Liquid stirring equipment

Abstract

The liquid stirring apparatus includes: a first storage device for storing a first liquid; a first stirring means for stirring the first liquid in the first storage means by causing the first storage means to perform a first movement; a second storage device for storing a second liquid different from the first liquid; and a second stirring means for stirring the second liquid in the second storage means by causing the second storage means to perform a second movement different from the first movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to liquid stirring technology. Background Technology

[0002] Liquids containing easily settling substances sometimes need to be stirred before use to disperse the precipitates. For example, in recording devices that record by spraying liquid ink onto a recording medium, when using inks such as pigment inks or metallic inks, it is sometimes necessary to stir the ink to disperse the precipitates. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-338195 and Japanese Patent No. 6567186 disclose a device for stirring ink by rotating an ink storage unit.

[0003] However, there is still room for improvement in the structure of traditional liquid mixing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a liquid stirring device with structural features.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid stirring apparatus is provided, comprising: a first storage device for storing a first liquid; a first stirring device for stirring the first liquid in the first storage device by causing the first storage device to perform a first movement; a second storage device for storing a second liquid different from the first liquid; and a second stirring device for stirring the second liquid in the second storage device by causing the second storage device to perform a second movement different from the first movement.

[0006] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the system.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram of the internal structure of a liquid jetting device.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a front view of the storage section.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the liquid container and the container support unit.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing how the container support unit is installed into the storage section.

[0013] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of how to operate the controller.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a liquid mixing device.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a liquid mixing device.

[0016] Figure 10 This is the front view of the storage space.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a view showing the storage status of the container support unit.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a front view of a liquid mixing device.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the rear part of the liquid mixing equipment.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a view showing an example of a stirring operation.

[0021] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotation limiting unit.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a view showing the aspect of rotational limitations.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a view showing the aspect of rotational limitations.

[0024] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram of the position detection operation.

[0025] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram of the flow channel forming components and valve unit.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a view illustrating an example of the posture change of the flow channel forming member during rotation.

[0027] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the movable tube fixing components and the fixed tube fixing components.

[0028] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram of the retaining component.

[0029] Figure 23 This is a view showing an example of how a tube or similar object changes during rotation.

[0030] Figure 24 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of the control loop of the system.

[0031] Figure 25This is an illustration of a control example.

[0032] Figure 26 This is an illustration of a control example.

[0033] Figure 27 This is an illustrative diagram of another example.

[0034] Figure 28 This is an illustrative diagram of another example.

[0035] Figure 29 This is an illustrative diagram of another example.

[0036] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of a system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 The front view of the system.

[0038] Figure 32 This is a view showing the arrangement of containers in a liquid storage device.

[0039] Figure 33 This is a rear view of the liquid storage device.

[0040] Figure 34 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a liquid storage device.

[0041] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of the container and support units.

[0042] Figure 36A and Figure 36B This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the handle and locking mechanism.

[0043] Figures 37A to 37C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the locking mechanism.

[0044] Figure 38 This is a view showing the mounting posture of the support unit relative to the storage section and its insertion / removal.

[0045] Figure 39 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the pressing unit.

[0046] Figure 40 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the pressing unit.

[0047] Figure 41A and Figure 41B Includes an explanatory diagram of the cam.

[0048] Figure 42 It is a perspective view of the housing with stirring function separated from the support unit.

[0049] Figure 43It is a perspective view of the housing and support unit with stirring function in the installed state.

[0050] Figures 44A to 44C This is an illustration of the stirring operation.

[0051] Figure 45 This is a view illustrating another stirring method. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Multiple features are described in the various embodiments, but the invention is not limited to requiring all of these features, and multiple features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar constructions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0053] <First Embodiment>

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of system A according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a front view of system A. In the accompanying drawing, arrows X, Y, and Z represent intersecting directions, and in this embodiment, these directions are orthogonal to each other. When system A is mounted on a horizontal surface, the left-right direction is the X direction, the front-back direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction is the Z direction. The X and Y directions can also be referred to as the lateral directions.

[0055] System A in this embodiment is a recording system that includes a liquid jetting device 1 and liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, and records images by jetting ink onto a recording medium such as paper. In this embodiment, two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are provided. The liquid jetting device 1 and the two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are arranged side-by-side in the X direction. The liquid supplied to the liquid jetting device 1 by the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B is primarily ink, and the liquid jetting device 1 is a recording device that jets ink onto a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to recording systems, but can also be applied to various liquid jetting systems designed to jet liquid onto a medium.

[0056] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only forming meaningful information such as characters and graphics, but also modifying the medium and forming images, designs, patterns, etc., on the recording medium, regardless of whether they are meaningful or not, and regardless of whether they are displayed in a way that is perceptible to human vision. In addition, in this embodiment, the "recording medium" is envisioned as a sheet of paper, but it can also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0057] <Liquid jetting equipment>

[0058] The following text will also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2And additionally Figure 3 Describe the liquid jetting device 1. Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram of the internal structure of the liquid jetting device 1. The liquid jetting device 1 includes a pair of left and right supports 2 and a main body 3 supported on the supports 2. Each support 2 includes casters 2a, and therefore the liquid jetting device 1 can be moved relatively easily on the floor (mounting surface). A feeding unit 4, a drying unit 14, and a winding unit 5 are arranged below the main body 3. In this embodiment, the recording medium M is a roll of paper, and the feeding unit 4 includes a shaft around which the recording medium M is wound. The winding unit 5 includes a shaft for winding the recording medium M. Although a roll of paper is given as an example of the recording medium M in this embodiment, cut paper can also be used.

[0059] The main body 3 includes a conveying unit 6. The conveying unit 6 includes a drive roller and a driven roller, and a recording medium M fed from the feeding unit 4 is held in a clamping section between these rollers. The recording medium M is conveyed onto the stage 7 by the rotation of the drive roller. An ejector head 8 is arranged facing the stage 7. The ejector head 8 is a recording head that ejects ink to form an image. An image is recorded on the recording medium M by ejecting ink from the ejector head 8 onto the recording medium M conveyed to the stage 7.

[0060] The ejector head 8 has an ejection energy generating element (e.g., an electrothermal conversion element (heater) or a piezoelectric element) and ejects ink from the ejection opening. In the case of using an electrothermal conversion element, the heat generated by the element causes the ink to foam, and the resulting foaming energy can be used to eject ink from the ejection opening. The recording method employed by the ejector head 8 can be either serial scanning or full-line scanning. In the case of serial scanning, the ejector head 8 is mounted on a carriage and reciprocates along the X direction. The operation of ejecting ink while moving the ejector head 8 along the X direction is called recording scanning. An image is recorded on the recording medium M by alternately repeating the transport of the recording medium M and the recording scanning of the ejector head 8. In this embodiment, serial scanning is assumed to be used. In the case of full-line scanning, the ejector head 8 extends in the X direction and records an image while continuously transporting the recording medium M.

[0061] The recording medium M, on which an image has already been recorded, passes through the drying unit 14 and is then wound up by the winding unit 5. The drying unit 14 reduces the amount of liquid components contained in the ink applied to the recording medium M by the spray head 8 and improves the fixing properties of the ink on the recording medium M. The drying unit 14 has a heat source (e.g., a heater) and an air blowing mechanism (e.g., a fan), and dries the recording medium M by blowing hot air at least onto the ink application surface of the recording medium M that is passing through. In addition to applying hot air, drying can also be performed by irradiating the surface of the recording medium M with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet or infrared rays, etc.) or by using conductive heat transfer in contact with a heating element. Alternatively, the drying unit 14 may be a unit that only blows air without a heat source. The recording medium M, on which an image has already been recorded, is cut by the user using scissors or the like, or automatically cut by a cutter (not shown).

[0062] The recovery unit 9 is arranged within the main body 3. The recovery unit 9 is located outside the recording area (outside the ejection area) of the print head 8 and performs processes related to restoring and maintaining the ejection performance of the print head 8. Such processes may include, for example, pre-ejection of a predetermined amount of ink before / after a recording operation, and extraction of residual ink from the ejection opening of the print head 8. When recovery processing is required, the print head 8 moves to a position above the recovery unit 9, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0063] An operation panel 10 is provided on the front surface of the main body 3. The operation panel 10 is, for example, a touch panel, and is capable of receiving input of various settings related to recording and displaying the status of the recording operation. The liquid jetting device 1 is also provided with a waste liquid container 11. The waste liquid container 11 is arranged below the end of the main body 3 on the side opposite to the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B in the X direction.

[0064] Waste liquid (e.g., waste ink) drawn in by the recovery unit 9 flows into the waste liquid box 11 and is collected. The waste liquid box 11 can be located near the recovery unit 9. However, in this embodiment, the waste liquid box 11 is located in an empty space below one end of the main body 3, thereby reducing the required mounting surface area of ​​the liquid jetting device 1.

[0065] <Liquid Storage Device>

[0066] The following will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are means for storing liquid (e.g., ink) to be ejected from the nozzle 8 and supplying the liquid (e.g., ink) to the liquid ejection device 1. Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B include a box-shaped body 22 forming a plurality of storage sections 23A and one storage section 23B. Casters 22a are provided on the bottom surface of the body 22, thereby allowing liquid storage devices 20A and 20B to be moved relatively easily on the floor (mounting surface).

[0067] Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B each include a plurality of storage sections 23A arranged side-by-side in the Z direction. Each storage section 23A is formed as a slot in the front wall portion 22b of the main body 22. Container support units 24 can be inserted into and removed from each storage section 23A along the Y direction. A liquid container 200 (hereinafter also referred to as container 200), described later, is capable of replacing each container support unit 24.

[0068] The liquid storage device 20A includes a storage section 23B. The storage section 23B has a larger space than the storage section 23A formed in the front wall section 22b of the main body 22, and can be opened / closed by an opening / closing member 25 provided in the front wall section 22b. Figure 4 This is a front view of the storage unit 23B, and in this figure, state ST41 indicates that the opening / closing member 25 is closed, and state ST42 indicates that the opening / closing member 25 is open.

[0069] The opening / closing member 25 is a door supported at one end in the X direction by a front wall portion 22b via a plurality of hinges 25a, and a handle 25b for the user to grip is provided at the other end of the door in the X direction. When the user pulls the handle 25b toward him from state ST41, the opening / closing member 25 rotates about the hinges 25a, which serve as the center of rotation (as shown in state ST42), and exposes the interior of the storage portion 23B. Note that although the opening / closing member 25 is a rotary member in this embodiment, it could also be a sliding member.

[0070] The main body 22 includes a sensor 26 for detecting the open / closed state of the opening / closing member 25. The sensor 26 detects a detection element 27 disposed on the opening / closing member 25. The sensor 26 is, for example, an optical sensor, and is arranged to detect the detection element 27 when the opening / closing member 25 is in the closed state, but not when the opening / closing member 25 is in the open state.

[0071] A liquid stirring device 100 is disposed in the storage section 23B. Multiple container support units 24 can be inserted into and removed from the liquid stirring device 100 along the Y direction. In this embodiment, two container support units 24 can be installed in the liquid stirring device 100. The liquid stirring device 100 has the function of stirring the liquid in the container 200 supported by the container support units 24. The liquid stirring device 100 will be described in detail later. Note that although the same type of container support unit 24 is used in the storage sections 23A and 23B in this embodiment, different container support units may also be used.

[0072] Storage units 23A and 23B each include a tube for connecting container 200 to liquid jetting device 1. The tube is connected to liquid jetting device 1 via a single flexible hose 21 that contains all the tubes. Ink in container 200 is supplied to jetting head 8 via the tube.

[0073] Since system A in this embodiment includes two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, a larger amount of ink can be used. It is advantageous to arrange multiple liquid storage devices 20A and 20B in this way when increasing the number of ink colors to improve image quality, or when increasing the number of containers of the same color of ink to improve productivity.

[0074] <Liquid containers and container support units>

[0075] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of container 200 and container support unit 24. Container 200 has a bag 202 formed of a flexible material. Both sides of bag 202 are provided with inwardly folded inner crotches 202a to increase the amount of liquid that can be contained. Bag 202 is formed into a bag shape by fusing the sheets constituting the top and bottom surfaces with the sheets forming the inner crotches 202a, thereby forming a flexible container for storing liquid. As the amount of liquid inside increases, the inner crotches 202a expands, and as the amount of liquid inside decreases, the inner crotches 202a folds inward, and in this way, the shape of bag 202 changes according to the amount of liquid contained therein. The material constituting bag 202 is, for example, a material with a multilayer structure, such as PET. If there is a concern that the liquid inside may react with air and solidify, or that the concentration or remaining amount may change due to evaporation, a layer material containing an aluminum layer can advantageously be used as the material of bag 202.

[0076] Container 200 has one end 200a and another end 200b in the longitudinal direction. When installed to liquid storage device 20A or 20B, end 200a is located at the rear of liquid storage device 20A or 20B, and end 200b is located at the front. An outlet member 201 is provided at end 200a. The outlet member 201 has a supply port 201a communicating with an inlet port 203 inside the bag 202. Liquid contained in the bag 202 flows to the outside through the inlet port 203 and the supply port 201a. A spring-loaded supply port on / off valve for opening and closing the supply port 201a is provided inside the outlet member 201. The supply port 201a is normally kept closed by the supply port on / off valve.

[0077] The length of the side portion of container 200 where the outlet member 201 is provided is, for example, about 180 mm, and the length of the side portion (side surface) orthogonal to this side portion is, for example, about 400 mm. Container 200 contains, for example, about 1.5 L of liquid. Note that the side portion where the outlet member 201 is located can be the longer side instead of the shorter side. Additionally, bag 202 can be square instead of rectangular in the plan view.

[0078] The container support unit 24 has a support portion 240 for supporting the container 200, and is integrally shaped as a tray on which the container 200 is placed in a flat position. The support portion 240 has a placement surface 241 on which the container 200 is placed, and the four sides of the placement surface 241 are defined by left and right side plates 244, a front end portion 242, and a rear end portion 243. Each side plate 244 is provided with a cutout 244a. The rear end portion 243 is provided with a recess 243a in which an outlet member 201 is disposed. Each side plate 244 includes a rib 244b extending along the Y direction.

