Switching mechanism, flow path switching mechanism and liquid ejection device

Abstract

This application provides a switching mechanism, a flow path switching mechanism, and a liquid ejection device, which does not require a position detector. In this switching device, a drive source causes the first rotating body (106) to perform a forward and reverse rotation operation sequentially, thereby switching the rotation position of the second rotating body (103) to a predetermined rotation position. In this switching mechanism, at least one first interval (S1) is formed to be larger than the second interval (S2) which are other intervals. When the central angle formed by the two protrusions (103b, 103d) constituting the first interval with respect to the rotation center (RC1) is set as the first angle (θ1), and the largest of the central angles formed by the two protrusions constituting the second interval with respect to the rotation center is set as the second angle (θ2), the drive source causes the first rotating body to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation operations with a rotation angle smaller than the first angle and greater than or equal to the second angle, thereby positioning the engaging part (105c) within the first interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching mechanism for switching the rotational position of a rotating body, a flow path switching mechanism having the switching mechanism, and a liquid ejection device having the flow path switching mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that includes a switching mechanism for a rotary valve that selectively connects a conduit to a suction pump based on its rotational position. The switching mechanism comprises a ratchet gear integrally mounted on the rotational shaft of the rotary valve, an arm member rotatably supported on the rotational shaft, and a pawl rotatably supported on the arm member. When the arm member rotates counterclockwise, the pawl engages with the ratchet gear, causing the rotary valve and the arm member to rotate counterclockwise together, thereby switching the conduit connected to the suction pump.

[0003] The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 also includes a position indicating member disposed on a ratchet gear and a position detector for detecting the position indicating member. Furthermore, the position detector detects the rotational position of the rotary valve. The arm member is an example of a first rotating body, the ratchet gear is an example of a second rotating body, the pawl is an example of an engaging portion, and the image forming apparatus is an example of a liquid ejection device.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200774

[0005] In the switching mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the rotational position of the rotary valve becomes unknown due to unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, the liquid ejection device includes a position detector to detect the rotational position of the rotary valve. This presents a technical problem of complicating the liquid ejection device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The switching mechanism for solving the above-mentioned technical problems comprises: a first rotating body that receives driving force transmitted by a driving source and rotates forward and backward; and a second rotating body that rotates around the rotation center of the first rotating body. On the outer periphery of the second rotating body, multiple protrusions are spaced apart in the rotational direction. The first rotating body includes a locking portion capable of displacement along the outer periphery of the second rotating body. The switching mechanism is configured such that: when the first rotating body rotates forward, the locking portion engages with the protrusions, and the second rotating body rotates forward together with the first rotating body; when the first rotating body rotates backward, the locking portion moves along the outer periphery of the second rotating body, thereby suppressing the second rotating body from rotating in the reverse direction. The rotation of the rotating body is achieved by the drive source causing the first rotating body to perform a forward and reverse rotation action in sequence, switching the rotation position of the second rotating body to a predetermined rotation position. At least one of the intervals is formed to be larger than the other intervals. When the central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the first interval relative to the rotation center is set as the first angle, and the largest of the central angles formed by the two protrusions constituting the other intervals relative to the rotation center is set as the second angle, the drive source causes the first rotating body to repeatedly perform the forward and reverse rotation action with a rotation angle smaller than the first angle and greater than or equal to the second angle, thereby causing the engaging part to be located within the first interval.

[0007] The flow path switching mechanism for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: the aforementioned switching mechanism; and a rotary valve having a first flow path and two or more flow paths different from the first flow path. By rotating the rotary valve, the flow path connected to the first flow path among the two or more flow paths can be switched. When the rotary valve can rotate together with the second rotating body, and a predetermined protrusion among the plurality of protrusions of the second rotating body is located at a predetermined position, the first flow path is connected to any one of the two or more flow paths.

[0008] The liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a liquid ejection section for ejecting liquid from a nozzle; a supply flow path for supplying liquid from a liquid container to the liquid ejection section; a cover for forming an enclosed space for opening the nozzle; a branch flow path, one end of which is connected to the middle of the supply flow path; a discharge flow path, one end of which is connected to the cover; a drive source; and the above-mentioned flow path switching mechanism, wherein the pump is a suction pump, the other end of the branch flow path is connected to a second flow path among the two or more flow paths, and the other end of the discharge flow path is connected to a third flow path among the two or more flow paths. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a multi-functional integrated machine equipped with the liquid ejection device of the first to second embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid ejection device equipped with a flow path switching mechanism.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the flow path switching mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the flow path switching mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the configuration of the switching mechanism.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body when it rotates clockwise at the second rotation angle.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body when it is reversed at the second rotation angle.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body after it has been reversed by the second rotation angle.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body when it is rotating clockwise at the first rotation angle.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body when it is reversed by the first rotation angle.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a front view showing the engagement part in the first interval.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a front view showing the engagement part in the second interval.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the suction device.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a front view showing the drive gear and the first gear.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a front view showing the drive gear and the second gear.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a front view showing the drive gear and the first rotating body.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a front view showing the state in which the second gear is engaged with the first rotating body.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a front view showing the state in which the second gear is engaged with the first rotating body.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a front view showing the structure of the delay transmission mechanism.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a front view showing the state of rotation of the first and second gears.

[0029] Figure 21 This is a front view showing the state of engagement between the drive gear and the second gear.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a front view showing the state in which the drive gear is engaged with the first rotating body.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a front view showing the state of disengagement between the drive gear and the first rotating body.

[0032] Figure 24 This is a front view showing the state of the drive gear rotating after disengaging from the second gear.

[0033] Figure 25 This is the main view showing the state at which the flow path switching action has begun.

[0034] Figure 26 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body when it is rotating clockwise during the flow path switching operation.

[0035] Figure 27 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body when it reverses during the flow path switching operation.

[0036] Figure 28 This is a front view showing the pump's suction action.

[0037] Figure 29 This is a front view showing the state of the first rotating body moving to the pump release action position.

[0038] Figure 30 This is the front view showing the pump release action.

[0039] Figure 31 This is the main view showing the state of returning from the pump release position to the start position.

[0040] Figure 32 This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the flow path switching mechanism in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The first and second embodiments of the switching mechanism, flow path switching mechanism, and liquid ejection device will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the liquid ejection device of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that prints characters, images, etc., on a medium by ejecting liquid such as ink onto a medium such as paper.

[0042] First Implementation Method

[0043] Regarding the composition of a multifunction printer

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunction printer 11 includes a liquid dispensing device 12 and an image reading device 13 disposed on the liquid dispensing device 12. The multifunction printer 11 is positioned such that the image reading device 13 covers the upper side of the liquid dispensing device 12, and as a whole, it is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the multi-functional all-in-one machine 11 is placed on a horizontal plane. The Z-axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X and Y axes represent directions along the horizontal plane, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The X, Y, and Z axes intersect each other. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis will be defined as the scanning direction X, the direction along the Y-axis will be defined as the transport direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis will be defined as the vertical direction Z.

[0046] An operation panel 17 is provided on the front surface of the liquid dispensing device 12. The operation panel 17 has operation sections 15 such as buttons for performing various operations on the multifunction printer 11, and a display section 16 for displaying information about the liquid dispensing device 12 and the multifunction printer 11. Furthermore, a holding section 19 for holding at least one liquid container 18 is provided on the right side of the operation panel 17. The holding section 19 forms part of the housing 20 and houses at least one liquid container 18 within it.

[0047] Regarding the composition of the liquid ejection device

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejection device 12 includes a liquid ejection section 30 for ejecting liquid from a nozzle 31, a liquid storage section 50, a bubble removal mechanism BS, and a carriage 33 capable of reciprocating in the scanning direction X. The carriage 33 carries the liquid ejection section 30, the liquid storage section 50, and the bubble removal mechanism BS. The liquid storage section 50 has a storage chamber 51 capable of storing liquid supplied from the liquid container 18 to the liquid ejection section 30. The bubble removal mechanism BS is configured to discharge air from the upper part of the storage chamber 51 of the liquid storage section 50.

[0049] The liquid dispensing device 12 includes a liquid supply device 26 that supplies liquid from a liquid container 18 to a liquid dispensing section 30. The liquid supply device 26 comprises a supply flow path 27 and a liquid storage section 50. The supply flow path 27 supplies liquid from the liquid container 18 to the liquid dispensing section 30, and the liquid storage section 50 is located midway along the supply flow path 27. The supply flow path 27 includes a first supply path 27a and a second supply path 27b. The first supply path 27a is an upstream portion of the liquid storage section 50, and the second supply path 27b is a downstream portion of the liquid storage section 50. The second supply path 27b is mounted on a carriage 33. Liquid from the liquid storage section 50 is transported to the liquid dispensing section 30 via the second supply path 27b.

[0050] The liquid ejection device 12 includes a maintenance device 40 for maintaining the liquid ejection section 30. The maintenance device 40 includes a cover 41 that is movable relative to the liquid ejection section 30, and a discharge passage 42 connected to the cover 41. The cover 41 is located below the liquid ejection section 30. The cover 41 can receive liquid ejected or discharged from the nozzle 31 of the liquid ejection section 30 for maintenance purposes.

[0051] The cover 41 is configured to move between a retracted position and a sealed position, the retracted position being separated from the liquid ejection section 30, and the sealed position being in contact with the nozzle surface 30a, the opening surface of the nozzle 31 of the liquid ejection section 30. When the cover 41 is in the sealed position, a closed space for the nozzle 31 opening is formed between the cover 41 and the nozzle surface 30a. That is, the cover 41 is capable of forming a closed space for the nozzle 31 opening.

[0052] The maintenance device 40 includes a pump 45 that functions as a suction pump. The liquid ejection device 12 includes a discharge recovery flow path 46, a waste liquid container 47 for receiving waste liquid recovered from the discharge recovery flow path 46, a flow path switching mechanism 44 for selectively switching the flow path connected to the discharge recovery flow path 46, and a drive source for driving the pump 45 and the flow path switching mechanism 44. The discharge recovery flow path 46 is connected to the pump 45 via its upstream end and the other end 45b of the pump 45, thus communicating with the pump 45. The discharge recovery flow path 46 is connected to the waste liquid container 47 via its downstream end, thus communicating with the waste liquid container 47. The pump 45 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 44 via a pipe 43 via one end 45a of the pump 45, thus communicating with the flow path switching mechanism 44. In other words, the waste liquid container 47 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 44.

