Liquid ejection device

Abstract

A liquid ejection device capable of reducing the occurrence of liquid leakage from a head nozzle even when the outside environment changes, such as when the air temperature rises. The device includes a head having a nozzle that ejects liquid; a tank in which liquid is stored with a liquid surface formed therein, at least a portion of the tank being located above the opening of the nozzle; an atmospheric communication path that communicates the gas layer of the tank with the outside through an atmospheric opening; and a valve unit that makes the atmospheric opening or the atmospheric communication path in a communication state or a non-communication state. The valve unit changes from the non-communication state to the communication state when the power supply changes from on to off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device having a head that ejects liquid supplied from a storage section. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet recording devices are known as liquid ejection devices. In inkjet recording devices, in order to ensure the stability of ink ejection, a concave curved surface is formed in the nozzle of the head when viewed from the outside of the head.

[0003] In the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when ink is being ejected from the head, the valve body 201 opens the air inflow adjustment section 62. As a result, air flows into the ink tank 54 through the air inflow adjustment section 62. When the ink tank 54 moves downwards towards the operating section 202, the valve body 201 changes position by contacting the operating section 202, thereby closing the air inflow adjustment section 62.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-321386 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the power supply to the apparatus is sometimes disconnected when the valve body 201 closes the air inflow adjustment section 62. During the period when the power is disconnected, for example, if the temperature rises and the air layer in the ink tank 54 expands, the ink curve in the nozzle of the head may be disrupted. As a result, ink may leak from the nozzle of the head.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a liquid ejection device capable of reducing liquid leakage from the nozzle.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0011] (1) The liquid ejection device according to the present invention comprises: a head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid; a storage section, at least a portion of which is located above the opening of the nozzle, wherein liquid is formed on a liquid surface and stored in the storage section; an atmospheric connection passage communicating the gas layer of the storage section with the outside through an atmospheric opening; and a valve unit that makes the atmospheric opening or the atmospheric connection passage either connected or disconnected. When the power supply changes from being on to being off, the valve unit changes from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0012] Even when the power to the device is off, changes in the external environment such as rising temperature can reduce the leakage of liquid from the nozzle.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises: a drive mechanism for driving the valve unit; and a controller that drives the drive mechanism to change the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state when the power supply is switched from on to off.

[0014] (3) Preferably, when the power is off, the controller drives the drive mechanism based on a preset first condition to change the valve unit from the connected state to the non-connected state.

[0015] For example, if there is no change in temperature during the power outage, the valve unit is made to be in a non-connected state, thereby reducing the possibility of liquid evaporating from the storage section through the atmospheric opening or liquid flowing out of the atmospheric opening due to the movement of the device.

[0016] (4) Preferably, when the power is off, the controller drives the drive mechanism based on a pre-set second condition to change the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state.

[0017] Once the valve unit is in a non-connected state, even if external environmental changes such as rising temperature occur, the leakage of liquid from the nozzle can be reduced.

[0018] (5) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises: a carriage for mounting and moving the head; a drive source for driving the carriage; and a controller, wherein the valve unit changes state in conjunction with the movement of the carriage, and the controller drives the drive source to change the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state when the power supply is switched from on to off.

[0019] (6) Preferably, the valve unit changes its posture to the non-connected state and the connected state by rotation, and the drive mechanism has: a first electric actuator that causes the valve unit to change its posture from the non-connected state to the connected state; and a second electric actuator that causes the valve unit to change its posture from the connected state to the non-connected state.

[0020] (7) Preferably, the valve unit changes its posture to the non-connected state and the connected state by rotation, and the driving mechanism is a rotating machine having an eccentric cam that causes the valve unit to change its posture.

[0021] (8) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises a drive mechanism for driving the valve unit, the drive mechanism comprising: a force-applying member for maintaining the valve unit in a connected state; and an electric actuator for overcoming the force-applying member by being supplied with power, thereby causing the valve unit to change from the connected state to the non-connected state.

[0022] (9) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a carriage for mounting the head, and the storage portion is mounted on the carriage with at least a portion of the storage portion above the head.

[0023] (10) Preferably, the carriage moves in the scanning direction and the head sprays liquid when the carriage moves in the scanning direction.

[0024] (11) Preferably, the storage section has: a first storage chamber; and a second storage chamber, which is connected to the first storage chamber and the head in a manner that allows liquid to flow.

[0025] (12) Preferably, the atmospheric communication path has at least one of a labyrinth structure or a semi-permeable membrane.

[0026] (13) Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises: a cover, which can be moved to a covering position covering the nozzle and a separating position separating from the nozzle; a cover connecting passage, which connects the internal space of the cover to the outside through the cover opening; and a cover valve unit, which makes the cover opening or the cover connecting passage either connected or disconnected, and when the power supply changes from being on to being off, the cover valve unit changes from being disconnected to being connected.

[0027] By covering the nozzle with a cap, liquid evaporation from the nozzle is reduced. When the power is off, because the cap opening or the cap circuit is open, even if external environmental changes such as rising temperature occur, the possibility of air entering the nozzle from the cap's internal space and disrupting the meniscus is reduced.

[0028] (14) The liquid ejection device according to the present invention comprises: a head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid; a storage section, at least a portion of which is located above the opening of the nozzle, wherein liquid is formed on a liquid surface and stored in the storage section; an atmospheric connection passage communicating the gas layer of the storage section with the outside through an atmospheric opening; and a valve unit that makes the atmospheric opening or the atmospheric connection passage either connected or disconnected. After the power supply changes from being on to being off, the valve unit changes from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to the present invention, leakage of liquid from the nozzle at the head can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the composite machine 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing section 11.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the impression plate 42 and the recording section 24 after being cut by a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction 8, showing the state in which the carriage 40 is in the maintenance position and the cover 70 is in the covering position.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross-section of the impression plate 42 and the recording section 24 after being cut by a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction 8, showing the state in which the carriage 40 is in the maintenance position and the cover 70 is in the separated position.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross-section of the imprint plate 42 and the recording section 24 after being cut by a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction 8, showing the state in which the carriage 40 is located above the medium passage area 36 and the cover 70 is in the separated position.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the atmospheric communication device 48 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Figure A represents the state when valve unit 91 is in the connected state. Figure 6 B is a diagram representing the state when valve unit 91 is in a non-connected state.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram of the multifunction printer 10.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control of valve unit 91 during normal printing.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of valve unit 91 when the power supply to the multifunction printer 10 is disconnected via a soft switch.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of valve unit 91 after the multifunction printer 10 enters standby mode.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the composite machine 10 of the first embodiment, variant 1.

[0042] Figure 12 A is a diagram showing the labyrinth structure of the upper wall 82 of the tank 80 of the composite machine 10 in the modified example 2 of the first embodiment. Figure 12 B is a diagram showing the semi-permeable membrane at the atmospheric opening 88 of the composite machine 10 in the modified example 3 of the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 A is a cross-sectional view showing the atmospheric communication device 48C of the composite machine 10 in the second embodiment, and the state of the valve unit 91 showing the state of supplying power to the first electric actuator 49C. Figure 13 B is a diagram showing the state of valve unit 91 when power is stopped after power is supplied to the first electric actuator 49C.

[0044] Figure 14 A to D are cross-sectional views of the atmospheric communication device 48D of the composite machine 10 in the modified example 1 of the second embodiment, and are diagrams showing the state of the valve unit 91D changing its posture to a connected state or a non-connected state.

[0045] Figure 15 Figures A to C are partial cross-sections showing the atmospheric communication device 48D of Modified Example 2 of the second embodiment, and are figures showing the state of the valve unit 91E changing its posture to a connected state or a non-connected state.

[0046] Figure 16 A is a cross-sectional view showing the atmospheric communication device 48B of the third embodiment, and is a diagram showing the state when valve 96F is separated from the atmospheric opening 88 and valve unit 91F is in a non-connected state. Figure 16 B is a diagram representing the state when valve 96F is in contact with the atmospheric open port 88 and valve unit 91F is in a connected state. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and appropriate modifications can be made without changing the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction of movement from the starting point of the arrow to the ending point is represented as forward movement, and the direction of movement along the line connecting the starting and ending points of the arrow is represented as backward movement. Additionally, in the following description, the multifunction printer 10 is set to a usable state (…). Figure 1 The vertical direction 7 is defined based on the state of the machine (10). The front-to-back direction 8 is defined by designating the surface with the opening 13 as the front surface 23. The left-to-right direction 9 is defined by viewing the laminator 10 from the front. The vertical direction 7, the front-to-back direction 8, and the left-to-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

[0048] [First Implementation Method]

[0049] The first embodiment will be described below.

