JP2007196442A - Liquid jetting apparatus and its initial filling method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid jetting apparatus capable of completing the initial filling of a plurality of cartridges at one time. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid jetting apparatus comprises a recording head 30 for jetting ink from a nozzle to a recording paper, a plurality of the cartridges 2 for feeding the ink to the recording head 30, and a switching means 16 which selectively changes the ink fed to the recording head 30 by selecting a feeding flow path to be communicated to the recording head 30 among the feeding flow paths for feeding the ink to the recording head 30 from respective cartridges 2. The switching means 16 includes a plurality of cartridge side flow paths 39 communicated to respective cartridges 2 and head side flow paths 40 communicated to the recording head 30. Valve mechanisms for opening and closing the flow paths at parts where respective cartridge side flow paths 39 are communicated with the head side flow paths 40 respectively independently exist so that independent opening/closing operations of valve bodies 44 can be performed in respective flow paths. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus used as an ink jet recording apparatus that forms dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles corresponding to print data, and an initial filling method thereof.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a target, an ink jet recording apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a recording sheet is known.

  Such an ink jet recording apparatus has a relatively low noise during printing and can form small dots with a high density. Therefore, these ink jet recording apparatuses are used in many printing including color printing in recent years. Such an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet print head that receives supply of ink from an ink cartridge, and a paper feed mechanism that moves a storage medium perpendicular to the scanning direction of the print head, and records the print head on the carriage. Recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording medium by generating mechanical pressure and thermal energy to the print head while moving in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the medium. On the carriage, for example, a print head capable of ejecting black ink and each color ink of yellow, cyan, and magenta is installed, and not only text printing with black ink but also full ink printing by changing the ejection ratio of each ink Is possible.

  In addition, in recent years, in order to improve the quality of color printing, a recording device that uses light cyan and light magenta and uses a total of six colors including black ink has also been provided. There is also a need for an ink jet recording apparatus that makes it possible to replace the ink cartridge without replacing the ink cartridge. Along with this, the capacity of the ink cartridge for supplying ink to each print head is inevitably increased. For example, each ink cartridge is not placed on the carriage but in the cartridge holders arranged on the fixing portions on both sides of the apparatus main body. There is also provided a recording apparatus having a configuration in which the ink is removably loaded and ink is supplied from the cartridge holder to the print head via an ink supply path via a flexible tube or the like.

  Such an ink jet recording apparatus can cope with various types of printing with ink droplets ejected from the nozzle openings of the print head, so that the ink cartridge can be replaced according to the printing purpose. That is, when printing is performed with a different type of ink from the currently installed ink cartridge, the currently installed ink cartridge is temporarily removed and replaced with an ink cartridge having a desired type of ink. It can be remounted. In such a situation, it is considered that there may frequently be a demand for printing with different print quality at any time using the same printer using different ink types.

  However, the replacement of the ink cartridge is a cumbersome operation for the user of the recording apparatus, and when the number of cartridges to be replaced increases, the cumbersome operation must be performed many times.

Therefore, a printing apparatus has been proposed that can change the ink ejected from each nozzle row without replacing the ink cartridge (for example, Patent Document 1 below).
JP 2003-237100 A JP 2001-219574 A

  However, since the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 cannot switch ink for each nozzle row, it cannot be applied when switching ink to be used in units of nozzle rows. Therefore, a switching structure for switching the ink cartridges in units of nozzle rows has also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2 above). However, in the above switching structure, the ink cartridge to be connected to the nozzle row is selectively switched and there is always one ink cartridge to be connected to the nozzle row at the same time. Therefore, the initial filling for using the ink cartridge first is used for each cartridge. There are inconveniences that must be made. In the recording apparatus having the switching structure as described above, there may be a usage mode in which only one of the cartridges is used. In such a case, bubbles remain in the flow path of the switching structure. This is a problem because the air bubbles can cause poor ejection.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can perform the initial filling of a plurality of cartridges at one time, reduce the time and liquid consumption required for switching the liquid, It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus including a cartridge switching unit that hardly causes bubbles to remain, and an initial filling method thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes an ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle to an ejected object, a plurality of cartridges for supplying liquid to the ejecting head, and each cartridge. Switching means for selectively switching the liquid to be supplied to the ejection head by selecting the supply flow path communicating with the ejection head from among the supply flow paths for supplying the liquid to the ejection head from
The switching means includes a plurality of cartridge side flow paths communicating with each cartridge and a head side flow path communicating with the ejection head, and the flow path is formed at a portion where each cartridge side flow path communicates with the head side flow path. The gist of the present invention is that the valve mechanisms for opening and closing the valve bodies exist independently so as to enable independent opening and closing operations of the valve bodies in the respective flow paths.

In order to achieve the above object, an initial filling method of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention includes an ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle to an ejected object, and a plurality of cartridges for supplying liquid to the ejecting head. And a switching unit that selectively switches the liquid supplied to the ejection head by selecting a supply flow path that communicates with the ejection head from among the supply flow paths that supply the liquid from each cartridge to the ejection head. An initial filling method for an injection device,
The switching means includes a plurality of cartridge side flow paths communicating with each cartridge and a head side flow path communicating with the ejection head, and the flow path is formed at a portion where each cartridge side flow path communicates with the head side flow path. The valve mechanism for opening and closing the valve body is present independently so that the valve body can be independently opened and closed in each flow path, and the initial filling is performed with the communication of each flow path opened in each valve mechanism. The gist is to do.

