Liquid supply unit and liquid ejecting apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid supply unit and a liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid supply unit includes: a liquid storage portion capable of storing a liquid; a supply flow path through which the liquid in the liquid storage part flows out; an opening and closing part for opening and closing the supply flow path; and a posture changing unit that changes the posture of the liquid storage unit in accordance with the remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid storage unit, and the opening and closing unit opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with the change in the posture of the liquid storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid supply unit and a liquid ejection device having the liquid supply unit. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there exists an ink supply device as an example of a liquid supply unit. The ink supply device includes an ink receiving section as an example of a liquid storage section, an ink flow channel as an example of a supply flow channel, and a float valve. The ink receiving section receives ink injected from the ink injection port. The ink receiving section delivers ink from the communication port to the ink flow channel.

[0003] A float valve is located inside the ink reservoir. The float valve rises and opens the connection when the ink reservoir is fully filled with ink. When the remaining ink level decreases, the float valve closes the connection.

[0004] The ink supply device in Patent Document 1 draws liquid from the liquid reservoir by applying negative pressure to the ink channel. Therefore, a float valve that closes the connection port may be attached to the connection port. To open the ink channel, the float valve needs to generate buoyancy greater than the negative pressure of the ink channel. However, increasing the buoyancy by enlarging the float valve requires a structure that positions the float valve within the ink receiving section, potentially complicating the structure.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-193616 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The liquid supply unit for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a liquid storage section capable of storing liquid; a supply channel for allowing liquid to flow out of the liquid storage section; an opening and closing section for opening and closing the supply channel; and an attitude change section that changes the attitude of the liquid storage section according to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section, wherein the opening and closing section opens and closes the supply channel in accordance with the attitude change of the liquid storage section.

[0007] The liquid ejection device that solves the above problems includes a liquid supply unit with the above structure and a liquid ejection section capable of ejecting liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device.

[0009] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the liquid supply unit.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid supply unit.

[0011] Figure 4A three-dimensional view of the supply channel.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the opening and closing parts.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid retention section.

[0014] Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the liquid storage section and the opening and closing section for supplying the liquid.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid retention section.

[0016] Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the liquid reservoir and the opening / closing section in a closed configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the liquid supply unit and the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, as an example of a liquid, onto media such as paper, cloth, vinyl resin, plastic parts, and metal parts for printing.

[0018] Liquid ejection device

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection section 12 and a liquid supply unit 13.

[0020] The liquid ejection section 12 is capable of ejecting liquid. The liquid ejection section 12 performs printing on the medium 14 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 14. The liquid ejection section 12 has a nozzle surface 16 that opens to one or more nozzles 15. The liquid ejection section 12 ejects liquid from the nozzles 15.

[0021] Liquid supply unit

[0022] The liquid supply unit 13 may include a liquid storage section 18, a supply channel 19, a supply pump 20, a first detection section 21 as an example of a detection section, and a second detection section 22 as an example of a detection section.

[0023] The liquid storage section 18 is capable of storing liquid.

[0024] The upstream end of the supply channel 19 in the supply direction D is connected to the liquid reservoir 18. Liquid in the liquid reservoir 18 flows out into the supply channel 19. The downstream end of the supply channel 19 in the supply direction D is connected to the liquid ejection section 12. The supply channel 19 supplies the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 18 to the liquid ejection section 12.

[0025] A supply pump 20 is disposed in the supply channel 19. The supply pump 20 supplies liquid drawn from the liquid reservoir 18 to the liquid ejection section 12. The supply pump 20 may include a first check valve 24, a second check valve 25, a flexible diaphragm 26, a pump chamber 27, a pressure chamber 28, a spring 29, and a pressure reducing source 30.

[0026] A first check valve 24 is positioned upstream of the pump chamber 27 in the supply direction D. A second check valve 25 is positioned downstream of the pump chamber 27 in the supply direction D. Both the first check valve 24 and the second check valve 25 allow liquid to flow downstream in the supply direction D. They also restrict the upstream flow of liquid in the supply direction D.

[0027] A flexible diaphragm 26 separates the pump chamber 27 from the pressure chamber 28. The flexible diaphragm 26 is flexible. The flexible diaphragm 26 deforms according to the pressure difference between the pump chamber 27 and the pressure chamber 28, thereby changing the volume of the pump chamber 27.