[0053] The flow path switching mechanism 44 is connected to the cover 41 via the discharge flow path 42. One end 42a of the discharge flow path 42 is connected to the cover 41. Furthermore, the maintenance device 40 has a branch flow path 96 branching from the supply flow path 27. The flow path switching mechanism 44 is connected to the bubble removal mechanism BS via the branch flow path 96. One end 96a of the branch flow path 96 is connected midway to the supply flow path 27. The other ends 42b of the discharge flow path 42 and 96b of the branch flow path 96 are connected to the flow path switching mechanism 44. The flow path switching mechanism 44 selectively switches between a state where the discharge recovery flow path 46 is connected to the discharge flow path 42, a state where the discharge recovery flow path 46 is connected to the branch flow path 96, and a state where the discharge recovery flow path 46 is not connected to any flow path. The liquid ejection device 12 includes a suction device 97 that applies negative pressure to the flow path connected to the discharge recovery flow path 46. The suction device 97 also uses the pump 45 of the maintenance device 40 as its negative pressure source.

[0054] When the discharge recovery flow path 46 is connected to the discharge flow path 42, with the liquid ejection section 30 sealed, the maintenance device 40 drives the pump 45, thereby introducing negative pressure into the closed space formed between the cover 41 and the nozzle surface 30a. As a result, the maintenance device 40 discharges foreign matter such as air bubbles from the liquid in the liquid ejection section 30 along with the liquid from the nozzle 31 and transports it to the waste liquid receiving section 47.

[0055] When the discharge recovery flow path 46 is connected to the branch flow path 96, the maintenance device 40 drives the pump 45, thereby introducing negative pressure into the upper part of the storage chamber 51 in the liquid storage section 50 via the bubble removal mechanism BS. If bubbles are present in the upper part of the storage chamber 51, the introduced negative pressure is used to draw the bubbles out via the branch flow path 96, thereby removing the bubbles from the storage chamber 51. Then, the liquid including the bubbles is transported to the waste liquid container 47.

[0056] In the flow path switching mechanism 44, the control unit 100 controls the switching operation of the rotational position of a rotary valve (not shown). This rotary valve is configured to switch to two positions, including a position where negative pressure from the pump 45 is introduced into the storage chamber 51 of the liquid storage unit 50 via the bubble discharge mechanism BS, and a position where negative pressure from the pump 45 is introduced into the cover 41. Details regarding the flow path switching mechanism 44 will be described later.

[0057] Regarding the composition of the flow path switching mechanism

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, the flow path switching mechanism 44 includes a rotary valve 102. The rotary valve 102 is configured to include a housing 101 as a fixed part. The housing 101 has a first flow path 101b and two or more flow paths different from the first flow path 101b. That is, the rotary valve 102 has a first flow path 101b and two or more flow paths different from the first flow path 101b. Figure 4 The outer peripheral surface 102a shown is rotatable with respect to the outer peripheral surface 102a. Figure 4 The inner circumferential surface 101a shown is fitted, thereby configuring the rotating portion of the rotary valve 102 to rotate relative to the housing 101. It should be noted that rotating the rotating portion of the rotary valve 102 relative to the housing 101, which is a fixed part, is referred to as rotating the rotary valve 102. In this embodiment, the rotary valve 102 has a first flow path 101b, a second flow path 101c, and a third flow path 101d. That is, the rotary valve 102 has a first flow path 101b and two flow paths 101c and 101d that are different from the first flow path 101b.

[0059] The flow path switching mechanism 44 is configured to rotate around the rotation center RC1 via the rotary valve 102, thereby enabling it to switch between two or more flow paths that are different from the first flow path 101b and are connected to the first flow path 101b. In this embodiment, the flow path switching mechanism 44 is configured to switch between the second flow path 101c and the third flow path 101d that are connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0060] First flow path 101b and Figure 2 One end 45a of the pump 45 shown passes through Figure 2 The pipe 43 shown is connected, so that one end 45a of the pump 45 is connected to the first flow path 101b. Additionally, the second flow path 101c, one of two or more flow paths different from the first flow path 101b, is connected to... Figure 2 The other end 96b of the branch flow path 96 shown is connected to the third flow path 101d, which is different from the first flow path 101b. Figure 2 The other end 42b of the discharge flow path 42 shown is connected.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the flow path switching mechanism 44 has a switching mechanism 120. The switching mechanism 120 includes a first rotating body 106. The first rotating body 106 receives a driving force transmitted by a drive source 114 and rotates in both forward and reverse directions. Figure 2The control unit 100 shown controls the rotation angle. It should be noted that the method of transmitting driving force from the drive source 114 to the first rotating body 106 will be described later. Furthermore, the switching mechanism 120 includes a second rotating body 103. The second rotating body 103 rotates about the rotation center RC1 of the first rotating body 106, and a plurality of protrusions are spaced apart in the rotational direction on its outer periphery 103e. In this embodiment, three protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d are spaced apart in the rotational direction on the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103. The switching mechanism 120 switches the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 to a predetermined rotational position. It should be noted that the switching operation of the switching mechanism 120 will be described later.

[0062] The inner circumferential surface 106a of the first rotating body 106 and the inner circumferential surface 103a of the second rotating body 103 are fitted into the central axis in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to a central axis (not shown). Therefore, the first rotating body 106 and the second rotating body 103 can rotate around the same rotation center RC1.

[0063] The first rotating body 106 includes a locking member 105. The locking member 105 has a hole 105a, and the first rotating body 106 has a shaft 106b. The locking member 105 is fitted into the shaft 106b through the hole 105a in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the shaft 106b, thereby enabling the locking member 105 to rotate about the shaft 106b. Furthermore, the locking member 105 has a locking portion 105c. Additionally, the first rotating body 106 includes a first force-applying member 104. The first force-applying member 104 applies force to the locking portion 105c toward the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103. In other words, the first rotating body 106 includes a locking portion 105c that is displaceable along the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the engaging portion 105c has a side surface 105f and an inclined surface 105g. Furthermore, the protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d each have a side surface 103f and an inclined surface 103g. When the first rotating body 106 rotates clockwise in the forward rotation direction W1, as... Figure 3As shown, side 105f abuts against side 103f. When the first rotating body 106 rotates further in the forward rotation direction W1, a pressing force is applied in the vertical direction of side 103f, and a reaction force is applied in the vertical direction of side 105f. Both side 105f and side 103f are surfaces extending radially relative to the rotation center RC1; therefore, the reaction force does not include a component that causes the engaging member 105 to rotate in the direction D1 away from the rotation center RC1. Therefore, while maintaining the abutment between side 105f and side 103f, side 105f presses against side 103f with the pressing force, thereby causing the first rotating body 106 to rotate the second rotating body 103. The state in which side 105f abuts against side 103f is referred to as the engagement of the engaging part 105c with the protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d. That is, when the first rotating body 106 rotates in the forward rotation direction W1, the second rotating body 103 engages with the protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d through the engaging part 105c, and together with the first rotating body 106, rotates in the forward rotation direction W1. It should be noted that continuous and intermittent rotation in the forward rotation direction W1 is referred to as forward rotation.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, when the first rotating body 106 reverses in the reversing direction W2, the inclined surface 105g abuts against the inclined surface 103g. When the first rotating body 106 further reverses in the reversing direction W2, a pressing force is applied in the vertical direction of the inclined surface 103g, and a reaction force is applied in the vertical direction of the inclined surface 105g. Both the side surface 105f and the side surface 103f are surfaces that have an angle relative to the surface extending radially from the rotation center RC1. Therefore, the reaction force includes a component that causes the engaging member 105 to rotate in the direction D1 away from the rotation center RC1. Therefore, when the first rotating body 106 does not cause the second rotating body 103 to rotate, the engaging part 105c is displaced along the inclined surface 103g in the direction D1 away from the rotation center RC1. When the first rotating body 106 further reverses in the reversing direction W2, the engaging part 105c is displaced along the side surface 103f in the direction D2 closer to the rotation center RC1. That is, when the first rotating body 106 reverses in the reversing direction W2, the engaging part 105c moves along the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103, thereby suppressing the reversal of the reversing direction W2 of the second rotating body 103. It should be noted that continuous and intermittent rotation in the reversing direction W2 is referred to as reversal.

[0066] The rotary valve 102 can rotate together with the second rotating body 103. Therefore, the flow path switching mechanism 44 is configured such that when the engaging portion 105c moves along the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103, the rotary valve 102 does not rotate relative to the housing 101. More specifically, the rotational torque of the rotary valve 102 and the housing 101 is set such that when the engaging portion 105c passes over the protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d from the inclined surface 103g side, the rotational torque of the rotary valve 102 and the housing 101 is greater than the rotational torque applied to the second rotating body 103.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first force-applying member 104 has a tension spring with hook portions 104a and 104b at both ends. Hook portion 104a hooks onto the hooked portion 106c of the first rotating body 106, and hook portion 104b hooks onto the hooked portion 105b of the engaging member 105. Thus, a force is applied to the engaging portion 105c toward the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103. It should be noted that a compression spring can also be used to apply force to the engaging member 105 toward the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103.

[0068] When the engaging portion 105c engages with a predetermined protrusion among the plurality of protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d of the second rotating body 103, the rotary valve 102 rotates together with the second rotating body 103. Thus, when the predetermined protrusion is in a predetermined position, the first flow path 101b and any one of two or more flow paths different from the first flow path 101b are connected. Therefore, the protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d are positioned corresponding to the switching position of the rotary valve 102.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the engaging portion 105c is engaged with the protrusion 103b, the rotary valve 102 rotates together with the second rotating body 103, thereby allowing the protrusion 103b to be positioned... Figure 4 When the first flow path 101b is positioned as shown, it is connected to the second flow path 101c. More specifically, the first flow path 101b is connected to the end of the groove 102c located on the outer peripheral surface 102a, and the second flow path 101c is connected to the end of the groove 102d located on the outer peripheral surface 102a, thereby connecting the first flow path 101b and the second flow path 101c through the groove 102b of the rotary valve 102. Furthermore, when the engaging portion 105c is engaged with the protrusion 103c, the rotary valve 102 and the second rotating body 103 rotate further together, so that when the protrusion 103c is located at... Figure 4 When the first flow path 101b is positioned as shown, the first flow path 101b is connected to the third flow path 101d.

[0070] Furthermore, with the engaging portion 105c engaged with the protrusion 103d, the rotary valve 102 and the second rotating body 103 rotate further together, thereby allowing the protrusion 103d to be positioned... Figure 4 When the first flow path 101b is in the position shown, the first flow path 101b is not connected to any flow path. That is to say, it is also possible that, with the engaging part 105c engaged with the predetermined protrusion, the rotary valve 102 rotates together with the second rotating body 103, so that when the predetermined protrusion is in the predetermined position, the first flow path 101b is not connected to flow paths 101c and 101d that are different from the first flow path 101b.

