Liquid supply apparatus and ink jet recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid supply apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus. The liquid supply device includes a diaphragm pump, a suction unit, and a discharge unit. The suction unit and the discharge unit are disposed so as to overlap each other such that an inflow chamber of the suction unit and an outflow chamber of the discharge unit face a diaphragm on one side in the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm, and one of the suction unit and the discharge unit is attachable / detachable to / from the other of the suction unit and the discharge unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device and an inkjet recording device. Background Art

[0002] As a recording device such as a printer or a copier, an inkjet recording device that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium such as paper is widely used because it can record high-definition images. In such an inkjet recording device, the ink is transported by a pump from an ink container containing the ink to a recording head that ejects the ink onto the recording medium. As such a pump, a diaphragm pump is known. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid supply device and an inkjet recording device, which can arbitrarily change the respective arrangements of a liquid suction portion and a liquid discharge portion relative to a diaphragm pump, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the structure of a liquid flow path.

[0004] The liquid supply device of the first structure of the present invention comprises a diaphragm pump, a suction unit and a discharge unit. The diaphragm pump conveys liquid by the reciprocating movement of the diaphragm. The suction unit comprises a suction check valve for allowing the liquid to flow relative to the diaphragm only in the suction direction and an inflow chamber for the liquid to flow in through the suction check valve. The discharge unit comprises a discharge check valve for allowing the liquid to flow relative to the diaphragm only in the discharge direction and an outflow chamber for the liquid flowing in from the inflow chamber to flow out toward the discharge check valve. The suction unit and the discharge unit are arranged in an overlapping manner in which the inflow chamber and the outflow chamber are opposite to the diaphragm on one side of the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm, and one of the suction unit and the discharge unit can be installed and removed relative to the other.

[0005] According to the first structure of the present invention, one of the suction unit and the ejection unit as the ejection unit is arranged adjacent to the diaphragm in a relative manner, and the other is arranged overlapping with the one, and the suction unit is the suction unit of the liquid relative to the diaphragm. Moreover, either the suction unit or the ejection unit can be adjacent to the diaphragm. That is, the respective configurations of the suction unit and the ejection unit of the liquid relative to the diaphragm pump can be arbitrarily changed, and the degree of freedom of the structure of the liquid flow path can be increased. As a result, the liquid supply device can efficiently transport liquid corresponding to the various structures of the device at the setting destination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional front view of an inkjet recording device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the periphery of a recording unit of an inkjet recording device. Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of the structure of a control system and an ink supply system around a recording unit of an inkjet recording device. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front view of the ink supply device. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A top view of an ink supply device. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A side view of an ink supply device. Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of an ink supply device. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A vertical sectional side view of an ink supply device. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 The present invention is a vertical sectional side view of the ink supply device, and is a diagram showing a state in which the constituent elements are disassembled. Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A vertical sectional side view of an ejection unit of an ink supply device. Fig.11 yes Figure 8 A vertical sectional side view of the suction unit of the ink supply device. Fig.12 yes Figure 6 A stereoscopic view of a plate-like component of an ink supply device. Fig.13 It is a vertical sectional side view of an ink supply device according to a modified example. Fig.14 yes Fig.13 The present invention is a vertical sectional side view of the ink supply device, and is a diagram showing a state in which the constituent elements are disassembled. Fig.15 yes Fig.13 A vertical sectional side view of a filter unit of an ink supply device. Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a filter unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the following contents.

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional front view of the inkjet recording device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 11 is a plan view of the vicinity of a recording unit 5 of an inkjet recording device 1. The inkjet recording device 1 is, for example, an inkjet recording printer. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 , a paper supply unit 3 , a paper conveying unit 4 , a recording unit 5 , a drying unit 6 , a paper discharge unit 7 , and a control unit 8 .

[0009] The paper supply unit 3 is disposed, for example, at the lower portion of the apparatus body 2. The paper supply unit 3 stores a plurality of sheets of paper (recording media) S, and separates and feeds the sheets of paper S one by one during recording.

[0010] The paper conveying unit 4 is arranged on the downstream side of the paper conveying direction of the paper supply unit 3, and conveys the paper S fed from the paper supply unit 3. The paper conveying unit 4 conveys the paper S to the recording unit 5 and the drying unit 6, and discharges the recorded and dried paper S to the paper discharge unit 7. The paper conveying unit 4 has, for example, a reversing conveying unit 4r. In the case of double-sided recording, the paper conveying unit 4 distributes the paper S after recording and drying on the first side to the reversing conveying unit 4r, switches the conveying direction, and conveys the paper S after reversing the front and back sides again to the recording unit 5 and the drying unit 6.