[0079] The following will refer to Figure 6 . Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the manner in which the container support unit 24 is installed in the storage section 23A. Note that although the manner in which the container support unit 24 is installed in the storage section 23A will be described here, the manner in which the container support unit 24 is installed in the liquid stirring device 100 in the storage section 23B is basically the same.

[0080] The storage unit 23A is provided with a housing 230 for receiving the container support unit 24. The container support unit 24 can be moved along the Y direction between a storage position in which the container 200 is stored in the main body 22, and in the removal position in which the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the main body 22. Figure 6 The container support unit 24 is shown in the removal position. In the removal position, the container 200 can be replaced. In the storage position, the container 200 is mounted to the housing 230.

[0081] Note that in this embodiment, at the removal position, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage section 23A. However, the removal position can be a position where the end of the container support unit 24 is held in the storage section 23A, or any position in the container support unit 24 where the container 200 can be replaced.

[0082] A needle member 231, which can be inserted into the supply port 201a, is located on the rear side of the housing 230 in the Y direction. A needle member 231 is provided for each storage section 23A. When the container support unit 24 is in the storage position, the needle member 231 is inserted into the supply port 201a and connected to the supply port. Therefore, by inserting the needle member 231, the supply port on / off valve within the outlet member 201 is set to the open state. The needle member 231 is connected to the tube 233. The needle member 231 and the tube 233 form a flow channel through which liquid contained in the bag 202 flows to the liquid injection device 1, which is the supply destination. An electrically operated flow channel valve 232 is located at the middle position of the tube 233. The tube 233 can be opened and closed by opening and closing the flow channel valve 232.

[0083] The following will refer to Figure 7 Describes a mechanism for holding the container support unit 24 in a storage location. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the handle provided on the container support unit 24. Figure 7 In the diagram, state ST71 represents the hold state, and state ST72 represents the release state.

[0084] A handle 245, rotatable about an axis 245a extending in the X direction, is provided at the front end 242 of the container support unit 24, and can be operated by a user. The handle 245 also serves as an operating handle for the engagement 248. The handle 245 is provided with the engagement 248, and the bottom of the housing 230 is provided with an engagement 234 that engages with the engagement 248.

[0085] In this embodiment, the joint 248 is a protrusion, and the joint 234 is a recess or hole into which the joint 248 is inserted. Even if vibration occurs due to, for example, movement of the liquid storage device 20A, the engagement between the joint 248 and the joint 234 can prevent the container support unit 24 from dislodging from the storage section 23A.

[0086] The handle 245 is always oriented towards the engagement position where the engagement portion 248 and engagement portion 234 engage with each other, due to the elastic member 246. Figure 7 (Position under state ST71) bias. The elastic member 246 is, for example, a coil spring. When the user grips the handle 245 and rotates the handle 245, the engagement 248 disengages from the engagement 234, as shown in state ST72, and the container support unit 24 within the storage section 23A can be removed from the storage section 23A.

[0087] <Liquid mixing equipment>

[0088] Container 200 can hold various liquids and can be used for image recording, maintenance of the print head 8, etc. Depending on the type of ink, the coloring materials (e.g., pigment components) in the ink may settle over time. For example, the pigment components in pigment-based inks with high water and light resistance, and the titanium dioxide components used in white inks, are insoluble in water and therefore, if left for a long time, they will settle, accumulate, and condense at the bottom of the container due to gravity. Therefore, to obtain the desired color, it is necessary to uniformly disperse the coloring components in the liquid while maintaining a predetermined particle size. In this embodiment, by providing a liquid stirring device 100, the liquid can be stirred to disperse the particles and thus improve the uniformity of the liquid. In particular, automating the stirring of the liquid can reduce the burden on the user.

[0089] <Equipment Overview>

[0090] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the liquid mixing device 100, and more specifically, Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the liquid stirring device 100 as seen from the front. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the liquid mixing device 100 as seen from the rear.

[0091] The liquid mixing device 100 includes a storage unit 110 for storing liquid, a support unit 120 for rotatably supporting the storage unit 110, and a drive unit 130 for rotating the storage unit 110 supported by the support unit 120. These components are supported on the main body 22 of the liquid storage device 20A by a frame including frames 101 to 103.

[0092] In this embodiment, the liquid stored in the storage unit 110 is stirred by rotating the storage unit 110 about the rotation center line CL, indicated by the dashed line. Rotating the storage unit 110 allows for more efficient stirring of the liquid. The rotation center line CL is a line that passes through the storage unit 110 and extends along the Y direction in this embodiment.

[0093] In this embodiment, two container support units 24 can be inserted into and removed from the front of the storage unit 110. This allows for simultaneous stirring of the liquids in both containers 200. The two container support units 24 are mounted to the storage unit 110 in a stacked manner, with one on top of the other. Note that the number of container support units 24 that can be mounted can be three or more, or it can be just one.

[0094] The drive unit 130 is arranged at the rear of the storage unit 110, thereby ensuring relatively large space at the front of the storage unit 110. This makes it easier for the user to insert and remove the container support unit 24 into the storage unit 110. Furthermore, by adopting a structure in which the liquid stirring device 100 extends entirely along the Y direction, the size of the liquid stirring device 100 in the X direction can be reduced.

[0095] <Storage Unit>

[0096] The following will refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Storage unit 110 includes a storage member 111 and a shaft fixing member 118 connected in the direction of the rotation center line CL.

[0097] Storage member 111 is a hollow member of storage container 200. Storage member 111 has a front end portion 111a at one end and a rear end portion 111b at the other end in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). The outer wall portion 111c of storage member 111 is formed by a cylindrical portion 112 and a rectangular tube portion 113, and is disposed between the front end portion 111a and the rear end portion 111b. The cylindrical portion 112 is positioned closer to the front end portion 111a than the rear end portion 111b, and the rectangular tube portion 113 is formed on both the rear end portion 111b side and the front end portion 111a side of the cylindrical portion 112. The cylindrical portion 112 forms a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The rectangular tube portion 113 is a substantially rectangular tube. When the liquid stirring device 100 is viewed from the front, a fan-shaped cover member 111d is attached to the front end portion 111a and covers the components behind the front end portion 111a.

[0098] Apart from Figure 8 and Figure 9 In addition, the following text will refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 . Figure 10 This is a front view of the upper storage space and lower storage space 114 formed by the storage component 111, and shows the state in which the container support unit 24 has been removed from the storage space 114. Figure 11 A front view of the upper and lower storage spaces 114 is also shown, and in particular, the state (cross-sectional shape) of the container support unit 24 stored in the storage space 114 is shown. The storage space 114 extends over the entire area of ​​the cylindrical portion 112 and the rectangular tube portion 113. Note that in the following description, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the description of directions assumes that the storage unit 110 is in its initial position.

[0099] The internal space of the storage member 111 is divided into upper and lower sections by a partition wall 114b extending along the XY direction, and the storage space 114 extends along the rotation center line CL on the upper and lower sides of the partition wall 114b, respectively. An opening 114a, serving as the inlet and outlet for the storage space 114, is formed in the front end portion 111a of the storage member 111.

[0100] Each of the container support units 24 can be moved along the Y direction between a storage position and a removal position, where the container 200 is stored in the storage space 114 and where the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the storage unit 110. In the removal position, the container 200 can be replaced. Because the container 200 is replaceable, liquid refilling can be performed quickly, and the container support unit 24 can be reused. Moreover, in this embodiment, since there are almost no structures near the opening 114a that could obstruct the replacement operation, it is easier to replace the container 200.

[0101] Note that in this embodiment, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage space 114 at the removal position. However, the removal position can be a position where the end of the container support unit 24 is held in the storage space 114, and it can be any position in the container support unit 24 where the container 200 can be replaced.

[0102] The rear side of the storage space 114 (the end 111b side of the storage member 111) is closed, and the needle member 110a protrudes from the rear wall along the Y direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into the storage space 114, the needle member 110a is inserted into the supply port 201a of the container support unit 24. The insertion of the needle member 110a into the supply port 201a forms a flow channel through which liquid stored in the bag 202 supported by the container support unit 24 can flow out to the liquid injection device 1, which is the supply destination.

[0103] In this embodiment, the storage space 114 is a flat cuboid space extending along the Y direction and having a height in the Z direction that is less than its width in the X direction. Note that the storage space 114 can be a flat cuboid space extending along the Y direction and having a height in the Z direction that is greater than its width in the X direction.

[0104] The upper storage space 114 is defined by a top wall 114c, left and right side walls 114d, and a partition wall 114b serving as a bottom wall. The lower storage space 114 is defined by a bottom wall 114e, left and right side walls 114f, and a partition wall 114b serving as a top wall. The partition wall 114b forming the bottom wall of the upper storage space 114 and the bottom wall 114e forming the lower storage space 114 may be provided with the same features as described in the reference. Figure 7The joint corresponding to the joint 234 that holds the container support unit 24 in the storage position.

[0105] Each of the left and right sidewalls 114d of the upper storage space 114 is provided with a guide portion 114g. Each guide portion 114g extends along the Y direction and is shaped with a stepped or sloping shoulder. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into or removed from the storage space 114, the guide portion 114g acts as a track that slides in contact with the rib 244b of the container support unit 24, guiding the container support unit 24 to move along the insertion / removal direction. In addition, the guide portion 114g abuts against the rib 244b in an intersecting direction (Z direction at the initial position) that intersects the direction of the rotation center line CL, thereby limiting the displacement of the container support unit 24 along this intersecting direction. When the storage unit 110 rotates, it can prevent the container support unit 24 from rattling in the storage space 114.

[0106] Similarly, each of the left and right sidewalls 114f of the lower storage space 114 is provided with a guide portion 114h. The guide portion 114h extends along the Y direction and is shaped as a protrusion projecting downward from the partition wall 114b. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into or removed from the storage space 114, the guide portion 114h acts as a track that slides in contact with the rib 244b of the container support unit 24, and guides the container support unit 24 to move along the insertion / removal direction. In addition, the guide portion 114h abuts against the rib 244b in an intersecting direction (the Z direction at the initial position) that intersects the direction of the rotation center line CL, thereby restricting the displacement of the container support unit 24 along this intersecting direction. When the storage unit 110 rotates, it can prevent the container support unit 24 from rattling within the storage space 114.

[0107] The rotation center PC of storage unit 110 is located on the partition wall 114b. The rotation center PC is a point on the rotation center line CL. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the rotation center line CL passes between the two storage spaces 114, so storage unit 110 can more evenly stir the liquid in the two storage containers 200.

[0108] <Rotating Support Structure>

[0109] The following will refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The structure for rotatably supporting the storage cell 110 is described. Figure 12 This is a front view of the liquid stirring device 100, mainly showing the rotating support structure used to support the storage unit 110. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the rear of the storage unit 110 with the drive unit 130 removed.

[0110] The following describes problems related to the structure used to rotatably support the storage unit 110. If the storage unit 110 has shafts at both ends along the rotation center line CL, the presence of shafts and bearings may reduce design freedom and user convenience. For example, in a structure as in this embodiment where the container support unit 24 can be inserted into and removed from the storage unit 110, there are limitations on the insertion and removal positions and directions. Furthermore, in structures used for storing and agitating large volumes of liquid, the stiffness of the shafts and bearings needs to be increased considering the weight of the liquid.

[0111] In this embodiment, the problem is solved by combining the support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, with a shafted support structure (shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a, which will be described later).

[0112] The support unit 120 is a mechanism that abuts against the outer wall portion 111c of the storage unit 110 in a manner that allows it to rotatably support the storage unit 110. In this embodiment, the support unit 120 supports the storage unit 110 by abutting against a plurality of abutting portions 121 of the cylindrical portion 112 of the storage member 111, so that it can rotate about the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, the support unit 120 has two abutting portions 121, which abut against the cylindrical portion 112 at contact positions 112a that are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 112.

[0113] In this embodiment, each abutment portion 121 is a roller, which is supported by a bearing 122 about an axis parallel to the rotation center line CL (Y direction). The bearing 122 is supported by a frame 101. The circumferential surface of the abutment portion (roller) 121 abuts against the cylindrical portion 112, and the storage unit 110 is placed between two abutment portions (rollers) 121 and along... Figure 12 The arrow DR in the diagram rolls in place. Because the storage unit 110 is supported from below by two abutment portions 121, structural stability can be achieved even if the storage unit 110 contains a large amount of liquid and is relatively heavy, without significantly increasing its stiffness.

[0114] The cylindrical portion 112 is closer to the front end portion 111a than the rear end portion 111b of the storage member 111, and the support unit 120 rotatably supports the storage unit 110 at a position closer to the front end portion 111a than the rear end portion 111b. The storage unit 110 is supported by a shaftless support unit 120 near the opening 114a, which serves as an inlet and outlet for inserting and removing the container support unit 24 into the storage space 114. Since there is no shaft or bearing in the front of the liquid stirring device 100, the user can more easily insert and remove the container support unit 24. Furthermore, when inserting and removing the container support unit 24, the load in the direction of gravity can easily act on the area around the opening 114a. However, since the two abutment portions 121 support the storage unit 110 from below near the opening 114a, the load can be stably borne.

[0115] Furthermore, by giving the storage member 111 a structure with a cylindrical portion 112 and a rectangular tube portion 113, weight and rotational moment of inertia can be reduced compared to the case where the entire member is formed by the cylindrical portion 112. The rectangular tube portion 113 has a long side portion 113a and a short side portion 113b forming a rectangular outline. In this embodiment, the relationship between the width WL of the long side portion 113a, the width WS of the short side portion 113b, and the radius R of the cylindrical portion 112 is WL>WS and WS<2×R. By setting the width WS of the rectangular tube portion 113 to be smaller than the diameter (2×R) of the cylindrical portion 112, weight can be reduced and the moment of inertia during rotation can be decreased.