[0071] It should be noted that the rotary valve 102 can also be configured such that when the rotary valve 102 and the second rotating body 103 rotate together to a predetermined rotation position, the outer peripheral surface 102a blocks the flow path other than the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b. When the flow path switching mechanism 44 has three or more flow paths different from the first flow path 101b, the rotary valve 102 is also configured such that the outer peripheral surface 102a blocks the flow path other than the predetermined flow path connected to the first flow path 101b, thereby connecting the first flow path 101b with the predetermined flow path.

[0072] Configuration of the convex part

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in the second rotating body 103, a plurality of protrusions are spaced apart in the rotational direction on the outer periphery 103e. Furthermore, at least one of these intervals, the first interval S1, is formed to be larger than the other intervals. In this embodiment, one first interval S1 is formed to be larger than two second intervals S2, which are the other intervals. Additionally, protrusions 103b and 103c constitute the second interval S2, protrusions 103c and 103d constitute the second interval S2, and protrusions 103d and 103b constitute the first interval S1. It should be noted that, in this specification, the interval between the protrusions in the rotational direction of the second rotating body 103 refers to the interval between the protrusions... Figure 4 The spacing of side 103f shown.

[0074] The central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the first interval S1 relative to the rotation center RC1 is defined as the first angle θ1, and the largest of the central angles formed by the two protrusions constituting other intervals relative to the rotation center RC1 is defined as the second angle θ2. The other intervals are intervals smaller than the first interval S1. In this embodiment, the central angle formed by the protrusions 103d and 103b constituting the first interval S1 relative to the rotation center RC1 is the first angle θ1. Similarly, the central angle formed by the protrusions 103b and 103c constituting the second interval S2 relative to the rotation center RC1 is the second angle θ2. Furthermore, the central angle formed by the protrusions 103c and 103d constituting the second interval S2 relative to the rotation center RC1 is also the second angle θ2.

[0075] Regarding switching actions

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the switching operation begins in the switching mechanism 120. For example, when the engaging portion 105c and the protrusion 103b are engaged, Figure 5 The first rotating body 106 and the second rotating body 103 at the position shown move together... Figure 6 The second rotation angle Φ2 shown rotates clockwise in the positive rotation direction W1, thus rotating to... Figure 6 The location shown. More specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, by pressing the protrusion 103b with the engaging part 105c, the first rotating body 106 causes the second rotating body 103 to rotate to a predetermined rotation position. Then, Figure 6 The first rotating body 106 at the position shown rotates at the same angle as the forward rotation angle, i.e. Figure 7 The second rotation angle Φ2 shown is reversed in the reverse direction W2, so that only the first rotating body 106 rotates to Figure 7 The position shown. At this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, the engaging portion 105c is displaced in a direction D1 away from the rotation center RC1, thereby passing the protrusion 103c. The second rotation angle Φ2 is the same as the second angle θ2, which is the central angle formed by the protrusions 103b and 103c relative to the rotation center RC1. At this time, the switching mechanism 120 disengages from the engaging portion 105c and the protrusion 103b. Figure 5 The state shown changes to the engagement of the engaging part 105c and the protrusion 103c. Figure 7 The state shown. Then, the switching action ends.

[0077] In other words, the switching mechanism 120 makes Figure 4The rotary valve 102 shown rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1 with a second rotation angle Φ2, and changes from a state where the engaging part 105c is engaged with the protrusion 103b to a state where the engaging part 105c is engaged with the protrusion 103c. When in Figure 5 In the state where the switching action is initiated, the rotary valve 102 is located Figure 4 At the rotational position shown, thus Figure 4 When the first flow path 101b shown is not connected to any flow path, in Figure 7 In the state where the switching action shown has ended, Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is connected to the second flow path 101c. A second rotation angle Φ2 is set to make the flow path 101b connected to the second flow path 101c. Figure 7 In the state where the switching action shown has ended Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is connected to the second flow path 101c. In this way, the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 is switched to a predetermined rotational position by the switching mechanism 120, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0078] By performing the switching action again, the switching mechanism 120 engages with the engagement part 105c and the protrusion 103c. Figure 7 The state shown changes to the engagement of the engaging part 105c and the protrusion 103d. Figure 8 The state shown. In the state where the switching action has begun, Figure 4 When the first flow path 101b and the second flow path 101c are connected, in the state where the switching action has ended, Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is connected to the third flow path 101d. A second rotation angle Φ2 is set so that, in the state after the switching action ends... Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is connected to the third flow path 101d. In this way, the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 is switched to a predetermined rotational position by the switching mechanism 120, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0079] Through Figure 8 In the state shown, a further switching action is performed, and the switching mechanism 120 engages with the engaging part 105c and the protrusion 103d. Figure 8 The state shown changes to the engagement of the engaging part 105c and the protrusion 103b. Figure 10 The state shown. When the engaging portion 105c and the protrusion 103d are engaged. Figure 8 The first rotating body 106 and the second rotating body 103, as shown in the figure, move together... Figure 9 The first rotation angle Φ1 shown rotates clockwise in the positive rotation direction W1, thereby causing the second rotating body 103 to rotate to... Figure 9 The location shown. Then, only... Figure 9The first rotating body 106 at the position shown rotates at the same angle as the forward rotation angle, i.e. Figure 10 The first rotation angle Φ1 shown is reversed in the reverse direction W2, thus rotating to... Figure 10 The position shown. When the switching action has started. Figure 4 When the first flow path 101b and the third flow path 101d are connected, in the state where the switching action has ended, Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is not connected to any flow path. A first rotation angle Φ1 is set so that, in the state after the switching action is completed... Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is not connected to any flow path, and the switching mechanism 120 has returned to the state it was in when the switching action was first started. Figure 5 The state shown. In other words, the switching mechanism 120, through repeated switching actions, returns to the state it was in when the switching action initially began. Figure 5 The state shown. In this way, the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 is switched to a predetermined rotational position by the switching mechanism 120, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0080] In this way, the switching mechanism 120 is... Figure 4 The drive source 114 shown causes the first rotating body 106 to perform a forward and reverse rotation action, thereby switching the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 to a predetermined rotational position via a switching mechanism 120. It should be noted that, in the following description, the action of sequentially performing forward and reverse rotation will be simply referred to as "forward and reverse rotation action." Furthermore, one forward rotation and one reverse rotation is the smallest unit of action in the forward and reverse rotation action.

[0081] It should be noted that during the switching operation, the rotation angle during forward rotation in the forward / reverse rotation operation may not be the same as the rotation angle during reverse rotation. For example, during reverse rotation, the rotation angle may be set to be greater than the rotation angle of the forward rotation immediately preceding the reverse rotation. More precisely, during reverse rotation, if the engaging portion 105c passes the predetermined protrusion but does not pass the protrusion located on the reverse direction W2 side of the predetermined protrusion, then after the reverse rotation, the engaging portion 105c can be located at a position where it is separated from the predetermined protrusion on the reverse direction W2 side. In this case, during the next forward rotation, the engaging portion 105c also engages with the predetermined protrusion. Therefore, by pressing the predetermined protrusion towards the forward rotation direction W1 with the engaging portion 105c, the first rotating body 106 and the second rotating body 103 rotate together in the forward rotation direction W1. By setting the rotation angle at which the second rotating body 103 rotates to a predetermined position during the forward rotation, the rotation position of the second rotating body 103 can also be switched to the predetermined rotation position in the next switching operation. However, in order to make the control of the forward and reverse rotation operations simple, it is desirable that, as in this embodiment, the rotation angle during the forward rotation in the forward and reverse rotation operations is the same as the rotation angle during the reverse rotation in the forward and reverse rotation operations during the switching operation.

[0082] Regarding the origin setting action

[0083] The origin setting operation is explained below. This origin setting operation is the action by which the switching mechanism 120 positions the second rotating body 103 at a predetermined rotation position when the rotational position of the rotary valve 102 becomes unknown. The origin setting operation is performed in the order of a first action and a second action. The first action is the action of positioning the engaging part 105c within the first interval S1, and the second action is the action of positioning the second rotating body 103 at the predetermined rotation position starting from the state where the engaging part 105c is positioned within the first interval S1. For example, when the rotational position of the rotary valve 102 becomes unknown due to an unexpected situation, the origin setting operation positions the second rotating body 103, which rotates together with the rotary valve 102, at the predetermined rotation position.

[0084] First, the first operation of the engaging part 105c being positioned within the first interval S1 will be explained.

[0085] like Figure 11As shown, when the engaging portion 105c is within the first interval S1, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform forward and reverse rotation operations with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2. When the first rotating body 106 rotates forward in the forward direction W1, even if the engaging portion 105c engages with the protrusion 103d, the engaging portion 105c will press against the protrusion 103d, thereby causing the first rotating body 106 to rotate the second rotating body 103. Therefore, when the forward rotation ends, the engaging portion 105c remains within the first interval S1.

[0086] In this state, the first rotating body 106 reverses in the reverse direction W2 by a rotation angle that is the same as the rotation angle of the forward rotation but less than the first angle θ1. When the engaging part 105c engages with the protrusion 103d during forward rotation, even if the first rotating body 106 reverses at a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1, the engaging part 105c remains within the first interval S1. Furthermore, when the engaging part 105c is not engaged with the protrusion during forward rotation, if the first rotating body 106 reverses at a rotation angle that is the same as the rotation angle of the forward rotation, the first rotating body 106 returns to the state before the forward and reverse rotation operation. That is, the engaging part 105c remains within the first interval S1.

[0087] In other words, when the engaging part 105c is located within the first interval S1, even if the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform several forward and reverse rotation actions with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2, the engaging part 105c remains located within the first interval S1.

[0088] like Figure 12 As shown, when the engaging portion 105c is located within other intervals, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform forward and reverse rotation operations with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2. When the first rotating body 106 rotates forward in the forward rotation direction W1, even if the engaging portion 105c engages with the protrusion, the engaging portion 105c presses against the protrusion, causing the first rotating body 106 to rotate the second rotating body 103. Therefore, when the forward rotation ends, the engaging portion 105c remains located within other intervals. It should be noted that in this embodiment, all other intervals are the second interval S2.

