Liquid supply device and liquid discharge device

Abstract

A liquid supply device according to an embodiment is provided with: a first housing (21) having an annular groove (213); and a shaft (24) that rotates relative to the first housing (21) about the main column (241). Furthermore, the liquid supply device is provided with: a tube (23) disposed in the tank (213); and a pressing body (25) which is provided on the plurality of pillars (242) of the shaft (24) and which can press the tube (23) in the groove (213) to close the liquid flow path in the tube (23). Furthermore, the liquid supply device is provided with a second housing, which is attached to the first housing (21), and which suppresses detachment of the tube (23) and the shaft (24) from the first housing (21). Furthermore, the shape of the groove (213) is a trapezoidal shape in which one side in one direction is wide, and the shape of the portion of the pressing body (25) introduced into the groove (213) is a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove (213).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid supply device and a liquid ejection device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a liquid supply device, for example, as shown in the following Patent Document 1, a tube pump is known, which includes: a housing having a cylindrical inner wall surface; a tube arranged in an annular shape along the inner wall surface; and a plurality of planetary rollers that press the tube toward the inner wall surface.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a plurality of planetary rollers are supported by angle steels rotatably supported on a central axis. The angle steels are rotated so that the planetary rollers are located in a region where no pipe is arranged, so that the pipe is released from the pressure of the planetary rollers, and the pipe can be easily replaced.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-231413 Summary of the invention

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, in order to enable multiple planetary rollers to be arranged in the area where no tube is arranged, multiple angle steels are supported on the central axis in a state where they can overlap each other. That is, multiple angle steels are arranged at different axial heights along the central axis. Therefore, the position of the compression tube is different for each planetary roller, and the volume of the tube between adjacent planetary rollers may be different depending on the group of adjacent planetary rollers. In addition, if the volume of the tube between adjacent planetary rollers is different, the amount of liquid supplied to the tube by the planetary rollers may become unstable.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a liquid supply device and a liquid ejection device that can supply liquid more stably.

[0009] A liquid supply device in one form of the present disclosure includes a first housing having an annular groove opening to one side in the first direction. In addition, the liquid supply device includes a shaft having: a main column extending in the first direction; and a plurality of pillars, which are continuously arranged with the main column and extend in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the shaft is driven by a driving source and rotates relative to the first housing with the main column as an axis. In addition, the liquid supply device includes: a tube having a liquid flow path through which liquid can pass, the tube being arranged in the groove; and a pushing body, which is respectively arranged on the plurality of pillars and can push the tube in the groove toward the other side in the first direction to close the liquid flow path. In addition, the liquid supply device includes a second housing, which is mounted on the first housing from one side in the first direction to prevent the tube and the shaft from detaching from the first housing. In addition, the shape of the groove is a trapezoidal shape with a wide width on one side in the first direction, and the shape of the portion of the pushing body introduced into the groove is a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove.

[0010] In addition, a liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: the above-mentioned liquid supply device; and a tank connected to the liquid supply device via an upstream flow path continuously provided at the upstream end of a tube provided by the liquid supply device, and capable of storing liquid. In addition, the liquid ejection device comprises an ejection portion connected to the liquid supply device via a downstream flow path continuously provided at the downstream end of a tube provided by the liquid supply device, and capable of ejecting liquid.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a liquid supply device and a liquid ejection device that can supply liquid more stably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a method of using the liquid supply device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a liquid supply device according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the liquid supply device according to the embodiment exploded into a pump unit and a drive unit.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a pump portion according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a state where a cover of the pump unit according to the embodiment is removed.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a rear view showing the casing of the pump unit according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a rear view schematically showing a state in which a pressing body is arranged in a groove of the pump unit according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a tube is arranged in a groove of a pump unit according to an embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a tube arranged in a groove is pressed by a pressing body of the pump unit according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a rear view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the groove of the pump unit and the plurality of pressing bodies according to the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a closed state in which the liquid flow path is closed by the pressing body according to the embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid supply device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid supply device according to the embodiment exploded into a pump unit and a drive unit.

[0025] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a shaft connection shaft and a joint portion of a drive joint according to an embodiment.

[0026] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the contact relationship between the restricting portion of the cover and the shaft in a state where the driving portion is removed from the pump portion according to the embodiment.

[0027] Fig.16 This is a diagram schematically showing the biasing relationship between the tube and the pressing body when no biasing spring is used.

[0028] Fig.17 This is a diagram schematically showing the biasing relationship between the tube and the pressing body when a biasing spring is used.

[0029] Fig.18 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a case where the biasing spring is held by a cover.

[0030] Fig.19 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a case where the biasing spring is held by a cover.

[0031] Fig. 20 It is a side view schematically showing a tube according to a modified example.

[0032] Fig.21 It is a side view schematically showing a state where a pipe is attached to a casing according to a modification example.

[0033] Fig. 22It is a perspective view schematically showing a pushing body according to a modified example.

[0034] Fig.23 It is a diagram schematically showing a liquid ejecting device including a liquid supply device according to the embodiment and its modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, there are cases where a more detailed description than necessary is omitted. For example, there are cases where a detailed description of a well-known matter or a repeated description of substantially the same structure is omitted.

[0036] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0037] In the following embodiments, the driving unit is disposed below the pump unit, and the vertical direction (first direction) of the liquid supply device is defined in a state where the main column of the shaft extends in the vertical direction.

[0038] In addition, the following embodiments and their modifications include the same components. Therefore, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components and the repeated description is omitted.

[0039] First, refer to Figure 1 An example of a method of using the liquid supply device 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0040] The liquid supply device 10 of this embodiment includes: a housing (first housing) 21 having an annular groove 213; a tube 23 having a tube body 231 partially inserted into the groove 213; and a shaft 24 rotatably held in the housing 21. In this embodiment, the groove 213 is oriented toward the lower side in the vertical direction (the side in the first direction: Figure 1 The liquid supply device 10 is formed in a manner that the tube 23 is opened (on the front side of the paper surface). In addition, a liquid flow path P1 through which the liquid L1 can pass is formed in the tube 23. By moving the tube 23 relative to the housing 21 from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction, a part of the tube body 231 is inserted into the groove 213. In addition, the liquid supply device 10 also includes a cover (second housing) 22 to be discussed later, and the lower side of the housing 21 in the vertical direction is covered by the cover 22.

[0041] In addition, the shaft 24 includes: a main column 241, which extends in the up-down direction; and three (plural) pillars 242, which are continuously provided with the main column 241 and extend in the radial direction of the groove 213 (the direction intersecting the first direction). Furthermore, a roller 251 as the pushing body 25 is rotatably supported on the top end of each of the three (plural) pillars 242, and the roller 251 is configured to rotate (rotate) around the pillar 242 as an axis while rotating (revolution) around the main column 241 as an axis. At this time, the pipe body 231 inserted into the groove 213 is moved by the roller 251 to the upper side in the up-down direction (the other side of the first direction: Figure 1 The liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23 is closed by pushing (on the inner side of the paper).

[0042] In addition, the upstream end 23a of the tube 23 is connected to the tank 40 via a pipe not shown in the figure, and the downstream end 23b is connected to the ejection unit 50 via a pipe not shown in the figure. In this way, the space where the liquid supply agent (liquid) is stored in the tank 40 and the ejection port of the ejection unit 50 from which the liquid supply agent (liquid) is ejected are connected by the liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23, forming the liquid ejection device 1.