[0050] [Overall structure of the multifunction printer 10]

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the multifunction printer 10 (an example of a liquid ejection device) has a generally rectangular housing 14. A printing unit 11 is located at the lower part of the housing 14. The multifunction printer 10 has various functions, including faxing and printing. As a printing function, the multifunction printer 10 can record images on one side of a paper 12 using inkjet printing. Furthermore, the multifunction printer 10 can also record images on both sides of the paper 12. An operation unit 17 is located at the upper part of the housing 14. The operation unit 17 consists of buttons for image recording instructions and various settings, a power button, and an LCD display for displaying various information. The operation unit 17 also consists of a touch panel that functions as both a button and an LCD display.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing unit 11 includes a feed tray 20, a feed section 16, an outer guide component 18, an inner guide component 19, a pair of conveyor rollers 59, a pair of discharge rollers 44, an impression plate 42, a recording section 24, and a cover 70 (see reference). Figure 3 ), Atmospheric communication device 48 (reference) Figure 3 Temperature sensor 115, sheet sensor 120, rotary encoder 75 (refer to) Figure 7 ), Controller 130 (reference) Figure 7 ) and memory 140 (refer to) Figure 7 These components are located inside the housing 14.

[0053] [20 pallets supplied]

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, an opening 13 is formed on the front surface 23 of the printing section 11. The feed tray 20 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 14 through the opening 13 by moving in the forward and backward direction 8.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, when the feed tray 20 is in the feed position, the paper 12 supported by the feed tray 20 can be fed to the conveyor path 65.

[0056] [Supply Department 16]

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeding unit 16 is positioned below the recording unit 24 and above the feeding tray 20. The feeding unit 16 includes a feeding roller 25, a feeding arm 26, a drive transmission mechanism 27, and a shaft 28, and is capable of feeding paper 12 to the conveying path 65.

[0058] [Conveyor Route 65]

[0059] like Figure 2As shown, the conveyor path 65 extends from the rear end of the feed tray 20. The conveyor path 65 includes a curved section 33 and a straight section 34. The curved section 33 extends in an upward U-shape from rear to front, and the straight section 34 extends generally in the front-rear direction 8.

[0060] The curved portion 33 is formed by an outer guide member 18 and an inner guide member 19 that face each other at a predetermined interval. The straight portion 34 is formed by a recording portion 24 and an impression plate 42 that face each other at a predetermined interval at the position where the recording portion 24 is located.

[0061] Paper 12, supported on the feed tray 20, is conveyed by the feed roller 25 at the bend 33 and reaches the conveyor roller pair 59. The paper 12, held by the conveyor roller pair 59, is conveyed forward toward the recording unit 24 at the straight section 34. The paper 12, reaching directly below the recording unit 24, is image-recorded by the recording unit 24. The image-recorded paper 12 is then conveyed forward at the straight section 34 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. Thus, the paper 12 moves along... Figure 2 The conveying direction 15, indicated by the arrow with a single dotted line, is conveyed.

[0062] [Conveyor roller pair 59 and discharge roller pair 44]

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, a pair of conveying rollers 59 is arranged in the straight section 34. A pair of discharge rollers 44 is arranged in the straight section 34 downstream of the pair of conveying rollers 59 in the conveying direction 15.

[0064] The conveyor roller pair 59 includes a conveyor roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 disposed below and opposite the conveyor roller 60. The pinch roller 61 is pressed against the conveyor roller 60 by an elastic member (not shown) such as a helical spring. The conveyor roller pair 59 is capable of holding paper 12.

[0065] The discharge roller pair 44 includes a discharge roller 62 and a toothed roller 63 disposed above and opposite the discharge roller 62. The toothed roller 63 is pressed toward the discharge roller 62 by an elastic member such as a helical spring (not shown). The discharge roller pair 44 is capable of holding paper 12.

[0066] The conveyor roller 60 and the discharge roller 62 are driven by the conveying motor 101 (see reference). Figure 7 The paper 12 is rotated by a driving force. When the conveyor roller 60 rotates while the paper 12 is held by the conveyor roller pair 59, the paper 12 is conveyed in the conveying direction 15 by the conveyor roller pair 59 and is conveyed onto the printing plate 42. When the discharge roller 62 rotates while the paper 12 is held by the discharge roller pair 44, the paper 12 is conveyed in the conveying direction 15 by the discharge roller pair 44 and is discharged onto the discharge tray 21.

[0067] [Imprint Plate 42]

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing plate 42 is disposed in the straight section 34 of the transport path 65. The printing plate 42 faces the recording section 24 in the vertical direction 7. The printing plate 42 is supported from below on the paper 12 transported by the transport path 65.

[0069] The paper 12 conveyed in conveyor path 65 passes through the medium passage area 36 between the right and left ends of the printing plate 42 in the left-right direction 9 (see reference). Figures 3-5 ).

[0070] [Records Section 24]

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the recording unit 24 is arranged above and opposite the imprint plate 42. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 40, a head 38, and a can 80.

[0072] The carriage 40 is supported by two guide rails 56 and 57 spaced apart in the front-to-back direction 8, allowing it to move along a left-to-right direction 9 (an example of the scanning direction) orthogonal to the conveying direction 15. The carriage 40 carries the head 38 and moves accordingly. The carriage 40 carries the tank 80 with at least a portion above the head 38. The carriage 40 can move in the left-to-right direction 9 from a position to the right of the medium passage area 36 to a position to the left of the medium passage area 36. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the carriage 40 is not limited to the left-to-right direction 9, but can be any direction intersecting the conveying direction 15.

[0073] Guide rails 56 and 57 are supported by a pair of side frames (not shown) arranged in the left-right direction 9 outside the straight section 34 of the conveyor path 65. Figure 7 As shown, the carriage 40 is moved by a driving force applied from the carriage drive motor 103.

[0074] An encoder 35 is configured on guide rail 56 or guide rail 57 (see reference). Figure 7 The encoder 35 includes an encoder strip extending in the left-right direction 9 and an optical sensor disposed on the carriage 40 opposite to the encoder strip. Pulse signals are detected by the optical sensor detecting the light-transmitting and blocking portions of the encoder strip. The pulse signals correspond to the position of the carriage 40 in the left-right direction 9 and are output to the controller 130 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0075] The head 38 is supported on the carriage 40. The lower surface 68 of the head 38 protrudes downwards and faces the impression plate 42. The head 38 ejects ink when the carriage 40 moves in the left-right direction 9. The head 38 has multiple nozzles 39, ink flow paths 37, and piezoelectric elements (not shown).

[0076] Multiple nozzles 39 open at the lower surface 68 of the head 38 to eject ink (an example of a liquid). An ink flow path 37 connects the tank 80 and the multiple nozzles 39. A piezoelectric element ejects ink droplets downward from the nozzles 39 by deforming a portion of the ink flow path 37.

[0077] Canister 80 (an example of a storage unit) is mounted on carriage 40. Canister 80 has an ink chamber 81. Ink is stored in the ink chamber 81 by forming a liquid surface. The ink chamber 81 is divided into a gas layer 78 and an ink layer 79 by the liquid surface of the ink. A temperature sensor 115 is provided near canister 80. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 115 can be any component capable of detecting the temperature of the gas layer 78, and can also be provided outside canister 80.

[0078] In this embodiment, the recording unit 24 includes a can 80. The can 80 is located above the head 38. In addition, in this embodiment, the can 80 is entirely located above the head 38, but the can 80 may also be located at least partially above the opening of the nozzle 39.

[0079] The ink layer 79 of the ink chamber 81 is connected to a plurality of nozzles 39 via an ink flow path 37. Ink is supplied from the ink chamber 81 to the nozzles 39 through the ink flow path 37. An injection port 83 for injecting ink into the ink chamber 81 is provided on the upper wall 82 of the tank 80.