[0089] The first rotating body 106 in this state rotates in the reverse direction W2 with a rotation angle equal to the same rotation angle as the forward rotation and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 is the largest of the central angles formed by the two protrusions constituting a gap smaller than the first gap S1 relative to the rotation center RC1. Therefore, the engaging part 105c passes over at least one protrusion during the reverse rotation. That is, when the engaging part 105c is located in other gaps, if a forward and reverse rotation operation is performed, the engaging part 105c moves to any gap on the reverse direction W2 side. It should be noted that since the rotation angle is smaller than the first angle θ1, when the gap adjacent to the reverse direction W2 side is the first gap S1, the engaging part 105c moves into the first gap S1.

[0090] When the distance between the moving destinations is the first distance S1, even if the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform several forward and reverse rotation actions with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2, the engaging part 105c remains in the state of being within the first distance S1.

[0091] When the interval of the moving destination is other intervals, the first rotating body 106 is then driven by the drive source 114 to perform forward and reverse rotation actions by a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2, and the engaging part 105c is further moved to any interval on the side of the reverse direction W2.

[0092] In other words, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation actions with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2. Furthermore, this number of repetitions is more than one less than the number of protrusions provided on the outer periphery 103e. That is, by causing the first rotating body 106 to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation actions with the drive source 114 at this number of repetitions, the engaging portion 105c can be positioned within the first interval S1. The number of repetitions is the number of times the first action is performed, which is an example of performing one forward and one reverse rotation action respectively.

[0093] It should be noted that in the first operation, the forward and reverse rotation angles in the forward and reverse rotation operations may not be the same. However, in the first operation when the engaging part 105c is within the first interval S1, in order to prevent the engaging part 105c from crossing the protrusion 103b during reverse rotation, the rotation angle is set such that the rotation angle during forward rotation is greater than or equal to the rotation angle during reverse rotation. For example, in the first operation, the rotation angle during forward rotation is the average of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2. When the rotation angle during reverse rotation is the second angle θ2, the engaging part 105c can also be positioned within the first interval S1. Furthermore, the rotation angle can be different for each repeated forward and reverse rotation operation. However, in the first operation, in order to simplify the control of the forward and reverse rotation operations, it is desirable that, as in this embodiment, the rotation angle during forward rotation and the rotation angle during reverse rotation are the same.

[0094] When the engaging portion 105c is located within the first interval S1 and is not engaged with the protrusion 103d during the first forward rotation, the second rotating body 103 remains completely stationary even when the first action is performed. That is, even with the engaging portion 105c within the first interval S1, the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 is still undetermined, and the rotational position of the rotary valve 102 remains unknown. In this situation, a second action will be performed to position the second rotating body 103 at a predetermined rotational position.

[0095] Next, the second operation of positioning the second rotating body 103 at a predetermined rotational position starting from the state where the engaging part 105c is disposed within the first interval S1 will be described.

[0096] like Figure 11 As shown, when the engaging portion 105c is within the first interval S1, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform forward and reverse rotation operations with a rotation angle greater than or equal to the first angle θ1. Since the rotation angle is greater than the first angle θ1, when the first rotating body 106 rotates forward in the forward direction W1, it engages with the protrusion 103d through the engaging portion 105c, and the engaging portion 105c presses against the protrusion 103d. Therefore, the first rotating body 106 causes the second rotating body 103 to rotate to a predetermined rotation position.

[0097] In this state, the first rotating body 106 reverses in the reverse direction W2 at a predetermined rotation angle that is the same as the forward rotation angle and greater than or equal to the first angle θ1. When the first rotating body 106 reverses at a rotation angle greater than or equal to the first angle θ1, starting from the state where the engaging part 105c engages with the protrusion 103d, the engaging part 105c passes over at least one protrusion. Therefore, the engaging part 105c moves to any interval on the reverse direction W2 side. It should be noted that the rotation angle is set within a range greater than or equal to the first angle θ1 so that when the second action reverses, the engaging part 105c moves to the predetermined interval, and when the second action reverses, the engaging part 105c engages with the predetermined protrusion.

[0098] During the forward rotation of the second operation, the rotary valve 102 and the second rotating body 103 can rotate together to a predetermined rotation position. Furthermore, during the reverse rotation of the second operation, the engaging portion 105c can engage with a predetermined protrusion. Then, by using this state as the origin of the rotary valve 102, the aforementioned switching operation is performed, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b. A specific example will be described below.

[0099] When the rotation angle in the second action is "first angle θ1", the switching mechanism 120 has the protrusion 103d positioned at... Figure 4 The third flow path 101d is positioned as shown, and the engaging part 105c engages with the protrusion 103b to switch the rotational position of the second rotating body 103. That is, when the rotation angle in the second action is "the first angle θ1", the switching mechanism 120 switches the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 to... Figure 4 The first flow path 101b shown is in a rotational position where it is not connected to any flow path. Then, by using this state as the origin of the rotary valve 102, the aforementioned switching action is performed, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0100] The rotation angle in the second action can also be "first angle θ1 + second angle θ2". In this case, the switching mechanism 120 has its protrusion 103d positioned relative to the rotation center RC1 and... Figure 4 The first flow path 101b is positioned symmetrically, and the engaging part 105c engages with the protrusion 103c to switch the rotational position of the second rotating body 103. That is, when the rotation angle in the second action is "first angle θ1 + second angle θ2", the switching mechanism 120 switches the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 to... Figure 4 The rotational position shown is where the first flow path 101b is connected to the second flow path 101c. Then, by using this state as the origin of the rotary valve 102, the aforementioned switching action is further performed, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0101] The rotation angle in the second action can also be "first angle θ1 + second angle θ2 + second angle θ2". At this time, the switching mechanism 120 has its protrusion 103d positioned at... Figure 4 The position of the second flow path 101c shown, and the engagement of the engaging part 105c and the protrusion 103d, switch the rotation position of the second rotating body 103. That is, when the rotation angle in the second action is "first angle θ1 + second angle θ2 + second angle θ2", the switching mechanism 120 switches the rotation position of the second rotating body 103 to... Figure 4 The rotational position shown is where the first flow path 101b is connected to the third flow path 101d. Then, by using this state as the origin of the rotary valve 102, the aforementioned switching action is further performed, thereby switching the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b.

[0102] Thus, when the engaging portion 105c is within the first interval S1, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform forward and reverse rotation operations at a predetermined rotation angle greater than or equal to the first angle θ1, thereby switching the rotation position of the second rotating body 103 to the predetermined rotation position. That is, even when the rotation position of the rotary valve 102 becomes unknown, by causing the first rotating body 106 to perform the first and second operations sequentially by the drive source 114, the rotation position of the second rotating body 103 can be switched to the predetermined rotation position. Then, the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b can be switched to the predetermined flow path.

[0103] It should be noted that in the second operation, the forward and reverse rotation angles in the forward and reverse rotation operations may not be the same. Since the description of the second operation is the same as that of the aforementioned switching operation, the description is omitted. In the second operation, to simplify the control of the forward and reverse rotation operations, it is desirable that, as in this embodiment, the rotation angle during forward rotation and the rotation angle during reverse rotation are the same.

[0104] Regarding the composition of the suction device

[0105] like Figure 13As shown, the suction device 97 is configured to include a flow path switching mechanism 44. Furthermore, the flow path switching mechanism 44 is configured to include a switching mechanism 120. The switching mechanism 120 includes a drive unit 119 that drives the switching mechanism 120. The drive unit 119 has a drive gear 109 that serves as a drive rotating body. The drive gear 109 is configured to receive the driving force transmitted by the drive source 114 and is capable of rotation, thereby driving the first rotating body 106. The first rotating body 106 receives the driving force transmitted by the drive source 114 via the drive gear 109. The drive source 114 is, for example, a stepper motor or a DC motor with an encoder, whose rotation angle is controlled and which is capable of forward and reverse rotation. It should be noted that the drive source is a linear drive source that performs reciprocating linear motion and whose travel distance is controlled by the linear motion; moreover, when the linear motion is converted into rotational motion to control the rotation angle, this drive source is synonymous with a drive source whose rotation angle is controlled.

[0106] Pump 45 includes a pump drive shaft 110 driven by a drive gear 109, a pipe 112 for flowing liquid, and a roller 111 that supports the shaft 111a on the pump drive shaft 110 and applies pressure to the pipe 112 through its outer peripheral surface 111b. The drive gear 109 and the pump drive shaft 110 are configured to rotate about a rotation center RC2. The drive gear 109 receives the driving force transmitted by the drive source 114 and drives the pump 45. That is, the pump 45 receives the driving force from the drive source 114 via the drive gear 109. The drive gear 109 has a second engagement portion 109a. The pump drive shaft 110 of the pump 45 has an engagement portion 110a that can engage with the second engagement portion 109a in the rotational direction. With the second engaging portion 109a engaged with the engaged portion 110a, the pump 45 is driven by rotating the drive gear 109 in the direction that the second engaging portion 109a presses against the engaged portion 110a. The suction action performed by the pump 45 will be described later.

[0107] The switching mechanism 120 includes a delay transmission mechanism 118. The delay transmission mechanism 118 comprises a drive gear 109, a first gear 108, a second gear 107, a first rotating body 106, and a second force-applying member 113. The delay transmission mechanism 118 delays the timing of the start of rotation of the first rotating body 106. The second force-applying member 113 applies force to the first gear 108 toward the second gear 107. Furthermore, the first gear 108 and the second gear 107 are configured such that the friction between the surface of the first gear 108 pressing against the second gear 107 and the surface of the second gear 107 pressed by the first gear 108 is increased. In other words, the first gear 108 and the second gear 107 constitute a friction clutch 117. The operation of the delay transmission mechanism 118 will be described later.

[0108] Regarding delayed delivery mechanisms

[0109] First, let's explain each gear.

[0110] like Figure 14 As shown, the first gear 108 is configured to rotate around the rotation center RC1. The rotation of the drive gear 109 is transmitted to the first gear 108 through the meshing of the teeth 109e of the drive gear 109 and the teeth 108e of the first gear 108. A rotating shaft (not shown) is fitted onto the inner circumferential surface 108a, and this rotating shaft is fixed to the first gear 108 in a non-rotatable manner through the joints 108b and 108c.

[0111] like Figure 15 As shown, the second gear 107 is configured to be fitted onto a rotating shaft (not shown) fixed to the first gear 108 in a rotatable manner via its inner circumferential surface 107a, thereby enabling it to rotate relative to the first gear 108 about the rotation center RC1.

[0112] The second gear 107 has a concave groove 107d on the side of its surface that contacts the first rotating body 106. The groove 107d has locking portions 107b and 107c that engage with the first rotating body 106. Furthermore, the second gear 107 has a toothed portion 107m with teeth 107e arranged on its outer periphery, and a toothless portion 107n without teeth 107e arranged on its outer periphery. Notches 107f and 107h are formed at both ends of the toothed portion 107m. Four teeth 107e, including end teeth 107g, are arranged on the outer periphery of the notch 107f, and four teeth 107e, including end teeth 107i, are arranged on the outer periphery of the notch 107h.