  According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the valve mechanism that opens and closes the flow path in the portion where each cartridge-side flow path communicates with the head-side flow path enables independent opening and closing operations of the valve body in each flow path. Since each one exists independently, it is possible to open only one, open all, close all, or set the open / close state of each valve mechanism according to the usage situation it can. For example, in the initial filling operation performed when the cartridge is first mounted, if the flow paths are opened by all the valve mechanisms, the initial filling of all the cartridges can be completed by one initial filling operation. it can. Further, if the flow path is closed in the valve mechanism corresponding to the cartridge not used, it is possible to use only one of the plurality of cartridges. For example, even if one cartridge is empty, only a non-empty cartridge can be used in communication with the ejection head.

  According to the initial filling method of the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the valve mechanism that opens and closes the flow path in the portion where each cartridge-side flow path communicates with the head-side flow path is configured to independently open and close the valve body in each flow path. Each of the valve mechanisms has an initial filling operation that is performed when the cartridge is first mounted. When all the valve mechanisms are open, the initial filling of all the cartridges can be completed with a single initial filling operation.

  In the present invention, the valve mechanism is configured such that when there is an operation member for operating the valve body in the flow path upstream of the valve seat portion on which the valve body is seated and seals the flow path, The valve seats can be arranged close to each other, and the space of the head side flow path through which a plurality of liquids can be made smaller. Therefore, the amount of liquid consumed can be reduced. In addition, since the space of the head side flow path can be reduced, even if there is a cartridge that is not used, there is almost no space in which bubbles remain, so that ejection failure caused by the bubbles can be prevented.

  In the present invention, the switching means includes a first valve mechanism and a second valve mechanism, and the first valve mechanism and the second valve mechanism are arranged so as to face each other with their valve seat portions in proximity to each other. Since the valve seats are arranged close to each other and the space of the head-side flow path through which a plurality of liquids can be reduced, the time required for switching the liquid is shortened and the switching is performed. It is also possible to reduce the amount of liquid consumed. In addition, since the space of the head side flow path can be reduced, even if there is a cartridge that is not used, there is almost no space in which bubbles remain, so that ejection failure caused by the bubbles can be prevented.

  In the present invention, the head-side flow path is disposed between the first valve seat portion of the first valve mechanism and the second valve seat portion of the second valve mechanism, and is open to both adjacent valve seat portions. In the case of being configured to include a passage and a branch passage that branches from the communication passage and extends to the ejection head side, the space of the head-side flow path through which a plurality of liquids flows becomes small, and thus it is necessary to switch the liquid. The time is shortened and the amount of liquid consumed for switching is also reduced. In addition, since the space of the head-side flow path becomes small, even if there is a cartridge that is not used, there is almost no space where bubbles remain, so that ejection failure caused by bubbles can be prevented.

  In the present invention, the valve mechanism is configured by accommodating a valve body and an operation member for operating the valve body in a valve chamber provided corresponding to each cartridge-side flow path and also serving as the cartridge-side flow path. In this case, since the valve element and the operating member are accommodated using the cartridge side flow path, the valve mechanism itself becomes compact.

  In the present invention, when the valve chamber is formed by sealing an opening that opens to the outside with a film member, a valve chamber that is also a cartridge side flow path can be easily formed, Since the valve body and the operating member can be assembled from the opening, it is extremely advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

  In the present invention, when a drive mechanism for driving the operation member in the valve chamber is provided outside the valve chamber via the film member, the drive mechanism is disposed outside the valve chamber which is also a liquid flow path. Thus, the degree of freedom of a mechanism that can be adopted as a drive mechanism is increased.

  In the present invention, when the driving mechanism operates the operating member in the valve chamber using magnetic force, the operating member can be driven from the outside of the valve chamber via the film member.

  In the present invention, when the switching unit is provided corresponding to the nozzle row provided in the ejection head, the liquid to be used can be switched for each nozzle row.

  In the initial filling method of the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, the valve mechanism corresponding to the liquid cartridge that is not used after the plurality of valve mechanisms provided in the switching means are opened and the initial filling is performed by suction. When the valve is closed, only the valve mechanism corresponding to the liquid cartridge to be used thereafter is opened, and the suction operation is further performed, the mixed liquid in the head side flow path and the ejection head is sucked and discharged. Then, the liquid to be used thereafter is filled from the cartridge into the head side flow path and the ejection head, and the apparatus can be used.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ink jet printer as a liquid ejecting apparatus embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an ink jet printer main body 1 provided in a case (not shown) of an ink jet printer.

  The printer main body 1 includes a recording head 30 (see FIG. 2) as an ejection head that ejects liquid ink from nozzles onto a recording paper (not shown) that is an ejection target. On the other hand, a plurality of cartridges 2a to 2h for supplying liquid are mounted. Each of the cartridges 2a to 2h is provided with a holder and a guide plate (not shown) and is disposed in the non-printing area.

  In the following description, when referring to each of a plurality of cartridges, description will be made by using a combination of numerals and alphabetical characters such as “cartridge 2a” and “cartridge 2b”, but not individual cartridges. In this case, the description will be made using “cartridge 2” and a reference numeral only. The same applies to other members.

  The cartridges 2a to 2h correspond to the number of inks used, and in this embodiment, eight cartridges 2a to 2h are mounted. An ink pack (not shown) in which ink is stored is provided inside the cartridges 2a to 2h, and the ink in the ink pack passes through pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d having self-sealing valves (pressure reducing valves). Thus, the recording head 30 is configured to be supplied.

  The pressure adjusting units 5 a to 5 d are provided on the carriage 3 in accordance with the number of ink ejected from the recording head 30. In the present embodiment, a total of four pressure adjustment units 5 a to 5 d are mounted on the carriage 3. The pressure adjusters 5 a to 5 d are configured to be able to supply liquid such as ink supplied through the replenishment tubes 4 a to 4 d to the recording head 30 mounted on the lower surface of the carriage 3.