[0043] Furthermore, by adopting such a structure, the liquid ejecting device 1 (liquid supply device 10) can perform the following operations.

[0044] First, the shaft 24 is oriented in one direction with the main column 241 as the axis (in Figure 1 In this way, the roller 251 rotatably supported at the top of the support 242 rotates (rotates on its own axis) about the support 242 and rotates (revolves) about the main column 241. At this time, the roller 251 is pressed toward the upper side in the vertical direction by the roller 251 while overlapping the pipe body 231 in the groove 213 in the vertical direction.

[0045] In the initial state where the roller 251 and the tube body 231 begin to interfere, the liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23 is gradually pressed and closed. If the liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23 is completely closed by the roller 251, the roller 251 moves from the upstream side to the downstream side while maintaining this state.

[0046] At this time, the roller 251 rotates and revolves while interfering with the tube 23 (pressing the tube 23), and the portion of the liquid flow path P1 that is closed also moves from the upstream side to the downstream side as the roller 251 moves. In addition, in the final state where the interference between the roller 251 and the tube body 231 ends, the interference of the roller 251 with the tube 23 is weakened, and the liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23 is gradually opened. In this way, the liquid in the liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23 (including the gas in the liquid flow path P1 when it is initially used) is sent to the downstream side (the ejection portion 50 side) by the roller 251.

[0047] In addition, as the closed portion of the liquid flow path P1 moves from the upstream side to the downstream side with the movement of the roller 251, when the upstream side of the liquid flow path P1 is opened, the liquid flow path P1 opened after the roller 251 passes becomes a substantially vacuum state. Therefore, the liquid agent (liquid) is supplied from the tank 40 to the liquid flow path P1 opened after the roller 251 passes.

[0048] Thereafter, the roller 251 moves in a region not overlapping with the pipe main body 231 in the vertical direction, and overlaps with the pipe main body 231 in the vertical direction again on the upstream side of the pipe main body 231 .

[0049] Then, as all three (plural) rollers 251 repeat the above-mentioned rotation, the liquid (liquid) in the tank 40 is supplied to the ejection unit 50 through the liquid flow path P1 of the tube 23 and ejected from the ejection port of the ejection unit 50 .

[0050] As described above, the liquid supply device 10 of the present embodiment is a tube pump, and includes the tube 23 for supplying liquid, the roller 251 that rotates while squeezing the tube 23 , and the rotating portion (shaft 24 ) that rotates the roller 251 .

[0051] Here, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the liquid supply device 10 includes a pump unit 20 and a driving unit 30 for driving the pump unit 20. The driving unit 30 is detachably mounted on the pump unit 20.

[0052] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the pump unit 20 includes a housing (first housing) 21 , a shaft 24 , a tube 23 , a pressing body 25 , and a cover (second housing) 22 .

[0053] The housing 21 can be formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the housing 21 includes a substantially disk-shaped top wall 211 and a peripheral wall 212 extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top wall 211 , and is in a shape open downward.

[0054] In addition, a through hole 2111 penetrating in the up-down direction is formed in the center portion of the top wall 211 , and the main column 241 of the shaft 24 is inserted into the through hole 2111 .

[0055] Furthermore, a substantially annular groove 213 is formed on the lower end side of the top wall 211 so as to open to the lower side (one side) in the vertical direction (first direction), and the groove 213 is formed so as to be concentric with the through hole 2111. And a part of the pipe body 231 of the pipe 23 is inserted into the groove 213. In addition, an opening portion 2152 opening in the vertical direction is formed in a part of the groove 213, and a retaining wall 2112 extending upward is formed on the peripheral edge of the opening portion 2152 of the top wall 211. And the upstream and downstream parts of the pipe body 231 than the part inserted into the groove 213 are retained by the retaining wall 2112.

[0056] On the other hand, an engagement recess 2121 with which an engagement piece 222 of the cover 22 (described later) engages and a positioning recess 2122 with which a positioning protrusion 223 of the cover 22 (described later) engages are formed on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall 212 .

[0057] In addition, the tube 23 can be formed using materials such as silicon and fluorine, and has a tube body 231 having a liquid flow path P1 formed in the center portion for allowing the liquid L1 to pass. The tube body 231 is formed to be elastically deformable. If external pressure is applied to the tube body 231, the tube body 231 expands and contracts, and if the external pressure disappears, it can return to its original state. In addition, the tube 23 is retained by a retaining wall 2112 formed on the top wall 211 in a state where a portion of the elastically deformable tube body 231 is arranged in the groove 213 formed in the shape of an annulus. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the outer diameter (height) D1 of the pipe body 231 is preferably set to be less than or equal to twice the depth D3 of the groove 213. In this way, more than 50% (more than half) of the pipe body 231 is arranged in the groove 213, so that the pipe body 231 can be more reliably prevented from being separated from the groove 213.

[0058] The shaft 24 includes: a main column 241 extending in the up-down direction; three (or more) pillars 242 continuously provided with the main column 241 and extending in the radial direction of the groove 213; and a connecting shaft 243 continuously provided with the lower end of the main column 241 and connected to the driving unit 30.

[0059] The shaft 24 is preferably formed of a material having good sliding properties such as polyacetal resin (POM resin).

[0060] In this embodiment, the main column 241 includes a small diameter portion 2411 formed at the upper portion and a large diameter portion 2412 formed at the lower portion of the small diameter portion 2411, and a connecting shaft 243 is continuously provided at the lower end of the large diameter portion 2412. When the small diameter portion 2411 is inserted into the through hole 2111 of the top wall 211 from the lower side in the up-down direction, the upper end surface of the large diameter portion 2412 abuts against the peripheral edge of the through hole 2111 of the top wall 211. In this way, the shaft 24 is rotatably supported by the housing 21.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the three pillars 242 are formed so as to protrude radially outward from the upper end of the large diameter portion 2412. Thus, in this embodiment, the three pillars 242 are continuously provided with the main pillar 241 in a state where the height positions (positions in the vertical direction) are the same.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, three pillars 242 are provided continuously with the main pillar 241 at substantially equal intervals. Therefore, in this embodiment, the angle between the pillars 242 adjacent to each other, that is, the inter-pillar angle θ1 (see Fig.10 ) becomes 120 degrees.

[0063] Furthermore, a roller 251 as a pressing body 25 for pressing the tube body 231 upward is rotatably supported at the top of each of the three pillars 242. In this embodiment, three rollers 251 having the same shape are used. The rollers 251 are also preferably formed of a material having good sliding properties, such as polyacetal resin (POM resin). In addition, grease is preferably applied to the portion of the roller 251 that contacts the tube body 231.

[0064] When the shaft 24 is rotatably supported by the housing 21 , the roller 251 presses the tube body 231 upward in the vertical direction in the groove 213 to close the liquid flow path P1 .

[0065] Specifically, in a state where the shaft 24 is rotatably supported by the housing 21, the roller 251 pushes the tube body 231 to 15% to 50% of the height, based on a state where the height of the liquid flow path P1 becomes zero (a state where the height of the tube body 231 becomes the outer diameter D1-inner diameter D2). For example, in a state where the outer diameter D1 of the tube body 231 is 1.5 mm and the inner diameter D2 of the tube body 231 (inner diameter of the liquid flow path P1) is 0.5 mm, the state where the height of the liquid flow path P1 becomes zero (a state where the height of the tube body 231 becomes the outer diameter D1-inner diameter D2) becomes 1.0 mm. Therefore, in this case, the tube body 231 is pushed to 15% to 50% of the height of 1.0 mm, and therefore, in a state where the shaft 24 is rotatably supported by the housing 21, the roller 251 pushes the tube body 231 to a thickness D4 (refer to Fig. 9 ) becomes 0.85mm~0.5mm.