[0116] On the other hand, the relationship WL>2×R is satisfied, and the cylindrical portion 112 and the contact position 112a are located inside the virtual circle VC centered on the rotation center PC, passing through the outermost portion of the storage unit 110. Therefore, the liquid stirring device 100 can be made smaller. The sidewall 22c of the storage portion 23B can be made closer to the storage unit 110, and the size of the liquid stirring device 100 in the X direction can be made smaller.

[0117] A shaft member 117 is disposed at the rear portion (rear end portion 111b side) of the storage unit 110. The shaft member 117 is fixed to the end of the shaft fixing member 118 and extends along the rotation center line CL. The shaft fixing member 118 is a hollow body having a flange portion 118a fixed to the rear end portion 111b of the storage unit 111 and a main body portion 118b extending rearward from the flange portion 118a, and the shaft member 117 is fixed to the end of the main body portion 118b. The frame 103 includes a plate-shaped bearing member 103a, and the shaft member 117 is supported by being inserted through the shaft hole 103b. By rotatably supporting the storage unit 110 not only by the support unit 120 but also by the shaft member 117 and the bearing member 103a, the rotation center PC of the storage unit 110 can be prevented from wobbling, and more stable rotation can be achieved. Since the shaft member 117 and the bearing member 103a are located on the side of the storage unit 110 opposite to the opening 114a, the convenience for the user to insert and remove the container support unit 24 is not compromised.

[0118] The liquid mixing apparatus 100 also includes a limiting unit 150 that restricts the displacement of the storage member 111 along a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, the limiting unit 150 restricts the storage member 111 to move upward along the Z direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted or removed, if an upward force acts on the front side of the storage unit 110 and the storage unit 110 becomes tilted, a load acts on the shaft member 117 along the bending direction. By providing the limiting unit 150, such a change in posture can be prevented.

[0119] The limiting unit 150 of this embodiment includes a plurality of abutment portions 151 facing the cylindrical portion 112 in the Z direction at a position above the rotation center line CL. When the storage member 111 is subjected to a force that causes it to shift upward, the abutment portions 151 contact the cylindrical portion 112, thereby physically preventing such shift. The abutment portions 151 may always be in contact with the cylindrical portion 112, or they may generally be located at a position slightly separated in the Z direction.

[0120] In this embodiment, the limiting unit 150 includes two abutment portions 151, which are arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 112. In this embodiment, each abutment portion 151 is a roller supported by a bearing 152 around an axis (Y direction) parallel to the rotation center line CL. The bearing 152 is supported by a frame 102.

[0121] The two abutment portions 151 are located in the same positions as the two abutment portions 121 of the support unit 120 in the X and Y directions. The assembly consisting of the two abutment portions 151 and the bearing 152 can be constructed using the same components as the assembly consisting of the two abutment portions 121 and the bearing 122 of the support unit 120. Using the same components allows for a reduction in the number of component types.

[0122] <Drive Unit>

[0123] The following will refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the drive unit 130 is described. The drive unit 130 is disposed on the outer side (rear side) of the rear end 111b of the storage member 111 in the direction of the rotation center line CL. By disposing of the drive unit 130 on the side of the storage member 110 opposite to the opening 114a, the number of mechanisms present around the opening 114a can be reduced, thereby improving the convenience for the user to insert and remove the container support unit 24.

[0124] The drive unit 130 includes a motor 131 as a drive source. The motor 131 is fixed to a frame (not shown). A gear 132 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 131. In this embodiment, the motor 131 is a stepper motor. The rotational speed of the storage unit 110 can be controlled by the rotational speed of the motor 131. The motor 131 can be a DC motor, in which case a rotation sensor, such as a rotary encoder, can be used to control the rotational speed.

[0125] The drive unit 130 includes gears 133, 134, and 135. Gears 133 and 134 are rotatably supported by a frame (not shown). Each of gears 133 and 134 is a two-stage gear, with the large gear of gear 132 meshing with the large gear of gear 133, and the small gear of gear 133 meshing with the large gear of gear 134. Additionally, gear 135 meshes with the small gear of gear 134. A torque limiter 133a is disposed between the small and large gears of gear 133 to interrupt the drive transmission between them. The torque limiter 133a prevents the motor 131 from being overloaded. Furthermore, if a user accidentally touches the storage unit 110 while it is rotating, the torque limiter 133a interrupts the transmission of drive force, thereby preventing high loads from being applied to the user's hand.

[0126] Gear 135 is fixed to shaft member 117. When motor 131 is driven, driving force is transmitted to shaft member 117, and thus storage unit 110 rotates. Bearing member 103a is located between gear 135 and shaft fixing member 118, and these components determine the position of storage unit 110 in the direction of rotation center line CL. Although in this embodiment the gear mechanism is used as a mechanism for transmitting driving force from motor 131 to shaft member 117, other types of transmission mechanisms, such as those with transmission mechanisms, may also be used.

[0127] <Example of stirring operation>

[0128] Figure 14 An example of a stirring operation (rotation of storage unit 110) implemented by the drive unit 130 is shown. State ST141 indicates that the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. In the initial position, the storage member 111 is in a horizontal position in which its long side 113a is horizontal. The support 240 of the container support unit 24 and the container 200 in the storage space 114 are also in a horizontal position, and the inner crotch portions 202a on both sides of the container 200 are positioned at the same height.

[0129] State ST142 indicates the tilted state of storage cell 110, which has been rotated counterclockwise by an angle θ1 from its initial position. The position of storage cell 110 in this state will be referred to as the left tilted position. The inner crotches 202a on both sides of container 200 are in a state where the inner crotch 202a on the right side of the diagram is higher than the inner crotch 202a on the left side. Liquid within container 200 flows from the inner crotch 202a on the right side to the inner crotch 202a on the left side.

[0130] State ST143 indicates the tilted state of storage cell 110 after rotating clockwise by an angle θ2 from its initial position. The position of storage cell 110 in this state will be referred to as the right tilt position. The inner crotches 202a on both sides of container 200 are in a state where the inner crotch 202a on the left side of the diagram is higher than the inner crotch 202a on the right side. Liquid within container 200 flows from the inner crotch 202a on the left side to the inner crotch 202a on the right side.

[0131] By repeatedly changing the orientation of the storage unit 110, for example, changing from state ST141 to state ST142, then to state ST141, then to state ST143, then to state ST141, etc., the liquid in the container 200 can be stirred.

[0132] When the orientation of storage cell 110 changes from state ST142 to state ST143, rotation can be temporarily stopped in state ST141 during the change. Conversely, rotation can continue in state ST141, and the orientation of storage cell 110 can continuously change from state ST141 to state ST143. This also applies when the orientation of storage cell 110 changes from state ST143 to state ST142.

[0133] Alternatively, the following configuration is also feasible: the orientation of the storage unit 110 is changed multiple times consecutively between states ST142 and ST143 without stopping rotation during state ST141, and then rotation is stopped for a predetermined time in state ST141. This operation can then be repeated. By stopping rotation for a predetermined time in state ST141, the power consumption of the motor 131 can be reduced, and by restarting rotation before the sedimentation of particles in the liquid progresses, the homogeneity of the liquid can be maintained.

[0134] Angles θ1 and θ2 can be equal or different. Angles θ1 and θ2 can be equal under one stirring condition and different under another. When angles θ1 and θ2 are different, their relative magnitudes can alternate between θ1 > θ2 and θ1 < θ2.

[0135] If angles θ1 and θ2 are too small, the stirring effect will be reduced, while if angles θ1 and θ2 are too large, the container 200 may become distorted. Therefore, angles θ1 and θ2 can be selected, for example, in the range of 20° to 90°, or in the range of 60° to 80°. As a specific example, the angle could be 70°.

[0136] Angles θ1 and θ2 can be different depending on the conditions used to initiate the mixing operation. For example, a larger angle can be used when it is estimated that settling is progressing, while a smaller angle can be used when it is estimated that settling is not progressing.

[0137] The rotation of the storage unit 110 is controlled by accelerating from a standstill, then rotating at a constant speed, and then decelerating to a stop. If the constant rotation speed (the rotation speed of the motor 131) is too high, it may place an excessive load on the container 200, while if the constant rotation speed is too slow, stirring will become time-consuming. Therefore, the constant rotation speed can be selected, for example, from a range of more than 20 deg / sec to less than 160 deg / sec, or from a range of more than 30 deg / sec to less than 140 deg / sec. The constant rotation speed can be related to angles θ1 and θ2. For example, when angles θ1 and θ2 are θα, the rotation speed can be V1, and when angles θ1 and θ2 are θβ, which is larger than θα, the rotation speed can be V2, which is slower than V1. This allows for reducing the load on the container 200 while maintaining the fluidity of the liquid.

[0138] <Structure for limiting the range of rotation>

[0139] If the storage unit 110 is rotated excessively, problems may arise such as a malfunction in the drive system or a twisted drain pipe that obstructs the flow of liquid. One possible cause of excessive rotation is that the user may unintentionally rotate the storage unit 110 by hand, for example, when inserting or removing the container support unit 24 from the storage unit. The liquid stirring apparatus 100 of this embodiment is provided with a structure for physically limiting the rotation range of the storage unit 110.

[0140] The following will refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figures 15 to 17 . Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotation restriction unit 140. Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a view showing how the rotation limiting unit 140 limits rotation.

[0141] The liquid stirring apparatus 100 includes a rotation limiting unit 140 that restricts the rotation range of the storage unit 110. The rotation limiting unit 140 includes stops 141 and 142 that contact the storage unit 110 to physically limit the rotation of the storage unit 110. By directly limiting the rotation of the storage unit 110 by abutting against it, excessive rotation of the storage unit 110 can be reliably prevented.

[0142] Stops 141 and 142 are block-shaped members fixed to the frame 101 and have inclined contact surfaces 141a and 142a. Stop 141 abuts against an abutment portion 115 formed on the outer wall portion 111c of the storage unit 110, thereby limiting the rotation of the storage unit 110 in one direction (from...). Figure 14The upper limit of the range of rotation from state ST141 to state ST142. The stop 142 abuts against the abutment portion 116 formed on the outer wall portion 111c of the storage cell 110, thereby limiting the rotation of the storage cell 110 in another direction (from state ST141 to state ST142). Figure 14 The upper limit of the range of rotation from state ST141 to state ST143. In this embodiment, the upper limit angle of the rotation range defined by stops 141 and 142 is the same.

[0143] The abutment portions 115 and 116 are formed on the rectangular tube portion 113, specifically on the long side portion 113a, but not on the short side portion 113b. If the abutment portion protrudes from the short side portion 113b, the presence of the abutment portion tends to increase. Figure 12 The diameter of the virtual circle VC shown in the figure. This may result in an increase in the size of the liquid mixing device 100 in the X and Z directions. By forming abutment portions 115 and 116 on the long side portion 113a, the size of the liquid mixing device 100 can be made smaller.

[0144] like Figure 12 As shown, the contact surfaces 141a and 142a of the stops 141 and 142 are located inside the virtual circle VC. In other words, the contact positions between the stops 141 and 142 and the abutments 115 and 116 in the radial direction of rotation of the storage unit 110 (the radial direction of the virtual circle VC) are located inside the virtual circle VC. The positions of the stops 141 and 142 in the X and Z directions can be kept within a narrow range, and the dimensions of the liquid stirring device 100 in the X and Z directions can be made smaller.

[0145] like Figure 15 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the rotation center line CL, based on the contact position, the abutment portion 115 and the abutment portion 116 are separated by a distance W1 in the X direction, and the stop member 141 and the stop member 142 are separated by a distance W2 in the X direction. The relationship between these distances is W1>W2. Since the arrangement range of the stop member 141 and the stop member 142 in the X direction falls within the width of the storage member 111, the liquid stirring device 100 can be made compact in the X direction.

[0146] The abutment portions 115 and 116 are formed at the end of the long side portion 113a in the X direction (the boundary with the short side portion 113b). Since the stops 141 and 142 are positioned relatively far from the rotation center PC, the rotation of the storage cell 110 can be more reliably restricted even if the stiffness of the stops 141 and 142 is relatively low.

[0147] Stops 141 and 142 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). Corresponding to the arrangement of stops 141 and 142, abutment portions 115 and 116 are also spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). By offsetting the positions of stops 141 and 142 in the direction of the rotation center line CL, the distance between stops 141 and 142 in the X direction can be shortened even if the rotational allowable range of the storage unit 110 is large. This allows the liquid stirring device 100 to be made smaller in the X direction.

[0148] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the rotation of the storage unit 110 is restricted by the stop 141 abutting against the abutment portion 115 from two directions. When the abutment portion 115 contacts the contact surface 141a of the stop 141, the storage unit 110 is physically restricted from further rotation. The storage member 111 is provided with an interference avoidance portion 115' adjacent to the abutment portion 115. In this embodiment, the interference avoidance portion 115' is a recess, thereby preventing interference between the abutment portion 116 and the storage member 111.

[0149] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the rotation of the storage unit 110 is restricted by the stop 142 abutting against the abutment portion 116 from two directions. When the abutment portion 116 contacts the contact surface 142a of the stop 142, the storage unit 110 is physically restricted from further rotation. The storage member 111 is provided with an interference avoidance portion 116' adjacent to the abutment portion 116. In this embodiment, the interference avoidance portion 116' is a recess, thereby preventing interference between the abutment portion 115 and the storage member 111.

[0150] In this embodiment, the rotation range of the storage unit 110 is limited by the stops 141 and 142 abutting against the storage member 111; however, other components can be used to limit the rotation range. For example, the rotation range of the storage unit 110 can be limited by having the stops abut against the gears 133, 134, or 135 of the drive unit 130 to limit its rotation.

[0151] <Rotation Position Detection>

[0152] The user can access the storage unit 110, and the position of the storage unit 110 may shift when the liquid stirring device 100 is powered off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a torque limiter 133a is provided in the drive transmission path of the drive unit 130, an error may occur between the rotational amount of the motor 131 and the rotational position of the storage unit 110. If there is a large error in recognizing the rotational position of the storage unit 110, the rotational control of the storage unit 110 may not be accurately implemented during stirring operations. In this embodiment, a sensor for detecting the position of the storage unit 110 is provided, thereby improving the accuracy of recognizing the rotational position of the storage unit 110.