  In this example, basically four types of inks of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are ejected, and four supply tubes 4a to 4d and four pressure adjusting portions 5a to 5d are provided corresponding to each ink. It has been. The pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d supply ink or the like corresponding to the four nozzle rows 25a to 25d (see FIG. 2) formed on the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 30.

  The carriage 3 on which the pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d are mounted is driven by the carriage motor 6 and guided by the scanning guide member 8 through the timing belt 7 to the longitudinal direction of the paper feeding member 9, that is, the recording paper. It is configured to reciprocate in the main scanning direction which is the width direction.

  On the other hand, a cap member 10 as a sealing means, a suction pump 11 (see FIG. 7), and a waste liquid tank 12 are arranged in a non-printing area on the movement path of the carriage 3. The cap member 10 is made of a flexible material such as rubber. When the carriage 3 moves to the non-printing area, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 30 is sealed by the cap member 10. For this reason, the cap member 10 functions as a lid that prevents drying of the nozzle openings of the recording head 30 during the pause period of the printer main body 1.

  The bottom surface of the cap member 10 is connected to the suction pump 11 via a tube 13 (see FIG. 2). The suction pump 11 is configured to suck the space in the cap member 10 to cause the negative pressure generated by the suction pump 11 to act on the recording head 30 and to discharge the liquid from the recording head 30 side. Further, a wiping member 14 made of an elastic material such as rubber is disposed on the printing region side of the cap member 10 so that the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 30 can be wiped and cleaned as necessary. .

  In this example, the eight cartridges 2a to 2h are ink cartridges for supplying ink to the recording head 30. Specifically, the cartridge 2a is a first yellow ink (Y1) ink cartridge, and the cartridge 2b is a cartridge 2b. The second yellow ink (Y2) ink cartridge, the cartridge 2c is the first magenta ink (M1) ink cartridge, the cartridge 2d is the second magenta ink (M2) ink cartridge, and the cartridge 2e is the first cyan ink (C1). The ink cartridge, the cartridge 2f may be an ink cartridge of the second cyan ink (C2), the cartridge 2g may be an ink cartridge of the first black ink (B1), and the cartridge 2h may be an ink cartridge of the second black ink (B2). .

  In this example, for example, the dye ink and the pigment ink can be switched between the first ink as the dye ink and the second ink as the pigment ink according to the type and purpose of the recording paper to be used.

  In addition, the printer main body 1 selects ink to be supplied to the recording head 30 by selecting a supply flow path that communicates with the recording head 30 among supply flow paths for supplying ink from the cartridges 2 a to 2 h to the recording head 30. Switching means 16a to 16d for selectively switching between. Here, the supply flow path is the cartridge tubes 15a to 15h or the cartridge side flow path 39 described later.

  Four switching means 16 a to 16 d are provided corresponding to the four nozzle rows 25 a to 25 d and the pressure adjusting units 5 a to 5 d provided in the recording head 30. One switching means 16a to 16d is connected to the pressure adjusting portions 5a to 5d via one supply tube 4a to 4d, and connected to two cartridges 2a to 2h via two cartridge tubes 15a to 15h. Has been.

  Therefore, the switching means 16a to 16d are for selecting ink to be used from two types of ink. Specifically, the switching means 16a communicates with the cartridge 2a for the first yellow ink (Y1) and the cartridge 2b for the second yellow ink (Y2) to switch the ink to be used from these two types of ink. The switching means 16b communicates with the cartridge 2c of the first magenta ink (M1) and the cartridge 2d of the second magenta ink (M2) and switches the ink to be used from these two types of ink. The switching means 16c communicates with the cartridge 2e for the first cyan ink (C1) and the cartridge 2f for the second cyan ink (C2) to switch the ink to be used from these two types of ink. The switching means 16d communicates with the cartridge 2g of the first black ink (B1) and the cartridge 2h of the second black ink (B2) and switches the ink to be used from these two types of ink.

  2 and 3 show a recording head 30 mounted on the carriage 3 and ejecting ink as liquid, and pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d mounted on the recording head 30. FIG.

  The recording head 30 includes a filter case 33 having a filter 32 for filtering the liquid to be ejected, and a head body 34 attached to the lower surface of the filter case 33.

  Four hollow ink supply needles 31 are arranged in an upright state on the upper surface of the filter case 33, and each ink communication channel 35 formed in the filter case 33 is connected to each ink supply needle. 31 communicates with the ink flow path. An ink introduction hole 31a is formed at the top of each ink supply needle 31, and ink from the pressure adjusting portions 5a to 5d is introduced into the ink supply needle 31 through the ink introduction hole 31a, and the ink communication is performed. It is supplied to the head main body 34 via the flow path 35 and ejected from the nozzle openings of the nozzle rows 25a to 25d. Accordingly, the pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d, the ink supply needle 31, and the ink communication channel 35 correspond to the nozzle rows 25a to 25d.

  The ink supply needles 31 are arranged so as to be arranged at a predetermined interval in accordance with the arrangement state of the pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d. On the other hand, since the width dimension of the head body 34 to which ink is supplied is smaller than that, the ink communication channel 35 arranged outside the ink communication channel 35 arranged inside is the inclination angle of the channel. Is getting bigger.

  A self-sealing valve (pressure reducing valve) 37 is accommodated in the pressure adjusting unit 5. By the operation of the self-sealing valve, the pressure of the ink sent from the cartridges 2a to 2h to the recording head 30 through the ink supply needle 31 through the cartridge tubes 15a to 15h is reduced and adjusted. For example, when pressure fluctuations occur in the ink in the cartridge tubes 15a to 15h with the acceleration / deceleration of the carriage, the ejection of ink droplets becomes unstable, and the pressure adjusting unit 5 suppresses the ink pressure fluctuations.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the head main body 34.