[0011] The paper conveying section 4 includes a first belt conveying section 41 and a second belt conveying section 42. The first belt conveying section 41 includes a first conveying belt 411 formed in an endless shape. The second belt conveying section 42 includes a second conveying belt 421 formed in an endless shape. The first belt conveying section 41 and the second belt conveying section 42 adsorb and hold the paper S on the outer surface (upper surface) of the upper side of each of the first conveying belt 411 and the second conveying belt 421 for conveying. The first belt conveying section 41 is arranged below the recording section 5 and conveys the paper S. The second belt conveying section 42 is located on the downstream side of the paper conveying direction relative to the first belt conveying section 41 and is arranged in the drying section 6 and conveys the paper S.

[0012] The recording unit 5 is located on the downstream side of the paper feeding unit 3 in the paper conveying direction, and is arranged opposite to the first belt conveying unit 41. The recording unit 5 is arranged opposite to the paper S that is sucked and held on the upper surface of the first conveying belt 411 for conveying, and is arranged above the first conveying belt 411 with a predetermined interval. That is, the recording unit 5 is opposite to the paper S conveyed by the paper conveying unit 4.

[0013] like Figure 2As shown, the recording unit 5 holds head units 51B, 51C, 51M, and 51Y corresponding to four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. The head units 51B, 51C, 51M, and 51Y are arranged along the paper conveying direction Dc in such a manner that the long side direction is parallel to the paper width direction Dw, and the paper width direction Dw is orthogonal to the paper conveying direction Dc. In addition, the basic structure of the four head units 51B, 51C, 51M, and 51Y is the same, so in the following description, the identification marks "B", "C", "M", and "Y" representing various colors are sometimes omitted except for cases that require special limitation.

[0014] Each color head unit 51 includes a line inkjet recording head 52. In each color head unit 51, a plurality of recording heads 52 (eg, three (52a, 52b, 52c)) are arranged in a staggered pattern along the paper width direction Dw.

[0015] The recording head 52 has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles 521 at the bottom. The plurality of ink ejection nozzles 521 are arranged in a row along the paper width direction Dw, and can eject ink to the entire recording area on the paper S. That is, the recording head 52 has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles 521 that eject ink onto the paper S. The recording unit 5 ejects ink from the respective recording heads 52 of the four color head units 51B, 51C, 51M, and 51Y in sequence toward the paper S transported by the first transport belt 411, and records a full-color image or a black-and-white image on the paper S.

[0016] The drying section 6 is arranged on the downstream side of the recording section 5 in the paper conveying direction, and is provided with a second belt conveying section 42. In the drying section 6, the ink is dried while the paper S on which the ink image is recorded by the recording section 5 is held by suction on the second conveying belt 421 for conveyance. The dried paper S is discharged to the paper discharge section 7.

[0017] The control unit 8 includes a CPU, a storage unit, and other electronic circuits and electronic components (all not shown). The CPU controls the operation of each component provided in the inkjet recording device 1 according to the control program and data stored in the storage unit, and performs processing related to the function of the inkjet recording device 1. The paper supply unit 3, the paper conveying unit 4, the recording unit 5, and the drying unit 6 receive instructions from the control unit 8 separately, and record on the paper S in a linked manner. The storage unit is composed of a combination of a non-volatile storage device such as a program ROM (Read Only Memory) and a data ROM, and a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] Next, use Figure 3The structure around the recording unit 5 will be described. Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 1 and 2. The inkjet recording device 1 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of a control system and an ink supply system around a recording unit 5 of the inkjet recording device 1. The inkjet recording device 1 includes an ink container 10, an ink supply device (liquid supply device) 20, an auxiliary cartridge 30, and a head driving substrate 53.

[0019] The ink container 10 is detachably provided in the apparatus main body 2. The ink container 10 stores ink to be supplied to the auxiliary cartridge 30. The ink (liquid) in the ink container 10 is transported to the recording head 52 via the auxiliary cartridge 30.

[0020] The ink supply device 20 is arranged on the downstream side of the ink delivery direction relative to the ink container 10. The ink supply device 20 includes a diaphragm pump 21, which sucks the ink in the ink container 10 and ejects the ink toward the auxiliary box 30. The operation of the diaphragm pump 21 is controlled by the control unit 8. The detailed structure of the ink supply device 20 will be described later.