[0066] Thus, in the present embodiment, the tube body 231 is pushed with the state where the height of the liquid flow path P1 is zero (the state where the height of the tube body 231 is the outer diameter D1 minus the inner diameter D2) as a reference, and the tube body 231 is pushed to 15% to 50% of the height. In this way, the liquid flow path P1 can be prevented from being opened due to the internal pressure in the liquid flow path P1. That is, the liquid flow path P1 can be more reliably closed by the roller 251.

[0067] With such a structure, when the shaft 24 is rotated about the main column 241, the roller 251 rotates (rotates) about the support column 242 to flatten the tube body 231 to a thickness D4, while rotating (revolving) about the main column 241. In this way, the friction force generated between the roller 251 and the tube body 231 can be reduced.

[0068] The roller 251 is formed in a manner that the radial direction forms a vertical plane, and moves in the groove 213 while rotating about the pillar 242. At this time, if the shape of the groove 213 and the shape of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213 are set to be substantially rectangular, then when the width of the groove 213 is set to be substantially the same as the width of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213, the roller 251 will get stuck on the inner side surface of the groove 213, and the roller 251 cannot be rotated (revolved) about the main pillar 241 as the axis.

[0069] Therefore, when the shape of the groove 213 and the shape of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213 are set to be substantially rectangular, the width of the groove 213 needs to be wider than the width of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213 .

[0070] However, if the width of the groove 213 is made wider than the width of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213, the tube body 231 may be displaced in the radial direction, or the position of the roller 251 in the groove 213 may be deviated in the radial direction. In this case, the center of the tube body 231 may not be pressed by the center of the roller 251, and the squeezing mode of the tube body 231 may change, resulting in a change in the volume inside the tube. In this way, if the shape of the groove 213 and the shape of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213 are set to be approximately rectangular, the liquid supply may become unstable.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, liquid supply can be performed more stably. Fig. 9As shown, the shape of the groove 213 is a trapezoidal shape with a wide width on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the shape of the portion of the roller 251 introduced into the groove 213 is a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove 213. That is, the housing 21 is provided with a tube groove (groove 213) for the tube 23 to be placed, and the tube groove (groove 213) is set as a trapezoidal groove. And the convex shape of the trapezoidal shape of the roller 251 is inserted into the trapezoidal tube groove (concave groove: groove 213) of the housing 21 in a slidable manner.

[0072] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 to Figure 9 As shown, the shape of the groove 213 is a trapezoidal shape divided into: a bottom surface 2131 extending in the horizontal direction; an inner inclined surface 2132 provided continuously with the radial inner side of the bottom surface 2131 and inclined toward the radial inner side as it goes to the opening 213a side; and an outer inclined surface 2133 provided continuously with the radial outer side of the bottom surface 2131 and inclined toward the radial outer side as it goes to the opening 213a side. In addition, the roller 251 is a trapezoidal shape having a top surface 2511 corresponding to the bottom surface 2131 of the groove 213 and a pair of inclined surfaces 2512 corresponding to the inner inclined surface 2132 and the outer inclined surface 2133, respectively.

[0073] Furthermore, by setting any one of the inner side surfaces of the inner side and the outer side as a vertical plane extending in the vertical direction, the shape of the groove 213 can be made into a trapezoidal shape with a wide width on the lower side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the shape of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213 can also be made into a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove 213 described above.

[0074] By setting the shape of the groove 213 and the shape of the portion of the roller 251 inserted into the groove 213 to be a trapezoidal shape with a wide lower side in the vertical direction, the rotation (rotation and revolution) of the roller 251 in the groove 213 can be allowed while minimizing the gap formed between the groove 213 and the roller 251. As a result, the radial displacement of the tube body 231 and the roller 251 can be suppressed, and the center of the tube body 231 can be pushed by the center of the roller 251. Therefore, the change in the volume inside the tube can be more reliably suppressed, and the liquid can be supplied more stably.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, the groove 213 includes: a horizontal portion (first portion) 214, at which the amount of pressure applied by the roller 251 to the tube body 231 becomes a predetermined amount (outer diameter D1-thickness D4) to close the liquid flow path P1; and an open portion (second portion) 215, at which the amount of pressure applied by the roller 251 to the tube body 231 is less than the predetermined amount.

[0076] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the open portion (second portion) 215 includes an inclined portion 2151 in which the depth of the groove 213 increases as it moves away from the horizontal portion 214, and an opening portion 2152 located at the top of the inclined portion 2151 and opening in the vertical direction. Thus, when the roller 251 is caused to revolve, the tube body 231 is gradually pressed by the roller 251 or the pressing of the tube body 231 by the roller 251 is gradually released.

[0077] Specifically, the liquid flow path P1 is closed in the middle of the inclined portion 2151 disposed on the upstream side of the pipe body 231, and the liquid flow path P1 is opened in the middle of the inclined portion 2151 disposed on the downstream side of the pipe body 231. In addition, the pipe body 231 is not pressed by the roller 251 at the opening portion 2152 opened in the up-down direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the top end of the inclined portion 2151 disposed on the upstream side of the pipe body 231 becomes the inlet 213b of the groove 213, and the top end of the inclined portion 2151 disposed on the downstream side of the pipe body 231 becomes the outlet 213c of the groove 213. That is, the inlet (inlet 213b) side and the outlet (outlet 213c) side of the pipe groove (groove 213) become slopes that can completely eliminate the force applied by the roller 251 to the pipe body 231.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig.10 As shown, three or more pillars 242 are continuously provided with the main pillar 241 at equal intervals, and the central angle θ2 of the area where the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 in the groove 213 exists becomes an angle that is an integer multiple of 2 or more of the angle between the pillars 242 adjacent to each other, that is, the angle between the pillars θ1 and is smaller than 360 degrees. In addition, the remaining area of ​​the groove 213 is set as an open portion (second portion) 215.

[0079] Specifically, three pillars 242 are provided continuously with the main pillar 241 at equal intervals, and the angle between the mutually adjacent pillars 242, that is, the inter-pillar angle θ1, is 120 degrees.

[0080] And, if Fig.10As shown in FIG. 1 , the center angle θ2 of the region where the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 of the groove 213 exists is twice the angle θ1 between the pillars, that is, 240 degrees (an angle that is an integer multiple of 2 or more of the angle θ1 between the pillars and is smaller than 360 degrees). In addition, the remaining region of the groove 213 (the center angle is 120 degrees, which is the same as the angle θ1 between the pillars) becomes an open portion (second portion) 215. In this way, in the present embodiment, a plurality of rollers 251 are provided, and the inlet (inlet 213b) side and the outlet (outlet 213c) side of the pipe groove (groove 213) are formed into a slope shape. In addition, the pipe groove (groove 213) has a horizontal portion 214 that is larger than the angle between the rollers, and has a slope in the region of the angle between the rollers that can completely eliminate the force applied by the roller 251 to the pipe body 231. In the present embodiment, the region of the angle between the rollers is 120 degrees. Therefore, a slope that completely eliminates the biasing force of the roller 251 on the pipe body 231 is formed in a 120-degree region on the inlet (inlet 213 b ) side and the outlet (outlet 213 c ) side of the pipe groove (groove 213 ).