[0028] Spring 29 is disposed within pressure chamber 28. Spring 29 presses against flexible diaphragm 26 in the direction that reduces the volume of pump chamber 27.

[0029] The pressure reducing source 30 can reduce the pressure in the pressure chamber 28. By reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber 28, the pressure reducing source 30 increases the volume of the pump chamber 27. When the volume of the pump chamber 27 increases, the supply pump 20 draws liquid from the liquid reservoir 18. When the pressure reducing source 30 releases the pressure in the pressure chamber 28, the spring 29 presses against the flexible diaphragm 26. The spring 29 reduces the volume of the pump chamber 27, thereby squeezing out the liquid within the pump chamber 27. The pressure reducing source 30 drives the supply pump 20 by alternately performing pressure reduction and release within the pressure chamber 28.

[0030] The first detection unit 21 can be provided in the supply channel 19. The first detection unit 21 detects the pressure between the liquid storage section 18 and the supply pump 20.

[0031] A second detection unit 22 can be provided in the supply pump 20. The second detection unit 22 detects the displacement of the flexible diaphragm 26. The second detection unit 22 indirectly detects the pressure upstream of the supply pump 20. Specifically, when the supply pump 20 is driven while the supply of liquid from the liquid reservoir 18 has stopped, the negative pressure upstream of the supply pump 20 increases. Therefore, even if the pressure chamber 28 is depressurized, the flexible diaphragm 26 cannot displace in a way that increases the volume of the pump chamber 27. Therefore, by having the second detection unit 22 detect the displacement of the flexible diaphragm 26, it is possible to determine whether liquid is being supplied to the supply pump 20.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, the liquid supply unit 13 is placed on a horizontal plane. The direction of gravity is represented by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are represented by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also called the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also called the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also called the vertical direction Z.

[0033] The liquid supply unit 13 may include an attitude change unit 32 and a positioning unit 33. The attitude change unit 32 changes the attitude of the liquid storage unit 18 according to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 18. The attitude change unit 32 may include a holding unit 34, a rotating shaft 35, and a counterweight 36.

[0034] The holding part 34 holds the liquid reservoir 18. The holding part 34 can support the rotation shaft 35. The rotation shaft 35 can extend in the width direction X. The rotation shaft 35 supports the liquid reservoir 18 in a rotatable manner. That is, the liquid reservoir 18 is supported by the holding part 34 via the rotation shaft 35. The liquid reservoir 18 can change its posture by rotating about the rotation shaft 35 as a fulcrum. Rotation refers to rotation about the axis, and refers to rotation with a rotatable angle of less than 360 degrees.

[0035] The positioning part 33 may also be provided on the holding part 34. The positioning part 33 defines the range of attitude change of the liquid storage part 18. The positioning part 33 defines the range of rotation of the liquid storage part 18.

[0036] Liquid storage section

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid reservoir 18 may have a front wall 38, a rear wall 39, an upper wall 40, a bottom wall 41, and a recess 42.

[0038] The front wall 38 is the wall located at the front in the depth direction Y. The rear wall 39 is the wall located at the rear in the depth direction Y. The upper wall 40 is the wall located at the top in the vertical direction Z. The bottom wall 41 is the wall located at the bottom in the vertical direction Z. The recessed portion 42 is the portion that is recessed rearward in the depth direction Y relative to the front wall 38 and recessed upward in the vertical direction Z relative to the bottom wall 41.

[0039] The counterweight 36 can be installed on the liquid reservoir 18. The counterweight 36 can be located in the recess 42. The counterweight 36 can be located rearward of the front wall 38. The counterweight 36 can be located above the bottom wall 41.

[0040] The liquid reservoir 18 may have a cover 44, a reservoir 45, an inlet 46, and a supply inlet 47.

[0041] The cover 44 is configured to move between a closed position that seals the inlet 46 and an open position that opens the inlet 46. When the cover 44 is in the open position, liquid can be injected into the inlet 46. If the cover 44 is configured to rotate about its rear end in the depth direction Y, liquid can be easily injected into the inlet 46 from the foreground.

[0042] The retention chamber 45 is capable of retaining liquid injected from the inlet 46. The supply channel 19 can be constructed of a pipe. The supply channel 19 can be connected to the liquid retention section 18 by being inserted into the retention chamber 45 from the supply port 47. The inlet 46 and the supply port 47 can be provided on the upper wall 40. The liquid retention section 18 can hold the upstream end 19a of the inserted supply channel 19 at the bottom of the retention chamber 45. For example, a groove for embedding the supply channel 19 can be formed at the bottom of the retention chamber 45.