[0021] The auxiliary cartridge 30 stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 52. An ink level sensor (not shown) is provided in the auxiliary cartridge 30. The control unit 8 controls the diaphragm pump 21, and controls the supply amount of ink supplied from the ink container 10 to the auxiliary cartridge 30 by the driving time of the diaphragm pump 21. When the ink level in the auxiliary cartridge 30 detected by the ink level sensor is not higher than a predetermined value even after a certain period of time has passed since the driving time of the diaphragm pump 21, the control unit 8 determines that the ink level in the ink container 10 is empty. In addition, the ink level of the auxiliary cartridge 30 is managed in such a way that the head difference with the recording head 52 is fixed.

[0022] The head driving substrate 53 is arranged adjacent to the recording head 52, and sends a driving signal to the recording head 52. The recording head 52 has a driving element (not shown) for the ink ejection nozzle 521. The head driving substrate 53 sends a driving signal having a predetermined driving waveform and driving voltage to the driving element of the ink ejection nozzle 521. The driving waveform of the driving element of the ink ejection nozzle 521 is prepared in advance according to the grayscale value of the pixel (dot) of the image recorded by the ejected ink droplets. The control unit 8 can control the head driving substrate 53 to change the ejection speed of the ink ejected from the recording head 52. In this way, the control unit 8 controls the operation of the recording head 52 to record the image on the paper S.

[0023] Next, use Figures 4 to 8 The outline of the structure of the ink supply device (liquid supply device) 20 will be described. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The front view, top view, side view and stereoscopic view of the ink supply device 20. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A vertical sectional side view of the ink supply device 20.

[0024] In the following figures, arrow lines indicating the radial direction Dr of the motor 211 (output shaft 211x) corresponding to the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213 described later are appropriately drawn. In the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23, the direction away from the diaphragm 213 along the radial direction Dr ( Figure 8 Specifically, relative to the suction unit 22 and the ejection unit 23, Figure 8 The lower side in the ink flow direction is the upstream side. Figure 8 The upper side in the figure is the downstream side in the ink flow direction.

[0025] The ink supply device 20 includes a diaphragm pump 21 , a suction unit 22 , and a discharge unit 23 .

[0026] The diaphragm pump 21 includes a motor 211 and a diaphragm mechanism 212. The diaphragm mechanism 212 accommodates a diaphragm 213. The diaphragm pump 21 reciprocates the diaphragm 213 by the motor 211, and transports ink (liquid) by the reciprocating movement of the diaphragm 213.

[0027] The suction unit 22 is connected to the diaphragm mechanism portion 212 of the diaphragm pump 21 in a manner adjacent to the diaphragm 213. The suction unit 22 includes an inflow chamber 222 and a suction check valve 223 provided in the suction housing 221. The inflow chamber 222 is communicated with the interior of the diaphragm mechanism portion 212. Ink is caused to flow from the outside into the inflow chamber 222 through the suction check valve 223. The suction check valve 223 allows ink to flow relative to the diaphragm 213 only in the suction direction, that is, the direction of flowing from the outside into the inflow chamber 222.

[0028] The ejection unit 23 is connected to the suction unit 22. In other words, the ejection unit 23 is arranged with respect to the diaphragm mechanism portion 212 of the diaphragm pump 21 via the suction unit 22. The ejection unit 23 includes an outflow chamber 232 and an ejection check valve 233 provided in the ejection box 231. The outflow chamber 232 is communicated with the inflow chamber 222. The outflow chamber 232 allows the ink flowing in from the inflow chamber 222 to flow out toward the ejection check valve 233. The ejection check valve 233 allows the ink to flow relative to the diaphragm 213 only in the ejection direction, that is, the direction of flowing out from the outflow chamber 232 to the outside.

[0029] Next, use Figures 9 to 11 The detailed structure of the ink supply device 20 will be described. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 1 is a vertical sectional side view of the ink supply device 20, and is a diagram showing a state in which the constituent elements are disassembled. Fig.10 yes Figure 82 is a vertical sectional side view of the ejection unit 23 of the ink supply device 20. Fig.11 yes Figure 8 2 is a vertical sectional side view of the suction unit 22 of the ink supply device 20.

[0030] The diaphragm mechanism 212 of the diaphragm pump 21 is connected to a portion of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211 that protrudes. The diaphragm mechanism 212 includes an eccentric cam 214 and a connecting member 215 in addition to the diaphragm 213.

[0031] The eccentric cam 214 is fixed to the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The eccentric cam 214 is formed into a circle extending outward in the radial direction Dr when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 211x, for example. The eccentric cam 214 is fixed to the output shaft 211x at a position eccentric from the center of the radial direction Dr relative to the outer periphery of the circle. The motor 211 rotates the eccentric cam 214 around the axis of the output shaft 211x.