[0081] In this way, when the shaft 24 is rotated by a certain angle about the main column 241, the two rollers 251 can be present in the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 regardless of the rotation angle being any value between 0 and 360 degrees. Furthermore, one roller 251 can be present in the open portion (second portion) 215. In this way, when the shaft 24 is rotated about the main column 241, the tube body 231 can be always applied with the same amount of force (flattened) by the rollers 251. That is, the same number (two) of rollers 251 always apply force to the tube body 231 located on the horizontal portion (first portion) 214, so the amount of interference of the rollers 251 with the tube body 231 can be made substantially constant. As a result, it is possible to suppress a large change in the volume inside the tube (the volume of the liquid flow path P1 whose two ends are closed by the pushing bodies 25 adjacent to each other), and to stabilize the liquid supply amount (refer to Fig.11 ). Therefore, liquid supply can be performed more stably.

[0082] In addition, when four pillars 242 are provided continuously with the main pillar 241 at equal intervals, the center angle θ2 of the region where the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 in the groove 213 exists may be set to 180 degrees, which is twice the angle θ1 between the pillars, or 270 degrees, which is three times the angle θ1 between the pillars. In this case, the same number (two or three) of rollers 251 always apply force to the pipe body 231 located on the horizontal portion (first portion) 214, so that liquid supply can be performed more stably. In addition, when five or more pillars 242 are provided continuously with the main pillar 241 at equal intervals, the center angle θ2 of the region where the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 in the groove 213 exists can also be set with the same idea.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pump unit 20 is formed by attaching the cover 22 to the housing 21 from below with the shaft 24 rotatably supported by the housing 21 .

[0084] The cover 22 includes a substantially disk-shaped bottom wall 221, and a through hole 2211 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at the center of the bottom wall 221. When the cover 22 is mounted on the housing 21 from below, the connecting shaft 243 of the shaft 24 is inserted into the through hole 2211 from above.

[0085] In addition, an engaging piece 222 and a positioning protrusion 223 extending upward are formed on the outer periphery of the bottom wall 221. The cover 22 is mounted on the housing 21 by engaging the engaging piece 222 with the engaging recess 2121 and engaging the positioning protrusion 223 with the positioning recess 2122. At this time, the connecting shaft 243 of the shaft 24 protrudes downward relative to the cover 22.

[0086] Then, the drive unit 30 is attached to the pump unit 20 by connecting the connection shaft 243 of the shaft 24 that protrudes downward relative to the cover 22 to the drive joint 35 of the drive unit 30 .

[0087] The drive unit 30 is used to drive the shaft 24 of the pump unit 20 to rotate about the main column 241, and has a motor 32 as a drive source. As the motor 32, for example, a stepping motor suitable for low-speed driving that does not affect the load torque of the tube 23 and can keep the rotation speed constant can be used.

[0088] In addition, if Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the driving unit 30 includes a transmission gear 33 that transmits the rotational motion of the motor 32 and a rotating shaft 34 that meshes with the transmission gear 33 and rotates with the vertical direction as the axis. In addition, the driving unit 30 includes: a driving joint 35 that is connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 34 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 34; and a coil spring (biasing spring) 36 that urges the driving joint 35 to the upper side in the vertical direction. In addition, by connecting the connecting shaft 243 of the shaft 24 to the driving joint 35, the rotational motion of the motor 32 is transmitted to the shaft 24 via the driving joint 35. In addition, by rotating the shaft 24 at a substantially constant speed with the main column 241 as the axis, the roller 251 rotates (rotates) with the support column 242 as the axis, and rotates (revolves) at a substantially constant speed with the main column 241 as the axis.

[0089] Furthermore, the driving unit 30 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 31 , and a transmission gear 33 , a rotating shaft 34 , a coil spring 36 , and a driving joint 35 are disposed in the housing 31 .

[0090] In the present embodiment, the drive joint 35 includes a shaft holding portion 351 held by the rotating shaft 34 , an engagement groove 352 in which the O-ring 37 is mounted, and a joint portion 353 to which the connecting shaft 243 of the shaft 24 is connected.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig.14 As shown, the connecting shaft 243 of the shaft 24 is formed into a regular hexagon (polygon), and a fitting recess 3531 is formed on the joint portion 353 in a regular hexagon (polygon) and is opened upward and is fitted with the connecting shaft 243. In this way, when the connecting shaft 243 and the fitting recess 3531 are fitted, the connecting shaft 243 and the fitting recess 3531 do not rotate idly, but rotate in conjunction with each other.

[0092] In addition, an introduction protrusion 3533 is provided at the midpoint of each side 3532 of the fitting recess 3531. Thus, when the connecting shaft 243 is attempted to be fitted with the fitting recess 3531 without aligning the connecting shaft 243 with the fitting recess 3531, the introduction protrusion 3533 causes the drive joint 35 to rotate in alignment with the connecting shaft 243. In this way, regardless of the position of the connecting shaft 243 and the position of the fitting recess 3531, the connecting shaft 243 can be smoothly fitted with the fitting recess 3531.

[0093] The coil spring 36 is disposed between the spring receiver 341 formed on the rotating shaft 34 and the spring receiver 3511 formed on the shaft holding portion 351 . When the connecting shaft 243 is engaged with the engaging recess 3531 , the shaft 24 is urged upward by the coil spring 36 via the drive joint 35 .

[0094] Thus, in the present embodiment, the liquid supply device 10 further includes a coil spring (biasing spring) 36 that urges the shaft 24 toward the upper side (the other side) in the up-down direction (the first direction). That is, the tube pump (liquid supply device 10) is provided with a roller 251 rotatably mounted on the shaft (pillar 242) and a biasing spring (coil spring 36) that pushes the shaft 24 having a plurality of shafts (pillars 242).

[0095] In other words, the tube pump (liquid supply device 10) includes: a housing 21 provided with a groove 213; a tube 23 mounted to the groove 213; a shaft 24 having a plurality of shafts (pillars 242); a roller 251 rotatably mounted to the shaft (pillars 242); and a biasing spring (biasing spring 36). The biasing spring (biasing spring 36) pushes the tube 23 via the shaft 24 or the roller 251.

[0096] Thus, even when the liquid supply device 10 is composed of a plurality of members and there is a cumulative component deviation caused by individual component units and manufacturing and assembly, the length of the dimensional deviation can be absorbed by the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 .

[0097] For example, when the coil springs (biasing springs) 36 and 224 are not provided, if the roller 251 has dimensional deviation, the biasing force of the roller 251 on the tube body 231 may vary due to the dimensional deviation of the roller 251 (see Fig.16 ). In addition, if the force applied by the roller 251 to the tube body 231 varies due to the size deviation of the roller 251, the amount of pressure applied by the roller 251 to the tube body 231 will vary. That is, the thickness D4 of the tube body 231 in the state where the tube body 231 is flattened cannot be kept constant. As a result, the volume inside the tube may vary greatly, and the amount of liquid supplied may become unstable.