[0043] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the portion of the supply channel 19 located outside the retention chamber 45 can pass below the liquid retention section 18. The supply channel 19 can pass below the rotation shaft 35. The holding section 34 can hold the supply channel 19.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid supply unit 13 may also include an opening / closing section 49 and a position adjustment section 50.

[0045] An opening / closing part 49 is provided on the liquid storage section 18. The opening / closing part 49 may be provided on the bottom wall 41. The opening / closing part 49 may protrude downwards from the bottom wall 41. The opening / closing part 49 moves with changes in the orientation of the liquid storage section 18. The opening / closing part 49 can open and close the supply channel 19. The opening / closing part 49 may be positioned in the depth direction Y between the rotating shaft 35 and the counterweight 36. The opening / closing part 49 opens and closes the supply channel 19 at the position between the rotating shaft 35 and the counterweight 36.

[0046] The position adjustment unit 50 can adjust the position of the opening / closing part 49 relative to the liquid reservoir 18 in the direction of rotation of the opening / closing part 49. The position adjustment unit 50 can be, for example, constructed from an elongated hole and a screw formed on the opening / closing part 49. The position adjustment unit 50 can change the length from the top of the opening / closing part 49 to the bottom wall 41.

[0047] The function of this implementation method

[0048] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0049] like Figure 6As shown, the center of gravity G of the liquid reservoir 18 changes depending on the remaining amount of liquid stored. When the remaining amount is large, the center of gravity G is located behind the rotation axis 35 in the depth direction Y. Therefore, the liquid reservoir 18 adopts a supply posture with the rear wall 39 lowered and the front wall 38 raised. For example, when the liquid level 52 is located above the counterweight 36, the liquid reservoir 18 adopts a supply posture.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, when the liquid storage section 18 is in a supply position, the opening / closing section 49 opens the supply channel 19. That is, the supply channel 19 is in a state where liquid can flow. The liquid storage section 18 in the supply position can supply liquid.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, when liquid is supplied from the liquid reservoir 18 and the remaining amount of liquid decreases, the liquid level 52 drops. As the remaining amount decreases, the center of gravity G of the liquid reservoir 18 moves downward in the vertical direction Z and forward in the depth direction Y.

[0052] like Figure 8 As shown by the double-dotted line, when the liquid level 52 further decreases, the center of gravity G crosses the rotation axis 35 in the depth direction Y. When the center of gravity G is located in front of the rotation axis 35 in the depth direction Y, the liquid reservoir 18 rotates and changes its posture. That is, the liquid reservoir 18 adopts a closed posture with the front wall 38 lowered and the rear wall 39 raised. The liquid reservoir 18 rotates around the rotation axis 35, which serves as a fulcrum, by changing the position of the center of gravity G of the liquid reservoir 18 according to the remaining amount. Preferably, when the liquid reservoir 18 is in a closed posture, the liquid level 52 is located above the upstream end 19a of the supply channel 19.

[0053] like Figure 9 As shown, when the liquid reservoir 18 is in a closed position, the opening / closing part 49 closes the supply channel 19. The opening / closing part 49 presses and closes the supply channel 19 by rotating together with the liquid reservoir 18 around the rotation axis 35, which serves as a fulcrum. In this embodiment, the opening / closing part 49 closes the supply channel 19 passing below it by pressing it from above. The portion of the supply channel 19 pressed by the opening / closing part 49 can be made of a silicone tube. The opening / closing part 49 can close the supply channel 19 by flattening the silicone tube.

[0054] When the supply channel 19 is closed, the supply of liquid from the liquid reservoir 18 stops. The first detection unit 21 detects the pressure between the closed position of the opening / closing unit 49 (closing the supply channel 19) and the supply pump 20. The second detection unit 22 indirectly detects the pressure between the closed position and the supply pump 20. The supply pump 20 is located downstream of the closed position in the supply direction D. By detecting the pressure between the closed position and the supply pump 20, the first and second detection units 21 and 22 can detect the state of the liquid reservoir 18. When the liquid reservoir 18 is detected to be in a closed state, the liquid dispensing device 11 prompts the user to replenish the liquid.