[0080] like Figures 3-5 As shown, an atmospheric opening 88 is provided on the upper wall 82 of the tank 80. The atmospheric opening 88 connects the gas layer 78 of the ink chamber 81 with the outside.

[0081] [Atmospheric Communication Device 48]

[0082] Figure 6 This refers to the atmospheric communication device 48 of the multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment. The atmospheric communication device 48 is provided near the atmospheric opening 88. The atmospheric communication device 48 includes a valve unit 91 and a drive mechanism 92 for driving the valve unit 91. The valve unit 91 controls the atmospheric opening 88 to be either in a connected state or a disconnected state. The connected state refers to the state where the atmospheric opening 88 is open, allowing the gas layer 78 of the ink chamber 81 to communicate with the outside. The disconnected state refers to the state where the atmospheric opening 88 is closed, and the gas layer 78 of the ink chamber 81 is airtightly isolated from the outside.

[0083] Valve unit 91 includes a rotating plate 96, a rotating shaft 97, and a rotating support platform 98. The rotating plate 96 is a flat plate bent near the center, and appears V-shaped when viewed from the front-rear direction 8. The portion of the rotating plate 96 extending to the left from the bent portion is called the first rotating plate 99, and the portion extending to the right from the bent portion is called the second rotating plate 100. The rotating shaft 97 protrudes from the rotating plate 96 along the front-rear direction 8 from the boundary between the first rotating plate 99 and the second rotating plate 100.

[0084] A rotating support platform 98 protrudes upward from the upper wall 82 of the tank 80. The rotating support platform 98 is located to the left of the atmospheric opening 88. The rotating support platform 98 supports the rotating shaft 97 in a rotatable manner along the front-rear direction 8. The second rotating plate 100 closes or opens the atmospheric opening 88 by rotating the rotating plate 96 around the rotating shaft 97.

[0085] The drive mechanism 92 includes an electric actuator 49 and a coil spring 51 (an example of a force-applying component). The drive mechanism 92 is operated by being powered from the controller 130, thereby driving the valve unit 91. The drive mechanism 92 is located on the upper wall 82 of the tank 80.

[0086] The electric actuator 49 is supported, for example, by a spring seat 105 located in the upper wall 82 to the right of the rotating support 98. The electric actuator 49 includes a coil portion 107 and a plunger 125. The front end of the plunger 125 is an abutment portion 127. The lower end of the abutment portion 127 is located near the upper end of the rotating shaft 97. The electric actuator 49 is a solenoid valve.

[0087] The coil section 107 has an electromagnetic coil inside. The shaft portion of the plunger 125 inserted into the coil section 107 is magnetic and can move relative to the coil section 107 in the left-right direction 9. When an induced magnetic field is generated in the coil section 107 by energizing it, the plunger 125 moves to the right relative to the coil section 107.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, near the right end of the upper wall 82 of the can 80, a spring seat 105 protrudes upward. The spring seat 105 is located to the right of the atmospheric opening 88. A helical spring 51 is supported by the spring seat 105 and the contact portion 127 of the electric actuator 49 and extends in the left-right direction 9. The helical spring 51 exerts a force to the left on the contact portion 127.

[0089] The electric actuator 49 is supported by a support platform 94 located on the upper wall 82 to the left of the atmospheric opening 88.

[0090] When no power is supplied to the coil section 107, such as Figure 6As shown in Figure A, the plunger 125 is forced to the left by the helical spring 51, moving to the leftmost position relative to the coil portion 107. In this state, the abutment portion 127 is located to the left of the rotation shaft 97 and abuts against the first rotating plate 99. Through the contact between the first rotating plate 99 and the abutment portion 127, the rotating plate 96 is in the most counterclockwise rotation state, and the second rotating plate 100 separates from the atmospheric opening 88.

[0091] When power is supplied to the coil section 107, such as Figure 6 As shown in Figure B, the plunger 125 overcomes the force of the coil spring 51 and moves to the right relative to the coil section 107 due to the induced magnetic field generated by the coil section 107. In this state, the abutment section 127 is located to the right of the rotation shaft 97 and abuts against the second rotating plate 100. As a result, the rotating plate 96 is in its most clockwise rotation state, and the second rotating plate 100 closes the atmospheric opening 88.

[0092] [Cover 70]

[0093] like Figures 3-5 As shown, apart from the imprinting plate 42 in the left-right direction 9, in this embodiment, the cover 70 is located in a maintenance position to the right of the medium passage area 36. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown in the diagram). When the carriage 40 is in the maintenance position, the cover 70 is located below the carriage 40 and faces the carriage 40 (more specifically, the nozzle 39 of the head 38). The cover 70 is a box-shaped component that is open from the top. The cover 70 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0094] The cover 70 is supported on the frame 46 via a known movable mechanism 71, and is driven by a cover-driven motor 104 (see reference). Figure 7 The movable mechanism 71, which applies a driving force, allows it to move up and down. The frame 46, located to the right of the printing plate 42, is a plate-shaped component that extends in the front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9. The movable mechanism 71 may be, for example, a mechanism using a ball screw or a mechanism using a cam.

[0095] Cover 70 can be moved Figure 3 The coverage position of the covering nozzle 39 shown, and Figure 4 The separation position from the nozzle is shown. Figure 3 As shown, in the covered position, the upper end of the cover 70 is pressed against the lower surface 68 of the head 38 from below. Thus, the cover 70 covers the plurality of nozzles 39 opening on the lower surface 68 from below. At this time, an internal space 76 (an example of an internal space of the cover) is formed, defined by the cover 70 and the lower surface 68 of the head 38. The separated position is a position lower than the covered position. In the separated position, the cover 70 separates from the lower surface 68 of the head 38. Cover sensor 147 (see reference) Figure 7The condition of cover 70 being in the covered position is detected.

[0096] A through hole 72 (an example of a cover opening) is provided on the bottom surface 70A of the cover 70. One end of a tube 73 is connected to the through hole 72. The tube 73 is a flexible resin tube. By connecting one end of the tube 73 to the through hole 72, a cover communication passage 74 is formed, which communicates the interior space 76 of the cover with the outside through the through hole 72. The other end of the tube 73 is connected to a cover valve unit 67, which makes the through hole 72 or the cover communication passage 74 either connected or disconnected.

[0097] The cover valve unit 67 enables the through hole 72 or the cover connecting passage 74 to be either connected or disconnected. A connected state means that the through hole 72 or the cover connecting passage 74 allows the internal space 76 of the cover to communicate with the outside. A disconnected state means that the through hole 72 or the cover connecting passage 74 is closed.

[0098] The cap interior space 76 is connected to the pump 77. The pump 77 applies suction pressure to the cap interior space 76. When the cap 70 is in the covered position and covers the nozzle 39 and the cap valve unit 67 is in the connected state, when the pump 77 is driven, the cap interior space 76 becomes negative pressure, and foreign matter is sucked out from the nozzle 39 into the cap interior space 76 along with the ink.

[0099] [Sheet Sensor 120]

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet sensor 120 is disposed upstream of the conveying roller pair 59 in the conveying path 65 in the conveying direction 15. The sheet sensor 120 includes a shaft 121, a detection element 122 that can rotate around the shaft 121, and an optical sensor 123 having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0101] [Temperature Sensor 115]

[0102] like Figure 2 As shown, temperature sensor 115 is installed inside tank 80. Temperature sensor 115 detects the temperature inside tank 80.

[0103] [Rotary Encoder 75]

[0104] Figure 7 The rotary encoder 75 shown is mounted on the conveyor motor 101 (see reference). Figure 7 The rotary encoder 75 consists of an encoder disk and an optical sensor that rotate together with the conveying motor 101 on the shaft. The rotary encoder 75 calculates the rotation amount of the conveying motor 101 based on the generated pulse signals.

[0105] [Controller 130 and Memory 140]

[0106] The following is for reference Figure 7 The structure of the controller 130 and memory 140 is described below. The controller 130 controls the overall operation of the multifunction printer 10. The controller 130 includes a CPU 131 and an ASIC 135. The memory 140 includes a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an EEPROM 134. The CPU 131, ASIC 135, ROM 132, RAM 133, and EEPROM 134 are connected via an internal bus 137.

[0107] ROM 132 stores programs used by CPU 131 to control various actions. RAM 133 is used as a storage area or data processing area to temporarily record data or signals used by CPU 131 when executing the above programs. EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, etc. that should be retained even after power is off.