  As shown in the figure, the head main body 34 includes a head case 66 in which a piezoelectric vibrator 64 as pressure generating means is accommodated, and a flow path unit 76 that is fixed to the unit fixing surface of the head case 66 with an adhesive or the like. And. In this figure, one ink ejecting mechanism corresponding to one nozzle row 25a to 25d is shown and described. However, in the head body 34 of this example, four ink ejecting mechanisms corresponding to four nozzle rows 25a to 25d are provided. Is provided.

  The flow path unit 76 includes a flow path forming substrate 71 in which a flow path space including the pressure generating chamber 69 is formed, and a nozzle that is stacked on one surface of the flow path forming substrate 71 and ejects ink in the pressure generating chamber 69. The nozzle plate 70 formed with 36 and the vibration plate (sealing plate) 72 that is laminated on the other surface of the flow path forming substrate 71 and seals the flow path space including the pressure generating chamber 69 are stacked. Has been.

  The nozzle plate 70 has a plurality of nozzles 36 arranged at a pitch P corresponding to a predetermined resolution (dot pitch) to form one nozzle row 25a to 25d, and ejects ink droplets from each nozzle 36. It has become. The nozzle plate 70 is formed from a stainless steel plate.

  In the flow path forming substrate 71, pressure generation chambers 69 communicating with the nozzles 36 are arranged. In addition, a damper chamber 65 for releasing pressure fluctuation in an ink storage chamber 67 described later is formed. The space that becomes the pressure generating chamber 69 and the damper chamber 65 is formed as a recess on the vibration plate 72 side of the flow path forming substrate 71. In this example, the flow path forming substrate 71 is formed by etching a Si single crystal substrate.

  The diaphragm 72 is made of a polyphenylene sulfide film, and is formed by laminating island parts 63 made of stainless steel. In addition, an ink supply port 68 for supplying ink in an ink storage chamber 67 described later to each pressure generating chamber 69 is formed in the vibration plate 72.

  The nozzle plate 70 is stacked on one surface of the flow path forming substrate 71, and the flow path unit 76 is configured by stacking the diaphragm 72 on the other surface so that the island portion 63 is disposed outside. An adhesive is applied to the flow path forming substrate 71, the nozzle plate 70, and the vibration plate 72, heated and held at a predetermined high temperature, and then cooled to room temperature, whereby the flow path unit 76 is formed.

  On the other hand, the head case 66 is formed by injection molding of a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, and the unit fixing surface is supplied to each pressure generating chamber 69 corresponding to the row of the pressure generating chambers 69. A common ink storage chamber 67 for storing the ink to be stored is formed along the row of the pressure generation chambers 69. The head case 66 is formed with one ink supply path 77 that communicates with the ink communication channel 35 and supplies ink to the ink storage chamber 67.

  The head case 66 is formed with an accommodating space 78 extending in the nozzle rows 25a to 25d and penetrating vertically, and the transducer unit 75 is accommodated in the accommodating space 78.

  In the vibrator unit 75, rod-like piezoelectric vibrators 64 arranged so as to correspond to the pressure generating chambers 69 are fixed to the tip of the fixed plate 73, and an ejection signal is input to the piezoelectric vibrators 64. For this purpose, a flexible cable 74 is connected. The piezoelectric vibrator 64 is a piezoelectric vibrator 64 in a longitudinal vibration mode.

  The tip surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 64 is fixed to the island portion 63 of the vibration plate 72 with the vibration plate 72 side of the flow path unit 76 bonded to the unit fixing surface of the head case 66 with an adhesive. The head main body 34 is configured by the fixing plate 73 being bonded and fixed to the head case 66.

  In the head main body 34 having the above-described configuration, the piezoelectric vibrator 64 is expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction by inputting a drive signal generated by the drive circuit to the piezoelectric vibrator 64 via the flexible cable 74. By expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric vibrator 64, the island 63 of the vibration plate 72 is vibrated to change the pressure in the pressure generating chamber 69, and the ink in the pressure generating chamber 69 is ejected from the nozzle 36 as ink droplets. ing.

  The head main body 34 is provided for each of the four colors of ink of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B), and the four nozzle rows 25a to 25d. Are configured to eject ink of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B).

  5 and 6 are sectional views showing the switching means 16.

  In the switching means 16, a plurality of (two in this example) cartridge tubes 15 and one supply tube 4 are connected to the main body case 38. The switching means 16 communicates with the recording head 30 via a plurality of (two in this example) cartridge-side flow paths 39a and 39b that communicate with the cartridge 2 via the cartridge tube 15 and the replenishment tube 4, respectively. And a valve mechanism that opens and closes the flow path in a portion where each of the cartridge-side flow paths 39a and 39b communicates with the head-side flow path 40. In each flow path, valve bodies 44a and 44b are provided. Exist independently to enable independent opening and closing operations.

  The valve mechanism is provided corresponding to each cartridge-side flow path 39 and includes a valve body 44 in a valve chamber 49 that also serves as the cartridge-side flow path 39, an operation member 45 for operating the valve body 44, and an operation member 45. A biasing member 46 for biasing and a support member 48 for supporting the operation member 45 are accommodated and configured.

  As a result, the switching means 16 uses the recording head via the head-side channel 40 among the supply channels (cartridge tube 15, cartridge-side channel 39) for supplying ink from each cartridge 2 to the recording head 30. By selecting the supply flow path (cartridge tube 15, cartridge side flow path 39) communicating with the print head 30, the ink supplied to the recording head 30 is selectively switched.

  The main body case 38 is provided with two tube connection portions to which the cartridge tube 15 is connected on the upper side in the drawing. Cartridge side passages 39a and 39b communicating with the cartridge tube 15 are formed in the tube connecting portion so as to extend vertically in the figure. On the other hand, the main body case 38 is provided with one tube connection portion to which the supply tube 4 is connected on the lower side in the drawing. Head-side passages 40 communicating with the replenishment tubes 4 are formed in the tube connection portions so as to extend vertically.