[0055] When liquid is added to the closed liquid reservoir 18, the liquid level 52 rises. As the remaining amount increases, the center of gravity G of the liquid reservoir 18 moves upward in the vertical direction Z and backward in the depth direction Y.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, when the center of gravity G is located behind the center of gravity in the depth direction Y compared to the rotation axis 35, the liquid reservoir 18 rotates and changes its posture. That is, the liquid reservoir 18 adopts a supply posture with the rear wall 39 lowered and the front wall 38 raised. When the liquid reservoir 18 is in the supply posture, the opening and closing part 49 opens the supply channel 19. The opening and closing part 49 opens and closes the supply channel 19 according to the change in the posture of the liquid reservoir 18.

[0057] Effects of this implementation method

[0058] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0059] (1-1) The attitude change unit 32 changes the attitude of the liquid storage unit 18 according to the remaining amount of liquid. The opening and closing unit 49 opens and closes the supply channel 19 according to the change in attitude of the liquid storage unit 18. Therefore, the liquid supply unit 13 opens and closes the supply channel 19 according to the remaining amount of liquid, thereby simplifying the structure of the liquid storage unit 18.

[0060] (1-2) The liquid reservoir 18 can be easily changed in attitude by rotating around a pivot point. The attitude change unit 32 has a counterweight 36. Therefore, the position of the center of gravity G of the liquid reservoir 18 can be easily adjusted.

[0061] (1-3) The opening / closing part 49 rotates together with the liquid reservoir 18. By pressing the supply channel 19 with the rotating opening / closing part 49, the supply channel 19 can be quickly closed. Therefore, the possibility of air being supplied from the liquid reservoir 18 when the remaining amount is decreasing can be reduced.

[0062] (1-4) The opening and closing part 49 provided on the liquid storage part 18 presses the supply channel 19 from above to close it. Therefore, the supply channel 19 can be easily closed by utilizing the weight of the liquid storage part 18 and the opening and closing part 49.

[0063] (1-5) The opening and closing part 49 is located between the fulcrum and the counterweight 36. Therefore, the opening and closing part 49 can open the supply channel 19 when there is a large amount of remaining material, and close the supply channel 19 when there is a small amount of remaining material.

[0064] (1-6) For example, if a user accidentally touches the counterweight 36, the center of gravity G may shift, preventing the supply channel 19 from being properly closed. In this regard, the counterweight 36 is located in the recess 42. Therefore, compared to the case where the counterweight 36 protrudes from the liquid reservoir 18, the possibility of the user touching the counterweight 36 can be reduced.

[0065] (1-7) At least a portion of the supply channel 19 is made of silicone tubing. The opening and closing part 49 can easily close the supply channel 19 by flattening the silicone tubing. The silicone tubing is elastic and durable. Therefore, even if the opening and closing part 49 is repeatedly pressed against the supply channel 19, the supply channel 19 can be opened by removing the opening and closing part 49 from the supply channel 19.

[0066] (1-8) The position adjustment unit 50 can adjust the position of the opening and closing part 49 in the direction of rotation of the opening and closing part 49. Therefore, the amount of pressure applied to the supply channel 19 by the rotating opening and closing part 49 can be easily adjusted.

[0067] (1-9) The positioning unit 33 defines the range of attitude changes of the liquid storage unit 18. Therefore, it can reduce the possibility of attitude changes beyond what is expected.

[0068] (1-10) The liquid reservoir 18 has an inlet 46. The orientation of the liquid reservoir 18 changes depending on the amount of liquid remaining. Therefore, for example, a user can change the orientation of the liquid reservoir 18 by injecting liquid from the inlet 46.

[0069] (1-11) The first detection unit 21 detects the pressure of the liquid between the closed position and the supply pump 20. When the opening and closing part 49 closes the supply channel 19, the negative pressure between the closed position and the supply pump 20 increases. Therefore, by having the first detection unit 21 detect the pressure, it is possible to detect that the opening and closing part 49 has closed the supply channel 19.

[0070] (1-12) The second detection unit 22 detects the displacement of the flexible membrane 26. When the opening and closing part 49 closes the supply channel 19, the flexible membrane 26 cannot move. Therefore, by having the second detection unit 22 detect the displacement of the flexible membrane 26, it is possible to detect the situation where the opening and closing part 49 closes the supply channel 19.