[0108] The ASIC 135 is connected to a conveyor motor 101, a carriage drive motor 103, and a cover drive motor 104. The ASIC 135 is equipped with drive circuits that control each motor. The CPU 131 outputs drive signals to the corresponding drive circuits for each motor to rotate. The drive circuits output drive currents corresponding to the drive signals received from the CPU 131 to the corresponding motors. Thus, the corresponding motors rotate. Specifically, the controller 130 controls the conveyor motor 101 to transport paper 12 via the conveyor roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44. Additionally, the controller 130 controls the carriage drive motor 103 to move the carriage 40. Furthermore, the controller 130 controls the cover drive motor 104 to drive the movable mechanism 71, thereby moving the cover 70.

[0109] Additionally, a sheet sensor 120 is connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 detects whether a piece of paper 12 is present at the configuration position of the sheet sensor 120.

[0110] Additionally, a temperature sensor 115 is connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 detects the ambient temperature of the tank 80 based on the output of the temperature sensor 115. The controller 130 calculates the temperature change based on the information received from the temperature sensor 115. The controller 130 then drives the drive mechanism 92 based on the calculated value.

[0111] Additionally, an optical sensor for the rotary encoder 75 is connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 calculates the rotation amount of the conveyor motor 101 based on the electrical signal received from the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 75.

[0112] The controller 130 identifies the position of the paper 12 based on the amount of rotation of the feed motor 101 after the electrical signal received from the sheet sensor 120 changes from a low level to a high level (i.e., after the leading edge of the paper 12 is detected to have reached the configuration position of the sheet sensor 120).

[0113] Additionally, an encoder 35 is connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 identifies the position of the carriage 40 and whether it has moved based on the pulse signals received from the encoder 35.

[0114] Additionally, an electric actuator 49 is connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 drives the plunger 125 by supplying power to the coil section 107 within the electric actuator 49.

[0115] [Control of valve unit 91 by controller 130]

[0116] In the composite machine 10 configured as described above, the control of the valve unit 91 is executed by the controller 130. Hereinafter, refer to... Figures 8-10 The flowchart illustrates the operation of valve unit 91, which changes its orientation to a non-connected state and a connected state due to the rotation of rotating plate 96. Furthermore, in Figures 8-10 In the diagram, valve unit 91 is designated as BU, and carriage 40 is designated as CR.

[0117] Figure 8 This indicates the control of valve unit 91 during normal printing. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the controller 130 executes steps S10 to S110. First, the controller 130 drives the electric actuator 49 to de-connect the valve unit 91 based on the input indicating the start of printing received through the operation unit 17 or based on printing data received from an external information device (S10). At this time, the pressure (air pressure) of the ink chamber 81 of the ink tank 80 is atmospheric pressure. Next, the controller 130 drives the feed motor 102 to feed the paper 12 from the feed tray 20 to the transport path 65 (S20). The leading edge of the paper 12 fed from the feed tray 20 is detected by the sheet sensor 120. Based on the leading edge of the paper 12 detected by the sheet sensor 120, the controller 130 drives the transport motor 101 to start the feed by positioning the leading edge of the paper 12 below the recording unit 24 via the transport roller pair 59 (S30).

[0118] The controller 130 intermittently feeds the paper 12 (S40) directly below the recording unit 24. When the paper 12 stops, the drive carriage motor 103 moves the carriage 40 and ejects ink from the nozzle 39 of the head 38 for one pass of printing (S50). This intermittent feeding (S40) and one pass of printing (S50) is repeated until the printing of the entire paper 12 is completed (S60: No). During this one pass of printing, the ink in the ink tank 80 decreases, and the pressure (air pressure) in the ink chamber 81 decreases from atmospheric pressure. When the printing of the entire paper 12 is completed (S60: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the pressure in the ink chamber 81 is less than a preset threshold. Specifically, the controller 130 counts and accumulates the amount of ink ejected onto the paper 12 and determines whether the count value reaches a threshold stored in the memory 140. The threshold is preset to a value that will not disrupt the meniscus formed on the nozzle 39.

[0119] When the controller determines that the pressure inside the ink chamber 81 is not less than a threshold (S70: No), the controller 130 determines whether there is a next page for image recording (S110). If there is a next page for image recording (S110: Yes), the controller 130 feeds the paper 12 from the feed tray 20 to the transport path 65 (S20). On the other hand, when the controller determines that the pressure inside the ink chamber 81 is less than a threshold (S70: Yes), the controller 130 stops the power supply to the electric actuator 49, making the valve unit 91 connected (S80). When the valve unit 91 is connected, the pressure inside the ink chamber 81 becomes atmospheric pressure. Then, the controller 130 drives the electric actuator 49 to make the valve unit 91 disconnected (S90). After making the valve unit 91 disconnected, the controller 130 resets the accumulated count value (S100). On the other hand, when there is no image recording on the next page (S110: No), the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the maintenance position (to the right of the media passage area 36), covers the head 38 with the cover 70, and ends the printing operation.

[0120] Next, the operation of the valve unit 91 after the power button of the multifunction printer 10 is pressed and switched to the power-saving standby state (hereinafter also referred to as the standby state) will be explained.

[0121] The multifunction printer 10, for example, has a power switch that switches between a powered state (supplying power to the multifunction printer 10) and a non-powered state (not supplying power). Furthermore, the multifunction printer 10 has a so-called soft-switch power button that switches the multifunction printer 10 to a standby state or a ready-to-use state when power is supplied to the multifunction printer 10. When the power switch is operated by the user when no power is supplied to the multifunction printer 10, the controller 130 begins supplying power to the multifunction printer 10 and puts the multifunction printer 10 into a ready-to-use state. While the multifunction printer 10 is in a ready-to-use state, the controller 130 drives each drive source according to user input. When the multifunction printer 10 is in a ready-to-use state, the controller 130 switches the multifunction printer 10 to a ready-to-use state based on the user pressing the power button, as shown below. While in a ready-to-use state, the controller 130 stops supplying power to each drive source and waits for user input. When the power switch is turned on and power is supplied to the multifunction printer 10, the controller 130 puts the multifunction printer 10 into a ready-to-use state and makes each drive source operational.

[0122] Figure 9 This indicates the operation of valve unit 91 when the power supply to the multifunction printer 10 is disconnected via a soft switch and the printer enters a standby state. Controller 130 then executes steps S210 to S270.

[0123] First, the controller 130 determines whether the power button is off in the operation unit 17 (S210). Upon receiving a power button off operation (S210: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the carriage 40 is in the maintenance position based on the output of the encoder 35 (S220). If there is no power button off operation (S210: No), the controller 130 stands by until a power button off operation is received.

[0124] If the controller 130 determines that the carriage 40 is not in the maintenance position (S220: No), it drives the carriage drive motor 103 to move the carriage 40 to the maintenance position (S230). Then, the controller 130 moves the cover 70 to the covered position (S250), stops the power supply to the electric actuator 49, and connects the valve unit 91 (S260). Conversely, if the controller 130 determines that the carriage 40 is in the maintenance position (S220: Yes), it determines whether the cover 70 is in the covered position based on the signal from the cover sensor 147 (S240). If the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is not in the covered position (S240: No), it drives the cover drive motor 104 to move the cover 70 to the covered position (S250). Then, if the cover 70 is in the covered position (S240: Yes), the controller 130 stops the power supply to the electric actuator 49 and connects the valve unit 91 (S260).

[0125] After the controller 130 puts the valve unit 91 into the connected state, it puts the multifunction printer 10 into the standby state (S270) and ends the power disconnection operation. Here, the standby state refers to a state in which the display or LED of the operation unit 17 is not illuminated, thus limiting power consumption, before accepting operations on the operation unit 17 or receiving data from external information devices.

[0126] Next, the operation of the multifunction printer 10 when it is in standby mode will be explained.

[0127] exist Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the action of changing valve unit 91 from a non-connected state to a connected state based on a first condition (from steps S310 to S350) after the valve unit 91 is changed from a connected state to a non-connected state in standby mode, for example, to suppress ink evaporation caused by temperature rise. It also illustrates the action of changing valve unit 91 from a non-connected state to a connected state based on a second condition (from steps S360 to S410) after the valve unit 91 is changed from a connected state to a non-connected state based on the first condition, for example, to suppress ink leakage caused by temperature rise.