  In the main body case 38, spaces serving as valve chambers 49a and 49b are formed from both sides of the figure. The spaces serving as the valve chambers 49a and 49b communicate with the cartridge side flow paths 39a and 39b, respectively. The valve chambers 49a and 49b also serve as the cartridge side flow paths 39a and 39b. The valve chambers 49a and 49b are formed by sealing openings 54a and 54b that open to the outside on the side surface of the main body case 38 with film members 47a and 47b.

  The spaces serving as the two valve chambers 49a and 49b have openings 54a and 54b on both side surfaces of the main body case 38, respectively, and are formed to be substantially left and right from the center. The back surfaces near the center of the spaces serving as the valve chambers 49a and 49b function as valve seats 43a and 43b for seating the valve bodies 44a and 44b and sealing the flow path. Thus, the two valve mechanisms provided in the switching means 16, that is, the first valve mechanism and the second valve mechanism are arranged so that the valve seat portions 43a and 43b are close to each other.

  Between the spaces serving as the valve chambers 49 a, 49 b, communication passages 41 that open to the adjacent valve seat portions 43 a, 43 b are disposed, and both spaces communicate with each other through the communication passage 41. A branch path 42 is formed that branches from the communication path 41 and extends toward the tube connecting portion to which the replenishment tube 4 is connected. The head path 40 is constituted by the communication path 41 and the branch path 42. ing.

  As described above, the head-side flow path 40 is disposed between the first valve seat portion 43a of the first valve mechanism and the second valve seat portion 43b of the second valve mechanism. The communication path 41 is opened to 43b, and the branch path 42 is branched from the communication path 41 and extends to the recording head 30 side.

  The valve chamber 49 accommodates a valve body 44, an operation member 45 for operating the valve body 44, a biasing member 46 for biasing the motion member 45, and a support member 48 for supporting the motion member 45, respectively. Is configured.

  The valve body 44 is seated on the valve seat 43 and opens and closes the communication state between the valve chamber 49 which is also the cartridge side flow path 39 and the head side flow path 40. As the valve body 44, for example, an elastic member such as rubber formed in a disk shape is used. The valve body 44 is fixed to the operating member 45, moves as the operating member 45 slides in the valve chamber 49, and opens and closes the communication state between the valve chamber 49 and the head-side flow path 40. .

  The operating member 45 is made of a magnetic material such as steel, and includes a fixing portion 57 to which the valve body 44 is fixed, and a shaft portion 58 extending to one side of the fixing portion 57, and the shaft portion is a support member 48. The operating member 45 is slidably supported by the support member 48 and is slidably inserted into the insertion hole 59 formed in the first and second holes. The support member 48 is fixed in the vicinity of the opening 54 of the valve chamber 49. A biasing member 46 that biases the motion member 45 toward the valve seat 43 is inserted into the shaft portion 58 of the motion member 45. In this example, a coil spring is used as the urging member 46.

  Then, in a state where the valve body 44, the operation member 45, the biasing member 46, and the support member 48 are accommodated in the valve chamber 49, the opening 54 is sealed with the film member 47 to constitute a valve mechanism.

  With such a configuration, the valve mechanism includes an operation member 45 for operating the valve body 44 in the flow path upstream of the valve seat portion 43 for seating the valve body 44 and sealing the flow path. Existing. In the above valve mechanism, the operation member 45 is normally urged toward the valve seat 43 by the urging member 46, and the valve body 44 comes into close contact with the valve seat 43 by this urging force. And the head side flow path 40 are sealed in a closed state.

  Further, a case 52 is provided on both sides of the main body case 38 where the valve mechanism is present, a guide member 53 is slidably inserted into a guide hole formed in the case 52, and a magnet is provided at the tip of the guide member 53. 50a and 50b are fixed. Further, levers 51a and 51b are pivotally supported on the guide member 53, and the magnets 50a and 50b are moved forward and backward toward the film member 47 by operating the levers 51a and 51b in the horizontal direction shown in the figure. Has been.

  The magnet 50, the guide member 53, the case 52, and the lever 51 function as a drive mechanism for driving the operation member 45 in the valve chamber 49. As described above, the drive mechanism is connected to the valve through the film member 47. It is provided outside the chamber 49.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the magnet 50 is brought close to the film member 47 by operating the lever 51 in the horizontal direction shown in the figure, the operating member 45 resists the biasing force of the biasing member 46 by the magnetic force of the magnet 50. The valve body 44 that has been attracted to the magnet 50 and seated on the valve seat portion 43 is separated from the valve seat portion 43, and the communication state between the valve chamber 49 that is the cartridge side flow passage 39 and the head side flow passage 40 is opened. Become.

  On the other hand, when the lever 51 is operated to the opposite side and the magnet 50 is moved away from the film member 47 from the valve open state described above, the biasing force of the biasing member 46 is superior to the attracting force due to the magnetic force of the magnet 50, and the operating member 45. Is pressed toward the valve seat 43, and the valve body 44 separated from the valve seat 43 is seated on the valve seat 43, and the valve chamber 49, which is the cartridge side flow path 39, and the head side flow path 40 communicate with each other. The state is closed.

  Then, the lever 51 for performing the valve operation of the cartridge side flow path 39 to which the ink cartridge 2 to be used is connected is operated in the valve opening direction, and the valve operation of the cartridge side flow path 39 to which the unused ink cartridge 2 is connected is operated. The ink to be used can be selected by operating the lever 51 for performing the operation in the valve closing direction.