[0071] Change Example

[0072] This embodiment can be implemented with modifications as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0073] • The liquid supply unit 13 may also be structured without at least one of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22.

[0074] The liquid supply unit 13 may also include an attitude detection unit that directly detects the attitude of the liquid reservoir 18. The liquid supply unit 13 may also stop the drive of the supply pump 20 when it detects that the liquid reservoir 18 has become closed.

[0075] The liquid supply unit 13 may also include a remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 18. The attitude change unit 32 may, for example, use a solenoid or the like to press the liquid reservoir 18 or use a motor or the like to rotate the liquid reservoir 18, thereby changing the attitude of the liquid reservoir 18. The attitude change unit 32 may also change the liquid reservoir 18 to a closed attitude when the remaining amount of liquid stored in the supplied liquid reservoir 18 is below a threshold value.

[0076] • The liquid supply unit 13 may also be configured without the supply pump 20. The liquid supply unit 13 may also supply liquid by means of a liquid level difference.

[0077] The supply pump 20 can also be a pipe pump, gear pump, piston pump, etc.

[0078] • The liquid reservoir 18 may also be without the inlet 46. The liquid reservoir 18 may also be a replaceable box.

[0079] • The liquid supply unit 13 may also be configured without the positioning part 33.

[0080] • The liquid supply unit 13 may also be configured without the position adjustment section 50. The opening and closing section 49 may also be integrally formed with the liquid storage section 18.

[0081] • As long as the portion of the supply channel 19 located in the closed position can be sealed, the other portions can also be rigid. The portion of the supply channel 19 located in the closed position can also be made of rubber tubing or elastomer tubing.

[0082] The counterweight 36 can also be located at a different position than the recess 42. The counterweight 36 can be suspended from the liquid storage section 18 by a rope, for example. The counterweight 36 can also be provided on the bottom wall 41. The counterweight 36 can also be provided on the upper wall 40. The counterweight 36 can also be provided inside the storage chamber 45. The liquid supply unit 13 can have multiple counterweights 36, or it can be configured without counterweights 36.

[0083] • When the liquid storage section 18 is in the supply posture, the distance between the opening / closing section 49 and the rotating shaft 35 in the depth direction Y can also be longer than the distance between the counterweight 36 and the rotating shaft 35.

[0084] The supply channel 19 may also be located in a different position than below the opening / closing part 49. The opening / closing part 49 may also be closed by pressing the supply channel 19 laterally. The opening / closing part 49 may also be closed by pressing the supply channel 19 from below.

[0085] • The opening / closing section 49 can also be provided independently of the liquid storage section 18. For example, the liquid supply unit 13 can also close the supply channel 19 by the opening / closing section 49 when it detects that the liquid storage section 18 is in a closed state.

[0086] • The opening / closing part 49 may also be provided in the supply channel 19. For example, the opening / closing part 49 may also be a valve that is opened by being pressed. The opening / closing part 49 may also open the supply channel 19 by being pressed by the liquid reservoir 18 in the supply position. When the liquid reservoir 18 is in a closed position and leaves the opening / closing part 49, the opening / closing part 49 can close the supply channel 19.

[0087] • The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a liquid ejection device that sprays or ejects liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device in the form of tiny droplets includes granular, tear-like, and linear tailing states. The liquid referred to here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid can be any state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, including liquids with high or low viscosity, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and molten metals. Liquids include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also liquids formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing functional material particles composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals described in the above embodiments. Here, inks are assumed to include general water-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include those that eject liquids containing electrode materials, color materials, etc., used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, color filters, etc., in a dispersed or dissolved form. Liquid ejection devices can also be devices for ejecting biological organic matter used in biochip manufacturing, devices for ejecting liquids as samples using precision pipettes, dyeing and printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid ejection devices can also be devices for precisely ejecting lubricating oil into precision machinery such as watches and cameras, and devices for ejecting transparent resin liquids such as UV-curable resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc., used in optical communication components. Liquid ejection devices can also be devices for ejecting etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0088] definition

[0089] The term "at least one" as used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. As an example, if the number of options is two, the term "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "both options". As another example, if the number of options is three or more, the term "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option", "a combination of two arbitrary options", or "a combination of three or more arbitrary options".

[0090] Postscript

[0091] The following describes the technical ideas and effects learned based on the above-described implementation methods and modifications.