[0153] The following will refer to Figure 9 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 . Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation used to detect the position of storage unit 110.

[0154] The storage unit 110 is provided with a detection element 181 that rotates together with the storage unit 110 about the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, the detection element 181 is integral with the gear 135 and is fixed to the shaft member 117 by the gear 135. A sensor 180 for detecting the detection element 181 is fixed to the frame 103. The sensor 180 is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects the presence of the detection element 181 at the detection position of the sensor 180. When the storage unit 110 is viewed from the rear, if compared to a clock face centered on the rotation center PC, the detection position is located at the 3 o'clock position (see...). Figure 18 ).

[0155] The detection element 181 includes a portion extending around the rotation center line CL, and the sensor 180 detects the detection element 181 when the rotational position of the storage unit 110 is within a specific rotational range. In this embodiment, the detection element 181 has an arcuate shape (or fan shape) centered on the rotation center line CL, and particularly in this embodiment, the detection element has a semi-circular arcuate shape.

[0156] In this embodiment, the position of the edge-crossing sensor 180 of the detection element 181 (e.g., the position where the detection result changes from never being detected to being detected) is set as a reference position. In this embodiment, the reference position corresponds to the initial position of the storage unit 110. Figure 14 (State ST141 in the middle). Figure 18 The state ST182 in the text indicates the positional relationship between the detection element 181 and the sensor 180 when the storage unit 110 is in the initial position.

[0157] The detection element 181 is configured such that when the storage cell 110 moves from its initial position to... Figure 14 When the left tilt position movement is shown in state ST142, the detection element 181 can be detected by the sensor 180. Figure 18 In the context, state ST183 indicates that memory cell 110 is in the state of transitioning from its initial position to... Figure 14 The left tilt position (state ST142) is in the middle of the rotation.

[0158] The detection element 181 is configured such that when the storage cell 110 moves from its initial position to... Figure 14 When the right tilt position movement is shown in state ST143, the detection element 181 is not detected by the sensor 180. Figure 18 The state ST181 shown indicates that memory cell 110 is in the state from the initial position to... Figure 14 The right tilt position (state ST143) is in the middle of the rotation.

[0159] The following describes an example of processing using the detection results from sensor 180. This processing can be performed by control unit 32, which will be described later. First, reference will be made below. Figure 18 An example of an initialization process for rotating the storage unit 110 to its initial position is described. The initialization process can be performed, for example, when the liquid stirring device 100 is energized. The initialization process can also be performed periodically, for example, after the liquid stirring device 100 is energized.

[0160] In the initialization process, the detection result of sensor 180 is first obtained, and it is determined whether the detection element 181 is detected. If so... Figure 18 If no detector 181 is detected as shown in state ST181, it can be determined that the storage unit 110 is in a position tilted to the right from its initial position. Figure 14 The storage unit 110 is rotated in the direction of arrow RL by drive unit 130, and stops rotating when the sensor 180 changes from a position where it was never detected to a position where it is detected. The storage unit 110 then returns to its initial position.

[0161] If as Figure 18 If the detection element 181 is detected as shown in state ST183, it can be determined that the storage unit 110 is in a position tilted to the left from the initial position. Figure 14 The storage unit 110 is rotated to the position indicated by the state ST142 side. Therefore, the drive unit 130 rotates the storage unit 110 in the direction of arrow RR. After passing a position where the detection result of sensor 180 changes from detected to undetected, the rotation direction of storage unit 110 reverses, and storage unit 110 stops at the position where the detection result of sensor 180 changes from undetected to detected. Storage unit 110 then returns to its initial position.

[0162] In this way, in this embodiment, by making the shape of the detection element 181 correspond to the rotational position of the storage unit 110, the rotational direction of the storage unit 110 relative to its initial position can be determined based on the detection result of the sensor 180. As a result, the initialization process can be completed quickly.

[0163] Next, an example of error handling related to the rotation of storage unit 110 during stirring operation will be described. Figure 14 During the stirring operation shown, whenever the storage unit 110 passes the initial position (state ST141), the detection result of the sensor 180 will switch from never detected to detected, or from detected to not detected. If the detection result of the sensor 180 does not switch even when the motor 131 has rotated a predetermined amount, it can be determined that the drive unit 130 or the storage unit 110 is being interfered with by foreign objects and is prevented from rotating.

[0164] If rotation is determined to be impossible, error handling measures such as stopping the drive of motor 131 and notifying the user can be implemented. For example, the liquid jetting device 1 or liquid mixing device 100 can be shut down for initialization by displaying a message via the operation panel 10 or the host computer 300, or the message can be announced via voice. Alternatively, an error code can be displayed via the operation panel 10 or the host computer 300 to guide the user to make a service call, or the error code can be announced via voice.

[0165] Note that in this embodiment, the detection element 181 is integrated with the gear 135, but the positioning of the detection element 181 is not limited to the gear 135. For example, the detection element 181 may be disposed on, for example, the storage member 111, such as being disposed on, for example, the cylindrical portion 112.

[0166] <Liquid Discharge Structure>

[0167] The structure for discharging liquid from container 200 via needle member 110a will now be described. A flow channel forming member 119 is provided at the rear end 111b between the storage member 111 and the shaft fixing member 118. Figure 19 This is a view showing the flow channel forming member 119 and valve unit 170 at the rear end 11b of the storage member 111, wherein the shaft fixing member 118 has been removed from the rear end 111b. Figure 20 An example is shown of the flow channel formed by the flow channel forming member 119 and how the orientation of the flow channel forming member 119 changes as the storage unit 110 rotates.

[0168] First, the following text will refer to Figure 20The flow channel forming member 119 forms a liquid flow channel 119b and two liquid flow channels 119a branching from the flow channel 119b. An outlet orifice 1903 is formed at the end of the flow channel 119b. At the end of each flow channel 119a, a connecting orifice 1901 is formed to communicate with a needle member 110a in the corresponding upper or lower storage space 114. A check valve 1902 is formed at a midpoint in the flow channel 119a. Liquid in the container 200 flows out of the storage unit 110 sequentially through the needle member 110a, the connecting orifice 1901, the flow channel 119a, the flow channel 119b, and the outlet orifice 1903.

[0169] State ST201 shows the orientation of the flow channel forming member 119 when the storage cell 110 is in its initial position. State ST202 shows the orientation of the storage cell 110 when it is in a left-tilted position. Figure 14 State ST142 shows the orientation of the flow channel forming member 119. State ST203 shows the orientation of the storage cell 110 when it is in a right-tilted position. Figure 14 When in state ST143), the flow channel forming member 119 is in the orientation.

[0170] If the liquid stirring device 100 remains inactive for an extended period while the storage unit 110 is in its initial position, particles contained in the liquid may settle around the branch point between the flow channel 119b and the two flow channels 119a. However, in this embodiment, when the storage unit 110 rotates due to the stirring operation, the flow channel forming member 119 also rotates, and its orientation changes. Due to the change in inclination of the flow channels 119a and 119b, particles that have settled around the branch point can easily flow with the liquid, and the flow channels 119a and 119b can be prevented from being blocked by particles.

[0171] Figure 19 The valve unit 170 shown is an electrically operated valve that switches between closing and opening the flow channel 119a at a position 171' near the branch point between the flow channel 119b and the two flow channels 119a. The valve unit 170 includes two valve elements 171 corresponding to the two positions 171', a motor 172 as a drive source, and a position sensor 173 that detects the positions of the two valve elements 171. A cam mechanism (not shown) built into the valve unit 170 is operated by the motor 172 to drive the valve elements 171, thereby switching between closing and opening the flow channel 119a.

[0172] Valve unit 170 allows selection between closing both flow channels 119a and opening one of the two flow channels. For example, when containers 200 containing the same type of liquid are housed in two storage spaces 114, liquid is supplied from one container 200 and the supply of liquid from the other container 200 is stopped. When the liquid in the first container 200 is used up, liquid is supplied from the second container 200 and the supply of liquid from the first container 200 is stopped. The empty container 200 can then be replaced with a new container 200.

[0173] <Pipe Arrangement Structure>

[0174] A flexible tube is connected to outlet port 1903, and liquid is supplied to liquid injection device 1 through this tube. For example... Figure 20 As shown, when the storage cell 110 rotates, the flow channel forming member 190 also rotates, and the position of the outlet orifice 1903 changes. It is necessary to prevent the tube from twisting or engaging in unintended behavior due to this positional change, which could lead to contact with and damage to surrounding structures. In this embodiment, this problem is solved by employing a structure for controlling the behavior of the tube accompanying the rotation of the storage cell 110.

[0175] The following will refer to Figure 9 , Figure 13 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figures 21 to 23 . Figure 21 This is a rear view showing the rear of the storage unit 110, in which the drive unit 130 has been removed except for the gear 135. Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram of retaining component 165. Figure 23 This is a view showing an example of how the shape of the tube 160, etc., changes when the storage unit 110 rotates.

[0176] The tube 160 has an end 160a connected to the outlet port 2903 and extends from the storage unit 110. The tube 160 forms a discharge flow channel for liquid discharged from the storage unit 110 (i.e., liquid within the container 200). A fixing member 161 is disposed near the main body 118b of the shaft fixing member 118. The fixing member 161 is a clamp-type member that holds the middle portion of the tube 160 and fixes the middle portion of the tube 160 to the storage unit 110. The fixing member 161, together with the storage unit 110, rotates about the rotation center line CL.

[0177] Frame 103 includes a fixing member 162. The fixing member 162 is a clamp-type member that fixes the middle portion of the pipe 160 downstream of the fixing member 161 in the direction of liquid outflow. The fixing member 162 is fixed to frame 103 and is therefore a stationary member that will not rotate with the storage unit 110. Figure 9As shown, fixing members 161 and 162 are disposed on a virtual plane VF orthogonal to the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged on the same virtual plane, but the virtual plane VF on which fixing member 161 is disposed and the virtual plane VF on which fixing member 162 is disposed can be offset from each other in the direction of the rotation center line CL. In this case, tube 160 can be arranged in a spiral shape extending along the direction of the rotation center line CL.

[0178] When the storage cell 110 is in its initial position, such as Figure 21 As shown, if we compare it to a clock face centered on the rotation center PC, then the fixing member 161 is located at the 2 o'clock position and the fixing member 162 is located at the 10 o'clock position. The tube 160 extends clockwise from end 160a over the main body 118b and reaches the fixing member 161, then further clockwise under the main body 118b and reaches the fixing member 162. The tube 160 then extends further from the fixing member 162. Figure 13 ).exist Figure 21 and Figure 22 The diagram shows only the section of tube 160 from end 160a to fixing member 162. When viewed from the Y direction, fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged inside at least the cylindrical portion 112. This allows for a reduction in the area of ​​movement of tube 160 in the X direction, which rotates along with the storage unit 110.

[0179] Fixing member 161 fixes the middle portion of tube 160 in a manner pointing towards the tangent direction L1 of the virtual circle centered on the rotation center PC in the XZ plane, rather than the radial direction L2. In this embodiment, the middle portion points towards the tangent direction L1. Similarly, fixing member 162 fixes the middle portion of tube 160 in a manner pointing towards the tangent direction L3 of the virtual circle centered on the rotation center PC in the XZ plane, rather than the radial direction L4. In this embodiment, the middle portion points towards the tangent direction L3. Therefore, in the tube section from end 160a to fixing member 161, and in the tube section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, tube 160 is arranged in an arc or spiral shape around the rotation center line CL. Fixing members 161 and 162 are configured to fix tube 160 substantially parallel to the tangent directions L1 and L3, respectively. This allows the extension direction of the tube 160, which rotates together with the memory cell 110, to be guided in the direction of gravity, and damage to the tube 160 can be suppressed by reducing the load on the tube 160. Since this also reduces the extension of the tube 160 in the X direction, it is possible to reduce the size of the space in the X direction where the tube 160 extends.

[0180] In this embodiment, in the pipe section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, the pipe 160 is laid together with the cable (e.g., a flexible flat cable) 163 and the flexible strip member 164.

[0181] Cable 163 includes wiring for electrical components, such as those disposed in storage unit 110, including electrical wiring for motor 172 and position sensor 173. Similar to conduit 160, cable 163 has an intermediate portion secured by fixing member 161 and a downstream intermediate portion secured by fixing member 162. In the cable section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, cable 163 is laid out in an arc or spiral shape around the rotation centerline CL. Conduit 160, cable 163, fixing member 161, and fixing member 162 are arranged closer to the rear end 111b of storage member 111 compared to the front end 111a, and specifically behind the rear end 111b in this embodiment. These arrangements do not obstruct the insertion and removal of container support unit 24 by the user at the front end 111a, thus improving user convenience.

[0182] The tape member 164 is, for example, a polyester film. The tape member 164 supports the tube 160 and the cable 163, and further stabilizes the behavior of the tube 160 and the cable 163 when the storage unit 110 rotates, and the tape member 164 extends from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162.

[0183] To enable the conduit 160 and cable 163 to be laid together with the strapping member 164, a plurality of retaining members 165 are used. The retaining members 165 are arranged in the section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, and are binding members that bundle the conduit 160, cable 163 and strapping member 164 together. Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the retaining member 165, which has a configuration that clamps the corresponding intermediate portions of the tube 160, cable 163, and strap member 164 with a gap 165a. The retaining member 165 can prevent the tube 160, cable 163, and strap member 164 from spreading out.

[0184] The following text will refer to Figure 23 This describes the behavior of the tube 160, cable 163, and ribbon member 164 (hereinafter referred to as tube 160, etc.) as the storage unit 110 rotates. State ST221 indicates the state in which the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. In the space between the fixing member 161 and the fixing member 162, the tube 160, etc., has an appropriate amount of clearance or slack.