  As described above, the drive mechanism for driving the operation member 45 in the valve chamber 49 moves the magnet 50 closer to or away from the film member 47 by mechanical operation of the lever 51 or the like, thereby applying a magnetic attractive force to the operation member 45. The valve body 44 is operated to open and close the flow path.

  When switching ink, the lever 51 that has been in the valve opening direction is operated in the valve closing direction, and the lever 51 that has been in the valve closing direction is operated in the valve opening direction, so The communication to the cartridge 2 is closed, and the cartridge that has been closed until then is in the communication state.

  As described above, the ink to be ejected from the recording head 30 can be selectively switched by selectively switching the cartridge communicated with the recording head 30 by the two valve mechanisms that open and close independently.

  When switching the ink, in addition to opening and closing the valve mechanism, the cap member 10 caps the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 30, and the suction pump 11 sucks the ink used so far from the nozzle. By discharging, new ink is introduced from the cartridge 2 into the recording head 30, and switching can be performed by replacing the recording head 30 and the ink in the flow path. At this time, when the ink is switched by only one nozzle row 25, the nozzle mechanism that is not switched is set by closing all the valve mechanisms of the switching means 16 corresponding to the nozzle row 25 that is not switched. Since ink is not sucked and discharged from the row 25, wasteful ink consumption can be prevented.

  Also, even when only one type of ink is used at all times, the valve mechanism on the unused ink cartridge side should always be closed, and the valve mechanism on the ink cartridge used should always be open. Good.

  Further, when the printer main body 1 is used for the first time, when the cartridges 2a to 2h are first mounted, the initial filling operation of filling ink into the flow path such as the recording head 30 and the pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d first is performed. In addition, new ink is introduced into the recording head 30 from the cartridge 2 by capping the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 30 with the cap member 10 and applying a negative pressure to the nozzle with the suction pump 11. .

  At the time of this initial filling, all the valve mechanisms provided in the switching means 16 are all opened, the communication of each flow path is opened in each valve mechanism, and all the cartridge side flow paths 39 are connected to the head side. By applying a negative pressure to the nozzle in a state where it is communicated with the flow path 40, the ink of all the cartridges 2 is filled in the flow paths such as the recording head 30 and the pressure adjusting units 5a to 5d. In this state, only the ink of the corresponding cartridge 2 is filled up to each cartridge side flow path 39 including the valve chamber 49, but a plurality of (two in this example) are contained in the head side flow path 40 and the recording head 30. ) Of the cartridge 2 in a mixed color state.

  Therefore, after performing the initial filling with all the valve mechanisms provided in the switching means 16 as described above opened, the valve mechanism corresponding to the ink cartridge 2 not used thereafter is closed, Thereafter, only the valve mechanism corresponding to the ink cartridge 2 to be used is opened, and the suction operation is executed, whereby the mixed-color ink in the head-side flow path 40 and the recording head 30 is sucked and discharged. Ink to be used is filled in the head side flow path 40 and the recording head 30 from the cartridge 2 so that the printer main body 1 can be used. The re-suction operation after the suction for the initial filling can be performed with a suction amount and / or a suction time smaller than the initial filling.

  FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, as a driving mechanism for driving the operation member 45 in the valve chamber 49, the opening and closing operation is not performed by moving the magnet 50 close to or away from the film member 47 by mechanical operation of the lever 51 or the like. Electromagnetic coils 55a and 55b functioning as electromagnets are arranged outside the member 47, and switches 56a and 56b for turning on and off the electromagnetic coils 55a and 55b are provided.

  Thereby, by turning on the switch 56, the operating member 45 is attracted by the magnetic force of the electromagnet to open the valve body 44, and by turning off the switch 56, the magnetic force of the electromagnet is cut off. The valve body 44 can be closed by the urging force. Other than that, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  In this example, the opening and closing operation of the valve mechanism can be performed not by mechanical operation but by electromagnetic action. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to the said 1st and 2nd embodiment.

  9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, eight cartridges 2a to 2h include a cartridge 2a as a matte black (MB) ink cartridge, a cartridge 2b as a yellow ink (Y) ink cartridge, a cartridge 2c as a magenta ink (M) ink cartridge, and a cartridge 2d. Is a cyan ink (C) ink cartridge, cartridge 2e is a gray ink (GL) ink cartridge, cartridge 2f is a light cyan ink (LC) ink cartridge, cartridge 2g is a light magenta (LM) ink cartridge, and cartridge 2h is a photo. This is a black ink (FB) ink cartridge.

  The eight pressure adjusting units 5a to 5h include a pressure adjusting unit 5a corresponding to the matte black (MB) cartridge 2a and a pressure adjusting unit 5b corresponding to the yellow ink (Y) cartridge 2b. 5c corresponds to the magenta ink (M) cartridge 2c, the pressure adjustment unit 5d corresponds to the cyan ink (C) cartridge 2d, and the pressure adjustment unit 5e corresponds to the gray ink (GL) cartridge 2e, and the pressure adjustment. The portion 5f corresponds to the light cyan ink (LC) cartridge 2f, the pressure adjustment portion 5g corresponds to the light magenta (LM) cartridge 2g, and the pressure adjustment portion 5h corresponds to the photo black ink (FB) cartridge 2h. Yes.

  Then, the switching means 16 includes two types of ink (mat) between the pressure adjusting unit 5a corresponding to the matte black (MB) cartridge 2a and the pressure adjusting unit 5h corresponding to the photoblack ink (FB) cartridge 2h. Switch between black and photo black. Here, mat black is black ink for mat paper, and photo black is black ink for glossy paper.

