via the sub tank 32, and in particular, in the sub tank 32 and the liquid outlet path 44 (here, the liquid storage path). The problem that the ink stays in the chamber 30 and the sub-tank 32 to cause the sedimentary substance of the ink to settle and causes a problem (for example, the printing becomes thin) during ejection (printing) from the recording head 22. Can be solved.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as the ink jet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment described above (FIG. 1). 2), especially in the configuration of the liquid supply apparatus 10. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference.

  The liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is different from the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment described above particularly in the liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, for example, signal wirings connecting each component and the control unit 24 are not shown for the sake of simplification.

  The liquid storage chamber 30 is provided with a region 30a partitioned by a partition wall 30b having an opening 30c in the chamber. In the present embodiment, the partitioned region 30a is provided such that the opening 30c is positioned above the liquid level L1 of the ink 2 stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid surface position L <b> 1 of the ink 2 is provided at a position lower than the opening 30 c.

  Similarly to the first embodiment described above, each flow path for feeding the ink 2 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 30. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 40a denotes an outlet of the liquid introduction path 40. Reference numeral 41a is an inlet of the first liquid channel 41, reference numeral 42a is an outlet of the second liquid channel 42, reference numeral 43a is an outlet of the third liquid channel 43, and reference numeral 44a is a liquid outlet. This is the entrance of the road 44. The positions where the outlet 40a of the liquid introduction path 40 and the outlet 43a of the third liquid path 43 are provided are not particularly limited, and the predetermined liquid level of the stored ink 2 is outside the partitioned area 30a. It is provided below the position L1.

  The inlet 41 a of the first liquid channel 41 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the bottom in the liquid storage chamber 30. This is because, by sucking the ink 2 from the vicinity of the bottom, it is possible to obtain an effect of stirring the sedimentary substance of the ink 2 that has settled on the bottom surface 30d of the liquid storage chamber 30.

  On the other hand, as a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment, an outlet 42a of the second liquid channel 42 and an inlet 44a of the liquid outlet channel 44 are provided in the partitioned region 30a. In particular, the outlet 42a of the second liquid channel 42 and the inlet 44a of the liquid outlet 44 are adjacent to each other in the partitioned region 30a, the position farthest from the opening 30c, that is, near the bottom of the partitioned region 30a. It is preferable that the configuration is arranged.

  According to the above configuration, the ink deaerated from the second liquid flow path 42 is sent to a portion farthest from the opening 30c in the partitioned region 30a (that is, near the bottom in the partitioned region 30a). be able to. The delivered ink flows in the direction of the opening 30c, and the action of pushing out the non-deaerated ink stored in the partitioned area 30a in the direction of the opening 30c occurs. The effect of increasing the filling rate of the deaerated ink in the formed region 30a occurs. At this time, the ink pushed in the direction of the opening 30c overflows from the opening 30c and flows into the liquid storage chamber 30 (other than the partitioned region 30a). The flow of ink generated at this time causes an action of stirring the ink stored in the liquid storage chamber 30 (other than the partitioned region 30a). Further, if a longer time is taken, an effect of increasing the degree of deaeration of the entire ink in the liquid storage chamber 30 occurs.

  In the partitioned region 30a, the degassed ink delivered from the second liquid channel 42 is disposed in the direction of the opening 30c and adjacent to the outlet 42a of the second liquid channel 42. The action of being sucked into the inlet 44a of the liquid outlet path 44 occurs. That is, it is possible to send out the degassed ink or the ink with a very high degree of degassing to the liquid outlet path 44. As described above, the flow of the deaerated ink is generated in the partitioned area 30a, and the filling rate of the degassed ink is increased, so that the inside of the liquid storage chamber 30 (except for the partitioned area 30a). Even when the ink is not deaerated, it is possible to obtain a remarkable effect that the deaerated ink or the ink with a very high degree of deaeration can be delivered to the liquid outlet path 44. In other words, it is possible to supply the recording head 22 with degassed ink or ink with a very high degree of deaeration that does not cause a problem in printing in a very short time after the apparatus is activated. Therefore, it is possible to solve a problem that causes a problem (for example, non-ejection of ink caused by dissolved gas in the ink) during ejection (printing) from the recording head.