[0113] The rotation of the drive gear 109 is transmitted to the second gear 107 by the meshing of the teeth 109e of the drive gear 109 and the teeth 107e of the second gear 107. However, since the second gear 107 has a missing tooth portion 107n, there is a possibility that the rotation of the drive gear 109 is not transmitted to the second gear 107 depending on the rotational position of the second gear 107.

[0114] Even when the rotation of the drive gear 109 is not transmitted to the second gear 107, the rotational torque of the second gear 107 is less than Figure 13When the friction clutch 117 transmits torque as shown, the second gear 107 rotates via the friction clutch 117 when the first gear 108 rotates. Furthermore, if the rotational torque of the second gear 107 is greater than the transmission torque of the friction clutch 117, the second gear 107 will not rotate even if the first gear 108 rotates due to slippage of the friction clutch 117. In other words, if the rotation of the drive gear 109 is not transmitted to the second gear 107, the second gear 107 will not rotate even if the first gear 108 rotates when a load torque is generated relative to the second gear 107.

[0115] like Figure 16 As shown, the first rotating body 106 is configured such that its inner circumferential surface 106a is fitted onto a rotating shaft (not shown) fixed to the first gear 108 in a manner that allows relative rotation, thereby enabling it to rotate relative to the first gear 108 with the rotation center RC1 as the center.

[0116] The first rotating body 106 has a convex locking portion 106d on the side that contacts the second gear 107. The locking portion 106d locks the locking portions 107b and 107c of the second gear 107. Furthermore, the first rotating body 106 has a toothed portion 106m with teeth 106e arranged on its outer periphery, and a toothless portion 106n without teeth 106e arranged on its outer periphery. Notches 106f and 106h are formed at both ends of the toothed portion 106m. Four teeth 106e, including end teeth 106g, are arranged on the outer periphery of the notch 106f, and four teeth 106e, including end teeth 106i, are arranged on the outer periphery of the notch 106h.

[0117] The rotation of the drive gear 109 is transmitted to the first rotating body 106 through the meshing of the teeth 109e of the drive gear 109 and the teeth 106e of the first rotating body 106. However, since the first rotating body 106 has a missing tooth portion 106n, there is a possibility that the rotation of the drive gear 109 may not be transmitted to the first rotating body 106 depending on its rotational position. The proportion of the missing tooth portion 106n relative to the outer periphery of the first rotating body 106 is greater than the proportion of the missing tooth portion 107n relative to the outer periphery of the second gear 107.

[0118] When the second gear 107 rotates, the locking parts 107b and 107c of the second gear 107 are locked by the locking part 106d of the first rotating body 106, so that the first rotating body 106 is pulled by the second gear 107 to rotate.

[0119] Next, the relationship between the first rotating body 106 and the second gear 107 will be explained.

[0120] like Figure 17As shown, when the second gear 107 rotates in the forward direction W1, it is locked to the first rotating body 106 by being locked by the locking part 107b. Then, when the second gear 107 rotates further in the forward direction W1, the first rotating body 106 is pulled by the second gear 107 and rotates in the forward direction W1 together with the second gear 107.

[0121] when Figure 17 When the second gear 107 at the position shown reverses in the reverse direction W2, the locked part 107b disengages from the locked part 106d, so only the second gear 107 reverses in the reverse direction W2. When the second gear 107 is in contact with... Figure 17 The swing angle Ψ shown is the same rotation angle in the reverse direction W2, which is reversed to Figure 18 When in the position shown, it is locked by the locking part 107c to the locking part 106d.

[0122] like Figure 18 As shown, when the second gear 107 reverses in the reverse direction W2, it is locked by the locking part 107c to the locking part 106d, thereby locking the second gear 107 to the first rotating body 106. Then, when the second gear 107 further reverses in the reverse direction W2, the first rotating body 106 is pulled by the second gear 107 and reverses in the reverse direction W2 together with the second gear 107.

[0123] when Figure 18 When the second gear 107 at the position shown rotates clockwise in the forward rotation direction W1, the locking part 107c disengages from the locking part 106d, so that only the second gear 107 rotates clockwise in the forward rotation direction W1. When the second gear 107 is in contact with... Figure 18 The swing angle Ψ shown is the same rotation angle in the forward rotation direction W1. Figure 17 When in the position shown, it is locked by the locking part 107b to the locking part 106d.

[0124] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 In any of the states, the missing tooth portion 106n and the missing tooth portion 107n are configured such that the end tooth 107g is located on the side of the forward rotation direction W1 more than the end tooth 106g, and the end tooth 107i is located on the side of the reverse rotation direction W2 more than the end tooth 106i.

[0125] Next, the operation of the delayed transmission mechanism 118 will be explained.

[0126] like Figure 19 As shown, when the drive gear 109 rotates in the forward direction W1, Figure 13 The first gear 108 shown rotates clockwise in the direction of rotation W1. At this time, the first rotating body 106 and the second gear 107 are in the following states: Figure 18In the state shown, the forward rotation direction W1 of the first gear 108 is the direction in which the locking part 107c moves away from the locking part 106d. Therefore, even when the drive gear 109 is not engaged with the second gear 107, the rotation of the first gear 108... Figure 13 The friction clutch 117 shown is transmitted to the second gear 107, so that the second gear 107 rotates together with the first gear 108 in the forward direction W1.

[0127] like Figure 20 As shown, when the second gear 107 rotates in the forward direction W1 due to the drive gear 109 rotating in the forward direction, the locking portion 107c disengages from the locking portion 106d. Then, the end tooth 107g abuts against the tooth 109e of the drive gear 109. When the end tooth 107g abuts against the tooth 109e, the plurality of teeth 107e, including the end tooth 107g, flex in the direction D2 toward the rotation center RC1 through the notch portion 107f. Then, the end tooth 107g meshes with the tooth 109e. That is, the delayed transmission mechanism 118 changes from a state where the rotation of the drive gear 109 is transmitted to the second gear 107 through the first gear 108 and the friction clutch 117 to a state where the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the second gear 107. Since the first rotating body 106 does not rotate, the end tooth 106g does not approach the drive gear 109. That is, the end teeth 107g of the second gear 107 are far away from the end teeth 106g of the first rotating body 106.

[0128] like Figure 21 As shown, when the second gear 107 rotates further in the forward direction W1 via the drive gear 109, it is locked by the locking part 107b at the locking part 106d. More specifically, when Figure 19 The second gear 107 shown is used in conjunction with... Figure 17 When the swing angle Ψ is the same as the rotation angle shown, and it rotates in the forward direction W1, it is stopped by the locking part 107b and locked by the locking part 106d. At this time, the state of the first rotating body 106 and the second gear 107 is as follows: Figure 17 The state shown. Therefore, the first rotating body 106 is pulled by the second gear 107 and rotates in the forward direction W1 together with the second gear 107, thus... Figure 16 The end tooth 106g shown approaches the drive gear 109. Then, the end tooth 106g abuts against the tooth 109e of the drive gear 109. When the end tooth 106g abuts against the tooth 109e, the plurality of teeth 106e, including the end tooth 106g, flex in the direction D2 toward the rotation center RC1 through the notch 106f. Then, the end tooth 106g meshes with the tooth 109e. That is, the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the first rotating body 106.

[0129] like Figure 22 As shown, when the second gear 107 rotates further in the forward direction W1 via the drive gear 109, the first rotating body 106 rotates in the forward direction W1. The rotational delay of the second gear 107 is the same as the swing angle Ψ and is transmitted to the first rotating body 106. Therefore, when the delay transmission mechanism 118 operates, the rotational angle of the first rotating body 106 is smaller than the rotational angle of the second gear 107 by the same swing angle Ψ.

[0130] exist Figure 16 Within the range where the teeth 106e of the toothed portion 106m shown mesh with the teeth 109e of the drive gear 109, the first rotating body 106 can rotate in the forward direction W1 while the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the first rotating body 106.

[0131] like Figure 22 As shown, with teeth 109e and 106e engaged via the delay transmission mechanism 118, when the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2, the first rotating body 106 and the second gear 107 and the first gear 108 also reverse in the reverse direction W2. When the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2 until the end tooth 106g no longer engages with tooth 109e, the first rotating body 106 stops rotating, and the second gear 107 and the first gear 108 reverse in the reverse direction W2. Therefore, the locked portion 107b disengages from the locked portion 106d.

[0132] like Figure 23 As shown, when the second gear 107 is further reversed in the reverse direction W2 by the drive gear 109, the locking part 107c is locked in the locking part 106d. Then, the first rotating body 106 is pulled by the second gear 107, and the first rotating body 106 and the second gear 107 reverse together in the reverse direction W2.

[0133] like Figure 24 As shown, when the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2 until the end tooth 107g no longer meshes with the tooth 109e, the rotation of the drive gear 109 is no longer directly transmitted to the second gear 107. Since the second gear 107 pulls the first rotating body 106, a load torque is generated relative to the second gear 107 to rotate the first rotating body 106. The transmission torque of the friction clutch 117 is set so that the transmission torque of the friction clutch 117 is less than the load torque used to rotate the first rotating body 106. Therefore, due to the slippage of the friction clutch 117, the rotation of the first gear 108 is not transmitted to the second gear 107 through the friction clutch 117. That is, the delayed transmission mechanism 118 holds the first rotating body 106 in place. Figure 24In the state of the rotational position shown, only the drive gear 109 is reversed in the reverse direction W2. In other words, when the first rotating body 106 is reversed in the reverse direction W2 so that the end tooth 106g leaves the position of meshing with the tooth 109e, the drive gear 109 can be reversed in the reverse direction W2 while maintaining the rotational position of the first rotating body 106 at this time.

[0134] In this state, the drive gear 109 is rotated in the forward direction W1, so that the rotation of the drive gear 109 is transmitted to the second gear 107 through the first gear 108 and the friction clutch 117. Then, the drive gear 109 meshes with the second gear 107, so that the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the second gear 107. Then, with the second gear 107 meshing with the drive gear 109 causing the first rotating body 106 to be delayed by the same rotation angle as the swing angle Ψ, the first rotating body 106 is pulled and rotated in the forward direction W1. Then, the drive gear 109 meshes with the first rotating body 106, so that the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the first rotating body 106. In other words, after the drive gear 109 is reversed in the reverse direction W2 at the position where the end tooth 106g leaves the position of meshing with the tooth 109e, the drive gear 109 is rotated in the forward direction W1, so that the first rotating body 106 can rotate in the forward direction W1 at a predetermined rotation angle.