  In the first embodiment described above, the switching means 16 is provided between the cartridge 2 and the pressure adjusting unit 5, and the ink supplied from the cartridge 2 is switched before being introduced into the pressure adjusting unit 5, and the ink after switching is changed. However, in this embodiment, the same number of pressure adjusters 5a and 5h are provided corresponding to the ink cartridges 2a and 2h to be switched. Ink supplied from the adjusting sections 5a and 5h is introduced into the cartridge side flow paths 39a and 39b.

  Further, the switching means 16 is provided with a needle receiving portion into which the ink supply needle 31 of the recording head 30 is inserted, the head side flow path 40 communicates with the needle receiving portion, and the ink in the head side flow path 40 is transferred to the ink. The recording head 30 is supplied via a supply needle 31. The rest is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

  In this embodiment, since the switching unit 16 is directly attached to the ink supply needle 31 of the recording head 30 and the switching unit 16 is provided immediately upstream of the recording head 30, the flow path through which the mixed color ink flows is significantly shortened. Less wasted ink is sucked and discharged during initial filling and ink switching. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to the said 1st and 2nd embodiment.

  According to the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the valve mechanism that opens and closes the flow path in the portion where each cartridge-side flow path 39 communicates with the head-side flow path 40 performs the independent opening and closing operation of the valve body 44 in each flow path. Since each one exists independently so that it is possible, only one of them is opened, all are opened, all are closed, and the open / close state of each valve mechanism is set according to the usage situation can do. For example, in the initial filling operation performed when the cartridge 2 is first mounted, if the flow paths are opened by all the valve mechanisms, the initial filling of all the cartridges 2 is completed by one initial filling operation. be able to. Further, if the flow path is closed in the valve mechanism corresponding to the cartridge 2 that is not used, only one of the plurality of cartridges 2 can be used. For example, even if one cartridge 2 is empty, only the non-empty cartridge 2 can be used in communication with the recording head 30.

  Further, the valve mechanism has an operation member 45 for operating the valve body 44 in the flow path upstream from the valve seat portion 43 on which the valve body 44 is seated and seals the flow path. Since the valve seats 43 can be arranged close to each other and the space of the head-side flow path 40 through which a plurality of inks can be reduced, the time required for ink switching is shortened, It is also possible to reduce the amount of ink consumed for switching. In addition, since the space of the head-side flow path 40 can be reduced, even if there is a cartridge 2 that is not used, there is almost no space in which bubbles remain, so that ejection failure caused by the bubbles can be prevented.

  Further, the switching means includes a first valve mechanism and a second valve mechanism, and the first valve mechanism and the second valve mechanism are arranged so as to face each other in a state where the valve seat portions 43 are close to each other. Since the valve seat portions 43 are arranged close to each other and the space of the head-side flow path 40 through which a plurality of inks flow can be reduced, the time required for ink switching is shortened and consumed for switching. The amount of ink to be reduced can be reduced. In addition, since the space of the head-side flow path 40 can be reduced, even if there is a cartridge 2 that is not used, there is almost no space in which bubbles remain, so that ejection failure caused by the bubbles can be prevented.

  The head-side flow path 40 is disposed between the first valve seat portion 43a of the first valve mechanism and the second valve seat portion 43b of the second valve mechanism, and is located between the adjacent valve seat portions 43a and 43b. Since each of the communication paths 41 is opened and the branch path 42 is branched from the communication path 41 and extends toward the recording head 30, the space of the head-side flow path 40 through which a plurality of inks flow is reduced. Therefore, the time required for ink switching is shortened, and the amount of ink consumed for switching is also reduced. In addition, since the space of the head-side flow path 40 becomes small, even if there is a cartridge 2 that is not used, there is almost no space where bubbles remain, so that ejection failure caused by bubbles can be prevented.

  Further, the valve mechanism is provided corresponding to each cartridge side flow path 39, and a valve body 44 and an operation member 45 for operating the valve body 44 are accommodated in a valve chamber 49 that also serves as the cartridge side flow path 39. Therefore, the valve mechanism 44 and the operating member 45 are accommodated using the cartridge side flow path 39, so that the valve mechanism itself becomes compact.

  In addition, the valve chamber is formed by sealing the opening 54 that opens to the outside with the film member 47, so that the valve chamber 49 that is also the cartridge side flow path 39 can be easily formed, Since the valve body 44 and the operating member 45 can be assembled from the opening 54, it is extremely advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

  Further, since a drive mechanism for driving the operation member 45 in the valve chamber 49 is provided outside the valve chamber 49 via the film member 47, the drive mechanism is provided outside the valve chamber 49 which is also an ink flow path. Therefore, the degree of freedom of a mechanism that can be employed as a drive mechanism is increased.

  Further, since the drive mechanism operates the operating member 45 in the valve chamber 49 using magnetic force, the operating member 45 can be driven from the outside of the valve chamber 49 via the film member 47.

  Further, since the switching unit 16 is provided corresponding to the nozzle rows 25 a to 25 d provided in the recording head 30, the ink to be used can be switched in units of the nozzle rows 25 a to 25 d.

  According to the initial filling method, the valve mechanism that opens and closes the flow path in the portion where each cartridge-side flow path 39 communicates with the head-side flow path 40 can independently open and close the valve body 44 in each flow path. In the initial filling operation that is performed when the cartridge 2 is first mounted, the initial filling is performed in a state where the communication of each flow path is opened in each of the valve mechanisms. If the flow paths are opened by all the valve mechanisms, the initial filling of all the cartridges 2 can be completed by one initial filling operation.