[0128] like Figure 10 As shown, the controller 130 executes steps S310 to S420. First, the control of the controller 130 to change the valve unit 91 from the connected state to the disconnected state in steps S310 to S350 will be explained.

[0129] The controller 130 determines whether the multifunction printer 10, in which the valve unit 91 is in the connected state, is in a standby state (S310). If the controller 130 determines that the multifunction printer 10 is in a standby state (S310: Yes), it sets a timer to start counting the elapsed time since the multifunction printer 10 entered the standby state (S320). The timer is driven, for example, based on an internal clock of the controller 130. On the other hand, if the controller 130 determines that it is not in a standby state (S310: No), it continues to determine until the multifunction printer 10 enters the standby state.

[0130] The controller 130 determines whether the current time after setting the timer is the predetermined time preset in the memory 140 (S330). When the controller 130 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed at the current time point (S330: Yes), it drives the electric actuator 49 to change the valve unit 91 from the connected state to the disconnected state.

[0131] After deactivating valve unit 91, controller 130 resets the timer (S360). Additionally, controller 130 obtains the temperature information from temperature sensor 115 at the time of timer reset and stores it in memory 140. In step S330, if it is determined that no predetermined time has elapsed (S330: No), controller 130 determines whether an operation has been accepted by the power button on the operation unit 17 of multifunction printer 10 (S340). If it is determined that no operation has been accepted by the power button on multifunction printer 10 (S340: No), controller 130 continues to determine whether the predetermined time has elapsed (S330). On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation has been accepted by the power button on multifunction printer 10 (S340: Yes), controller 130 terminates the standby state of multifunction printer 10 (S420).

[0132] Next, the control steps S360 to S410 of the controller 130 that cause the valve unit 91 to return from a non-connected state to a connected state will be described.

[0133] After setting valve unit 91 to a non-connected state (S350) and resetting the timer (S360), controller 130 determines whether a preset time has elapsed (S370). Based on the determination in step S370 that the preset time has elapsed (S370: Yes), controller 130 determines whether the temperature inside ink chamber 81 has risen by more than ΔT relative to a preset temperature (S390). Specifically, temperature information is obtained from temperature sensor 115, and the temperature difference between this information and the temperature information stored in memory 140 is calculated. Then, it is determined whether the calculated temperature difference is more than ΔT. Based on the determination that the temperature inside ink chamber 81 has risen by more than ΔT (S390: Yes), controller 130 stops supplying power to electric actuator 49, thus changing valve unit 91 from a non-connected state to a connected state (S400).

[0134] After energizing valve unit 91, controller 130 resets the timer (S410) and returns to step S330. On the other hand, if the temperature difference is determined to be less than ΔT (S390: No), controller 130 resets the timer (S360) and again checks whether the specified time has elapsed (S370). In step S370, if the specified time has not elapsed (S370: No), controller 130 checks whether the power button operation has been accepted in the operation unit 17 of the multifunction printer 10 (S380). If the power button operation has not been accepted (S380: No), controller 130 continues to check whether the specified time has elapsed (S370). On the other hand, if the power button operation has been accepted (S380: Yes), controller 130 ends the standby state of the multifunction printer 10 (S420).

[0135] Next, the action of unplugging the multifunction printer 10 from the socket will be explained.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure A, when no power is supplied to the coil section 107, the plunger 125 is forced to the left by the coil spring 51. At this time, the rotating plate 96 separates from the atmospheric opening 88, and the valve unit 91 is in the connected state. When the power plug of the multifunction printer 10 is unplugged from the socket in the connected state, the valve unit 91 maintains the state in which the plunger 125 is forced to the left by the coil spring 51. Therefore, the valve unit 91 remains in the connected state.

[0137] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure B, when the coil section 107 is powered, the plunger 125 moves to the right against the force of the helical spring 51. At this time, the rotating plate 96 closes the atmospheric opening 88, and the valve unit 91 becomes disconnected. In the disconnected state, when the power plug of the multifunction printer 10 is unplugged from the socket, the power supply to the coil section 107 is interrupted, and the plunger 125 is forced to the left by the helical spring 51, thereby changing the valve unit 91 from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0138] [Effects of the First Embodiment]

[0139] According to the first embodiment, when the power supply to the multifunction printer 10 is disconnected, the valve unit 91 becomes connected. Therefore, even if there are changes in the external environment such as an increase in temperature that causes an increase in pressure inside the tank 80, the possibility of ink leakage from the nozzle 38 due to the disruption of the meniscus formed on the nozzle 39 can be reduced.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply to the multifunction printer 10 is disconnected and it enters a standby state, the valve unit 91 becomes a non-connected state, thereby reducing the possibility of ink evaporating from the tank 80 through the atmospheric opening 88 or ink flowing out of the atmospheric opening 88 due to the movement of the multifunction printer 10.

[0141] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, in the standby state of the multifunction printer 10, even if there are changes in the external environment such as an increase in temperature causing an increase in pressure inside the tank 80, the leakage of ink from the nozzle 38 due to the disruption of the meniscus formed on the nozzle 39 can be reduced by making the valve unit 91 connected.

[0142] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the carriage 40 moves to the maintenance position, the cover 70 moves to the covering position and covers the nozzle 39, thereby reducing ink evaporation from the nozzle 39. When the power supply to the multifunction printer 10 is disconnected, since the cover valve unit 67 is in the connected state, even if there are changes in the external environment such as an increase in temperature that causes an increase in pressure inside the cover's internal space 76, the possibility of air entering the nozzle 39 from the cover's internal space 76 and damaging the meniscus can be reduced.

[0143] [Modification 1 of the First Embodiment]

[0144] In the first embodiment, an example was given where the recording unit 24 has one container 80, but for example... Figure 11 As shown, tank 80 can also be composed of a first storage chamber 80A and a second storage chamber 81A.

[0145] The first storage chamber 80A has a first ink chamber 82A inside. The second storage chamber 81A has a second ink chamber 83A. The first ink chamber 82A is connected to the second ink chamber 83A via an ink flow path 163 in a manner that allows ink to flow. The second ink chamber 83A is also connected to the head 38 in a manner that allows ink to flow.

[0146] The ink flow path 163 is a tubular component with an internal space. The internal space of the ink flow path 163 is connected to the first ink chamber 82A and the second ink chamber 83A through through holes provided in the first storage chamber 80A and the second storage chamber 81A.

[0147] An atmospheric communication device 48 is provided at the atmospheric opening 88 of the first storage chamber 80A. The valve unit 91 is driven by the drive mechanism 92 to make the atmospheric opening 88 either connected or disconnected.

[0148] [Modification 2 of the First Embodiment]

[0149] In the first embodiment, an atmospheric opening 88 that connects the gas layer 78 of the ink chamber 81 to the outside was provided in the tank 80 as an example. However, as a structure that connects the gas layer of the tank to the outside, an atmospheric connection path 90B may also be provided. The atmospheric connection path 90B is configured as a passage extending to the atmospheric opening 88. In addition, the atmospheric connection path 90B may also be configured as a passage extending outward from the atmospheric opening 88.

[0150] In this modified example, atmospheric connection path 90B is configured as a pathway leading to atmospheric opening 88, such as... Figure 12 As shown in Figure A, there is a maze structure 187.

[0151] Atmospheric connection path 90B is a connection path used to connect the ink chamber (not shown) to the outside. In other words, atmospheric connection path 90B is a connection path used to open the ink chamber to the atmosphere.

[0152] The atmospheric communication path 90B is formed in the shape of a groove on the upper wall 82 and is sealed by a membrane 189. One end of the atmospheric communication path 90B communicates with the ink chamber through an opening 190 formed in the upper wall 82. The other end of the atmospheric communication path 90B communicates with the outside through an atmospheric opening 88 formed in the upper wall 82. In this modified example, the atmospheric communication path 90B has a labyrinth structure 187 that makes repeated U-shaped turns in the forward and backward direction 8 and extends in the left and right direction 9.

[0153] [Modification 3 of the First Embodiment]

[0154] In the first embodiment, the atmospheric opening 88 is open to the outside in the connected state, but the atmospheric opening 88 may also have a semi-permeable membrane 188.