[0135] Similarly, when the first rotating body 106 is rotated in the forward direction W1, causing the end tooth 106i to leave the position where it meshes with the tooth 109e, the drive gear 109 can be rotated only in the forward direction W1 while maintaining the current rotational position of the first rotating body 106. Furthermore, after the drive gear 109 is rotated only in the forward direction W1 at the position where the end tooth 106i leaves the position where it meshes with the tooth 109e, the drive gear 109 is then rotated in the reverse direction W2, thereby causing the first rotating body 106 to reverse in the reverse direction W2 by a predetermined rotation angle.

[0136] It should be noted that, as in this embodiment, when the rotation of the second gear 107 is delayed and transmitted to the range of the first rotating body 106 to perform a switching action or an origin setting action, the rotation angle of the switching action and the origin setting action, including the rotation angle delayed due to the swing angle Ψ, is set.

[0137] Regarding flow path switching actions

[0138] like Figure 25 As shown, the drive gear 109 stops when the second engaging part 109a is engaged with the engaged part 110a in the reverse direction W2, or when the second engaging part 109a is slightly disengaged from the engaged part 110a in the forward direction W1. Figure 25The following state is shown: In the flow path switching mechanism 44, when... Figure 24 After the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2, it performs an origin setting operation. In the second action of this origin setting operation, the engaging part 105c engages with the protrusion 103b. In this state, the flow path switching operation and the pump suction operation begin.

[0139] The bearing portion 110b has ends 110c and 110d. When the shaft 111a abuts against end 110c, the roller 111... Figure 25 The position shown is the pressing position P1, where the tube 112 is pressed. Furthermore, the position of the roller 111 when the shaft 111a abuts against the end 110d is the release position P2, where the pressure on the tube 112 is released. The bearing portion 110b is shaped such that when the roller 111 is in the pressing position P1, the roller 111 presses against the tube 112; and when the roller 111 is in the release position P2, the roller 111 releases the pressure on the tube 112.

[0140] It should be pointed out that, in Figure 25 In this state, roller 111 can be in either the pressing position P1 or the releasing position P2. Furthermore, in Figure 25 In this state, the position of roller 111 relative to the rotating RC1 in a circular motion can be arbitrary. Furthermore, in Figure 25 In this state, the rotational position of the engaged portion 110a can be arbitrary. That is, the rotational position of the drive gear 109 can also be arbitrary. In the pump 45, the drive gear 109 can be stopped when the second engaged portion 109a is engaged with the engaged portion 110a in the reverse direction W2, or when the second engaged portion 109a is slightly disengaged from the engaged portion 110a in the forward direction W1.

[0141] like Figure 26 As shown, the flow path switching mechanism 44 includes a switching mechanism 120, which receives driving force via a drive gear 109 and is capable of switching the flow path connected to the pump 45 among multiple flow paths. The flow path switching mechanism 44 switches the flow path by causing the switching mechanism 120 to perform the aforementioned switching action. When the drive gear 109 rotates clockwise in the forward rotation direction W1, the flow path is located at... Figure 25 The first rotating body 106 at the indicated position rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1. At this time, the switching action is performed within the range where the rotation of the second gear 107 is delayed and transmitted to the first rotating body 106, thereby setting a rotation angle including the rotation angle delayed due to the swing angle Ψ. For example, when the flow path switching angle is 90 degrees and the swing angle Ψ is 24 degrees, by rotating the first gear 108 by 114 degrees, the second rotating body 103 rotates 90 degrees together with the first rotating body 106. Thus, the flow path connected to the pump 45 in multiple flow paths 101c and 101d can be switched.

[0142] like Figure 26 As shown, the forward rotation direction W1 of the drive gear 109 is the direction in which the second engaging part 109a moves away from the engaged part 110a. Therefore, the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate, and thus the pump 45 does not perform a suction operation.

[0143] like Figure 27 As shown, when the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2, the first rotating body 106 also reverses in the reverse direction W2. During the reverse rotation, the switching action is performed because the rotation of the second gear 107 is delayed in its transmission to the first rotating body 106, thereby setting a rotation angle including the rotation angle delayed due to the swing angle Ψ. The switching mechanism 120 performs forward and reverse rotation actions, causing the second rotating body 103 to rotate to a predetermined rotation position, and engaging with the protrusion 103b from the engaging portion 105c. Figure 25 and Figure 26 The state shown changes to the engagement of the engaging part 105c and the protrusion 103c. Figure 27 The state shown.

[0144] like Figure 27 As shown, the reverse direction W2 of the rotation direction of the drive gear 109 is the direction in which the second engaging part 109a approaches the engaged part 110a. However, since the rotation angle during the reverse rotation of the switching operation is the same as the rotation angle during the forward rotation, the second engaging part 109a returns to the position before the forward rotation. That is, since the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate, the pump 45 does not perform a suction operation during the reverse rotation. In other words, by rotating the drive gear 109, which is the driving rotating body, in the area where the second engaging part 109a is not engaged with the engaged part 110a, the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b is switched.

[0145] Regarding the pump suction action

[0146] like Figure 28 As shown, the flow path switching mechanism 44 performs the pump suction action. Figure 25 The pump begins suction operation in the state shown. Figure 28 As shown, the teeth 106e of the first rotating body 106 are disengaged from the position where they mesh with the teeth 109e of the drive gear 109. Therefore, when the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2, only the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2 due to the slippage of the friction clutch 117. That is, during the period when the pump 45 is driven, the connection between the drive gear 109, which is the drive rotating body, and the first rotating body 106 is disconnected. It should be noted that in order to reliably disconnect this connection, a stopper that limits unnecessary reverse rotation can also be provided on the first rotating body 106. For example, a protrusion can be provided on the first rotating body 106 to prevent it from crossing the barrier. Figure 28 When the rotation position reverses, it collides with the protrusion provided on the housing 101, thereby reliably stopping the first rotating body 106.

[0147] like Figure 28 As shown, when the second engaging part 109a is engaged with the engaged part 110a, in order to reverse the drive gear 109 in the reverse direction W2, the pump drive shaft 110 and the drive gear 109 reverse together in the reverse direction W2. In order to keep the roller 111 in the pressing position P1, the pump drive shaft 110 rotates, and while the roller 111 is pressing the tube 112, it rotates along the tube 112 around the rotation center RC2 while the roller 111 itself rotates. Furthermore, in Figure 25 In the illustrated state, when roller 111 is in the release position P2, the restoring force of the receiving tube 112, which is intended to restore its original shape, causes roller 111 to move to the pressing position P1 as the pump drive shaft 110 rotates. At this time, the liquid in tube 112, which is on the reverse direction W2 side relative to the pressing position P1 of roller 111, is pressurized, while the liquid in tube 112, which is on the forward direction W1 side relative to the pressing position P1 of roller 111, is subjected to negative pressure. That is, the suction device 97 uses pump 45 as a negative pressure source, and suctions the liquid in tube 112 by applying negative pressure to the first flow path 101b connected to the discharge recovery flow path 46.

[0148] Regarding the pump release action

[0149] like Figure 29 As shown, the flow path switching mechanism 44 performs a pump release action. When in Figure 28 After the pump suction action ends in the state shown, the pump release action begins. For example... Figure 29 As shown, the first rotating body 106 rotates in the forward direction W1 via the drive gear 109. Figure 16 The rotational position shown is where the end tooth 106i does not mesh with the tooth 109e.

[0150] The forward rotation direction W1, which is the direction in which the second engaging part 109a moves away from the engaged part 110a, is the direction in which the second engaging part 109a moves away from the engaged part 110a. However, as the drive gear 109 rotates forward in the forward rotation direction W1, the second engaging part 109a engages with the engaged part 110a in the forward rotation direction W1.

[0151] like Figure 30As shown, after the first rotating body 106 rotates forward in the direction of rotation W1 to the angle where the end tooth 107i no longer meshes with the tooth 109e, the drive gear 109 also rotates further in the direction of rotation W1. Since the position where the tooth 106e of the first rotating body 106 meshes with the tooth 109e of the drive gear 109 is separated, when the drive gear 109 rotates forward in the direction of rotation W1, due to the slippage of the friction clutch 117, only the drive gear 109 rotates forward in the direction of rotation W1.

[0152] With the second engaging part 109a engaged with the engaged part 110a, the drive gear 109 rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1, causing the pump drive shaft 110 and the drive gear 109 to rotate clockwise together in the forward direction W1. The roller 111 moves to the release position P2 by the restoring force of the receiving tube 112 to restore its original shape. While rotating itself, the pressure on the tube 112 is released, causing it to rotate around the rotation center RC2 along the tube 112. That is, the pump 45 is released.

[0153] like Figure 31 As shown, the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2, located in Figure 30 The first rotating body 106, positioned as shown, reverses in the reverse direction W2. More specifically, the rotation of the drive gear 109 is transmitted to the second gear 107 via the first gear 108 and the friction clutch 117. Then, through the engagement of the drive gear 109 and the second gear 107, the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the second gear 107. Then, with the second gear 107, engaged with the drive gear 109, delaying the first rotating body 106 by a rotation angle equal to the swing angle Ψ, the first rotating body 106 is pulled and reversed in the reverse direction W2. Then, through the engagement of the drive gear 109 and the first rotating body 106, the rotation of the drive gear 109 is directly transmitted to the first rotating body 106. Then, the first rotating body 106 is reversed in the reverse direction W2. Figure 31 The predetermined rotation position is shown. Thus, in Figure 30 In the state shown, by driving the gear 109 to reverse in the reverse direction W2 by a predetermined rotation angle, the first rotating body 106 can be rotated to... Figure 25 The rotation position is shown.

[0154] The reverse direction W2 of the rotation direction of the drive gear 109 is the direction in which the second engaging portion 109a moves away from the engaged portion 110a. Therefore, since the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate, the pump 45 does not perform a suction operation. Furthermore, a rotation angle is set so that the drive gear 109 stops when the second engaging portion 109a is engaged with the engaged portion 110a in the reverse direction W2, or when the second engaging portion 109a is slightly disengaged from the engaged portion 110a. In addition, since the rotation of the second gear 107 is delayed in transmission to the first rotating body 106, a rotation angle including the rotation angle delayed by the swing angle Ψ is set.