[0098] On the other hand, if the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 is provided as in the present embodiment, the dimensional variation of the roller 251 that affects the variation in the amount of liquid supply can be absorbed by the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 .

[0099] Specifically, the force of the roller 251 on the tube body 231 is determined in a state where the tube reaction force F1 and the spring force F2 are balanced. The tube reaction force F1 can be obtained by F1 = (Young's modulus E × pressure area S) × force of application. In addition, the spring force F2 can be obtained by F2 = spring constant k × (natural length - installation length - force of application). In this embodiment, the tube reaction force F1 and the spring force F2 are 4N each.

[0100] Here, if the spring constant k is reduced and the natural length is extended, the spring force F2 can be made substantially constant even if there is a dimensional deviation of the roller 251 or the like. That is, the dimensional deviation of the roller 251 or the like can be absorbed by the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 (see Fig.17 As a result, the pipe body 231 can be urged with a substantially constant urging force.

[0101] It can be seen from this that the spring constant k of the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 is preferably as small as possible. In this embodiment, a coil spring (biasing spring) 36 having a spring constant k of 0.7 N / mm is used. In addition, if the coil spring 36 is used as the biasing spring, a force can be applied to the main column 241 of the shaft 24 on the central axis, thereby suppressing the deviation of the force generated on each roller 251.

[0102] Furthermore, if a coil spring (biasing spring) 36 is provided and the tube body 231 is always biased (squeezed) by the roller 251 by the same amount when the shaft 24 is rotated about the main column 241, a large change in the tube internal volume can be suppressed, and the liquid supply amount can be stabilized.

[0103] In addition, in the present embodiment, a rib 2212 protruding upward is formed at the peripheral portion of the through hole 2211 of the bottom wall 221. And the shaft 24 is restricted from moving downward in the vertical direction by the base 2421 of the support 242 abutting against the rib 2212. Thus, in the present embodiment, the rib 2212 functions as a restriction portion that abuts against the shaft 24 and restricts the shaft 24 from moving downward in the vertical direction.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig.15 As shown, in a state where the shaft 24 is in contact with the rib (restriction portion) 2212, the roller 251 pushes the tube 23 in a state where the liquid flow path P1 is closed. Specifically, due to the reaction force from the cover 22 to the shaft 24, the roller 251 pushes the tube body 231 to 10% to 30% of the height, based on a state where the height of the liquid flow path P1 is zero (a state where the height of the tube body 231 is the outer diameter D1 minus the inner diameter D2). For example, when the outer diameter D1 of the tube body 231 is 1.5 mm and the inner diameter D2 of the tube body 231 (the inner diameter of the liquid flow path P1) is 0.5 mm, the tube body 231 is pushed to 10% to 30% of the above-mentioned height of 1.0 mm. Therefore, the thickness D5 of the tube body 231 in a state where the shaft 24 is in contact with the rib (restriction portion) 2212 and the roller 251 pushes the tube body 231 becomes 0.9 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0105] In this way, even in a state where the driving unit 30 is removed from the pump unit 20 , the closed state in which the roller 251 closes the liquid flow path P1 is maintained, and leakage of the liquid L1 from the liquid supply device 10 can be suppressed.

[0106] Thus, in the present embodiment, the housing around the bearing (the rib 2212 formed at the peripheral portion of the through hole 2211 of the cover 22) and the shaft around the root of the support (the root 2421 of the support 242) are in a positional relationship of always being in contact. Furthermore, the roller 251 applies a weaker force to the tube 23 (applies a force weaker than the force applied by the roller 251 to the tube 23 when the liquid supply device 10 is used). For example, a pushing force is applied to the tube 23 to a degree of 10% to 30% in terms of the wall thickness ratio (ratio to the outer diameter D1 - the inner diameter D2). In this way, leakage can be prevented when the drive unit 30 is removed from the pump unit 20.

[0107] At this time, it is preferable to set the biasing force of the coil spring 36 so that the shaft 24 does not come into contact with the rib (restriction portion) 2212 when the drive unit 30 is attached to the pump unit 20. In this case, the tube body 231 can be flattened to a thickness D4 by the roller 251 biased by the coil spring 36. As a result, the amount of interference of the roller 251 with the tube body 231, that is, the change in the tube internal volume can be more reliably suppressed, and liquid supply can be performed more stably.

[0108] Therefore, the spring constant k of the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 is preferably set as small as possible within a range in which the shaft 24 does not come into contact with the rib (restriction portion) 2212 when the drive unit 30 is attached to the pump unit 20 .

[0109] In the above embodiment, the coil spring (biasing spring) 36 is provided in the drive unit 30, but it is also possible to Fig.18 The coil spring (biasing spring) 224 is shown as being held by the cover 22 .

[0110] exist Fig.18 2 shows a structure in which a spring holding portion 225 is provided at the center of the lower end of the cover 22, and a coil spring (biasing spring) 224 is arranged between the spring holding portion 225 and a spring receiving member 244 provided at the lower end of the main column 241 of the shaft 24. With such a structure, the coil spring (biasing spring) 224 can also absorb the dimensional deviation of the roller 251 that affects the deviation of the liquid supply amount.

[0111] In addition, it is also possible to Fig.19 The structure shown is that a coil spring (biasing spring) 224 is held by the cover 22 , and a receiving plate 226 is disposed between the coil spring (biasing spring) 224 and the shaft 24 .

[0112] exist Fig.19 In the example, a structure is shown in which the lower end of the main column 241 of the shaft 24 is supported by the support plate 226, and a coil spring (biasing spring) 224 is arranged between the spring holding portion 225 and the spring receiving member 2261 provided on the support plate 226. With such a structure, the dimensional deviation of the roller 251 that affects the deviation of the liquid supply amount can also be absorbed by the coil spring (biasing spring) 224.

[0113] Alternatively, you can use Fig. 20 The tube 23 shown is substituted for the tube 23 described in the above embodiment.

[0114] Fig. 20 The pipe 23 shown in the figure includes a pipe body 231 and flanges 232 formed at both ends of the pipe body 231. That is, the flanges 232 are formed at the upstream end 23a and the downstream end 23b of the pipe 23. And, the flanges 232 are held Fig.21 The housing 21 shown in FIG. Fig.21 As shown in the figure, an extended wall 216 extending upward is formed on the housing 21, and a retaining portion 2161 for retaining the flange portion 232 is formed on the extended wall 216. Then, the flange portion 232 is retained by the retaining portion 2161 of the extended wall 216 while a portion of the tube body 231 is inserted into the groove 213 and the tube body 231 is retained by the retaining wall 2112. Thus, when the liquid supply device 10 is operated, even when tension is applied to the tube 23 due to friction between the roller 251 and the tube 23, the tube 23 can be more reliably retained on the housing 21. In this way, the position of the tube 23 in the longitudinal direction is almost unchanged, so that it is possible to suppress the tube 23 from being unexpectedly bent or from having a portion subjected to excessive stress.

[0115] In addition, if the shape of the flange 232 is different from a circular shape, such as a D-shaped cut shape, the holding of the tube 23 in the twisted state can be visually confirmed. As a result, the stress concentration caused by applying force to the tube 23 in the twisted state can be reduced.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the roller 251 as the pressing body 25 is provided on the support 242 of the shaft 24, but it is also possible to Fig. 22 As shown, a semicircular protrusion 252 formed integrally with the support column 242 of the shaft 24 is made to function as the pressing body 25 .