[0092] [1] The liquid supply unit includes: a liquid storage section capable of storing liquid; a supply channel for the liquid in the liquid storage section to flow out; an opening and closing section for opening and closing the supply channel; and an attitude change section for changing the attitude of the liquid storage section according to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section, wherein the opening and closing section opens and closes the supply channel in accordance with the attitude change of the liquid storage section.

[0093] According to this structure, the attitude change unit changes the attitude of the liquid storage unit based on the remaining liquid level. The opening and closing unit opens and closes the supply channel in response to the attitude change of the liquid storage unit. Therefore, the liquid supply unit can open and close the supply channel based on the remaining liquid level, thereby simplifying the structure of the liquid storage unit.

[0094] [2] In the liquid supply unit of [1] above, it can also be configured such that the attitude change part has a counterweight installed on the liquid storage part, and the liquid storage part rotates around the fulcrum by changing the center position of the liquid storage part according to the remaining amount.

[0095] According to this structure, the liquid reservoir can easily change its posture by rotating around a fulcrum. The posture-changing part has a counterweight. Therefore, the center of gravity position of the liquid reservoir can be easily adjusted.

[0096] [3] In the liquid supply unit of [2] above, it can also be configured such that the opening and closing part is provided on the liquid storage part, and the supply channel is pressed and closed by rotating together with the liquid storage part around the fulcrum.

[0097] In this structure, the opening and closing part rotates together with the liquid reservoir. By pressing the supply channel with the rotating opening and closing part, the supply channel can be quickly closed. Therefore, the possibility of air being introduced from the liquid reservoir where the remaining amount is decreasing can be reduced.

[0098] [4] In the liquid supply unit of [3] above, it can also be configured such that the supply channel passes below the opening and closing part, and the opening and closing part presses the supply channel from above to close it.

[0099] According to this structure, the opening and closing part provided on the liquid reservoir presses down on the supply channel from above to close it. Therefore, the supply channel can be easily closed by utilizing the weight of the liquid reservoir and the opening and closing part.

[0100] [5] In any of the liquid supply units in [2] to [4] above, it can also be configured such that the opening and closing part opens and closes the supply channel at the position between the fulcrum and the counterweight.

[0101] According to this structure, the opening and closing part is located between the fulcrum and the counterweight. Therefore, the opening and closing part can open the supply channel when there is a large amount of supply remaining, and close the supply channel when there is a small amount of supply remaining.

[0102] [6] In any of the liquid supply units in [2] to [5] above, it may also be configured such that the liquid storage part has a recessed part and the counterweight is located in the recessed part.

[0103] For example, if a user accidentally touches the counterweight, the center of gravity may shift, preventing the supply channel from closing properly. In this case, the counterweight is located in a recessed area. Therefore, the likelihood of the user touching the counterweight is reduced compared to the case where the counterweight protrudes from the liquid reservoir.

[0104] [7] In the liquid supply unit of [3] or [4] above, it can also be configured such that the part of the supply channel pressed by the opening and closing part is made of silicone tube.

[0105] According to this structure, at least a portion of the supply channel is made of a silicone tube. The opening and closing part can easily close the supply channel by flattening the silicone tube. The silicone tube is elastic and durable. Therefore, even if the opening and closing part is repeatedly pressed against the supply channel, the supply channel can be opened by removing the opening and closing part from the supply channel.

[0106] [8] The liquid supply unit of any of the above [3], [4], and [7] can also be configured in such a way that it has a position adjustment unit that can adjust the position of the opening and closing part relative to the liquid storage part in the direction of rotation of the opening and closing part.

[0107] According to this structure, the position adjustment unit can adjust the position of the opening and closing part in the direction of rotation of the opening and closing part. Therefore, the amount of pressure exerted by the rotating opening and closing part on the supply channel can be easily adjusted.

[0108] [9] The liquid supply unit of any of the above [1] to [8] can also be configured in the following manner, that is, it has a positioning part, which defines the range of changes in the posture of the liquid storage part.

[0109] According to this structure, the positioning section defines the range of changes in the attitude of the liquid reservoir. Therefore, the possibility of attitude changes exceeding the expected range can be reduced.

[0110]

[10] In any of the liquid supply units in [1] to [9] above, the liquid storage section may be configured such that the liquid storage section has an injection port capable of injecting liquid.