[0185] Status ST222 indicates that storage cell 110 is in a left-tilted position. Figure 14State ST142 refers to the state of tube 160, etc. Compared to state ST221, in state ST222, the length of the section between fixed member 161 and fixed member 162 along the clockwise direction shown in the figure is shorter, and fixed member 161 and fixed member 162 are closer to each other. In the section from fixed member 161 to fixed member 162, the clearance or slack in tube 160, etc., increases, and the radius of the arc depicted in this section increases.

[0186] Status ST223 indicates that memory cell 110 is in a right-tilted position. Figure 14 In state ST143, the tube 160, etc., is in its current state. Compared to state ST221, in state ST223, the length of the section between the fixing member 161 and the fixing member 162 along the clockwise direction shown in the figure is longer, and the fixing members 161 and 162 are spaced apart. In the section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, the clearance or slack of the tube 160, etc., is reduced, and the radius of the arc depicted in this section is smaller. The tube 160, etc., is close to but not in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the main body 118b, and the tube 160, etc., also does not contact the valve unit 170.

[0187] In this way, in this embodiment, by employing an arrangement in which the radius of the arc depicted by the tube 160, etc., changes according to the rotation direction of the storage cell 110, the behavior of the tube accompanying the rotation of the storage cell 110 can be controlled. As a result, twisting or other unexpected behavior of the tube 160, etc., can be prevented.

[0188] <Control Loop>

[0189] The following will refer to Figure 24 Describe the construction of the control loop of system A. Figure 24 This is a block diagram of the control loop of system A. The main control unit 30 implements overall control of system A according to instructions from the host computer 300 and the operation panel 10. Control unit 31 controls the liquid injection device 1 based on instructions from the main control unit 30, and control unit 32 controls the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B based on instructions from the main control unit 30. Each of the main control unit 30, control units 31, and 32 includes, for example, at least one processor, at least one storage device, and at least one input / output interface. The storage device is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM. The input / output interface performs signal input / output between the processor and external devices (e.g., sensors and motors).

[0190] The discharge control unit 35 controls the spray head 8, specifically controlling the discharge of liquid. The actuator assembly 34 includes a transfer motor as a drive source for the transfer unit 6, a carriage motor as a drive source for a moving mechanism for a carriage (not shown), a winding motor as a drive source for the winding unit 5, and a recovery motor as a drive source for the recovery unit 9. Furthermore, the actuator assembly 34 also includes, for example, a cutter motor as a drive source for a cutter (not shown), which cuts the recording medium after an image is recorded on the recording medium M. The sensor assembly 33 includes various sensors disposed within the liquid spraying device 1.

[0191] Clock unit 38 is a counter that outputs the elapsed time count to control unit 32. The count result of clock unit 38 can be used when managing the liquid stirring cycle by time. The count result of clock unit 38 can also be used to determine the stirring timing.

[0192] The actuator assembly 37 includes motors 131 and 172, flow channel valve 232, etc., disposed in the liquid stirring device 100. The sensor assembly 36 includes, for example, sensors 26 and 180, etc., disposed in the liquid stirring device 100.

[0193] <Example of control loop processing>

[0194] The following describes an example of a stirring operation performed by the control unit 32. Here, a stirring operation performed using the rotation limiting unit 140 will be described. The rotation limiting unit 140 is a structure that physically limits the rotation range of the storage unit 110, as described above. Furthermore, by intentionally causing the contact portions 115 and 116 to collide with the stops 141 and 142, an impact can be applied to the storage unit 110, and the stirring effect of the liquid can be improved. However, when the contact portions 115 and 116 contact the stops 141 and 142, an impact sound may be generated. Therefore, operating conditions are determined in advance, and one of the following rotation operations is performed depending on whether the operating conditions are met, in which the storage unit 110 has different rotation ranges.

[0195] Figure 25An example of the rotational movement of the storage unit 110 during normal stirring is shown. State ST251 indicates that the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. State ST252 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a left-tilted position. At this time, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 is switched to the reverse direction before the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled such that the rotation of the storage unit 110 stops before the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141, and then the motor 131 rotates in the reverse direction. Since the abutment 115 does not contact the stop 141, impact noise can be prevented.

[0196] State ST253 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a right-tilted position. Similarly, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 is switched to the reverse direction before the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142. As an example, the rotation of the motor 131 is controlled such that the rotation of the storage unit 110 stops before the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142, and thereafter the motor 131 rotates in the reverse direction. Since the abutment 116 does not contact the stop 142, impact noise can be prevented.

[0197] Figure 26 An example of the rotational motion of the storage unit 110 during high-intensity stirring is shown. For example, this rotational operation is performed when system A is turned on, when the liquid stirring device 100 is turned on, when changing the container 200, or when using the container 200 which has been stored for a long time.

[0198] State ST261 indicates that the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. State ST262 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a left-tilted position. At this time, after the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the reverse direction. As an example, the rotation of the motor 131 is controlled so that the rotation of the storage unit 110 continues until the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141, after which the motor 131 stops and rotates in the reverse direction. Because the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141, an impact is applied to the storage unit 110, and the stirring performance of the liquid in the container 200 is improved. Even though the impact acts on the storage unit 110, the torque limiter 133a prevents the impact from being transmitted to the motor 131, thereby suppressing the effect on the drive system.

[0199] State ST263 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a right-tilted position. Similarly, after the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the opposite direction. As an example, the rotation of the motor 131 is controlled such that the rotation of the storage unit 110 continues until the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142, after which the motor 131 stops and rotates in the opposite direction. Because the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142, an impact is applied to the storage unit 110, and the stirring performance of the liquid in the container 200 is improved.

[0200] Note Figure 26 During the rotational motion shown, control can be implemented so that the impact is applied only at the tilted position on one side. Specifically, at the left tilted position, after the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the opposite direction. However, at the right tilted position, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the opposite direction before the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142, so that the abutment 116 does not contact the stop 142.

[0201] In the reverse mode, at the right tilt position, after the abutment 116 contacts the stop 142, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the reverse direction. However, at the left tilt position, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the reverse direction before the abutment 115 contacts the stop 141, so that the abutment 115 does not contact the stop 141.

[0202] In this way, when control is implemented to apply impact only at an inclined position on one side, the combination of the colliding contact portion and the stop member can be changed under predetermined conditions. For example, when the rotational motion causing the contact portion 115 to collide with the stop member 141 has been performed a predetermined number of times, the combination of the colliding contact portion and the stop member is changed to the contact portion 116 and the stop member 142. Then, when the rotational motion causing the contact portion 116 and the stop member 142 to collide has been performed a predetermined number of times, the combination of the colliding contact portion and the stop member is changed back to the contact portion 115 and the stop member 141. In addition to being based on the number of rotational motions, the conditions for changing the combination can be based on the time or duration of the rotational motion.

[0203] Second Embodiment

[0204] The following will refer to Figures 27 to 29 Other construction examples of the liquid stirring device 100 are described.

[0205] The storage member 111 of the first embodiment has an outer wall portion 111c including a cylindrical portion 112 and a rectangular tube portion 113, but as in Figure 27In the construction example EX1, the entire outer wall of the storage member 111 can be cylindrical.

[0206] The following describes an example in which, in a first embodiment, the storage unit 110 is a rotatable support structure, and the support unit 120, as a shaftless support structure, is combined with a shafted support structure (shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a). However, the storage unit 110 may be rotatably supported solely by a shaftless support structure. Figure 27 Example EX2 illustrates one such example: two sets of cylindrical portions 112 and support units 120 are arranged separately in the direction of the rotation center line CL to support the storage unit 110. This eliminates the need for shaft members 117 and bearing members 103a.

[0207] In the case of a construction where the storage cell 110 is rotatably supported only by a shaftless support structure, as in this example, Figure 27 In the construction example EX3, the drive unit 130 can be configured to rotate the abutment portion 121 (roller) to rotate the storage unit 110. Alternatively, as in Figure 27 In the construction example EX4, the drive unit 130 may be provided with a gear 136 fixed to the outer periphery of the storage member 111, and the driving force may be transmitted to the gear 136 to make the storage unit 110 rotate.

[0208] Next, in the first embodiment, a cylindrical portion 112 is provided around the entire outer periphery of the storage member 111, and the cylindrical portion 112 is supported by a support unit 120, but the portion in contact with the support unit 120 only needs to extend within the rotational range of the storage unit 110. For example, as in Figure 27 In the construction example EX5, an arc-shaped portion 112' can be provided instead of a cylindrical portion 112, and the abutting portion 121 of the support unit 120 can abut against the outer peripheral surface of the arc-shaped portion 112'.

[0209] Next, in the first embodiment, the abutment portion 121 of the support unit 120 is configured as a roller, but it can be a component that slides against the storage member 111, rather than a component that rolls like a roller. Figure 27 Example EX6 illustrates such an example. Each of the abutting portions 121A, which replaces the abutting portion 121, is a component with a curved surface, on which the cylindrical portion 112 slides rather than rolls.

[0210] Next, in the first embodiment, the opening 114a of the storage space 114 is configured to open at the front end 111a in the direction of the rotation center line CL of the storage member 111, but the opening may also open in a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL. For example, Figure 28Example construction EX7 has a structure in which storage space 114', which is an alternative storage space 114, is open upwards. Container 200 (or container 200 and container support unit 24) is inserted into and removed from storage space 114' along the vertical direction.

[0211] Next, in the first embodiment, the container 200 is configured to be replaceable relative to the storage unit 110, but the storage unit 110 may be a liquid tank equivalent to the container 200. Figure 28 Construction example EX8 illustrates such an example, where the storage unit 110A itself constitutes a liquid tank. In construction example EX8, as in... Figure 27 As in the construction example EX3, only the shaftless support unit 120 is used as the support unit 120 to rotatably support the storage unit 110A. Therefore, when the remaining amount of liquid is used up, the entire storage unit 110A is replaced.

[0212] The following example is described: In a first embodiment, the storage unit 110 is a rotatable support structure, and the support unit 120, as a shaftless support structure, is combined with a shafted support structure (shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a). However, the storage unit 110 may be rotatably supported solely by a shafted support structure. Figure 29 Example EX9 illustrates such an example. Storage unit 110 includes a shaft 117 at a rear end and a shaft 117' at a front end, each shaft being supported by a bearing 104. The bearing 104 is configured to support shaft 117 or 117' at a horizontally extending beam. The beam and shaft 117' are positioned in the initial position of storage unit 110 between two storage spaces 114 and are configured not to significantly obstruct the insertion and removal of container support unit 24 from storage spaces 114.

[0213] <Third Embodiment>

[0214] A third embodiment of the invention will now be described. In this third embodiment, the liquid storage device has a different construction than the liquid storage device in the first embodiment.

[0215] The liquid jetting device 1 in this embodiment has a similar structure and operation to the liquid jetting device 1 in the first embodiment. However, the structure of the liquid storage device differs from that of the liquid storage device in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the liquid jetting device 1 will be omitted below, and the description will focus primarily on the liquid storage device. Furthermore, in the liquid storage device, structures that perform the same functions as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be partially omitted.

[0216] Figure 30This is a perspective view of system B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31 This is a front view of system B. In the accompanying drawing, arrows X, Y, and Z represent intersecting directions, and in this embodiment, these directions are orthogonal to each other. When system A is mounted on a horizontal surface, the left-right direction is the X direction, the front-back direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction is the Z direction. The X and Y directions can also be referred to as lateral directions.

[0217] System B in this embodiment is a recording system including a liquid jetting device 1 and liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, and records images by jetting ink onto a recording medium such as paper. In this embodiment, two liquid storage devices 40A and 40B are provided. The liquid jetting device 1 and the two liquid storage devices 40A and 40B are arranged side by side in the X direction. The liquid supplied to the liquid jetting device 1 by the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B is mainly ink, and the liquid jetting device 1 is a recording device that jets ink onto a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to recording systems, but can be applied to various liquid jetting systems designed to jet liquid onto a medium.

[0218] The following describes the characteristics of the liquids stored in the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, and the stirring performance required based on these characteristics.

[0219] As described in the first embodiment, the pigment components of the pigment-based ink with high water and light resistance, and the titanium dioxide component used in the white ink, are insoluble in water and therefore will settle, accumulate, and condense at the bottom of container 200 due to gravity if left for a long time. Therefore, to obtain the desired color, a stirring operation must be performed to uniformly disperse the coloring components in the liquid while maintaining the predetermined particle size. Thus, it is desirable to generate movement in the liquid exceeding the particle settling rate or to break up particle aggregates, thereby stirring the liquid and the coloring components.

[0220] Incidentally, it is known that color-developing components (ink compositions) have various specific gravities and therefore different settling rates. In other words, the faster the settling rate, the greater the movement required for agitation. Therefore, if the movement is too small, agitation will be insufficient, while if the movement is too large, the device size will increase. Furthermore, as the number of colors and the device capacity increase, the number of ink containers also increases.

[0221] Therefore, in the third embodiment, ink with a slow settling rate is subjected to a first stirring operation, which is a stirring operation performed by a small motion generated by pressure, while ink with a fast settling rate is subjected to a second stirring operation, which is a stirring operation performed by a large motion generated by rotation.

[0222] More specifically, only inks with fast settling rates (such as white ink) are stirred using the liquid stirring device 100 built into the storage unit 23B as described in the first embodiment. This stirring is achieved by changing the orientation of the container 200 to utilize a large motion that causes the ink to exchange up and down, thereby suppressing the ink from settling to the bottom of the container 200. On the other hand, for inks with slower settling rates (such as conventional color inks), settling is suppressed by a movement that changes the shape of the container 200, requiring minimal operating space. A mechanism for stirring by pressing the container 200 will be described in detail later.

[0223] In the third embodiment, by arranging multiple stirring mechanisms in this way, the optimal stirring performance can be achieved according to the ink characteristics, and the ink containers can be arranged in multiple layers within a limited space.

[0224] For example, the pigment components in commonly used inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (hereinafter referred to as C, M, Y, and Bk, respectively) have particle sizes of tens of nanometers and low specific gravity, so they can be stirred without applying significant movement to the container 200. Therefore, a first stirring involving small movements is performed. On the other hand, the titanium dioxide used in white ink has a large particle size and high specific gravity, so it is prone to settling without significant movement. Therefore, a second stirring using large movements is performed using the liquid stirring device 100 built into the storage unit 23B as described in the first embodiment. Note that the liquid undergoing the second stirring performed by the liquid stirring device 100 may be a liquid containing metal powder and having a metallic color (e.g., gold or silver).