[0117] The protrusion 252 is formed in such a way that the upper half (the side where the tube 23 is arranged) is semicircular, and the semicircular part is inserted into the groove 213 to push the tube body 231 of the tube 23. In addition, the shape of the part of the protrusion 252 introduced into the groove 213 is also a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove 213.

[0118] Specifically, the protrusion 252 has a trapezoidal shape including a top surface 2521 corresponding to the bottom surface 2131 of the groove 213 and a pair of inclined surfaces 2522 corresponding to the inner inclined surface 2132 and the outer inclined surface 2133 , respectively.

[0119] Furthermore, since the protrusion 252 is fixed to the support column 242, when the protrusion 252 is rotated (revolved) about the main column 241, the protrusion 252 slides while squeezing the tube 23. With such a structure, liquid can be supplied more stably.

[0120] In addition, the liquid supply device 10 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example can be used, for example, Fig.23 In the liquid spraying device 1 shown.

[0121] Fig.23 The liquid ejection device 1 shown includes the liquid supply device 10 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example.

[0122] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a tank 40 that can store the liquid L1 , a ejection unit 50 that can eject the liquid L1 , and a flow path forming unit 60 that forms a flow path P2 of the liquid L1 between the tank 40 and the ejection unit 50 .

[0123] Furthermore, a liquid supply device 10 is provided in the middle of the flow path P2 , and the liquid L1 stored in the tank 40 is sent toward the discharge portion 50 by the liquid supply device 10 .

[0124] Specifically, the tank 40 is connected to the liquid supply device 10 via an upstream flow path P21 provided continuously to the upstream end 23a of the tube 23 provided to the liquid supply device 10. In addition, the ejection portion 50 is connected to the liquid supply device 10 via a downstream flow path P22 provided continuously to the downstream end 23b of the tube 23 provided to the liquid supply device 10.

[0125] The tank 40 can be, for example, a bag-shaped container (pouch) formed of a laminate film having flexibility.

[0126] The flow path forming portion 60 may be formed of a liquid pipe such as a silicone tube. The upstream flow path P21 is defined by the upstream flow path forming portion 61 , and the downstream flow path P22 is defined by the downstream flow path forming portion 62 .

[0127] As the ejection unit 50 , for example, a two-fluid nozzle that mixes gas and liquid to form a mist can be used.

[0128] A liquid supply flow path (flow path P2 ) to which the liquid L1 is supplied from the liquid supply device 10 and the flow path forming portion 60 , and an air supply flow path 71 to which the air A1 is supplied from the air pump 70 are formed inside the two-fluid nozzle.

[0129] Then, it is assumed that the liquid (mist M1) mixed and atomized in the mixing space portion inside the two-fluid nozzle is ejected from the mist discharge port to the outside of the two-fluid nozzle.

[0130] Such a liquid ejection device 1 can be provided, for example, in an air supply device such as a hair dryer, and can eject atomized liquid (mist M1 ) or liquid L1 toward hair or the like.

[0131] [Function, Effect]

[0132] Hereinafter, characteristic structures of the liquid supply device 10 and the liquid ejection device 1 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples and effects obtainable thereby will be described.

[0133] (Technique 1) The liquid supply device 10 shown in the above embodiment and its modified example includes a housing (first housing) 21 having an annular groove 213 opened to the lower side (one side) in the up-down direction (first direction).

[0134] In addition, the liquid supply device 10 is provided with a shaft 24, which has: a main column 241 extending in the up-down direction (first direction); and a plurality of pillars 242, which are continuously provided with the main column 241 and extend in a direction intersecting the up-down direction (first direction). The shaft 24 is driven by a motor (drive source) 32, so that it rotates relative to the housing (first housing) 21 with the main column 241 as an axis.

[0135] Furthermore, the liquid supply device 10 includes a tube 23 having a liquid flow path P1 through which the liquid L1 can pass, and the tube 23 is disposed in the groove 213 .

[0136] The liquid supply device 10 also includes a pressing body 25 which is provided on each of the plurality of pillars 242 and can press the tube 23 toward the upper side (the other side) in the vertical direction (the first direction) in the groove 213 to close the liquid flow path P1.

[0137] Furthermore, the liquid supply device 10 includes a cover (second shell) 22 which is mounted on the shell (first shell) 21 from the lower side (one side) in the up-down direction (first direction) to prevent the tube 23 and the shaft 24 from being detached from the shell (first shell) 21.

[0138] The groove 213 has a trapezoidal shape with a wider lower side (one side) in the up-down direction (first direction), and the portion of the pressing body 25 introduced into the groove 213 has a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove 213 .

[0139] Thus, if the tube 23 is accommodated in the groove 213, the tube 23 can be more reliably prevented from being displaced when the tube 23 is pushed upward (the other side) in the vertical direction (the first direction) by the pushing body 25. As a result, the tube 23 can be pushed more stably by the pushing body 25.

[0140] In addition, if the tube 23 is accommodated in the groove 213, it is possible to suppress the tube 23 from bending or twisting due to the friction force generated between the pusher 25 and the tube 23. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the tube 23 from coming out of the groove 213 due to the friction force generated between the pusher 25 and the tube 23.

[0141] In addition, if the shapes of the groove 213 and the pusher 25 are set to be a trapezoidal shape with a wide width on the opening 213a side of the groove 213, the pusher 25 can be rotated in the groove 213 as the shaft 24 rotates around the main column 241 without expanding the width of the groove 213. Therefore, the radial movement of the tube 23 in the groove 213 can be suppressed as much as possible, and the tube 23 can be stably arranged at a predetermined position in the groove 213.

[0142] As a result, the plurality of pressing bodies 25 can press the substantially central portion of the tube 23 in the radial direction, and deviations in the positions at which the plurality of pressing bodies 25 press the tube 23 can be suppressed.

[0143] Furthermore, if the deviation of the pushing positions of the plurality of pushing bodies 25 on the tube 23 can be suppressed, the pushing amount of the plurality of pushing bodies 25 on the tube 23 can be made substantially constant. As a result, the tube internal volume between the mutually adjacent pushing bodies 25 (the volume of the liquid flow path P1 whose both ends are closed by the mutually adjacent pushing bodies 25) can be made substantially constant. That is, the amount of the liquid L1 delivered by the two mutually adjacent pushing bodies 25 can be made substantially constant. As a result, the liquid supply amount of the liquid L1 when the shaft 24 rotates one circle can be made substantially constant, and liquid supply can be performed more stably.

[0144] In this manner, according to the liquid supply device 10 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, liquid supply can be performed more stably.

[0145] In addition, in the liquid supply device 10 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, the insertion direction of the tube 23 into the groove 213 and the pushing direction of the tube 23 by the pushing body 25 are on the upper side (the other side) of the vertical direction (the first direction). That is, the liquid supply device 10 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example is configured so that the insertion direction of the tube 23 into the groove 213 and the pushing direction of the tube 23 by the pushing body 25 are the same direction. In this case, it can be set as the following structure: by moving the tube 23, the shaft 24 provided with the pushing body 25, and the cover (second housing) 22 to the upper side (the other side) of the vertical direction (the first direction), the tube 23, the shaft 24 provided with the pushing body 25, and the cover (second housing) 22 can be assembled to the housing (first housing) 21. As a result, the tube 23, the shaft 24 provided with the pushing body 25, and the cover (second housing) 22 can be assembled to the housing (first housing) 21 more easily. Moreover, when the cover (second shell) 22 and the shaft 24 provided with the pushing body 25 are removed from the shell (first shell) 21, the tube 23 can be inserted into the groove 213 and removed from the groove 213, so the tube 23 can be replaced more easily.