  In addition, after all of the plurality of valve mechanisms provided in the switching means are opened and the initial filling is performed by suction, the valve mechanism corresponding to the ink cartridge 2 that is not used thereafter is closed and then used. Only the valve mechanism corresponding to the ink cartridge 2 to be opened is opened, and the suction operation is further performed. Therefore, the mixed ink in the head side flow path 40 and the recording head 30 is sucked and discharged, and the liquid to be used thereafter is the cartridge. 2 is filled into the head-side flow path 40 and the recording head 30 so that the apparatus can be used.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the dye ink and the pigment ink are switched and used as the ink type has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other various inks can be switched and used. In addition to switching between inks, switching between functional liquids such as cleaning liquids and moisturizing liquids other than ink, and switching between ink and functional liquids can also be applied.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the recording head 30 has shown an example in which a liquid ejecting apparatus using a piezoelectric vibrator is applied as a pressure generating element that is a driving element for ejecting liquid. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus of a type using a heating element.

  Further, the program for causing the computer apparatus to execute the liquid switching processing method and the initial filling method executed by the liquid ejecting apparatus described above can be recorded in a recording medium and provided via a communication network. .

  In addition, as a typical example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, there is an ink jet recording apparatus provided with the above-described ink jet recording head for image recording. However, the present invention is an example of another liquid ejecting apparatus such as a liquid crystal display. Device with color material ejection head used for color filter production, device with electrode material (conductive paste) ejection head used for electrode formation such as organic EL display, surface emitting display (FED), etc., used for biochip production The present invention can be applied to various liquid ejecting apparatuses such as an apparatus having a biological organic matter ejecting head and an apparatus having a sample ejecting head as a precision pipette.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the printer main body according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow-path structure of a recording head. It is a partially broken sectional view showing a recording head and a pressure adjusting unit. It is a partially broken sectional view showing a recording head. It is sectional drawing which shows a switching means. It is an exploded view which shows a switching means. It is sectional drawing which shows the effect | action of a switching means. It is sectional drawing which shows the switching means of 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic of the printer main body of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow-path structure of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer main body, 2a-2h cartridge, 3 Carriage, 4a-4d Supply tube, 5a-5d Pressure adjustment part, 6 Carriage motor, 7 Timing belt, 8 Scanning guide member, 9 Paper feed member, 10 Cap member, 11 Suction Pump, 12 Waste liquid tank, 13 tube, 14 Wiping member, 15a to 15j Cartridge tube, 16a to 16d switching means, 25a to 25d Nozzle array, 30 Recording head, 31 Ink supply needle, 31a Ink introduction hole, 32 filter, 33 filter Case, 34 Head body, 35 Ink communication channel, 36 nozzle, 37 Self-sealing valve, 38 Body case, 39a, 39b Cartridge side channel, 40 Head side channel, 41 Communication channel, 42 Branch channel, 43a, 43b Valve seat, 44a, 44b Valve body, 45a, 45b Working member, 46 Biasing member, 47a, 47b Film member, 48 Support member, 49a, 49b Valve chamber, 50a, 50b Magnet, 51a, 51b Lever, 52 Case, 53 Guide member, 54a, 54b Opening, 55a, 55b Electromagnetic coil, 56a, 56b switch, 57 fixing portion, 58 shaft portion, 59 insertion hole, 63 island portion, 64 piezoelectric vibrator, 65 damper chamber, 66 head case, 67 ink storage chamber, 68 ink supply port, 69 pressure generation Chamber, 70 nozzle plate, 71 flow path forming substrate, 72 vibration plate, 73 fixing plate, 74 flexible cable, 75 vibrator unit, 76 flow path unit, 77 ink supply path, 78 storage space

Claims (9)

Among an ejection head for ejecting liquid from a nozzle to an ejection target, a plurality of cartridges for supplying liquid to the ejection head, and a supply flow path for supplying liquid from each cartridge to the ejection head Switching means for selectively switching the liquid to be supplied to the ejection head by selecting a supply flow path communicating with the ejection head;
The switching means includes a plurality of cartridge side flow paths communicating with each cartridge and a head side flow path communicating with the ejection head, and the flow path is formed at a portion where each cartridge side flow path communicates with the head side flow path. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a valve mechanism that opens and closes the valve body so as to enable independent opening and closing operations of the valve body in each flow path.   2. The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism includes an operation member for operating the valve body in a flow path upstream of a valve seat portion for seating the valve body and sealing the flow path. Injection device.   The said switching means is provided with the 1st valve mechanism and the 2nd valve mechanism, and the said 1st valve mechanism and the 2nd valve mechanism are arrange | positioned so that a mutual valve seat part may oppose in the state which adjoined. Liquid ejector.   The head-side flow path is disposed between the first valve seat portion of the first valve mechanism and the second valve seat portion of the second valve mechanism, and opens to both adjacent valve seat portions, The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a branch path that branches from the communication path and extends toward the ejecting head.   The valve mechanism is configured to accommodate a valve body and an operation member for operating the valve body in a valve chamber provided corresponding to each cartridge side flow path and also serving as the cartridge side flow path. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of 4.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the valve chamber is formed by sealing an opening that opens to the outside with a film member.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a driving mechanism for driving an operation member in the valve chamber is provided outside the valve chamber via the film member.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is provided corresponding to a nozzle row provided in the ejecting head. Among an ejection head for ejecting liquid from a nozzle to an ejection target, a plurality of cartridges for supplying liquid to the ejection head, and a supply flow path for supplying liquid from each cartridge to the ejection head An initial filling method for a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a switching unit that selectively switches a liquid to be supplied to the ejecting head by selecting a supply flow path that communicates with the ejecting head,
The switching means includes a plurality of cartridge side flow paths communicating with each cartridge and a head side flow path communicating with the ejection head, and the flow path is formed at a portion where each cartridge side flow path communicates with the head side flow path. The valve mechanism for opening and closing the valve body is present independently so that the valve body can be independently opened and closed in each flow path, and the initial filling is performed with the communication of each flow path opened in each valve mechanism. An initial filling method for a liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein:

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