[0225] Here, even conservatively estimating, considering the number of ink cartridges (number of containers 200) arranged in multiple layers in the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, a combination of four regular colors, three special colors, and one easily settling white requires an eight-layer ink supply system. There are also printing methods using reactive solutions that promote ink curing through a chemical reaction on the paper surface to improve image fixing and water resistance. Furthermore, to keep the recovery unit that maintains the ejection state of the recording head clean, a cleaning solution can be prepared and supplied in the same manner as the ink color. Moreover, two cartridges of the same color ink can be provided for unattended nighttime automated operation consuming large amounts of ink or for uninterrupted printing to prevent ink depletion during printing.

[0226] In this embodiment, there are a total of 19 bags (containers 200), including 2 bags each of 6 colors, including both regular and special colors; 2 bags of white ink placed in the liquid stirring device 100; and 5 bags of various liquids, such as reaction liquids that react with the ink colors and cleaning liquids for cleaning and restoring system units. When these bags are arranged in two groups in liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, the six regular and special colors are separated, and the three colors of the six bags are arranged as a group in each tower (liquid storage devices 40A and 40B). This allows for a better balance of the number of bags in each tower compared to arranging 12 bags of the six colors in a single group. Furthermore, the first stirring control is used for inks that settle slowly (e.g., regular and special color inks), and thus, by dividing the bags in a way that ensures the same number of bags in each tower, the mechanical components used for the first stirring can be standardized.

[0227] Furthermore, the five packages of various liquids (e.g., reaction solutions and cleaning solutions) do not contain pigments or color-developing components, thus eliminating the need for stirring control. Therefore, by arranging these five packages, which do not require a drive for stirring, as a group, the drive mechanism of the container 200, which requires stirring, can be integrated, thereby improving transfer efficiency. These five packages are arranged in the liquid storage device 40B. Moreover, since white liquids tend to settle easily, a second stirring control is used, and the liquid stirring device 100 is installed within the storage section 23B of the liquid storage device 40A, similar to the first embodiment.

[0228] Figure 32 The arrangement of the aforementioned containers 200 is shown, where A to F represent regular and special colors, W represents white, and numbers 1 and 2 are added when there are two packages. a1 to a5 represent the reaction liquid and the washing liquid. Each of the towers (liquid storage units 40A and 40B) includes casters 22a, allowing the tower to be placed on the floor and moved when the equipment is brought in or moved to different locations. Note that although liquid storage units 40A and 40B are connected and configured to move together, they can also be constructed separately.

[0229] Note that in this construction, such as Figure 32 As shown, by limiting the rotation trajectory of the liquid stirring device 100 to the same height H as the five containers 200 (five containers of various liquids, such as reaction liquid and cleaning liquid), the heights of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B will be the same, which is desirable from the perspective of space efficiency and design.

[0230] Figure 33This is a rear view of liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, and a liquid supply unit 480 for supplying ink from containers 200 is provided. Containers 200 containing the same type of liquid share one liquid supply unit, and a switching valve (not shown) switches between containers 200 to switch the ink supply. Furthermore, since the containers 200 are positioned below the nozzle 8, creating a height difference, the liquid supply unit 480 has a pressurized supply function. Moreover, each tube 21a is connected to the liquid supply unit 480 and is bundled and arranged within a flexible hose 21 that can be bent at the rear. Each tube in the hose 21 supplies ink of various colors and reaction liquid to the nozzle 8 and supplies cleaning liquid to the recovery unit.

[0231] exist Figure 31 In this embodiment, the height of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B is set below the lower surface of the main body 3 protruding towards the +X side of the liquid injection device 1. Therefore, the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B can be stored below the main body 3, such as... Figure 31 As shown. Liquid storage devices 40A and 40B can be moved along the X direction to their positions in contact with the support 2.

[0232] The following will refer to Figures 30 to 33 The arrangement of liquid storage devices 40A and 40B in the space below the main body 3 is further described. Figure 33 In this configuration, the hoses 21 that are bundled to the pipes 21a of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B are connected to the liquid spraying device 1 at the rear. Furthermore, since the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B include casters 22a, they can be moved and installed close to the liquid spraying device 1.

[0233] exist Figure 31 In this configuration, liquid storage devices 40A and 40B are installed in a manner that occupies the space below the main body 3. Furthermore, since the operation panel is mounted directly above the main body 3, it is possible to change the container 200 while viewing the information on the panel, thus providing excellent operability.

[0234] Furthermore, the white ink container 200, which performs the second stirring, includes an opening / closing member 25 to prevent it from being operated during rotation for stirring. The white ink container 200 differs from containers 200 for other colors in that it requires the opening / closing member 25 to be opened, and therefore, for ease of operation, the white ink container is positioned at the top. Additionally, the longer the vertical flow channel of the ink, the more likely sediment is to accumulate in the lower portion of the tube due to gravity. Therefore, for easily sedimenting white ink, it is desirable to place it at the top layer where the vertical flow channel from the container 200 to the body 3 is shortest. Furthermore, white ink is known to generally have a high viscosity. Therefore, considering the flow channel resistance, it is desirable to place the white ink container 200 at the top layer where the height difference (head difference) with the nozzle 8 is small. Moreover, if white ink is not used, the device can be completed simply by removing the white ink from the top, thus making it highly versatile.

[0235] Furthermore, the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B are connected to the liquid injection device 1 via connecting members. This prevents the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B from moving unintentionally, which could damage the tube 21a in the hose 21.

[0236] In this embodiment, liquid storage devices 40A and 40B constituting two towers have been described, but a single-tower liquid storage device including a first stirring mechanism and a second stirring mechanism can also be used. Furthermore, a configuration is feasible in which only the second stirring mechanism is arranged below the recovery unit 9, and the first stirring mechanism, which does not require a large height, is arranged below the paper roll. Additionally, the waste liquid box 11 and the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B can be arranged in interchangeable positions.

[0237] Next, the mechanism for the first stirring in the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B will be described. Note that the mechanism for the second stirring is the same as the mechanism for the second stirring of the liquid stirring device 100 described in the first embodiment.

[0238] <The first stirring mechanism>

[0239] (Liquid container and support unit)

[0240] The following will refer to Figures 34 to 37C . Figure 34 These are partially exploded perspective views of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, showing the state in which a container support unit 24 has been removed from the corresponding storage section 23A. Figure 34 Liquid storage devices 40A and 40B are shown, some of which have their outer wall portions removed to expose the internal mechanisms. Figure 35 This is a perspective view of a container 200 and a container support unit 24. Figure 36A and Figure 36BThis is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the handle 45 and the locking mechanism 46. Figures 37A to 37C This is an explanatory diagram used to describe the operation of the locking mechanism 46, and corresponds to the path along... Figure 36A The sectional view taken by line AA in the figure.

[0241] Container 200 has a bag 202 formed of a flexible material. Both sides of the bag 202 are provided with inwardly folded inner crotches 202a to increase the amount of liquid that can be contained. The bag 202 is shaped into a bag shape by fusing the sheets constituting the top and bottom surfaces with the sheets forming the inner crotches 202a, thus forming a flexible container for storing liquid. As the amount of liquid inside increases, the inner crotches 202a expands, and as the amount of liquid inside decreases, the inner crotches 202a folds inward, and in this way, the shape of the bag 202 changes according to the amount of liquid contained therein. The material constituting the bag 202 is, for example, a material with a multilayer structure, such as PET. If there is a concern that the liquid inside may react with air and solidify, or that the concentration or remaining amount may change due to evaporation, a layer material including an aluminum layer can advantageously be used as the material for the bag 202.

[0242] Container 200 has one end 200a and another end 200b in the longitudinal direction. When installed in liquid storage device 40A or 40B, end 200a is located at the rear of liquid storage device 40A or 40B, and end 200b is located at the front. An outlet member 201 is provided at end 200a. The outlet member 201 has a supply port 201a communicating with an inlet port 203 inside the bag 202. Liquid contained in the bag 202 flows out through the inlet port 203 and the supply port 201a. A spring-loaded supply port on / off valve for opening and closing the supply port 201a is provided inside the outlet member 201. The supply port 201a is normally kept closed by the supply port on / off valve.

[0243] The length of the side portion of container 200 where the outlet member 201 is provided is, for example, about 180 mm, and the length of the side portion (side surface) orthogonal to this side portion is, for example, about 400 mm. Container 200 contains, for example, about 1.5 L of liquid. Note that the side portion where the outlet member 201 is located can be the longer side instead of the shorter side. Additionally, bag 202 can be square instead of rectangular in the plan view.

[0244] The main body 53 of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B includes a needle-shaped flow channel forming member 56 on the rear side of the storage section 23A for insertion into the supply port 201a. A flow channel forming member 56 is provided for each storage section 23A. When the flow channel forming member 56 is inserted into and connected to the supply port 201a, the supply port open / close valve is set to the open state by inserting the flow channel forming member 56. The flow channel forming member 56 is supported by a block-shaped support member 50 and connected to a pipe 51. The flow channel forming member 56 forms a flow channel that allows liquid contained in the bag 202 to flow out to the liquid injection device 1 (as its destination), and the liquid flowing out to the flow channel forming member 56 is supplied to the liquid injection device 1 via the pipe 51. An electrically operated flow channel valve 52 is provided at the middle portion of the pipe 51. The pipe 51 can be blocked and opened by opening and closing the flow channel valve 52.

[0245] The container support unit 24 has a support portion 40 for supporting the container 200, and is generally shaped as a tray on which the container 200 rests in a flat position. The container support unit 24 is movable along a generally Y-direction between a storage position where the container 200 is stored within the body 53, and a removal position where the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the body 53. Figure 34 In this embodiment, one container support unit 24 is located at the removal position, while all other container support units 24 are located at the storage position. At the removal position, the container 200 can be replaced, while at the storage position, the liquid contained in the container 200 can be supplied to the liquid injection device 1. In this embodiment, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage section 23A at the removal position. However, the removal position can be a position where the end of the container support unit 24 is held at the storage section 23A, or any position within the container support unit 24 where the container 200 can be replaced.

[0246] The support 40 has a placement surface 41 on which the container 200 is placed, and the four sides of the placement surface 41 are defined by left and right side plates 44, a front end 42, and a rear end 43. Each side plate 44 has a cutout 44a formed therein. The rear end 43 is provided with a recess 43a in which an outlet member 201 is disposed.

[0247] A handle 45 rotatable about an axis 45a extending in the X direction is provided at the front end 42, and the user can rotate the handle 45 in direction d1. The handle 45 also serves as an operating handle for the engagement portion 48. The engagement portion 48 is provided on the handle 45, and an engagement portion 231 engaging with the engagement portion 48 is formed on the bottom of the housing 230, which forms the storage portion 23A. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 48 is a protrusion, and the engagement portion 231 is a recess for insertion of the engagement portion 48. By engaging the engagement portion 48 with the engagement portion 231, even if vibration occurs due to, for example, movement of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, the container support unit 24, which has been installed to the storage portion 23A and positioned at the storage location, is prevented from dislodging from the storage portion 23A. The handle 45 is always biased toward the engagement position by the elastic member 421, where the engagement portion 48 and the engagement portion 231 engage with each other. Figure 36A (Position in the middle). The elastic member 421 is, for example, a coil spring. When the user grips the handle 45 and along... Figure 36B When the handle 45 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow, the joint 48 and the joint 231 become disengaged, and the container support unit 24 inside the storage section 23A can be removed from the storage section 23A.

[0248] To prevent accidental removal of the container support unit 24 installed in the storage unit 23A, each storage unit 23A is provided with a locking mechanism 46 for locking the container support unit 24 in the storage position (see...). Figure 34 The locking mechanism 46 includes a sliding member 461 built into the front end portion 42. An operating part 461a, which is part of the sliding member 461, protrudes from the front end portion 42 for operation by a user. The sliding member 461 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position in the direction of arrow d2 (X direction), where the handle 45 is restricted from rotation in the direction d1 and the handle 45 is allowed to rotate in the unlocked position.

[0249] Figure 36A and Figure 37A The sliding member 461 is shown in the locked position. In other words, the locking mechanism 46 is in a locked state. The sliding member 461 has an abutment portion 461b, and the abutment portion 461b contacts an abutment portion 451 on the handle 45 that is configured as a rib. Figure 36A and Figure 37A In this case, the sliding member 461 prevents the handle 45 from rotating in the disengagement direction. Therefore, the container support unit 24 cannot be removed from the storage section 23A.

[0250] Figure 37B The sliding member 461 is shown in the unlocked position. In other words, the locking mechanism 46 is in the unlocked state. The cutout of the abutment portion 461b and the abutment portion 451 face each other. At this time, since the abutment portion 451 can... Figure 37C As shown, it retracts into the cut of the abutment portion 461b, so that the handle 45 can be... Figure 36B The device rotates in the disengagement direction as shown. In this way, the user can slide the sliding member 461 to the unlocked position and then operate the handle 45, thus pulling out the container support unit 24 from the storage section 23A.

[0251] Storage unit 23A includes sensor 58 for detecting the position of sliding member 461 (see Figure 34 and Figure 35 Sensor 58 is, for example, an optical sensor (e.g., a photoelectric circuit breaker) capable of detecting the sensing element 461c of the sliding member 461. When the sliding member 461 is in the locked position, the sensing element 461c is located at the detection position of sensor 58 (e.g., when the sliding member 461 is in the locked position). Figure 35 As shown in the diagram, the sensor 58 detects the sliding member 461 when it is in the unlocked position. When the sliding member 461 is in the unlocked position, the detection member 461c is not positioned at the detection position of the sensor 58 and will not be detected by the sensor 58. In this way, based on the detection result of the sensor 58, it is possible to determine whether the sliding member 461 is in the locked or unlocked position, that is, whether the locking mechanism 46 is in the locked or unlocked state.