  Further, the configuration in which the opening 30c is positioned above the liquid level position L1 of the ink 2 stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber 30, that is, the height position L2 of the opening 30c of the partitioned region 30a is set as the ink. 2 is generated so as to be higher than the predetermined liquid level position L1, and a flow of ink flowing from the partitioned region 30a into the liquid storage chamber 30 (other than the partitioned region 30a) is generated. be able to. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect of stirring the sedimentary substance of the ink 2 that has settled on the bottom surface 30d of the liquid storage chamber 30. The effect is more effectively exhibited as a synergistic effect with the suction of the ink 2 from the inlet 41a of the first liquid channel 41 provided in the vicinity of the bottom in the liquid storage chamber 30. Therefore, it is possible to solve a problem that causes a problem (for example, thinning of printing) at the time of ejection (printing) from the recording head 22 due to the sedimentation of the ink 2 in the liquid storage chamber 30. It becomes.

  Note that the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the differences and the effects described above, and thus the repeated description is omitted. .

(Third embodiment)
Next, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, and repeated description is omitted.

Here, FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
The basic configuration and operational effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. However, as a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment, the liquid storage chamber 30 floats on the ink 2 stored in the chamber. A float member 35 is provided. As an example, the float member 35 is a resin spherical float, and a structure in which a plurality of float members 35 are floated so that the liquid surface of the ink 2 is not exposed is suitable. According to this, since the liquid level of the ink 2 is prevented from being exposed, the amount of air in contact with the ink 2 is reduced, and the amount of the air dissolved in the ink 2 can be reduced. Become. Therefore, an effect of suppressing a decrease in the degree of deaeration of the ink 2 deaerated by the deaeration means 31 and stored in the liquid storage chamber 30 is obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
Subsequently, an inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, and repeated description is omitted.

Here, FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the liquid storage chamber 30 and its peripheral configuration in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 including the liquid supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
The basic configuration and operational effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. However, as a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment, the liquid storage chamber 30 floats on the ink 2 stored in the chamber. A float member 35 is provided. In addition, since the structure and effect of the float member 35 are the same as that of above-mentioned 3rd embodiment, repeated description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, according to the disclosed liquid supply apparatus, it is possible to supply ink having a high degree of deaeration while preventing sedimentation of the sedimentary substance contained in the ink. Therefore, according to the ink jet recording apparatus provided with the liquid supply device, it is possible to perform long-time printing or large plate printing with high quality.

  In particular, the present embodiment provides the following characteristic operational effects.