[0032] The connecting member 215 extends toward the diaphragm 213 from the outside in the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. The connecting member 215 is connected to the eccentric cam 214 and the diaphragm 213. A hole 215h is formed at one end of the connecting member 215, through which the outer peripheral portion of the eccentric cam 214 passes in the axial direction of the output shaft 211x. The hole 215h of the connecting member 215 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the eccentric cam 214 in a manner that allows smooth sliding. When the eccentric cam 214 is rotated by the motor 211, the connecting member 215 moves back and forth along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x.

[0033] In addition, the diaphragm mechanism portion 212 has a diaphragm housing portion 216. The diaphragm housing portion 216 is located outside the connecting member 215 in the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. The diaphragm housing portion 216 is formed into a rectangular cuboid shape when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. The diaphragm housing portion 216 is open on one side facing the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23.

[0034] The diaphragm housing portion 216 houses the diaphragm 213. The diaphragm 213 is fixed inside the diaphragm housing portion 216. The diaphragm 213 is arranged to face the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 through the opening of the diaphragm housing portion 216.

[0035] The diaphragm 213 is an elastically deformable sheet-like member. The diaphragm 213 is formed, for example, in a circular shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. The outer periphery of the diaphragm 213 is fixed to the diaphragm housing portion 216. An eccentric cam 214 is connected to one end of the connecting member 215, and the other end of the connecting member 215 on the opposite side of the one end is connected to the center of the diaphragm 213.

[0036] When the eccentric cam 214 is rotated by the motor 211, the diaphragm 213 reciprocates along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x via the connecting member 215. As a result, the volume of the inflow chamber 222 of the suction unit 22 and the outflow chamber 232 of the discharge unit 23 increases or decreases. The diaphragm pump 21 delivers ink by the reciprocating movement of the diaphragm 213.

[0037] The suction unit 22 is connected to the diaphragm housing portion 216 so as to be adjacent to the diaphragm 213. As described above, the suction unit 22 includes the suction case 221, the inflow chamber 222, and the suction check valve 223.

[0038] The suction box 221 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The size and shape of the outer shape (rectangular) of the suction box 221 when viewed from the radial direction Dr are the same as the size and shape of the outer shape (rectangular) of the diaphragm housing portion 216 when viewed from the radial direction Dr. The suction box 221 is connected to the diaphragm housing portion 216 in a sealed state to seal the ink inside.

[0039] The inflow chamber 222 is formed as the internal space of the suction box 221. The inflow chamber 222 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. The inflow chamber 222 is opened on one side of each of the one end and the other end in the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x, and has openings 222a and 222b. The inflow chamber 222 is connected to the diaphragm accommodating portion 216 through the opening 222a, and is opposite to the diaphragm 213. In addition, the inflow chamber 222 is connected to the outflow chamber 232 of the ejection unit 23 through the opening 222b. The ink is made to flow into the inflow chamber 222 from the outside through the suction check valve 223.

[0040] The suction check valve 223 is mounted on the suction housing 221. The suction check valve 223 is a ball check valve whose valve element is a ball. The suction check valve 223 includes a suction portion 2231, a valve element accommodating portion 2232, a liquid guide tube 2233, a sealing member 2234, a valve element 2235, and a biasing member 2236.

[0041] The suction unit 2231 protrudes toward the outside of the suction box 221. The suction unit 2231 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is connected to a liquid delivery pipe (not shown) for delivering ink. The suction unit 22 is connected to the ink container 10 (see Figure 3 )connect.

[0042] The valve core housing portion 2232 is continuously arranged with the suction portion 2231 on the downstream side of the ink flow direction of the suction portion 2231. The liquid guide tube 2233 is continuously arranged with the valve core housing portion 2232 on the downstream side of the ink flow direction of the valve core housing portion 2232. The valve core housing portion 2232 and the liquid guide tube 2233 are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the ink flow direction. The liquid guide tube 2233 is connected to the inflow chamber 222.

[0043] The valve element housing portion 2232 houses a sealing member 2234 , a valve element 2235 , and a biasing member 2236 .

[0044] The sealing member 2234 is arranged adjacent to the inner peripheral wall of the valve core housing portion 2232 on the upstream side (the suction portion 2231 side) of the valve core 2235 in the ink circulation direction. The sealing member 2234 is, for example, an O-ring made of an elastic body such as rubber, and its outer peripheral portion is closely fitted to the inner peripheral wall of the valve core housing portion 2232. The outer diameter of the sealing member 2234 is larger than the inner diameter of the suction portion 2231. The inner diameter of the sealing member 2234 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve core 2235.