[0155] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown in Figure B, a semi-permeable membrane 188 is provided on the other end of the atmospheric communication path 90B that connects to the outside, in a manner that closes the atmospheric opening 88.

[0156] The semi-permeable membrane 188 is a porous membrane with tiny pores that block the passage of ink while allowing gas to pass through. For example, the semi-permeable membrane 188 is composed of fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer. Thus, the ink stored in the ink chamber is blocked by the semi-permeable membrane 188 and cannot flow out of the container through the atmospheric connection 90B and the atmospheric opening 88. On the other hand, air can move freely between the ink chamber and the outside of the container.

[0157] [Second Implementation]

[0158] In the second embodiment, the structure of the atmospheric communication device 48C, which is configured to include two electric actuators arranged in series, is described instead of the atmospheric communication device 48 in the tank 80.

[0159] Figure 13 A indicates the state of valve unit 91 in which power is supplied to the first electric actuator 49C but not to the second electric actuator 50C in the atmospheric communication device 48C. Additionally, Figure 13 B indicates the state of valve unit 91 in atmospheric communication device 48C, where both the first electric actuator 49C and the second electric actuator 50C are stopped by power supply after power is supplied to the first electric actuator 49C.

[0160] The atmospheric communication device 48C of this embodiment includes a valve unit 91 and a drive mechanism 92C.

[0161] Valve unit 91 has the same structure as in the first embodiment, therefore, descriptions of the various structures of valve unit 91 are omitted. In the second embodiment, the rotating support platform 98 is located to the right of the atmospheric opening 88. By rotating the rotating plate 96 around the rotating shaft 97, the first rotating plate 99 closes or opens the atmospheric opening 88.

[0162] The drive mechanism 92C includes a first electric actuator 49C, a second electric actuator 50C, a first helical spring 51C, and a second helical spring 52C. The drive mechanism 92C is operated by power supplied from the controller 130 and drives the valve unit 91. The drive mechanism 92C is disposed on the upper wall 82 of the tank 80. The first electric actuator 49C is supported, for example, on a first spring seat 105C disposed on the left side of the upper wall 82, and the second electric actuator 50C is supported on a second spring seat 106C disposed on the right side of the upper wall 82. The first electric actuator 49C includes a first coil portion 107C and a first plunger 125C. The second electric actuator 50C includes a second coil portion 108C and a second plunger 126C. The first electric actuator 49C and the second electric actuator 50C are arranged with their front ends facing each other.

[0163] The front ends of the first plunger 125C and the second plunger 126C are respectively connected to the abutment portion 127C. The lower end of the abutment portion 127C is located near the upper end of the rotating shaft 97. The abutment portion 127C abuts against the upper surface of the rotating plate 96. The abutment portion 127C is movable relative to the rotating plate 96 in the left-right direction 9.

[0164] The first plunger 125C and the second plunger 126C are movable in the left-right direction 9 relative to the first coil section 107C and the second coil section 108C. When an induced magnetic field is generated in the first coil section 107C by energizing it, the first plunger 125C moves to the right relative to the first coil section 107C. When an induced magnetic field is generated in the second coil section 108C by energizing it, the second plunger 126C moves to the left relative to the second coil section 108C.

[0165] like Figure 13 As shown, near the left side of the upper wall 82 of the tank 80 and the atmospheric opening 88, the first spring seat 105C protrudes upward. Near the right end of the upper wall 82 of the tank 80, the second spring seat 106C protrudes upward. The second spring seat 106C is located to the right of the atmospheric opening 88.

[0166] A first helical spring 51C is supported on a first spring seat 105C and an abutment portion 127C, and a second helical spring 52C is supported on a second spring seat 106C and an abutment portion 127C. The first helical spring 51C and the second helical spring 52C extend in the left-right direction 9, respectively. The first helical spring 51C applies a force to the right on the abutment portion 127C. The second helical spring 52C applies a force to the left on the abutment portion 127C. The force exerted by the first helical spring 51C is equal to the force exerted by the second helical spring 52C.

[0167] The first electric actuator 49C is supported by a first support platform 94C located between a first spring seat 105C on the upper wall 82 and an atmospheric opening 88. The second electric actuator 50C is supported by a second support platform 95C located between a second spring seat 106C on the upper wall 82 and an atmospheric opening 88.

[0168] When no power is supplied to the first coil section 107C and the second coil section 108C, the abutment portion 127C is subjected to force by the first helical spring 51C and the second helical spring 52C respectively, such as Figure 13 As shown in B, it is located near the rotation axis 97.

[0169] In the state where power is supplied to the first coil section 107C but not to the second coil section 108C, such as Figure 13 As shown in Figure A, the abutment portion 127C moves to the right against the force of the second helical spring 52C. In this state, the abutment portion 127C is located to the right of the rotation shaft 97 and abuts against the second rotating plate 100. As a result, the first rotating plate 99 separates from the atmospheric opening 88. That is, the atmospheric opening 88 becomes open.

[0170] Furthermore, when power is supplied to the second coil section 108C instead of the first coil section 107C, such as in Figure 13 As shown by the dashed line in section A, the abutment portion 127C moves to the left against the force of the first helical spring 51C. In this state, the abutment portion 127C is located to the left of the rotation shaft 97 and abuts against the first rotating plate 99. As a result, the first rotating plate 99 closes the atmospheric opening 88. That is, the atmospheric opening 88 becomes a non-connected state.

[0171] When power is supplied to the first coil section 107C of the first electric actuator 49C, and then power supply to the first coil section 107C of the first electric actuator 49C is stopped, such as Figure 13As shown in Figure B, the abutment portion 127C moves to the left on the second rotating plate 100 by the force generated by the first helical spring 51C and the second helical spring 52C, and is positioned above the rotating shaft 97. At this time, the valve unit 91 is held in a position without changing its posture, and the atmospheric opening 88 is held in a connected state. After power is supplied to the second coil portion 108C of the second electric actuator 50C, when the power supply to the second coil portion 108C of the second electric actuator 50C is stopped, the abutment portion 127C moves to the right on the first rotating plate 99C by the force generated by the first helical spring 51C, and is positioned above the rotating shaft 97. At this time, the valve unit 91 is held in a position without changing its posture, and the atmospheric opening 88 is held in a non-connected state.

[0172] [Modification 1 of the Second Embodiment]

[0173] In the second embodiment, the drive mechanism 92 moves the contact portion 127C in the left-right direction 9, thereby changing the posture of the valve unit 91 to a connected state or a disconnected state. However, the drive mechanism 92 may also be, for example, as... Figure 14 The eccentric cam is rotated, causing the valve unit 91D to change its posture to either a connected or disconnected state.

[0174] like Figure 14 As shown, the atmospheric communication device 48D includes a valve unit 91D and a rotating mechanism 92D. The valve unit 91D includes a rotating plate 96D and a rotating shaft 97D.

[0175] Rotating plate 96D has a bend near the center, forming a V-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction 8. Rotating plate 96D is positioned to the right of the atmospheric opening 88. The portion of rotating plate 96D extending to the left from the bend is called the first rotating plate 99D, and the portion extending to the right is called the second rotating plate 100D. Rotation shaft 97D protrudes from rotating plate 96D along the front-rear direction 8 from the boundary between the first rotating plate 99D and the second rotating plate 100D.

[0176] The first rotating plate 99D has a first upper surface 116 on its upper surface at the front end. The first upper surface 116 is horizontal when the first rotating plate 99D is in a horizontal state. In addition, the first rotating plate 99D has a first inclined surface 117 on its upper surface at the base end. The first inclined surface 117 is inclined when the first rotating plate 99D is in a horizontal state.

[0177] The second rotating plate 100D has a second upper surface 118 on its upper surface at the front end. The second upper surface 118 is horizontal when the second rotating plate 100D is in a horizontal state. The second rotating plate 100D has a second inclined surface 119 on its upper surface at the base end. The second inclined surface 119 is inclined when the second rotating plate 100D is in a horizontal state.

[0178] The rotating mechanism 92D includes a support wall 156, a camshaft 157, a limiting shaft 158, and an eccentric cam 159. The rotating mechanism 92D is rotated by being powered from the controller 130, driving the valve unit 91D.