The disclosed liquid supply apparatus 10 includes a liquid storage chamber 30 that stores a predetermined amount of the ink 2 supplied from the liquid storage unit 17 in which the ink 2 is stored, and the recording head 22 that discharges the ink 2 from the liquid storage chamber 30. A liquid supply device that supplies ink 2 to the liquid, a liquid introduction path 40 for sending the ink 2 from the liquid storage means 17 to the liquid storage chamber 30, a deaeration means 31 for degassing the ink 2, A first liquid channel 41 for feeding ink 2 from 30 to the degassing means 31; a second liquid channel 42 for feeding ink 2 degassed by the degassing means 31 to the liquid storage chamber 30; A first liquid feeding means 51 for feeding liquid in the first liquid channel 41 and the second liquid channel 42, and a liquid outlet path 44 for feeding ink 2 from the liquid storage chamber 30 to the recording head 22. The liquid storage chamber 30 has an opening in the room. A region 30a partitioned by a partition wall 30b having 0c is provided, and an outlet 42a of the second liquid channel 42 and an inlet 44a of the liquid outlet channel 44 are provided in the partitioned region 30a. . According to this, the outlet 42a of the second liquid passage 42 through which the degassed ink 2 is fed and the inlet of the liquid passage (liquid outlet passage) through which the ink 2 is fed to the recording head 22 are provided. Since the ink is provided in the partitioned area, the degassed ink 2 or the ink 2 having a very high degassing degree can be supplied to the recording head 22. Further, the ink 2 that has not been supplied to the recording head 22 flows out of the partitioned area 30a and is further sent to the inlet 41a of the first liquid channel 41 that feeds the ink 2 to the deaeration means 31. In addition to the effect of preventing sedimentation due to ink circulation, the degree of deaeration of the ink 2 in the liquid storage chamber 30 can be gradually increased.
In addition, since the liquid outlet path 44 from the liquid storage chamber 30 to the recording head 22 is not provided with deaeration means, pressure loss due to the deaeration means and pressure fluctuations due to changes in the operating status of the deaeration means do not occur, and the liquid The ink 2 can be supplied to the downstream of the storage chamber 30 at a stable pressure.
Further, it is not necessary for the liquid storage means 17 and the liquid storage chamber 30 to have an airtight structure, and ink degassing and ink circulation can be performed with a compact and simple structure. Further, since the ink 2 stored in the liquid storage chamber 30 may be gradually degassed, an effect that the processing capacity of the deaeration means 31 is small is obtained.
Further, since the liquid feeding means (first liquid feeding means 51) for feeding the liquid to the deaeration means 31 can also serve as the liquid feeding means for ink circulation, it is necessary to provide a liquid feeding means for circulation separately. The system can be configured compactly and easily.
In this way, while the large amount of ink 2 is stored in the liquid storage chamber 30, the ink 2 having a very high degree of deaeration is obtained even if the deaeration of all the stored ink 2 is not completed. Therefore, long-time printing or large-size printing can be performed with high quality by applying to the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  In the present invention, the partitioned region 30a is preferably provided so that the opening 30c is located below the liquid level L1 of the ink 2 stored in the liquid storage chamber 30 by a predetermined amount. According to this, since the outflow action of the ink 2 occurs from the inside of the partitioned region 30a to the outside (that is, in the liquid storage chamber 30), the action of stirring the ink 2 in the liquid storage chamber 30 occurs. Therefore, the sedimentation preventing effect of the sedimentary substance in the ink 2 can be obtained.

  In the present invention, the partitioned region 30 a is preferably provided at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 30. According to this, since the outflow action of the ink 2 is generated from the inside of the partitioned region 30 a into the external liquid storage chamber 30, the action of stirring the ink 2 in the vicinity of the bottom in the liquid storage chamber 30 is particularly generated. Therefore, the sedimentation can be effectively eliminated at the bottom surface 30d or near the bottom in the liquid storage chamber 30 where the sedimentary substance in the ink 2 is sedimented.

  In the present invention, the partitioned region 30a is preferably provided so that the opening 30c is positioned above the liquid level L1 of the ink stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber 30. According to this, since the ink 2 overflows from the inside of the partitioned region 30a and flows into the outside (that is, in the liquid storage chamber 30), the operation of stirring the ink 2 in the liquid storage chamber 30 is achieved. Arise. Therefore, the sedimentation preventing effect of the sedimentary substance in the ink 2 can be obtained.

  Further, in the present invention, the sub tank 32 that is disposed in the liquid lead-out path 44 between the liquid storage chamber 30 and the recording head 22 and stores the ink, and the second that supplies the ink 2 from the sub tank 32 to the liquid storage chamber 30. 3 liquid flow paths 43 and third liquid supply means 53 for supplying liquid in the third liquid flow paths 43, and the ink 2 is circulated between the sub tank 32 and the liquid storage chamber 30. preferable. According to this, the ink 2 downstream from the liquid storage chamber 30 can also be circulated. Further, the ink 2 whose degree of degassing has fallen downstream of the liquid storage chamber 30 can be returned to the liquid storage chamber 30 and degassed by the degassing means 31.