[0045] The valve core 2235 is composed of a ball (spherical shape) and can move in the valve core housing portion 2232 along the ink flow direction. If the valve core 2235 moves to the upstream side of the ink flow direction, it contacts the inner peripheral portion of the sealing member 2234 and closes the suction portion 2231. Thus, the suction check valve 223 allows the ink to flow relative to the diaphragm 213 only in the suction direction, preventing the backflow of the ink.

[0046] The urging member 2236 is disposed on the downstream side (on the liquid guide tube 2233 side) in the ink flow direction of the valve body 2235. The urging member 2236 is composed of, for example, a compression coil spring, and the axis of the coil extends along the central axis of the valve body housing portion 2232.

[0047] The upstream end of the force member 2236 in the ink flow direction contacts the valve core 2235 which is a ball. The downstream end of the force member 2236 in the ink flow direction contacts the wall surface of the valve core housing 2232 at the downstream end in the ink flow direction opposite to the valve core 2235. Thus, the force member 2236 applies force to the valve core 2235 in the direction of contact with the sealing member 2234, that is, in the upstream side of the ink flow direction. The suction check valve 223 prevents the backflow of ink by making the valve core 2235 contact with the inner peripheral portion of the sealing member 2234 through the force member 2236, so that the ink flows only in the suction direction relative to the diaphragm 213.

[0048] In addition, when the diaphragm pump 21 is operated, the valve core 2235 overcomes the force of the biasing member 2236 by its suction force and moves to the downstream side of the ink flow direction, and the ink flows from the outside of the suction unit 22 through the suction check valve 223 into the inflow chamber 222. When the diaphragm pump 21 is stopped, the valve core 2235 moves to the upstream side of the ink flow direction by the force of the biasing member 2236 and contacts the sealing member 2234, thereby preventing the backflow of the ink.

[0049] The discharge unit 23 is connected to the suction unit 22. As described above, the discharge unit 23 includes the discharge case 231, the outflow chamber 232, and the discharge check valve 233.

[0050] The ejection box 231 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The size and shape of the outer shape (rectangular) of the ejection box 231 when viewed from the radial direction Dr are the same as the size and shape of the outer shape (rectangular) of the diaphragm housing 216 and the suction box 221 when viewed from the radial direction Dr. The ejection box 231 is connected to the suction box 221 of the suction unit 22 in a sealed state in which the ink is sealed inside.

[0051] The outflow chamber 232 is formed as the internal space of the ejection box 231. The outflow chamber 232 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. The outflow chamber 232 is opened on one side of one end portion in the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x, and an opening portion 232a is formed. The outflow chamber 232 is connected to the inflow chamber 222 of the suction unit 22 through the opening portion 232a. The ink flowing into the inflow chamber 222 of the suction unit 22 is made to flow out from the outflow chamber 232 toward the ejection check valve 233.

[0052] The discharge check valve 233 is mounted on the discharge box 231. The discharge check valve 233 is a ball check valve whose valve element is a ball. The discharge check valve 233 includes a discharge portion 2331, a valve element accommodating portion 2332, a liquid guide tube 2333, a sealing member 2334, a valve element 2335, and a biasing member 2336.

[0053] The ejection unit 2331 protrudes toward the outside of the ejection box 231. The ejection unit 2331 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is connected to a liquid delivery pipe (not shown) for delivering ink. The ejection unit 23 is connected to the auxiliary box 30 (see Figure 3 )connect.

[0054] The valve core housing portion 2332 is continuously arranged with the ejection portion 2331 on the upstream side of the ink flow direction of the ejection portion 2331. The liquid guide tube 2333 is continuously arranged with the valve core housing portion 2332 on the upstream side of the ink flow direction of the valve core housing portion 2332. The valve core housing portion 2332 and the liquid guide tube 2333 are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the ink flow direction. The liquid guide tube 2333 is communicated with the outflow chamber 232.

[0055] The valve element housing portion 2332 houses a sealing member 2334 , a valve element 2335 , and a biasing member 2336 .

[0056] The sealing member 2334 is arranged adjacent to the inner peripheral wall of the valve core housing portion 2332 on the upstream side (the liquid guide tube 2333 side) of the valve core 2335 in the ink flow direction. The sealing member 2334 is, for example, an O-ring made of an elastic body such as rubber, and its outer peripheral portion is in close contact with the inner peripheral wall of the valve core housing portion 2332. The outer diameter of the sealing member 2334 is larger than the inner diameter of the liquid guide tube 2333. The inner diameter of the sealing member 2334 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve core 2335.