[0252] The opening and closing of the flow channel valve 52 can be linked to the detection results of the sensor 58. For example, when the flow channel valve 52 is in the open state, if the sensor 58 detects that the sliding member 461 is in the unlocked position, the flow channel valve 52 immediately closes in response to the detection. This prevents the container support unit 24 from being pulled out of the storage section 23A while the flow channel valve 52 is open. If the container support unit 24 is pulled out of the storage section 23A while the flow channel valve 52 is open, air may enter the pipe 51 through the flow channel forming member 56. This can cause problems such as liquid condensation in the pipe 51 and poor spraying from the nozzle 8. When the sliding member 461 is detected to be in the unlocked position, the flow channel valve 52 is immediately closed by automatic control in conjunction with the detection, thereby preventing air from entering the pipe 51.

[0253] (Slot tilt)

[0254] Figure 38 This is a view showing the portion below the storage section 23B of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, showing the installation position and insertion / removal of the container support unit 24 in the storage section 23A.

[0255] like Figure 38As shown, in the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B, the storage section 23A, arranged in layers, is tilted in a manner that extends rearward (towards the rear, in the -Y direction) while simultaneously lowering (in the +Z direction). Therefore, the container support unit 24 remains in a tilted posture during installation. Although the effect will be described later, the tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane is, for example, less than 45 degrees, and particularly less than 10 degrees. Figure 38 In the example, the tilt angle is assumed to be 3 degrees.

[0256] (Liquid stirring mechanism)

[0257] Container 200 can hold various types of liquids and can be used for image recording, maintenance of the ejector head 8, etc. For example, container 200 can hold water-based inks, latex inks, eco-solvent-based inks, or other solvent-based inks. Depending on the type of ink, the coloring materials (e.g., pigment components) in the ink may settle over time. Each ink color may have coloring materials of different particle sizes, as well as different types and amounts of additives, and the settling rate may vary depending on the ink color. Container 200 can also hold a reaction liquid, which is ejected from the ejector head 8 and reacts with the ink to fix the ink onto the surface of the recording medium M. When container 200 contains liquids whose components are easily separable, proper stirring of the contained liquid can improve uniformity. This helps prevent, for example, degradation of the quality of recorded images.

[0258] In this embodiment, the bag 202 of the container 200 is deformed by being physically pressed from the outside. This causes the contained liquid to flow and be agitated within the bag 202. Depending on the type of liquid contained in the container 200, there may be types that do not require agitation. Therefore, in this embodiment, storage sections 23A with and without agitation functions are provided. Specifically, the upper storage section 23A (for 5 packets of various liquids such as reaction solutions and cleaning solutions) does not have agitation functions, while the middle and lower storage sections 23A include agitation functions. Of course, all storage sections 23A may be equipped with agitation functions.

[0259] The following will refer to Figure 34 , Figure 39 and Figure 40 The structure of the pressing unit 600 that performs the stirring function is described. Figure 39 and Figure 40This is a view of the operation of the pressing unit 600 when the main body 53 is viewed from the side. The pressing unit 600 includes a plurality of pressing members 60 and a moving mechanism 63 shared by these pressing members 60. One pressing member 60 is provided for each storage section 23A, and the pressing member is a stirring part for stirring the liquid in the corresponding container 200. The moving mechanism 63 is a drive unit that drives the pressing members 60. In this embodiment, one pressing member 60 is provided for each storage section 23A. The moving mechanism 63 causes the pressing members 60 to rotate synchronously about the rotation axis 62, and thus the pressing part 61 provided on the pressing member 60 presses the container 200 from above and also releases pressure. Figure 39 The pressing part 61 (and pressing member 60) in the pressure-released position are shown. Figure 40 The pressing part 61 (and pressing member 60) in the pressure application position are shown.

[0260] The construction of the moving mechanism 63 will be described below. The output of the motor 635, which serves as the drive source for the moving mechanism 63, is transmitted to the cam 633 via multiple gears 634. Note that the axis of rotation of each of these components is along the X-direction. Reference will be made below. Figure 41A and Figure 41B Describe the construction of cam 633. Figure 41A and Figure 41B This is an explanatory diagram of cam 633. Figure 41B It shows that cam 633 has been removed from Figure 41A The state shown is rotated 180 degrees.

[0261] The cam 633 is a disc-shaped member rotatable about an axis 633b extending in the X direction, and has gear teeth 633a formed on its outer peripheral surface. The gear teeth 633a mesh with a gear 634, and the rotation of the gear 634 causes the cam 633 to rotate. A groove 633c is formed in the side surface of the cam 633, and the outer and inner surfaces of the groove 633c form an outer cam surface 633d and an inner cam surface 633e. A cam follower 637, connected to a drive transmission rod 632, is arranged in the groove 633c. The inner cam surface 633e is located inside the cam follower 637 in the radial direction of the cam 633, and when the cam 633 rotates, the inner cam surface 633e contacts the cam follower 637 and acts to lift the cam follower 637. Furthermore, the outer cam surface 633d is located outside the cam follower 637 in the radial direction of the cam 633, and when the cam 633 rotates, the outer cam surface 633d contacts the cam follower 637 and acts to pull down the cam follower 637.

[0262] The following will refer to Figure 34 , Figure 39 and Figure 40When the cam follower 637 moves up and down due to the rotation of the cam 633, the drive transmission rod 632 rotates about the rotation axis 632a. The drive transmission rod 632 is rotatably connected to the shaft portion 638 provided on the lifting member 631, and the motion of the drive transmission rod 632 is converted into the rising and falling of the lifting member 631. When the cam 633 rotates one full revolution, the cam follower 637 performs one reciprocating motion along the Z direction, and the lifting member 631 similarly performs one reciprocating rising and falling motion via the drive transmission rod 632.

[0263] A plate-shaped lifting member 631 is attached to the side plate 68 of the main body 53 in a manner that allows it to move up and down along the Z direction. Furthermore, two U-shaped support columns 47 extending along the Z direction are fixed to the side plate 68 on the front and rear sides, respectively. The support columns 47 are also attached to the side plate on the -X side, and the main body 53 has a total of four support columns 47 to ensure structural strength. This allows it to support the weight of a large number of containers 200.

[0264] Although the struts 47 are strong, they are also thick. Therefore, if the moving mechanism 63 is arranged further outward from the struts 47 attached to the side plate 68 in the X direction, the dimension in the X direction will increase. For this reason, in this embodiment, the drive mechanisms for, for example, the lifting member 631 and the cam 633 are separated from each other in the Y direction by one of the struts 47. The drive transmission rod 632 is inserted through a through hole 47a provided in one of the struts 47.

[0265] In this way, strength can be ensured, and the moving mechanism 63 of the pressing unit 600 can be arranged while suppressing the increase in the size of the main body 53 in the X direction. Furthermore, the drive transmission rod 632 is attached to the plate-shaped support member 639 that supports the moving mechanism 63. By removing, for example, fastening screws, most of the structure of the moving mechanism 63, together with the support member 639, can be removed as a single unit to the rear of the main body 53. Therefore, maintenance technicians can easily perform parts replacement, etc. Note that if fastening screws or other fastening elements are fixed from the rear of the main body 53, tightening and loosening can be easily performed.

[0266] Each pressing member 60 is subjected to biasing forces from two springs 64 and 65. One end of spring 64 is attached to the pressing member 60, and the other end is attached to the storage section 23A (housing 230). Furthermore, one end of spring 65 is attached to the pressing member 60, and the other end is attached to the lifting member 631. The pressing member 60 is a moving member (specifically, a rotating member), which is attached to the storage section 23A (housing 230) in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis 62 serving as a center of rotation. The rotation axis 62 extends along an axis intersecting the direction of movement (Z direction) of the pressing member 61. Figure 39 and Figure 40During observation, both springs 64 and 65 bias the pressing member 60 along the clockwise rotation direction.

[0267] When the pressing component 60 is in the pressure release position ( Figure 39 When the pressure is released, the lifting member 631 contacts the pressing member 60 and lifts the pressing member, thus the biasing force of the spring 65 acts between the lifting member 631 and the pressing member 60. Therefore, the biasing force of the spring 65 acts only between the lifting member 631 and the pressing member 60, without applying a load to the motor 635. In other words, the load acting on the moving mechanism 63 in the pressure-released position is only the biasing force of the spring 64 and the weight of the components.

[0268] When the pressing member 60 is in the pressure application position ( Figure 40 When the pressure is released, cam 633 is in a phase 180 degrees out of phase with the pressure release position, and the pressing part 61 of the pressing member 60 contacts the container 200 and presses it downward. The pressing distance of the pressing part 61, that is, the amount of rotation of the pressing member 60, varies according to the amount of liquid remaining in the container 200. Figure 40 In the diagram, the top three pressing members 60 are shown as a fully pressed container 200, while the bottom three pressing members 60 are shown as a low-capacity container 200 with almost no remaining liquid. The biasing force of both springs 64 and 65, along with the weight of the components, acts on the container 200. Because springs 64 and 65 are arranged in each storage section 23A, optimal pressing force can be applied to each storage container 200 even if the remaining liquid level in each storage section 23A differs.

[0269] At this time, the biasing force of spring 64 acts on container 200 and not on lifting member 631. The biasing force of spring 65 acts between container 200 and lifting member 631, which are in contact with each other via pressing member 60. Cam 633 acts to pull lifting member 631 down from container 200. In this way, by utilizing two springs 64 and 65 attached at different positions and cam 633, which can move up and down, the load applied to moving mechanism 63 during operation is reduced.

[0270] Furthermore, at the pressure application position, when the remaining liquid in container 200 is low and the volume of container 200 is small, the tension of springs 64 and 65 is small, thus the pressing force acting on container 200 is also small. When the remaining liquid in container 200 is high, it is easy to experience a reaction force from container 200 during pressing, requiring a larger pressing force to press deeply. Conversely, when the remaining liquid is low, the reaction force from container 200 is small, so even a small pressing force can easily deform container 200 and move the liquid inside the container. Therefore, springs 64 and 65 are positioned where the pressing force decreases as the volume of container 200 decreases. This eliminates the need for the spring bias force to be greater than necessary. In this embodiment, the load applied to the pressing part 61 is adjusted to, for example, approximately 500 gf when container 200 is full, and approximately 300 gf when there is almost no remaining liquid.

[0271] The following will refer to Figure 42 and Figure 43 Describe the construction of the pressing member 60. Figure 42 This is a perspective view showing the support unit and the housing with stirring function separated. Figure 43 This is a perspective view of the support unit and the housing with stirring function in the installed state.

[0272] The pressing member 60 has a pair of side plates 60a located on opposite sides of the housing 230 in the X direction, and a top plate 60b connecting the pair of side plates 60a in a manner that extends across the housing 230 in the X direction. The pressing member 60 is rotatably supported by the side plates 60a of the housing 230 via a rotation shaft 62, and a pressing portion 61 is formed at the front end of the top plate 60b.

[0273] Each side plate 60a is provided with a locking part 60c and an abutment part 60d. The end of the spring 64 is locked to the locking part, and the end of the spring 65 is locked to the abutment part. When the lifting member 631 is raised, the abutment part abuts against the lifting member 631, thereby causing the pressing member 60 to rotate. Both the locking part 60c and the abutment part 60d are formed in the form of protrusions protruding along the X direction.

[0274] A remaining volume detection sensor 230A is disposed on one side of the housing 230. The remaining volume detection sensor 230A is, for example, an optical sensor. The remaining volume detection sensor 230A is a position detection sensor that detects the side plate 60a to detect the position of the pressing part 61, and detects the remaining volume of the container 200 based on the position detection result. Specifically, the detection position of the remaining volume detection sensor 230A is arranged so that the sensor can detect the position of the side plate 60a when the container 200, whose volume has decreased due to the reduction in remaining volume, is pressed. This utilizes the fact that the amount of pressure applied during pressing varies according to the degree of volume reduction of the container 200. In this embodiment, since the pressing part 61 is in contact with the container 200, the position of the side plate 60a reflects the remaining amount of liquid in the container 200, and therefore the remaining volume detection accuracy is high. The detection position of the remaining volume detection sensor 230A is designed such that the side plate 60a is detected when the container with a remaining volume of approximately 100 ml is pressed.

[0275] The pressing member 60 can be made of, for example, a metal plate (e.g., steel plate). Because it is thinner yet stronger than materials such as resin, the height of the storage section 23A can be reduced. The rotation axis 62 of the pressing member 60 is positioned on the outside of the container 200 in the X direction, and is located at a position where the rotation axis 62 overlaps with the container 200 in the X direction when the container 200 is full. By taking these measures to reduce the dimensions in the Z direction, even when the pressing member 60 is installed in each layer of the storage section 23A to provide a stirring function, the multi-layered container 200 can be stored in the limited space below the outer casing of the system B.

[0276] Furthermore, the width of the pressing member 60 in the X direction is shorter at the pressing part 61 than near the rotation axis 62. This prevents any part other than the pressing part 61 from contacting the container 200 when the can is pressed with the pressing part 61, and prevents damage to the container 200.

[0277] Making the width of the pressing member 60 in the X direction shorter at the pressing portion 61 than near the rotation axis 62 has advantages such as the following. As described above, the container 200 has inner crotches 202a on both sides. The inner crotches 202a include a welded portion located between the flexible members and have higher rigidity than other portions. In order to reduce the volume of the container 200 by folding the inner crotches 202a inward in response to a decrease in the amount of liquid remaining, an appropriate pressing force is required. When the amount of liquid remaining in the container 200 is large, the inner crotches 202a unfolds in the vertical direction, and there is a situation where the inner crotches 202a bulges outward rather than inward. An appropriate pressing force is required to flatten the inner crotches 202a.