[0146] Thus, according to the liquid supply device 10 shown in the above embodiment and its modified example, the tube 23 , the shaft 24 provided with the pressing body 25 , and the cover 22 can be assembled to the housing 21 with ease while liquid supply can be performed more stably.

[0147] (Technique 2) In addition, in the above-mentioned (Technique 1), the pressing body 25 may be a roller 251 rotatably mounted on the support column 242.

[0148] In this way, when the shaft 24 is rotated, the friction generated between the pushing body 25 and the tube 23 can be further reduced. Therefore, if the tube 23 is pushed by the roller 251 rotatably mounted on the support 242, the liquid supply device 10 can be set to be able to supply liquid more stably while maintaining the reduced friction of the tube 23.

[0149] (Technique 3) In addition, in the above-mentioned (Technique 1) or (Technique 2), three or more pillars 242 may be provided continuously with the main pillar 241 at equal intervals. Furthermore, the groove 213 may include a horizontal portion (first portion) 214 in which the amount of pressure on the tube 23 by the pressure body 25 becomes a predetermined amount to close the liquid flow path P1, and an open portion (second portion) 215 in which the amount of pressure on the tube 23 by the pressure body 25 is less than the predetermined amount. Furthermore, the central angle θ2 of the region where the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 in the groove 213 exists may be an angle that is an integer multiple of 2 or more of the angle between the pillars 242 adjacent to each other, that is, the angle between the pillars 242, and is smaller than 360 degrees.

[0150] In this way, a structure can be set such that when the shaft 24 is rotated by a certain angle with the main column 241 as the axis, no matter which value the rotation angle is between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, there are two or more pushing bodies 25 of the same number in the horizontal part (first part) 214. As a result, when the shaft 24 is rotated with the main column 241 as the axis, the tube 23 can be always applied with the same amount of force (squashed) by the pushing bodies 25. That is, the same number (two or more) of pushing bodies 25 always apply force to the tube 23 located on the horizontal part (first part) 214, so the amount of interference of the pushing bodies 25 with the tube 23 can be made substantially constant. As a result, it is possible to suppress a large change in the volume of the tube (the volume of the liquid flow path P1 whose two ends are closed by the pushing bodies 25 adjacent to each other), and stabilize the amount of liquid supply. Therefore, liquid supply can be performed more stably.

[0151] (Technique 4) In addition, in any one of the above-mentioned (Technique 1) to (Technique 3), the liquid supply device 10 may also include a coil spring (biasing spring) 36, 224 that urges the shaft 24 toward the upper side (the other side) in the up-down direction (the first direction).

[0152] In this way, even when the liquid supply device 10 is composed of a plurality of components and there is a cumulative component deviation caused by the component single body and manufacturing and assembly, the length of the dimensional deviation can be absorbed by the coil spring (bias spring) 36, 224. That is, it is possible to more reliably suppress the interference amount of the push body 25 on the tube 23 due to the dimensional deviation, as in the case where the coil spring (bias spring) 36, 224 is not provided. In this way, if the coil spring (bias spring) 36, 224 is provided, the dimensional deviation that affects the deviation of the liquid supply amount can be absorbed by the coil spring (bias spring) 36, 224. Therefore, when the shaft 24 is rotated about the main column 241 as the axis, the tube 23 can be always biased (squashed) by the push body 25 by the same amount. As a result, it is possible to suppress a large change in the volume inside the tube (the volume of the liquid flow path P1 whose two ends are closed by the push bodies 25 adjacent to each other), stabilize the liquid supply amount, and more stably supply the liquid.

[0153] (Technique 5) In addition, in the above (Technique 4), the liquid supply device 10 may include a pump unit 20, which includes a housing (first housing) 21, a shaft 24, a tube 23, a push body 25, and a cover (second housing) 22. Furthermore, the liquid supply device 10 may include a drive unit 30, which includes: a motor (drive source) 32; a coil spring (biasing spring) 36; and a drive joint 35, which is connected to the shaft 24 and can transmit the power of the motor (drive source) 32 to the shaft 24. Furthermore, the drive unit 30 may be installed on the pump unit 20 in a detachable manner. For example, the liquid supply device 10 may be configured as a tube pump including a pump unit 20 and a drive unit 30, and may be configured as a structure that can be separated into the pump unit 20 and the drive unit 30. In this case, the pump unit 20 has: one of the two housings (the first housing 21 and the second housing 22) disposed vertically (the first housing 21 and the second housing 22), a groove 213 disposed in one of the housings (the first housing 21), and a tube 23 attached to the groove 213. In addition, the pump unit 20 has: a shaft 24 having a plurality of shafts (pillars 242); a roller 251 rotatably attached to the shaft (pillars 242); and the other housing (the second housing 22) that holds the shaft 24 and the roller 251. In addition, the drive unit 30 includes a rotary motor (drive source 32), a biasing spring 36, and a connector (drive connector 35) connectable to the shaft 24.

[0154] Thus, if the pump unit 20 and the driving unit 30 can be separated, the pump unit 20, which is a consumable part, can be replaced and maintained easily at low cost. In addition, if a plurality of different pump units 20 are prepared, the liquid L1 to be transported can be customized to a desired solution.

[0155] (Technique 6) In addition, in the above (Technique 5), the cover (second housing) 22 may have a rib (restricting portion) 2212 that contacts the shaft 24 and restricts the shaft 24 from moving toward the lower side (one side) in the vertical direction (first direction). Furthermore, the shaft 24 may contact the rib (restricting portion) 2212 when the drive unit 30 is removed from the pump unit 20. Furthermore, the pushing body 25 located in the horizontal portion (first portion) 214 may push the tube 23 in a state where the liquid flow path P1 is closed while the shaft 24 contacts the rib (restricting portion) 2212.

[0156] In this way, even when the driving unit 30 is removed from the pump unit 20, the closed state in which the liquid flow path P1 is closed by the pushing body 25 is maintained, and therefore, leakage of the liquid L1 from the liquid supply device 10 can be suppressed. In addition, if it is set that when the driving unit 30 is installed in the pump unit 20, the pushing body 25 is urged by the coil spring (urging spring) 36, and the shaft 24 does not abut against the rib (restriction part) 2212, it can be set that the tube 23 is always urged (flattened) by the pushing body 25 by the same amount. As a result, it is possible to suppress a large change in the volume of the tube (the volume of the liquid flow path P1 whose two ends are closed by the pushing bodies 25 adjacent to each other), stabilize the liquid supply amount, and enable more stable liquid supply.

[0157] (Technique 7) The liquid ejection device 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified example includes the liquid supply device 10 described in any one of the above (Technique 1) to (Technique 6). In addition, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a tank 40, which is connected to the liquid supply device 10 via an upstream flow path P21 continuously provided to the upstream end 23a of the tube 23 provided to the liquid supply device 10, and can store the liquid L1. Moreover, the liquid ejection device 1 includes an ejection unit 50, which is connected to the liquid supply device 10 via a downstream flow path P22 continuously provided to the downstream end 23b of the tube 23 provided to the liquid supply device 10, and can eject the liquid L1.