[0057] The valve core 2335 is composed of a ball (spherical shape) and can move in the valve core housing portion 2332 along the ink flow direction. If the valve core 2335 moves to the upstream side of the ink flow direction, it contacts the inner circumference of the sealing member 2334 and closes the liquid guide tube 2333. Thus, the ejection check valve 233 allows the ink to flow relative to the diaphragm 213 only in the ejection direction, preventing the backflow of the ink.

[0058] The urging member 2336 is disposed on the downstream side (discharging portion 2331 side) in the ink flow direction relative to the valve body 2335. The urging member 2336 is composed of, for example, a compression coil spring, and the coil axis thereof extends along the central axis of the valve body housing portion 2332.

[0059] The upstream end of the force member 2336 in the ink flow direction contacts the valve core 2335 which is a ball. The downstream end of the force member 2336 in the ink flow direction contacts the wall surface of the valve core housing 2332 at the downstream end in the ink flow direction opposite to the valve core 2335. Thus, the force member 2336 applies force to the valve core 2335 in the direction of contact with the sealing member 2334, that is, in the upstream side of the ink flow direction. The ejection check valve 233 prevents the backflow of ink by making the valve core 2335 contact with the inner peripheral portion of the sealing member 2334 through the force member 2336, so that the ink flows only in the ejection direction relative to the diaphragm 213.

[0060] In addition, when the diaphragm pump 21 is operated, the valve core 2335 overcomes the force of the biasing member 2336 by the ejection force thereof and moves to the downstream side in the ink flow direction, and the ink flows out from the outflow chamber 232 through the ejection check valve 233 to the outside of the ejection unit 23. When the diaphragm pump 21 is stopped, the valve core 2335 moves to the upstream side in the ink flow direction by the force of the biasing member 2336 and contacts the sealing member 2334, thereby preventing the backflow of the ink.

[0061] By using a spherical check valve whose valve core is formed of a ball as the suction check valve 223 and the discharge check valve 233, it is possible to prevent the backflow of ink with high accuracy. Therefore, the ink conveying performance of the ink supply device 20 can be improved.

[0062] In addition, the suction check valve 223 can be installed and removed relative to the suction box 221 of the suction unit 22. In addition, the discharge check valve 233 can be installed and removed relative to the discharge box 231 of the discharge unit 23. According to these structures, the structure of the check valve can be easily changed. For example, if the risk of foreign matter mixing into the ink is low, an umbrella valve or a duckbill valve can also be used instead of the ball check valve. In this way, the ink supply device 20 can be made low-cost.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, the suction unit 22 and the ejection unit 23 are on one side of the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213 ( Figure 8 The suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 are arranged to overlap with the diaphragm pump 21. Specifically, the inflow chamber 222 and the outflow chamber 232 are arranged to overlap with the diaphragm 213 on one side of the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213. Moreover, one of the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 can be installed and removed relative to the other.

[0064] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the diaphragm pump 21 (diaphragm housing portion 216), the suction unit 22, and the discharge unit 23 are connected in this order, the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 may be exchanged. In this case, the outer shapes of the suction box 221 and the discharge box 231 are changed so that the diaphragm pump 21 (diaphragm housing portion 216), the discharge unit 23, and the suction unit 22 can be connected in this order. Alternatively, the suction check valve 223 and the discharge check valve 233 may be exchanged.

[0065] According to the above structure, one of the suction unit 22 and the ejection unit 23 as the ejection unit is arranged adjacent to the diaphragm 213 in a manner facing each other, and the other is arranged overlapping with the one. Moreover, either the suction unit 22 or the ejection unit 23 can be arranged adjacent to the diaphragm 213. That is, the configuration of the ink suction unit and the ejection unit relative to the diaphragm pump 21 can be arbitrarily changed, and the freedom of the structure of the ink flow path can be increased. As a result, the ink supply device 20 can efficiently transport ink in accordance with the various structures of the inkjet recording device 1 at the installation destination.

[0066] In addition, if Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the ejection unit 23 has a plurality of unit positioning shafts 234. The unit positioning shafts 234 are arranged at the four corners of the ejection box 231 which is rectangular when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211 (see Figure 7 ). That is, the ejection unit 23 has four unit positioning shafts 234.