[0278] By arranging the pressing part 61 inside the inner crotch portion 202a in the X direction, the container 200 can be effectively pressed and deformed for stirring. Specifically, the pressing part 61 is configured to press the central area of ​​the container 200 rather than towards the inner crotch portion 202a, and the most extended portion of the container 200 is pressed. The height of the inner crotch portions 202a on both sides is, for example, about 20 mm, and because the pressing part 61 is located inside the inner crotch portions 202a on both sides, it is less susceptible to the reaction force of the inner crotch portions 202a and can effectively press the container 200. By designing the width of the pressing part 61 in the X direction to fall within, for example, 10 mm or more inside the inner crotch portion 202a, more efficient pressing can be achieved. This is because the farther the pressing part 61 is separated from the inner crotch portion 202a in the X direction, the smaller the effect of the reaction force of the inner crotch portion 202a.

[0279] To minimize the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction, for example, the pressing portion 61 can be shaped to contact the container 200 at a single point. However, as in this embodiment where the container 200 extends along the Y direction, if the pressing portion 61 is shaped to contact the container 200 at a single point, the fluid movement of the liquid within the container 200 may be reduced. Specifically, if the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction is too small, the flow of the pushed liquid in the pressed container 200 will also be dispersed outward along the X direction, and the amount of liquid flowing along the Y direction will be correspondingly reduced.

[0280] Therefore, for example, if the width of the pressing part 61 in the X direction is set to be at least one-third of the width of the bag 202 of the container 200 in the X direction, the fluid movement of the liquid in the bag 202 in the Y direction during pressing can be improved. For example, if the width of the bag 202 in the X direction is 180 mm, the width of the pressing part 61 in the X direction can be set to 60 mm or more to improve the fluid movement of the liquid in the bag 202 in the Y direction during pressing.

[0281] In summary, when the width of the bag 202 in the X direction is 180 mm and the height of the crotch portion 202a is 20 mm, the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction is appropriately between 60 mm and 120 mm, and can be particularly 90 mm.

[0282] (Stirring operation)

[0283] The following will refer to Figures 44A to 44C The description describes the agitation of the liquid inside the container 200 caused by the pressing part 61 pressing against the container 200. Figures 44A to 44C This is an illustration of the stirring operation. (For example...) Figure 38 As shown, in this embodiment, the container support unit 24 is installed at an angle. Figures 44A to 44CIn this context, the direction parallel to the tilt angle of this installation posture is defined as the Y' direction. In the following description, the side of the outlet member 201 of the container 200 may be referred to as the -Y' direction, and the opposite side as the +Y' direction. Note that... Figures 44A to 44C The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of liquid flow occurring within bag 202 of container 200.

[0284] In this embodiment, the stirring operation consists of a pressing operation and a pressure release operation. The pressing part 61 is arranged facing the placement surface 41 of the container support unit 24. The pressing part 61 reciprocates between a pressure release position and a pressure application position. This deforms the bag 202, thereby causing the internal liquid to flow and be stirred.

[0285] Figure 44A The pressing part 61 (and pressing member 60) in the pressure-released position are shown. In this embodiment, in the pressure-released position, the pressing part 61 is separated from the placement surface 41 and located at a height where it will not contact the bag 202, and will not press the bag 202. Therefore, the pressure-released position can also be referred to as the non-pressing position.

[0286] from Figure 44A The state-driven moving mechanism 63 shown is used to perform actions such as Figure 44B The pressing operation is shown in the diagram. During the pressing operation, the pressing member 60 rotates so that the pressing part 61 moves from the pressure release position to a position closer to the placement surface 41 and presses the bag 202 toward the placement surface 41. This deforms the bag 202, thereby causing the internal liquid to flow and be agitated.

[0287] In this embodiment, the container 200 is installed in an inclined position to the storage section 23A, wherein the outlet member 201 is inclined downward in the Z direction. Therefore, in Figure 44A In the stage shown, the liquid in container 200 tends to distribute unevenly toward outlet member 201 due to its weight, and bag 202 bulges more in the Y' direction on the side of outlet member 201 than at the center. At the ends 42 and 43 of container 200, pressing portions 61 are designed to press against the end 43 where the outlet member 201 is located. Since the pressing portions 61 press against the bulge of bag 202 or the portion near the bulge, the flow of liquid in bag 202 can be promoted.

[0288] Because the pressing part 61 presses the bag 202 on the side close to the outlet member 201, stirring can be effectively performed when the liquid flows to the opposite side. When viewed from the pressing part 61 along the Y' direction of the container 200, the rotation axis 62 of the pressing member 60 is located on the side opposite to the outlet member 201. During the pressing operation, Figure 44BThe rotation direction of the pressing member 60 is clockwise. By setting the rotation direction in this way, a vector pointing in the +Y' direction is generated, making it easier for the liquid to flow in the +Y' direction. In other words, the liquid easily flows to the side of the bag 202 opposite to the side of the outlet member 201.

[0289] As described above, in this embodiment, the pressing part 61 is designed to press the end 43 side where the outlet member 201 is disposed, in the ends 42 and 43 of the container 200. The bag 202 is pressed near the inlet port 203 of the container 200, and this particularly promotes the agitation of the liquid in that area. During recording, the liquid in the container 200 flows out from the area near the inlet port 203 into the tube 51. By pressing near the inlet port 203 and agitating the liquid, a more uniformly concentrated liquid can be delivered into the tube 51.

[0290] from Figure 44B The state-driven moving mechanism 63 shown is used to perform a pressure relief operation, such as Figure 44C As shown. During the pressure release operation, the pressing member 60 rotates to return the pressing part 61 from the pressure application position to the pressure release position. When the pressure is released, the liquid in the bag 202 flows and the bag 202 attempts to return to its original shape. The pressing operation can then be performed again.

[0291] By repeatedly pressing and releasing the pressure, the liquid in bag 202 is agitated. In other words, when... Figure 44B When the pressing part 61 is in the pressure-released position, liquid flows along the +Y' direction near the pressing part 61 of the container 200, and the side of the container 200 opposite to the outlet member 201 bulges. Thereafter, when... Figure 44C When the pressure is released, the ink, which was initially pressed, flows along the -Y' direction due to its own weight. By repeatedly pressing and releasing the pressure, the liquid inside bag 202 moves back and forth along the Y' direction and is agitated. The liquid flow caused by the pressure release operation utilizes the weight of the liquid. Utilizing the weight of the liquid simplifies the mechanism required for agitating the liquid.

[0292] When repeating the stirring operation, the stirring performance of the liquid can be adjusted by changing the cycle. During the pressure release operation, the liquid flow in bag 202 is slightly delayed after the pressing member 60 rotates. The higher the fluidity of the liquid during the pressure release operation, the greater the stirring effect. Furthermore, when the pressing operation is performed after the liquid has flowed sufficiently, the amount of liquid contained in bag 202 increases near the pressing part 61, causing bag 202 to bulge, and pressing this area further improves the stirring performance. The cycle of the stirring operation is, for example, below a few hertz, especially below 1 hertz. If the cycle of the stirring operation is too slow, the total stirring time may increase, thereby increasing the power consumption of motor 635. Therefore, the cycle of the stirring operation can be, for example, in the range of 0.5 Hz to 0.7 Hz, especially 0.6 Hz.

[0293] Furthermore, as the remaining amount decreases and the volume of container 200 decreases, the ink on the upper side (+Y' side) of the tilted container 200 flows to the -Y' side due to its own weight, reducing the amount of ink contained in that section. On the other hand, liquid accumulates on the lower side (-Y' side). In this state, the distance the liquid flows along the +Y' direction during the pressing operation is short, and the time required for the liquid to return during the pressure release operation is also short. Therefore, as the remaining amount of liquid in container 200 decreases, the cycle of the stirring operation can also be shortened.

[0294] During the stirring operation, pressing and releasing operations can be repeated, with a time interval between each pressure release and the next pressing operation. After a pressure release operation, sufficient time can be provided for the liquid to flow within bag 202 before the next pressing operation begins, and the liquid can be further encouraged to flow due to its own weight.

[0295] Several methods exist for adjusting the cycle of the stirring operation. One method utilizes a rest angle, which is the range within which the cam follower 637 will not shift even when the cam 633 rotates and contacts the inner cam surface 633e or the outer cam surface 633d. For example, the rest angle at the highest point of the cam follower 637 is set to 40 degrees, and the rest angle at the lowest point is also set to 40 degrees. Specifically, by ensuring that the rest angle at the highest point is 40 degrees, the pressure-released position can be maintained.

[0296] Furthermore, the indexing angle of the cam follower 637, which moves up or down, can be set relatively large, for example, 140 degrees. This reduces the load acting on the cam 633 when it rotates and also allows the connected pressing member 60 to transition slowly from the pressing state to the pressure-released position, thus ensuring that the ink has time to move to the vicinity of the pressing part 61. This allows the ink to move sufficiently when the pressure is released, thereby enhancing the mixing effect.

[0297] Another method is to temporarily stop motor 635 in the pressure-relieved position. If the motor stops for a period of time equivalent to a 40-degree repose angle, the repose angle can be made smaller, and the indexing angle can be made larger, thereby further reducing the load on the cam rotation.

[0298] The stirring operation can be performed at any time, such as during the supply of liquid to the liquid jetting device 1, during the recovery operation performed on the jetting head 8 in the liquid jetting device 1, or during the standby recording operation. The timing of the stirring operation is substantially unaffected by the operation of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B or the liquid jetting device 1.

[0299] The stirring time cycle for repeated stirring operations can be based on the duration or number of operations. For example, a stirring operation can be performed once a day, with each cycle lasting several tens of minutes. As another example, a stirring operation can be performed once a day, with each cycle consisting of dozens of repetitions. The required stirring time period and execution timing can be set taking into account the settling rate of the coloring material in the liquid.

[0300] As referenced above Figure 38 The container 200 and container support unit 24 are installed in the storage section 23A and are tilted relative to the horizontal plane in the installed state. For the purpose of effectively agitating the liquid, it is advantageous that the tilt angle is less than 45 degrees, and more advantageously less than 10 degrees. Figure 38 In the example, the tilt angle is assumed to be 3 degrees.

[0301] Although it is feasible to agitate by pressure even at tilt angles close to 90 degrees, the weight of the ink acts in the direction that resists the liquid flow generated by pressing. Therefore, a greater pressing force is required to ensure sufficient liquid flow. When the tilt angle is less than 45 degrees, the vector of liquid flow in the -Y direction due to liquid weight becomes relatively small. Regarding the amount of bulging of the -Y side portion of bag 202 during pressing, a larger bulge can be obtained with a smaller pressing force if the tilt angle is less than 10 degrees. The greater the expansion of bag 202 when pressed, the greater the amount of liquid flowing into the inside. In other words, the pressing efficiency is good.

[0302] Note that in this embodiment, the pressing part 61 is located at a height that does not contact the bag 202 in the pressure release position, but it can also contact the bag 202, and it can be located at a position where the pressing part 61 presses the bag 202 with a smaller pressure than in the pressure application position. In this way, if the pressing member 60 is in a state of small pressure in the pressure release position, the upper limit position of the pressing member 60 in the Z direction can be kept low, and the dimensions of the liquid storage devices 40A and 40B in the Z direction can be reduced.

[0303] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing member 60 is provided on the housing 230 of the storage unit 23A, but the pressing member 60 may also be provided on the container support unit 24. In this case, when the container support unit 24 is mounted to the storage unit 23A, a structure can be added that enables drive transmission between the moving mechanism 63 and the pressing member 60.

[0304] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container 200 is pressed by the pressing part 61, but for example, the container 200 can also be deformed by repeatedly blowing in and stopping compressed air. In addition, the space around the container 200 can be pressurized or depressurized to deform the container 200.

[0305] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it has been described that in the first stirring of ink for ink with a relatively fast colorant settling rate, the ink is stirred by a movement that deforms the container, while in the second stirring of ink for ink with a relatively fast colorant settling rate, the ink is stirred by a larger movement that changes the posture of the container 200 and causes the ink to exchange up and down.

[0306] However, the present invention is not limited to these methods. For example, such as Figure 45 As shown, two containers 200 can be connected by a pipe, and in both the first and second stirring, the ink can be moved back and forth between the two containers by a pump P to perform stirring.

[0307] Other embodiments

[0308] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to implement the functions of one or more of the above embodiments, and / or the computer includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for implementing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by means of a computer of the system or device through methods such as reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to implement the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or controlling the one or more circuits to implement the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), the memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (e.g., an optical disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD)).TM ), one or more of a flash memory device, a memory card, etc.

[0309] Other embodiments

[0310] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs / instructions) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads out and executes the computer program.

[0311] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid mixing device, comprising: A first storage device, the first storage device being used to store a first liquid; A first stirring device is used to stir the first liquid in the first storage device by causing the first storage device to perform a first motion. A second storage device is used to store a second liquid that is different from the first liquid; and A second stirring device is used to stir the second liquid in the second storage device by causing the second storage device to perform a second motion different from the first motion.

2. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The first liquid is a liquid containing particles of coloring material, and The second liquid is a liquid containing particles that are larger in size and have a higher specific gravity than the first liquid.

3. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, Both the first liquid and the second liquid are inks containing pigments.

4. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The second liquid is white ink.

5. The liquid stirring device according to claim 4, in, The white ink contains titanium oxide.

6. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The second liquid is a liquid containing metal powder.

7. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The first stirring device causes the first storage device to perform a movement that deforms the first storage device without moving the first storage device in position, the movement being the first movement.

8. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The second stirring device causes the second storage device to perform a movement for changing the posture of the second storage device and moving the second storage device in position, said movement being the second movement.

9. The liquid stirring device according to claim 8, in, The second stirring device causes the second storage device to perform a motion for rotating the second storage device, the motion being the second motion.

10. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, At least one of the first stirring device and the second stirring device stirs the liquid by moving the liquid between a plurality of storage devices storing the liquid.

11. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The first liquid and the second liquid are supplied to a liquid jetting device, which includes a jetting head for performing liquid jetting and a recovery unit for restoring the jetting performance of the jetting head. At least one of the first storage device and the second storage device is arranged in one of the following ways: below the recovery unit, or below the area where the jet head performs scanning.

12. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, Multiple first storage devices are arranged in multiple layers stacked on top of each other.

13. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, in, The second storage device is arranged above the first storage device.

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