[0111] According to this structure, the liquid reservoir has an inlet. The orientation of the liquid reservoir changes depending on the remaining amount of liquid. Therefore, for example, a user can change the orientation of the liquid reservoir by injecting liquid through the inlet.

[0112]

[11] The liquid supply unit of any of the above [1] to

[10] can also be configured as follows, that is, it includes: a supply pump, which is disposed in the supply channel; and a detection unit, which detects the pressure between the closed position of the opening and closing part that closes the supply channel and the supply pump.

[0113] According to this structure, the detection unit detects the pressure of the liquid between the closed position and the supply pump. When the opening and closing part closes the supply channel, the negative pressure between the closed position and the supply pump increases. Therefore, by having the detection unit detect the pressure, it is possible to detect whether the opening and closing part has closed the supply channel.

[0114]

[12] The liquid supply unit of any of the above [1] to

[11] may also be configured as follows, that is, it includes: a supply pump, which is disposed in the supply channel and has a flexible membrane; and a detection unit that detects the displacement of the flexible membrane.

[0115] According to this structure, the detection unit detects the displacement of the flexible membrane. When the opening and closing part closes the supply channel, the flexible membrane cannot move. Therefore, by having the detection unit detect the displacement of the flexible membrane, it is possible to detect when the opening and closing part closes the supply channel.

[0116]

[13] The liquid ejection device includes a liquid supply unit of any one of [1] to

[12] above and a liquid ejection section capable of ejecting liquid.

[0117] Based on this structure, the same effect as the liquid supply unit described above can be achieved.

[0118] Symbol Explanation

[0119] 11…Liquid ejection device; 12…Liquid ejection section; 13…Liquid supply unit; 14…Medium; 15…Nozzle; 16…Nozzle face; 18…Liquid reservoir; 19…Supply channel; 19a…Upstream end; 20…Supply pump; 21…First detection unit as an example of a detection unit; 22…Second detection unit as an example of a detection unit; 24…First check valve; 25…Second check valve; 26…Flexible diaphragm; 27…Pump chamber; 28…Pressure chamber; 29… …Spring; 30…Pressure relief source; 32…Attitude change part; 33…Positioning part; 34…Holding part; 35…Rotating shaft; 36…Counterweight; 38…Front wall; 39…Rear wall; 40…Upper wall; 41…Bottom wall; 42…Recess; 44…Cover; 45…Storage chamber; 46…Inlet; 47…Supply port; 49…Opening and closing part; 50…Position adjustment part; 52…Liquid level; D…Supply direction; G…Center of gravity; X…Width direction; Y…Depth direction; Z…Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid supply unit, characterized in that, have: A liquid storage section, which is capable of storing liquids; A supply channel for the liquid to flow out of the liquid reservoir; An opening and closing section is used to open and close the supply channel; The attitude change unit changes the attitude of the liquid storage unit according to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit. The opening and closing part opens and closes the supply channel according to the change in the posture of the liquid storage part.

2. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The attitude change unit has a counterweight installed on the liquid storage unit. The liquid reservoir rotates around a fulcrum because the position of its center of gravity changes according to the remaining amount.

3. The liquid supply unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The opening and closing part is disposed on the liquid storage part, and presses and closes the supply channel by rotating together with the liquid storage part around the fulcrum.

4. The liquid supply unit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The supply channel passes below the opening and closing part. The opening and closing part presses down on the supply channel from above to close it.

5. The liquid supply unit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The opening and closing part opens and closes the supply channel at the position between the fulcrum and the counterweight.

6. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage section has a recessed portion. The counterweight is located in the recess.

7. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The portion of the supply channel that is pressed by the opening and closing part is made of silicone tubing.

8. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, It includes a position adjustment unit that can adjust the position of the opening and closing part relative to the liquid storage part in the direction of rotation of the opening and closing part.

9. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a positioning unit that defines the range of changes in the orientation of the liquid storage unit.

10. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid reservoir has an injection port capable of injecting liquid.

11. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, have: A supply pump is disposed in the supply channel; The detection unit detects the pressure between the closed position of the opening and closing part that seals the supply channel and the supply pump.

12. The liquid supply unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, have: A supply pump, which is disposed in the supply channel and has a flexible diaphragm; The detection unit detects the displacement of the flexible membrane.

13. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The liquid supply unit as described in claim 1; The liquid ejection section is capable of ejecting liquid.

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