[0179] A support wall 156 is provided on the upper wall 82. The support wall 156 is formed as a flat plate, for example, and is located near the atmospheric opening 88. A camshaft 157 extending in the forward direction is provided on the support wall 156. In addition, on the support wall 156, on the left and right sides of the camshaft 157, there are limiting shafts 158 for limiting the rotation of the eccentric cam 159.

[0180] The eccentric cam 159 is rotatably supported by the camshaft 157. An abutment portion 127D is formed on the eccentric cam 159 extending toward the rotating plate 96D of the valve unit 91D. A limiting portion 161 is formed on the eccentric cam 159 that abuts against the limiting shaft 158. The limiting portion 161 limits the range of rotation of the eccentric cam 159.

[0181] The following explains the operation of the eccentric cam 159 caused by the switching on and off of the power supply to the rotating machine 92D.

[0182] like Figure 14 As shown in A and B, when power is supplied to the rotating mechanism 92D, the eccentric cam 159 rotates, and the abutment portion 127D rotates to the left from its position above the rotating shaft 97. The rotated abutment portion 127D transmits driving force to the first rotating plate 99D, causing the rotating plate 96D to rotate. At this time, as... Figure 14 As shown in Figure B, the eccentric cam 159 is restricted from movement by the limiting part 161 abutting against the limiting shaft 158 ​​located on the left. As a result, the abutting part 127D stops near the boundary between the first upper surface 116D and the first inclined surface 117. Then, the valve unit 91D changes from a connected state to a disconnected state.

[0183] When the power supply to the rotating machine 92D is stopped, such as Figure 14 As shown in Figure C, the eccentric cam 159 rotates to the right, and the abutment portion 127D stops above the rotation shaft 97. At this time, the valve unit 91D is held in a position without changing its posture, and the atmospheric opening 88 remains in a non-connected state.

[0184] When a current in the opposite direction to the aforementioned current is supplied to the rotating machine 92D, such as Figure 14 As shown in C and D, the eccentric cam 159 rotates to the right, and the abutment portion 127D rotates to the right above the rotating shaft 97. The rotating abutment portion 127D transmits driving force to the second rotating plate 100D, causing the rotating plate 96D to rotate. At this time, as... Figure 14As shown in Figure D, the eccentric cam 159 is restricted in its movement by abutting against the limiting shaft 158 ​​located on the right by the limiting portion 161. As a result, the abutting portion 127D stops near the boundary between the second upper surface 118 and the second inclined surface 119. Then, the valve unit 91D changes from a non-connected state to a connected state.

[0185] [Modification 2 of the Second Embodiment]

[0186] In the second embodiment, with Figure 13 The atmospheric communication device 48C shown is an example of an atmospheric communication device consisting of a valve unit 91 and a drive mechanism 92C equipped with a first electric actuator 49C and a second electric actuator 50C. However, other devices can also be used for the atmospheric communication device 48. For example, a device with... Figure 15 The apparatus shown is a device of the mechanism.

[0187] In this modified example, an atmospheric communication device 48E is provided on the upper wall 82E of the ink storage tank 80E. The atmospheric communication device 48E is provided on the upper wall 82E on an atmospheric opening 88 that connects the ink chamber 81E of the tank 80E to the outside.

[0188] The atmospheric communication device 48E includes a drive mechanism 92E and a valve unit 91E.

[0189] The drive mechanism 92E drives the valve unit 91E in the vertical direction 7. The drive mechanism 92E includes a plunger 125E and an electric actuator (not shown). The drive mechanism 92E is powered and moves in the vertical direction 7 to drive the valve unit 91E. The drive mechanism 92E is located on the upper wall 82E of the tank 80E.

[0190] The valve unit 91E includes a gasket 165, a base 166, a sliding part 167, a pair of elastic parts 168, 168 and a limiting pin 169.

[0191] Gasket 165 is a component used to prevent air leakage from the gap when valve unit 91E is in a non-connected state. The lower part of gasket 165 abuts against base 166. Gasket 165 is elastically deformed by being pressed by cover 173, which will be described later.

[0192] The base 166 has a through hole 170 in its central portion and is formed in a generally disc-shaped manner. The lower surface of the base 166 is formed flat. The through hole 170 is continuous with the atmospheric opening 88 when the base 166 is provided. That is, when the base 166 is provided on the can 80E, the atmospheric opening 88 allows the gas layer 78E of the ink chamber 81E to communicate with the outside. In addition, a protrusion 171 is formed on the upper surface of the base 166 to hold the liner 165 on the base 166. The protrusion 171 is formed in such a way that it protrudes upward on both the inner and outer peripheral sides of the liner 165.

[0193] The sliding portion 167 is connected to the base 166 via a pair of elastic portions 168, 168, and moves in the vertical direction 7 by a driving force applied by the drive mechanism 92E. Furthermore, the sliding portion 167 is configured, for example, to slide relative to the fixing member 172 fixed to the can 80E. The sliding portion 167 includes a cover portion 173, a main body portion 174, and a column portion 175.

[0194] The cover 173 closes or opens the atmospheric opening 88, thus making the atmospheric opening 88 either connected or disconnected. The cover 173 approaches the base 166 while the gasket 165 is sandwiched between it. The cover 173 is, for example, formed in a disc shape.

[0195] The upper end of the column portion 175 is fixed to the main body portion 174 and extends downward from the main body portion 174. The lower end of the column portion 175 supports the cover portion 173.

[0196] The main body 174 is supported by a pair of elastic parts 168, 168. The main body 174 is movable relative to the fixed member 172 in the vertical direction 7. Figure 15 As shown, the main body 174 is connected to the fixed member 172 via a limiting pin 169 that limits the range of movement in the vertical direction. A groove 176 is formed on the front surface of the main body 174.

[0197] One end of the limiting pin 169 is slidably connected to the sliding part 167. The other end of the limiting pin 169 is rotatably supported on the fixing member 172.

[0198] like Figure 15 As shown, the groove portion 176 has: a first groove 177 extending obliquely upward to the right from the lower part of the main body portion 174; a second groove 178 extending upward from the upper right end of the first groove 177; a third groove 179 extending obliquely downward to the left from the upper end of the second groove 178; a fourth groove 180 extending obliquely upward to the left from the lower left end of the third groove 179; a fifth groove 181 extending downward from the upper left end of the fourth groove 180; and a sixth groove 182 extending obliquely downward to the right from the lower end of the fifth groove 181.

[0199] The starting point of the first groove 177 coincides with the ending point of the sixth groove 182. The first groove 177 and the third groove 179 are parallel and have the same length. The second groove 178 and the fifth groove 181 are parallel and have the same length. The fourth groove 180 and the sixth groove 182 are parallel and have the same length. The second groove 178 is configured to be deeper than the first groove 177, and the limiting pin 169, after moving from the first groove 177 to the second groove 178, does not return from the second groove 178 to the first groove 177. Similarly, the third groove 179 is formed deeper than the second groove 178, the fourth groove 180 is formed deeper than the third groove 179, and the fifth groove 181 is formed deeper than the fourth groove 180. Moreover, the first groove 177 is formed deeper than the sixth groove 182. That is, the limiting pin 169 moves in the order of the first groove 177, the second groove 178, the third groove 179, the fourth groove 180, the fifth groove 181, and the sixth groove 182.

[0200] The following describes the operation of the sliding part 167 relative to the limiting pin 169.

[0201] like Figure 15 As shown in Figure A, when the sliding portion 167 is at its uppermost position, the limiting pin 169 is located at the starting point of the first groove 177, which is the lowermost groove portion 176. At this time, the cover portion 173 is separated from the base portion 166, and the atmospheric opening 88 is in a connected state. Next, when power is supplied to the electric actuator, the sliding portion 167 is pressed downwards by the plunger 125E, and the limiting pin 169 moves to the end point of the first groove 177. Furthermore, because the sliding portion 167 is pressed downwards, as... Figure 15 As shown in Figure B, the limiting pin 169 moves from the starting point of the second groove 178 to the ending point of the second groove 178. At this time, the cover 173 approaches the base 166 while the gasket 165 is elastically deformed, and the atmospheric opening 88 becomes non-connected.

[0202] Then, when the power supply to the electric actuator stops, such as Figure 15 As shown in Figure C, the plunger 125E returns to its upward position, and the sliding portion 167 is forced upward by a pair of elastic portions 168, 168. Consequently, the limiting pin 169 moves from the starting point of the third groove 179 to the ending point of the third groove 179 and stops. At this time, the cover portion 173 separates from the base portion 166 and moves upward but remains in contact with the restored gasket 165. Therefore, the atmospheric opening 88 is maintained in a non-connected state.