  In the present invention, the liquid storage chamber 30 is preferably provided with a float member 35 that floats on the ink 2 stored in the chamber. According to this, since the float member 35 floats on the liquid surface of the ink 2 stored in the liquid storage chamber 30, the contact between the liquid surface and the atmosphere (air) can be inhibited. For this reason, it can prevent that the dissolved gas to the ink 2 increases again when the deaerated ink 2 touches air. Further, the ink 2 in the liquid storage chamber 30 can be gradually degassed even when the degassing means 31 has a low degassing capacity.

  The disclosed inkjet recording apparatus 1 is an inkjet recording apparatus that includes the liquid supply apparatus 10 described above, a recording head 22, and a carriage 21 that fixes the recording head 22, and the liquid supply apparatus 10 includes the recording head 22. Ink 2 is supplied to the ink. According to this, since recording (printing) can be performed using the ink 2 having a high degree of deaeration, ink ejection failure such as non-ejection of ink caused by gas dissolved in the ink 2 or so-called flight bending. Can be prevented, and high-quality recording becomes possible. Further, since sedimentation of the sedimentary substance contained in the ink 2 can be prevented, a change in printing density or color due to the sedimentation or a decrease in ink ejection stability in the recording head 22 can be prevented. Quality recording is possible.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the present invention. In particular, an ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example of an apparatus provided with a liquid supply apparatus, and ink has been described as an example of a liquid. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is applicable to other apparatuses and other liquids Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 2 Ink 10 Liquid supply device 17 Liquid storage means 21 Carriage 22 Recording head 30 Liquid storage chamber 31 Deaeration means 32 Sub tank 33 Liquid level sensor 34 Communication port 35 Float member 40 Liquid introduction path 41 First liquid flow path 42 Second liquid channel 43 Third liquid channel 44 Liquid outlet channel 51 First liquid feeding means 52 Second liquid feeding means 53 Third liquid feeding means

Claims (7)

A liquid supply apparatus that includes a liquid storage chamber that stores a predetermined amount of liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit that stores liquid, and that supplies liquid to the liquid discharge unit that discharges liquid from the liquid storage chamber,
A liquid introduction path for sending liquid from the liquid storage means to the liquid storage chamber;
A degassing means for degassing the liquid;
A first liquid flow path for sending liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the deaeration means;
A second liquid flow path for feeding the liquid degassed by the degassing means to the liquid storage chamber;
First liquid feeding means for feeding liquid in the first liquid channel and the second liquid channel;
A liquid lead-out path for sending liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid discharge means,
The liquid storage chamber is provided with a region partitioned by a partition wall having an opening in the chamber,
The Rukoto said second outlet and inlet of the liquid outlet passage of the liquid channel is provided in the compartmentalized areas supplies the degassed liquid to the liquid discharge means, said liquid ejecting means The liquid supply apparatus is characterized in that the liquid that has not been supplied to the liquid flows out of the partitioned area and is further sent to the inlet of the first liquid flow path for supplying the liquid to the deaeration means . The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the partitioned region is provided such that the opening is positioned below a liquid surface of a liquid stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the partitioned region is provided at a bottom portion in the liquid storage chamber. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the partitioned area is provided such that the opening is positioned above a liquid surface of a liquid stored in a predetermined amount in the liquid storage chamber. A sub-tank disposed in the liquid lead-out path between the liquid storage chamber and the liquid discharge means to store the liquid;
A third liquid flow path for sending liquid from the sub tank to the liquid storage chamber;
A third liquid feeding means for feeding liquid in the third liquid flow path,
The liquid supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a liquid is circulated between the sub tank and the liquid storage chamber. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage chamber is provided with a float member that floats on the liquid stored in the chamber. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: the liquid supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a recording head as the liquid ejecting unit; and a carriage that fixes the recording head.
The ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the liquid supply apparatus supplies a liquid to the recording head.

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