[0155] It should be noted that during the pump release action, when the first rotating body 106 rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1 to... Figure 29 When the rotational position is shown, the second rotating body 103 also rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1, thereby switching the rotational position of the rotary valve 102. Then, when the first rotating body 106 rotates counterclockwise in the reverse direction W2... Figure 31 When the rotation position is shown, the engaging part 105c moves along the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103, so that the second rotating body 103 does not rotate. As a result, the rotation position of the rotary valve 102, which rotates together with the second rotating body 103, becomes unknown. Therefore, after the pump release operation is performed, the origin setting operation is performed.

[0156] The role of the implementation method

[0157] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0158] When the power is turned on to the multi-functional integrated machine 11, the pump release action is performed first. In the flow path switching mechanism 44, the drive unit 119 causes the drive gear 109 to rotate continuously in the forward rotation direction W1. The first rotating body 106 rotates continuously in the forward rotation direction W1 until... Figure 30 The roller 111 moves to the release position P2 as shown in the diagram, and stops rotating at that position, with only the drive gear 109 continuously rotating in the forward direction W1. Additionally, by continuously rotating the drive gear 109 in the forward direction W1, the roller 111 moves to the release position P2.

[0159] The first rotating body 106 is located at Figure 30 In the indicated rotational position, by driving gear 109 to reverse in the reverse direction W2 by a predetermined rotation angle, the first rotating body 106 can be rotated to... Figure 25The rotational position is shown. Since the reverse direction W2, which is the direction of rotation of the drive gear 109, is the direction in which the second engaging part 109a moves away from the engaged part 110a, the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate. Therefore, the roller 111 remains in the release position P2. Then, in the state where the second engaging part 109a is engaged with the engaged part 110a in the reverse direction W2, or when the second engaging part 109a is slightly away from the engaged part 110a... Figure 25 In the state shown, the drive gear 109 stops.

[0160] The first rotating body 106 is located at Figure 25 In the state of the rotation position shown, the flow path switching mechanism 44 performs an origin setting operation. More specifically, the flow path switching mechanism 44 performs a first operation and a second operation. The first operation is to place the engaging part 105c within the first interval S1, and the second operation is to position the second rotating body 103 at a predetermined rotation position starting from the state where the engaging part 105c is placed within the first interval S1.

[0161] In the first action, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation actions with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2, thereby causing the second rotating body 103 to rotate until the engaging part 105c is located within the first interval S1.

[0162] The rotation angle in the first action is less than the first angle θ1. Therefore, when the engaging part 105c is disposed within the first interval S1, the engaging part 105c will remain disposed within the first interval S1 regardless of how many times the first action is performed, and will not disengage from the first interval S1.

[0163] The rotation angle in the first action is greater than or equal to the second angle θ2. Therefore, when the engaging part 105c is disposed in the second interval S2, which is another interval, if the first action is performed, the engaging part 105c will disengage from the second interval S2 and be disposed in any interval on the reverse direction W2 side of the second interval S2.

[0164] When the interval between the engagement part 105c and the engagement part 105c is the first interval S1, the engagement part 105c will remain within the first interval S1 regardless of how many times the first action is performed, and will not disengage from the first interval S1.

[0165] When the interval between the engagement part 105c and the engagement part S2 is the second interval, in the next first action, the engagement part 105c disengages from the second interval S2 and is placed in any interval on the reverse direction W2 side of the second interval S2.

[0166] The drive source 114 repeatedly performs the first action. More specifically, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform the first action a number of repetitions that is less than one of the number of protrusions provided on the outer periphery 103e. This allows the engaging portion 105c to be positioned within the first interval S1. The number of repetitions is the number of times the first action is performed, which is an example of performing one forward and one reverse rotation action respectively.

[0167] Since the first action is a forward and reverse motion in the direction of moving away from the engaged part 110a towards the second engaging part 109a, the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate. Therefore, during the first action, the roller 111 also remains in the release position P2.

[0168] When the engaging part 105c is within the first interval S1, in the second operation, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform forward and reverse rotation operations at a predetermined rotation angle greater than or equal to the first angle θ1, thereby switching the rotation position of the second rotating body 103 to the predetermined rotation position.

[0169] The rotation angle in the second action is greater than or equal to the first angle θ1. Therefore, during forward rotation, the second rotating body 103 is moved by pressing the protrusion 103d on the forward rotation direction W1 side of the protrusions 103d and 103b constituting the first interval S1 through the engaging part 105c. This rotation angle is set to the rotation angle that rotates the second rotating body 103 to a predetermined rotation position, so that the second rotating body 103 can be moved to the target position through one forward and reverse rotation action. Thus, the first flow path 101b and a predetermined flow path different from the first flow path 101b can be connected.

[0170] Since the rotation angle in the second action is greater than or equal to the first angle θ1, the engaging part 105c disengages from the first interval S1 and is positioned in any interval on the reverse direction W2 side of the first interval S1 during each second action. Furthermore, the rotation angle in the second action is set to the angle at which the second rotating body 103 rotates to a predetermined rotation position and engages the engaging part 105c with the predetermined protrusion.

[0171] Similar to the first action, the second action is also a forward and reverse movement in the direction that the second engaging part 109a moves away from the engaged part 110a, so that the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate. Therefore, during the second action, the roller 111 also remains in the release position P2.

[0172] Using this state as the origin of the rotary valve 102, the subsequent switching operation is also a forward and reverse rotation in the direction of moving away from the engaged part 110a towards the second engaging part 109a, so the pump drive shaft 110 does not rotate. Therefore, during the subsequent switching operation, the roller 111 also remains in the release position P2.

[0173] When the negative pressure from pump 45 is introduced into the storage chamber 51 of liquid storage section 50 through bubble discharge mechanism BS, the first flow path 101b and the second flow path 101c are connected by the origin setting action in flow path switching mechanism 44, thereby connecting pump 45 and branch flow path 96. Then, with the second action of origin setting action completed, flow path switching mechanism 44 reverses drive gear 109 in the reverse direction W2. As a result, due to slippage of friction clutch 117, only drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2 while keeping the first rotating body 106 stationary. Then, pumping action is performed.

[0174] With the second engaging part 109a engaged with the engaged part 110a, the drive gear 109 reverses in the reverse direction W2, causing the pump drive shaft 110 to reverse in the reverse direction W2 together with the drive gear 109. When the roller 111 moves to the pressing position P1 due to the restoring force of the tube 112, the pump drive shaft 110 rotates. The tube 112 is pressurized, and a negative pressure is applied to the liquid in the tube 112 on the reverse direction W2 side relative to the pressing position P1 of the roller 111, thereby drawing liquid from the branch flow path 96 connected to the tube 112. That is, the liquid containing the bubbles in the bubble removal mechanism BS is transported to the waste liquid container 47 through the discharge recovery flow path 46 connected to the pump 45.

[0175] When negative pressure from pump 45 is introduced into the closed space formed between cover 41 and nozzle surface 30a, the first flow path 101b and the third flow path 101d are connected in the flow path switching mechanism 44 by the origin setting operation, thereby connecting pump 45 and discharge flow path 42. Pump 45 is driven with the liquid ejection section 30 covered. By applying negative pressure to the liquid in pipe 112, the liquid in the discharge flow path 42 connected to pipe 112 is drawn. That is, the liquid ejected or discharged from nozzle 31 of liquid ejection section 30 is transported to waste liquid container 47 through discharge recovery flow path 46 connected to pump 45.

[0176] When the pump suction action ends, the pump release action is performed. During the pump release action, when the first rotating body 106 rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1 to... Figure 29 When the rotational position is shown, the second rotating body 103 also rotates clockwise in the forward direction W1, thereby switching the rotational position of the rotary valve 102. Then, when the first rotating body 106 rotates counterclockwise in the reverse direction W2... Figure 31 When the rotation position is shown, the engaging part 105c moves along the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103, so that the second rotating body 103 does not rotate. As a result, since the rotation position of the rotary valve 102, which rotates together with the second rotating body 103, becomes unknown, an origin setting operation is performed after the pump release operation.

[0177] It should be noted that even if the flow path switching mechanism 44 stops midway through operation due to an unexpected error in the liquid ejection device 12, the state of the flow path switching mechanism 44 can be restored to the state where the pump 45 has been released by performing a pump release operation. Furthermore, by performing an origin setting operation, the state of the flow path switching mechanism 44 can also be restored to the state where the second rotating body 103, which rotates together with the rotary valve 102, is located at a predetermined rotational position.

[0178] Effects of the implementation method

[0179] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0180] The following effects can be obtained from the switching mechanism 120, the flow path switching mechanism 44, and the liquid ejection device 12 in this embodiment.

[0181] (1) The drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation operations with a rotation angle less than the first angle θ1 and greater than or equal to the second angle θ2, thereby positioning the engaging part 105c within the first interval S1. The central angle formed by the two protrusions 103b and 103d constituting the first interval S1 with respect to the rotation center RC1 is the first angle θ1, and the central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the second interval S2 with respect to the rotation center RC1 is the second angle θ2. The rotation angle during the forward and reverse rotation operations is less than the first angle θ1. Therefore, when the engaging part 105c is positioned within the first interval S1, regardless of how many forward and reverse rotation operations are performed, the engaging part 105c will not disengage from the first interval S1, but will remain positioned within the first interval S1. Furthermore, the rotation angle during the forward and reverse rotation operations is greater than or equal to the second angle θ2. Therefore, when the engaging part 105c is positioned within the second interval S2, through the forward and reverse rotation operations, the engaging part 105c is positioned within any interval on the reverse direction W2 side. Furthermore, by repeatedly performing forward and reverse rotation actions, the engaging part 105c is positioned within the first interval S1. In other words, even if the rotational position of the second rotating body 103 becomes unknown due to unforeseen circumstances, the second rotating body 103 can be positioned within the first interval S1 by repeatedly performing forward and reverse rotation actions of the first rotating body 106 to achieve the same rotation angle, even without a position detector.

[0182] (2) The drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation operations a number of times that is less than one of the number of protrusions provided on the outer periphery 103e. When the engaging part 105c is disposed in the second interval S2, the engaging part 105c is disposed in any interval on the reverse direction W2 side through the forward and reverse rotation operations. When the engaging part 105c is disposed in another interval that is furthest from the first interval S1 on the reverse direction W2 side, the number of times the engaging part 105c is disposed in the first interval S1 is the greatest. In this case, the engaging part 105c is disposed in the first interval S1 when the first rotating body 106 performs forward and reverse rotation operations a number of times that is less than one of the number of protrusions provided on the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103. In other words, the second rotating body 103 can be positioned within the first interval S1 by repeatedly performing forward and reverse rotation actions by the first rotating body 106 at a number greater than 1 less than the number of protrusions provided on the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103.