[0067] The four unit positioning shafts 234 extend toward the suction unit 22 and the diaphragm pump 21. In other words, the four unit positioning shafts 234 extend along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213). The unit positioning shafts 234 have external threads formed on their outer peripheral portions at their top ends.

[0068] In addition, if Figure 6 and Fig.11 As shown, the suction unit 22 has a plurality of unit positioning holes 224. The unit positioning holes 224 are arranged at four corners of the suction housing 221 which is rectangular when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. That is, the suction unit 22 has four unit positioning holes 224.

[0069] The four unit positioning holes 224 extend toward the discharge unit 23 and the diaphragm pump 21. In other words, the four unit positioning holes 224 extend along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213) and penetrate the suction box 221. In addition, the unit positioning holes 224 are not connected to the inflow chamber 222. The four unit positioning shafts 234 are respectively inserted into the four unit positioning holes 224.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the diaphragm housing portion 216 has a plurality of unit positioning holes 2161. The unit positioning holes 2161 are arranged at four corners of the diaphragm housing portion 216 which is rectangular when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. That is, the diaphragm housing portion 216 has four unit positioning holes 2161.

[0071] The four unit positioning holes 2161 extend toward the ejection unit 23 and the diaphragm pump 21. In other words, the four unit positioning holes 2161 extend along the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213) and penetrate the diaphragm housing portion 216. In addition, the unit positioning holes 2161 are not connected to the ink flow area in the diaphragm housing portion 216. The four unit positioning shafts 234 are respectively inserted into the four unit positioning holes 2161.

[0072] The top ends of the four unit positioning shafts 234 are connected from the side of the diaphragm housing portion 216 opposite to the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 ( Figure 6 The four unit positioning shafts 234 are inserted into four nuts 24 to fasten the suction unit 22, the discharge unit 23 and the diaphragm receiving portion 216. The four nuts 24 are arranged on the opposite side of the diaphragm receiving portion 216 from the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23.

[0073] According to the above structure, the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 can be appropriately positioned relative to the diaphragm pump 21 (diaphragm housing 216). In addition, ink leakage from the connection between the suction unit 22, the discharge unit 23 and the diaphragm housing 216 can be suppressed.

[0074] In addition, if Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, on the side of the diaphragm housing portion 216 opposite to the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 ( Figure 6 A plate-shaped member 25 is disposed on one side of the diaphragm housing 216 and the four nuts 24. Fig.12 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the plate-like member 25 of the ink supply device 20.

[0075] The plate-like member 25 is formed into a C-shape when viewed from the radial direction Dr (reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213) of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The outer shape of the plate-like member 25 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x, and is substantially the same in size and shape as the outer shape (rectangular) of the diaphragm housing portion 216 when viewed from the radial direction Dr. The plate-like member 25 is installed along the diaphragm housing portion 216 by inserting the open portion of the C-shape in plan view into the diaphragm mechanism portion 212.

[0076] The plate-like member 25 has a plurality of plate-like member positioning holes 251. The plate-like member positioning holes 251 are arranged at the four corners of the plate-like member 25 whose outer shape is approximately rectangular when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x. That is, the plate-like member 25 has four plate-like member positioning holes 251. The four plate-like member positioning holes 251 penetrate the plate-like member 25 in the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213). The four unit positioning shafts 234 are respectively inserted into the four plate-like member positioning holes 251.

[0077] By providing the plate-like member 25 adjacent to the diaphragm housing portion 216, it is possible to improve the fastening strength of the suction unit 22, the ejection unit 23, and the diaphragm housing portion 216 by the unit positioning shaft 234. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress ink leakage from the connection portion between the suction unit 22, the ejection unit 23, and the diaphragm housing portion 216.

[0078] Next, a modification of the ink supply device 20 will be described. Fig.13 It is a vertical sectional side view of the ink supply device 20 according to a modified example. Fig.14 yes Fig.13 1 is a vertical sectional side view of the ink supply device 20, and is a diagram showing a state in which the constituent elements are disassembled. Fig.15 yes Fig.13 2 is a vertical sectional side view of the filter unit 26 of the ink supply device 20. Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of the filter unit 26 is shown in FIG.

[0079] The ink supply device 20 of the modified example includes a filter unit 26. The filter unit 26 is disposed between the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23 in the radial direction Dr (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213) of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The filter unit 26 includes a filter 261 and two filter holding members 262.

[0080] The filter 261 is a sheet-like member extending in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction Dr (reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213) of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211 and in a direction parallel to the diaphragm 213. The filter 261 is formed of, for example, a metal mesh filter.