[0158] The liquid supply device 10 is configured to more stably supply liquid by pressing the tube 23 accommodated in the trapezoidal groove 213 with the pressing body 25 and rotating the pressing body 25 about the main column 241 as an axis.

[0159] Furthermore, if the liquid ejecting device 1 includes such a liquid supply device 10 , it is possible to more reliably suppress the liquid supply performance from changing depending on the orientation of the device, compared with a structure in which a spring is applied to a rod-shaped liquid supply.

[0160] In addition, since it is not necessary to filter the liquid using a mesh as in a structure in which a spring is applied to a rod-shaped liquid supplying member, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the liquid supplying performance due to modification of the liquid by filtration and separation of the liquid and clogging of the mesh.

[0161] Thus, with the liquid ejection device 1 shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, it is possible not only to more reliably suppress the change in liquid supply performance depending on the orientation of the device but also to suppress the modification of the liquid and the deterioration of the liquid supply performance.

[0162] [other]

[0163] The contents of the liquid supply device and the liquid ejection device of the present disclosure have been described above, but it is not limited to these descriptions and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made.

[0164] For example, the present disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the configurations shown in the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications are changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. In addition, each component described in the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications can be combined to form a new embodiment.

[0165] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, a structure in which the drive unit 30 is detachably mounted to the pump unit 20 is illustrated, but the present disclosure can also be applied to a liquid supply device in which the drive unit 30 is integrated with the pump unit 20 in a state in which it cannot be detached from the pump unit 20.

[0166] In the above embodiment and its modified example, a fluid supply device is illustrated in which the central angle θ2 is set to be an integer multiple of 2 or more of the inter-pillar angle θ1 and smaller than 360 degrees, and the fluid supply device includes a coil spring (biasing spring) 36 , 224 biasing the shaft 24 .

[0167] However, the structure of the liquid supply device is not limited to the above structure, and various structures may be used. For example, the liquid supply device may be provided with a coil spring (biasing spring) 36, 224 that urges the shaft 24 without making the central angle θ2 an angle that is an integer multiple of 2 or more of the angle θ1 between the pillars and smaller than 360 degrees.

[0168] Furthermore, the liquid ejecting device may include the liquid supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 of the claims.

[0169] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the drive unit, pump unit, and other details may also be changed appropriately.

[0170] Industrial Applicability

[0171] As described above, the liquid supply device and liquid ejection device disclosed herein are, for example, a liquid supply device or a beauty device equipped with a liquid supply device, and can be applied to a device that requires stable liquid supply or ejection regardless of the state of the liquid or the device. Specifically, for example, the present disclosure can be applied to a hair care device, a facial care device, etc.

[0172] Description of Reference Numerals

[0173] 1. Liquid ejection device; 10. Liquid supply device; 20. Pump unit; 21. Housing (first housing); 22. Cover (second housing); 23. Pipe; 23a. Upstream end portion; 23b. Downstream end portion; 24. Shaft; 25. Pushing body; 30. Driving unit; 31. Housing; 32. Motor (driving source); 33. Transmission gear; 34. Rotating shaft; 35. Driving joint; 36. Coil spring (biasing spring); 37. O-ring; 40. Tank; 50. Ejection unit; 60. Flow path forming unit; 61. Upstream flow path forming unit; 62. Downstream flow path forming unit; 70 , air supply pump; 71, air supply flow path; 211, top wall; 212, peripheral wall; 213, groove; 213a, opening; 213b, inlet; 213c, outlet; 214, horizontal portion (first portion); 215, open portion (second portion); 216, extended wall; 221, bottom wall; 222, engaging piece; 223, positioning protrusion; 224, coil spring (force spring); 225, spring retaining portion; 226, receiving plate; 231, pipe body; 232, flange portion; 241, main column; 242, support column; 243, connecting shaft; 244, spring Socket; 251, roller; 252, protrusion; 341, spring socket; 351, shaft holding portion; 352, engaging groove; 353, joint portion; 2111, through hole; 2112, holding wall; 2121, engaging recess; 2122, positioning recess; 2131, bottom surface; 2132, inner inclined surface; 2133, outer inclined surface; 2151, inclined portion; 2152, opening; 2161, holding portion; 2211, through hole; 2212, rib (limiting portion); 2261, spring socket; 2411, small diameter portion; 2412, large diameter portion; 2 421, root; 2511, top surface; 2512, inclined surface; 2521, top surface; 2522, inclined surface; 3511, spring receiving part; 3531, fitting recess; 3532, edge; 3533, introduction protrusion; A1, air; D1, outer diameter; D2, inner diameter; D3, depth; D4, thickness; D5, thickness; F1, tube reaction force; F2, spring force; L1, liquid; M1, mist; P1, liquid flow path; P2, flow path; P21, upstream side flow path; P22, downstream side flow path; θ1, angle between pillars; θ2, center angle of the horizontal part.

Claims

1. A liquid supply device, comprising: A first housing having an annular groove opening toward one side in a first direction; A shaft having a main column and a plurality of supporting columns, wherein the main column extends in the first direction, the plurality of supporting columns are continuously arranged with the main column and extend in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the shaft is driven by a driving source and rotates relative to the first housing about the main column as an axis; a tube having a liquid flow path through which liquid can pass, the tube being disposed in the groove; a pressing body, which is respectively provided on the plurality of the pillars and can press the tube toward the other side of the first direction in the groove to close the liquid flow path; and a second housing mounted on the first housing from the one side in the first direction to prevent the pipe and the shaft from being separated from the first housing, The groove has a trapezoidal shape with a wider width on the one side in the first direction, and a portion of the pressing body introduced into the groove has a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the groove.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing body is a roller rotatably mounted on the support column.

3. The liquid supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Three or more of the pillars are arranged continuously with the main pillar at equal intervals. The groove has a first portion where the amount of pressure applied by the pushing body to the tube reaches a predetermined amount to close the liquid flow path, and a second portion where the amount of pressure applied by the pushing body to the tube is smaller than the predetermined amount. The central angle of the region in the groove where the first portion exists is an angle between the mutually adjacent pillars, that is, an angle between pillars that is an integral multiple of 2 or more and smaller than 360 degrees.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The liquid supply device further includes a biasing spring biasing the axial direction toward the other side in the first direction.

5. The liquid supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The liquid supply device comprises: a pump unit including the first housing, the shaft, the tube, the pressing body, and the second housing; and The driving unit includes the driving source, the biasing spring, and a driving joint connected to the shaft and capable of transmitting the power of the driving source to the shaft. The driving unit is detachably mounted on the pump unit.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The second housing includes a restriction portion that contacts the shaft to restrict movement of the shaft toward the one side in the first direction. The second housing is configured such that the shaft abuts against the restriction portion when the drive portion is removed from the pump portion. In a state in which the shaft is in contact with the restricting portion, the pressing body located at the first portion presses the tube in a state in which the liquid flow path is closed.

7. A liquid ejection device comprising: The liquid supply device according to claim 1 or 2; a tank connected to the liquid supply device via an upstream flow path provided continuously to an upstream end of the tube provided in the liquid supply device and capable of storing liquid; and The ejection portion is connected to the liquid supply device via a downstream flow path provided continuously to a downstream end portion of the tube included in the liquid supply device, and is capable of ejecting liquid.

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