[0183] (3) When the engaging part 105c is within the first interval S1, the drive source 114 causes the first rotating body 106 to perform forward and reverse rotation operations at a predetermined rotation angle greater than or equal to the first angle θ1. Since the rotation angle is greater than or equal to the first angle θ1, when rotating forward, the engaging part 105c presses the protrusion 103d on the forward rotation direction W1 side of the protrusions 103d and 103b forming the first interval S1, thereby moving the second rotating body 103. This rotation angle is set to the rotation angle that causes the second rotating body 103 to rotate to a predetermined rotation position. Therefore, the second rotating body 103 can be rotated to the target rotation position in one forward and reverse rotation operation. That is, the switching time can be shortened.

[0184] (4) The first rotating body 106 has a first force-applying member 104 that applies force to the engaging portion 105c toward the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103, thereby preventing the engaging portion 105c from disengaging from the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103.

[0185] (5) In the switching mechanism 120 described above, when the engaging part 105c rotates forward, the predetermined protrusion is pressed while engaged with it, thereby causing the second rotating body 103 to rotate to a target rotation position. This allows multiple protrusions 103b, 103c, and 103d of the second rotating body 103 to be positioned at predetermined locations. At this time, since the rotary valve 102, which rotates together with the second rotating body 103, is located at the predetermined rotation position, any one of the first flow path 101b and two or more flow paths 101c and 101d that are different from the first flow path 101b can be connected. That is, the flow path connected to the first flow path 101b can be switched using the switching mechanism 120 described above.

[0186] (6) Since the first rotating body 106 receives the driving force transmitted by the driving source 114 through the driving gear 109, the pump can be driven and the flow path can be switched using only the driving force from one driving source 114. That is, the configuration of the device can be simplified.

[0187] (7) When the second engaging part 109a is engaged with the engaged part 110a, the pump 45 is driven by rotating the drive gear 109. During the driving of the pump 45, the connection between the drive gear 109 and the first rotating body 106 is broken, so the flow path switching mechanism 44 is unable to switch the flow path. Therefore, the situation of switching the flow path during the driving of the pump 45 can be suppressed.

[0188] (8) By driving the gear 109 to rotate forward and backward in the area where the second engaging part 109a is not engaged with the engaged part 110a, the flow path connected to the first flow path 10lb is switched. That is, the flow path can be switched in the rotation range where the pump 45 in the drive gear 109 is not driven. Therefore, the situation where the pump 45 is driven during the flow path switching can be suppressed.

[0189] (9) In the liquid ejection device 12, the flow path switching mechanism 44 is connected to the branch flow path 96 and the discharge flow path 42. The branch flow path 96 is connected midway to the supply flow path 27 that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection section 30, and the discharge flow path 42 is connected to the cover 41 that forms a closed space for the opening of the nozzle 31. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 12, it is possible to switch between the state in which the pump 45 draws liquid from the nozzle 31 through the discharge flow path 42, the state in which the pump 45 draws liquid from the supply flow path 27, and the state in which the pump 45 is released.

[0190] Second Implementation Method

[0191] The second embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment; therefore, identical components will be labeled with the same reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions.

[0192] like Figure 32 As shown, the switching mechanism 120 includes a second rotating body 103, which rotates about the rotation center RC1 of the first rotating body 106. Multiple protrusions are spaced apart in the rotational direction and disposed on the outer periphery 103e. In this embodiment, five protrusions 103b, 103c, 103d, 103h, and 103i are spaced apart in the rotational direction by a second interval S2 and disposed on the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103.

[0193] The first rotating body 106 includes a locking member 105. The locking member 105 has a locking portion 105c. The locking member 105 is configured to be guided by the first rotating body 106 and slide in a direction D1 away from the rotation center RC1 and in a direction D2 closer to the rotation center RC1. In addition, the first rotating body 106 has a first force-applying member 104 that applies force to the locking portion 105c toward the outer periphery 103e of the second rotating body 103.

[0194] In this embodiment, a second angle θ2 is formed at an angle different from the central angle. This central angle is the angle formed by the first flow path 101b and a flow path different from the first flow path 101b relative to the rotation center RC1. In the second operation, when the first rotating body 106 rotates clockwise in the clockwise direction W1, for example, when the engaging part 105c is engaged with the protrusion 103i of the second rotating body 103, the rotary valve 102 rotates clockwise together with the second rotating body 103. The rotation angle in the second operation is set to be the rotation angle by which the rotary valve 102 and the second rotating body 103 rotate to a predetermined rotation position when the protrusion 103i is in a predetermined position by performing clockwise rotation. Thus, the flow path switching mechanism 44 connects the first flow path 101b with the predetermined flow path. It should be noted that the flow path switching mechanism 44 can also connect the first flow path 101b with other flow paths in the second operation of the origin setting operation by performing the origin setting operation again from this state.

[0195] The rotary valve 102 has five flow paths, including a first flow path. Alternatively, five protrusions 103b, 103c, 103d, 103h, and 103i can be provided at positions corresponding to the switching positions of the rotary valve 102. The rotary valve 102 is configured such that when the rotary valve 102 rotates together with the second rotating body 103 to a predetermined rotation position, the outer peripheral surface 102a blocks flow paths other than those connected to the first flow path 101b, thereby connecting the first flow path 101b with the predetermined flow path.

[0196] The role / effect of the implementation method

[0197] The function and effect of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, therefore, the description is omitted.

[0198] Example of a change in implementation method

[0199] This embodiment can be modified as described below. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0200] The number of protrusions in the second rotating body 103 is not limited. It is sufficient that the first interval S1 and other intervals smaller than the first interval S1 can be formed by the multiple protrusions of the second rotating body 103. At least two protrusions are required.

[0201] • There can be multiple first intervals S1. In this case, the drive source 114, in the first operation, causes the first rotating body 106 to repeatedly perform forward and reverse rotation operations a number of times that is less than one of the number of the most protrusions continuously provided on the outer periphery 103e according to the second intervals S2, which are other intervals. As a result, the engaging part 105c can be located within the first interval S1.

[0202] A third interval, smaller than the second interval S2, can also be provided. When a third interval is provided, the protrusions in the second rotating body 103 are provided in a manner that connects the first flow path 101b to any one of two or more flow paths different from the first flow path 101b, when the multiple protrusions of the second rotating body 103 are in predetermined positions. Furthermore, since the third interval is smaller than the second interval S2, the central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the second interval S2 relative to the rotation center RC1 is greater than the central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the third interval relative to the rotation center RC1. Therefore, when a third interval smaller than the second interval S2 is provided, the central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the second interval S2 relative to the rotation center RC1 is also the second angle θ2, and this second interval S2 is the largest of the other intervals.

[0203] • In the first rotating body 106, the teeth 106e may be absent. In this embodiment, when the second gear 107, which is already engaged with the drive gear 109, is pulling the first rotating body 106, the teeth 106e of the first rotating body 106 are engaged with the teeth 108e of the drive gear 109, thereby causing the drive gear 109 to rotate the first rotating body 106. However, since the first rotating body 106 is already rotating because it is being pulled by the second gear 107, it is also possible to keep the first rotating body 106 rotating while maintaining the traction of the second gear 107. That is, the teeth 106e of the first rotating body 106 may be absent.

Claims

1. A switching mechanism, characterized in that, have: The first rotating body receives the driving force transmitted by the driving source and rotates in both forward and reverse directions; The second rotating body rotates around the rotation center of the first rotating body. On the outer periphery of the second rotating body, multiple protrusions are spaced apart in the rotation direction. The first rotating body includes a locking portion capable of displacement along the outer periphery of the second rotating body. The switching mechanism is configured such that when the first rotating body rotates clockwise, the engaging portion engages with the protrusion, and the second rotating body rotates clockwise together with the first rotating body. When the first rotating body rotates counterclockwise, the engaging portion moves along the outer periphery of the second rotating body, thereby suppressing the counterclockwise rotation of the second rotating body. The drive source causes the first rotating body to perform forward and reverse rotation actions sequentially, thereby switching the rotational position of the second rotating body to a predetermined rotational position. At least one of the first intervals is formed to be larger than the other intervals. When the central angle formed by the two protrusions constituting the first interval relative to the rotation center is defined as the first angle, and the largest of the central angles formed by the two protrusions constituting the other intervals relative to the rotation center is defined as the second angle, The drive source causes the first rotating body to repeatedly perform the forward and reverse rotation actions at a rotation angle less than the first angle and greater than or equal to the second angle, thereby positioning the engaging part within the first interval.

2. The switching mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive source causes the first rotating body to repeatedly perform the forward and reverse rotation actions a number of times that is less than one number of the protrusions, thereby positioning the engaging portion within the first interval.

3. The switching mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the engaging part is within the first interval, the drive source causes the first rotating body to perform the forward and reverse rotation action at a predetermined rotation angle above the first angle, thereby switching the rotation position of the second rotating body to the predetermined rotation position.

4. The switching mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating body has a first force-applying component, which applies force to the engaging portion toward the outer periphery of the second rotating body.

5. A flow path switching mechanism, characterized in that, have: The switching mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and A rotary valve has a first flow path and two or more flow paths different from the first flow path. By rotating the rotary valve, the flow path connected to the first flow path can be switched among the two or more flow paths. When the rotary valve is able to rotate together with the second rotating body, and a predetermined protrusion among the plurality of protrusions of the second rotating body is located at a predetermined position, the first flow path is connected to any one of the two or more flow paths.

6. The flow path switching mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, have: The pump, one end of which is connected to the first flow path; and The driving rotating body receives the driving force transmitted by the driving source and drives the pump. The first rotating body receives the driving force transmitted by the driving source through the driving rotating body.

7. The flow path switching mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving rotating body has a second engaging portion. The pump has a locking portion that can engage with a second locking portion in the rotational direction. The pump is driven by rotating the drive rotating body while the second engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion. During the period when the pump is driven, the connection between the drive rotor and the first rotor is disconnected.

8. The flow path switching mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, By rotating the drive rotating body in the region where the second engaging part is not engaged with the engaged part, the flow path connected to the first flow path is switched.

9. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: Liquid ejection section, which ejects liquid from the nozzle; A supply flow path supplies liquid from a liquid container to the liquid ejection section; The cover is capable of forming a closed space for the nozzle opening; A branch flow path, one end of which is connected to the middle of the supply flow path; The discharge path is connected at one end to the cover. Driver source; as well as The flow path switching mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The pump is a suction pump. The other end of the branch flow path is connected to the second flow path among the two or more flow paths. The other end of the discharge path is connected to a third flow path among the two or more flow paths.

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