[0081] The filter 261 is disposed between the inflow chamber 222 of the suction unit 22 and the outflow chamber 232 of the ejection unit 23, and covers the flow cross section of the ink. According to this structure, foreign matter contained in the ink flowing into the suction unit 22 can be removed by the filter 261. Thus, the ink ejected from the ejection unit 23, that is, the ink supply device 20, can be free of foreign matter, and damage to the recording head 52 and the like and degradation of image quality can be suppressed.

[0082] The two filter holding members 262 are respectively arranged on the suction unit 22 side and the discharge unit 23 side relative to the filter 261. The two filter holding members 262 are formed into a thin plate shape with a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The size and shape of the outer shape (rectangular) of the filter holding member 262 when viewed from the radial direction Dr are the same as the size and shape of the outer shape (rectangular) of the suction box 221 and the discharge box 231 when viewed from the radial direction Dr.

[0083] The two filter holding members 262 sandwich the filter 261 and hold the filter 261. The filter holding member 262 has a flow hole 2621 and a plurality of filter positioning holes 2622.

[0084] The flow hole 2621 is arranged at the center of the filter holding member 262. The flow hole 2621 is formed in a circular shape, for example, and penetrates the filter holding member 262 in the radial direction Dr (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213) of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. The filter 261 is arranged between the flow holes 2621 of each of the two filter holding members 262. That is, the ink passes through the flow holes 2621.

[0085] A plurality of filter positioning holes 2622 are arranged at the four corners of the filter holding member 262 which is rectangular when viewed from the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x of the motor 211. That is, the filter holding member 262 has four filter positioning holes 2622. The four filter positioning holes 2622 penetrate the filter holding member 262 in the radial direction Dr of the output shaft 211x (the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm 213). The four unit positioning shafts 234 are respectively inserted into the four filter positioning holes 2622.

[0086] According to the above-mentioned structure, the filter 261 can be appropriately positioned with respect to the suction unit 22 and the discharge unit 23. In addition, it is possible to suppress ink leakage from the connection portions between the suction unit 22, the discharge unit 23, and the filter unit 26.

[0087] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, the scope of this invention is not limited to this, Various changes can be made and it can be implemented without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A liquid supply device, characterized in that: have: Diaphragm pumps, which transport liquids through the reciprocating movement of a diaphragm; a suction unit having a suction check valve for allowing the liquid to flow relative to the diaphragm only in a suction direction and an inflow chamber for the liquid to flow in through the suction check valve; as well as The discharge unit includes a discharge check valve for allowing the liquid to flow relative to the diaphragm only in the discharge direction, and an outflow chamber for allowing the liquid flowing from the inflow chamber to flow out toward the discharge check valve. The suction unit and the discharge unit are arranged to overlap each other so that the inflow chamber and the outflow chamber face the diaphragm on one side in the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm, and one of the suction unit and the discharge unit is attachable to and detachable from the other.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the suction unit and the discharge unit has a plurality of unit positioning shafts extending toward the other of the suction unit and the discharge unit and the diaphragm pump. The other of the suction unit and the discharge unit has a plurality of unit positioning holes into which the plurality of unit positioning shafts are inserted.

3. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A filter is provided which is arranged between the inflow chamber and the outflow chamber and covers a flow cross section of the liquid.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A filter holding member for holding the filter is provided, One of the suction unit and the discharge unit has a plurality of unit positioning shafts inserted into a plurality of unit positioning holes of the other of the suction unit and the discharge unit. The filter holding member has a flow hole through which the liquid passes and a plurality of filter positioning holes into which the plurality of unit positioning shafts are inserted.

5. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the suction unit and the discharge unit has a plurality of unit positioning shafts inserted into a plurality of unit positioning holes of the other of the suction unit and the discharge unit. The diaphragm pump includes a diaphragm housing portion for housing the diaphragm. The liquid supply device includes a plate-shaped member, which is arranged on the opposite side of the diaphragm accommodating portion from the suction unit and the discharge unit and is formed into a C shape when viewed from the reciprocating direction of the diaphragm. The plate-like member has a plurality of plate-like member positioning holes into which the plurality of unit positioning shafts are inserted.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ejection check valve is a spherical check valve whose valve core is composed of a ball.

7. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction check valve is attachable to and detachable from a casing of the suction unit.

8. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge check valve is attachable to and detachable from a casing of the discharge unit.

9. An inkjet recording device, characterized in that: have: a recording head that ejects ink to record an image; and The liquid supply device according to claim 1 supplies ink to the recording head.

Images