[0203] Subsequently, when power is supplied to the electric actuator again, the limiting pin 169 moves from the starting point of the fourth slot 180 to the ending point of the fourth slot 180. Then, when power supply to the electric actuator stops, the limiting pin 169 moves from the starting point of the fifth slot 181, through the ending point of the fifth slot 181, to the ending point of the sixth slot 182, thus stopping. At this time, the cover 173 becomes... Figure 15The state shown in Figure A is such that the cover 173 is separated from the base 166, and the atmospheric opening 88 is in a connected state.

[0204] [Third Implementation Method]

[0205] In the third embodiment, the valve unit 91F is configured to change state in conjunction with the movement of the slide 40, becoming either a non-connected state or a connected state.

[0206] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, a moving mechanism 48F can be provided instead of the atmospheric communication device 48, serving as a mechanism for making the atmospheric opening 88 either non-connected or connected. The moving mechanism 48F includes a carriage 40, a valve unit 91F, and an abutment portion 127F. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the atmospheric opening 88 is located above the side wall 87 of the tank 80, and the atmospheric opening 88 communicates the ink chamber 81 of the tank 80 with the outside.

[0207] The carriage 40 is driven by a carriage drive motor 103 (see reference). Figure 7 Driven by the controller 130 (see reference 130). The carriage 40 carries the head 38 and moves. Figure 7 It operates when powered.

[0208] Valve unit 91F includes valve 96F and helical spring component 51F.

[0209] Valve 96F is a component that makes the atmospheric opening 88 either in a non-connected or connected state by abutting or separating it relative to the atmospheric opening 88.

[0210] The helical spring component 51F is a component used to apply force to the right in order to bring the valve 96F into contact with the atmospheric opening 88. One end of the helical spring component 51F is connected to the valve 96F, and the other end is connected to the side surface 86F formed inside the can 80.

[0211] The abutment portion 127F is a component protruding from the frame 47F, which extends in the vertical direction 7. The abutment portion 127F and the atmospheric opening 88 are located at the same position in the vertical direction 7 and the front-back direction 8. In addition, the diameter of the abutment portion 127F is smaller than the diameter of the atmospheric opening 88.

[0212] The following describes the operation of the moving mechanism 48F.

[0213] As the carriage 40 moves to the maintenance position, the abutment part 127F presses the valve 96F to the left through the atmospheric opening 88 on the right. As a result, the valve 96F moves to the left against the force of the helical spring 51F, and thus the valve unit 91F changes from a non-connected state to a connected state.

[0214] On the other hand, when the carriage 40 moves to the left from the maintenance position, the valve 96F separates from the abutment part 127F, so the valve unit 91F is forced to the right by the helical spring component 51F and changes from the connected state to the disconnected state.

[0215] That is, when the controller 130 changes the power supply of the multifunction printer 10 from on to off, it drives the carriage drive motor 103 to make the valve unit 91F change from a non-connected state to a connected state; when the power supply of the multifunction printer 10 changes from off to on, it makes the valve unit 91F change from a connected state to a non-connected state.

[0216] Label Explanation

[0217] 9············Left and right directions (scanning direction)

[0218] 10············ Composite Machine (Liquid Ejection Device)

[0219] 38············head

[0220] 39············ Nozzle

[0221] 40············Slide

[0222] 49············Electrical Actuator

[0223] 49C···········First Electric Actuator

[0224] 50C···········Second Electric Actuator

[0225] 51·············Helical Spring (Force-Applying Component)

[0226] 67············Cover Valve Unit

[0227] 70············ Cover

[0228] 72············Through hole (with open cap)

[0229] 74············ Cover connecting road

[0230] 76·············The interior space of the lid (the interior space of the lid)

[0231] 78············Gas Layer

[0232] 80············ Tank (Storage Section)

[0233] 80A···········First Storage Room

[0234] 81A···········Second Storage Room

[0235] 88············Atmospheric Opening

[0236] 90B···········Atmospheric Connector

[0237] 91, 91D, 91E, 91F... valve units

[0238] 92, 92C, 92E... Drive mechanism

[0239] 103···········Carriage drive motor (drive source)

[0240] 130··········· Controller

[0241] 159···········Eccentric Cam

[0242] 187··········· Maze Structure

[0243] 188···········Semipermeable membrane.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, comprising: The head has a nozzle that sprays liquid. The storage section, at least a portion of which is located above the opening of the nozzle, is where liquid forms a liquid surface and is stored. An atmospheric connection path connects the gas layer of the aforementioned storage unit to the outside through an atmospheric opening. The valve unit switches between a connected state that connects the gas layer of the aforementioned storage unit to the outside and a non-connected state that does not connect the gas layer of the aforementioned storage unit to the outside. and Power button, The aforementioned power button is operated by switching the liquid dispensing device from an on to an off state, changing it from a standby state to a standby state where power supply to the drive source is stopped and the device awaits user input. When the power button is operated from on to off, the valve unit switches from the non-connected state to the connected state.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned liquid ejection device also includes: The drive mechanism drives the aforementioned valve unit; and Controller By operating the power button from on to off, the controller drives the drive mechanism to switch the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, wherein, In the standby state, the controller drives the drive mechanism based on a pre-set first condition to switch the valve unit from the connected state to the non-connected state.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein, In the standby state, the controller drives the drive mechanism based on a pre-set second condition to switch the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned liquid ejection device also includes: The carriage carries the aforementioned head and moves it; The drive source drives the aforementioned carriage; and Controller The valve unit and the slide are linked in their movement to change states. By operating the power button from on to off, the controller drives the drive source to switch the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state.

6. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The valve unit switches between the non-connected state and the connected state by rotation. The above-mentioned drive mechanism has: A first electric actuator switches the valve unit from the non-connected state to the connected state; and The second electric actuator switches the valve unit from the connected state to the non-connected state.

7. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The valve unit switches between the non-connected state and the connected state by rotation. The aforementioned drive mechanism is a rotating mechanism with an eccentric cam that switches the state of the aforementioned valve unit.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned liquid ejection device also includes a drive mechanism for driving the aforementioned valve unit. The aforementioned drive mechanism has: The force-applying component maintains the valve unit in the aforementioned connected state; and An electric actuator, powered by electricity, switches the valve unit from the connected state to the disconnected state against the force-applying component.

9. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8, wherein, The aforementioned liquid ejection device also includes a carriage for mounting the aforementioned head. The storage unit is mounted on the carriage with at least a portion of the storage unit located above the head.

10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein, The aforementioned carriage moves in the scanning direction. The head ejects liquid as the carriage moves in the scanning direction.

11. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8, wherein, The above-mentioned storage section has: First storage room; and The second storage chamber is connected to the first storage chamber and the head in a manner that allows liquid to flow.

12. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8, wherein, The aforementioned atmospheric communication pathway has at least one of a labyrinth structure or a semi-permeable membrane.

13. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8, wherein, The aforementioned liquid ejection device also includes: The cover is movable to a covering position that covers the nozzle and a separation position that separates from the nozzle; The cover connects the internal space of the cover to the outside through the cover's opening; and The cover valve unit switches between a cover-connected state, in which the internal space of the cover is connected to the outside, and a cover-disconnected state, in which the internal space of the cover is not connected to the outside. When the power button is operated from on to off, the cover valve unit switches from the cover non-connected state to the cover connected state.

14. A liquid ejection device, comprising: The head has a nozzle that sprays liquid. The storage section, at least a portion of which is located above the opening of the nozzle, is where liquid forms a liquid surface and is stored. An atmospheric connection path connects the gas layer of the aforementioned storage unit to the outside through an atmospheric opening. The valve unit switches between a connected state that connects the gas layer of the aforementioned storage unit to the outside and a non-connected state that does not connect the gas layer of the aforementioned storage unit to the outside. and Power button, The aforementioned power button is operated by switching the liquid dispensing device from an on to an off state, changing it from a standby state to a standby state where power supply to the drive source is stopped and the device awaits user input. After the power button is operated from on to off, the valve unit switches from the non-connected state to the connected state.

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