Liquid supply system, liquid discharge system, and liquid tank

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply system which inhibits entry of moisture into a liquid tank in which a liquid is stored, and to provide a liquid discharge system and a liquid tank.SOLUTION: A liquid supply system includes: a first liquid tank (14) in which a liquid is stored; a first liquid passage (16) connected to the first liquid tank (14) and a device (12) to which the liquid is supplied, the first liquid passage inserted into the liquid stored in the first liquid tank; a first gas passage (18) connected to the first liquid tank, and including a first tank connection port (18B) connected to the first liquid tank, and a first atmosphere open port (18A) which is open to atmospheric air; and a first dehumidification mechanism (26) included in the first gas passage and housing a first dehumidifying agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply system, a liquid ejection system, and a liquid tank. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus for using ink that may undergo polymerization or the like due to contact with moisture, in which an oxygen-containing gas is entrained in the ink to prevent polymerization or the like from occurring, and which removes moisture from the oxygen-containing gas entrained in the ink.

[0003] Specifically, the liquid flow device described in Patent Document 1 includes a supply flow path that supplies ink from an ink tank to a liquid ejection head. The supply flow path includes a main flow path whose upstream side in the forward circulation direction communicates with the inside of the ink tank. The main flow path includes a pump, and a valve for opening and closing the main flow path is provided downstream in the forward circulation direction.

[0004] The flow path is equipped with a gas supply unit located upstream in the forward circulation direction of the pump. The gas supply unit supplies oxygen-containing gas with reduced moisture to the ink before it passes through the pump. This prevents polymerization due to heat and aggregation of coloring material due to moisture in the ink before it passes through the pump. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-159575 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Some liquids used in ejection heads that eject liquids onto substrates may have performance degradation due to moisture absorption. For example, a gas-liquid interface between the liquid and gas may exist inside a tank that stores the liquid. Performance degradation of the liquid may occur due to contact between the liquid and moisture in the gas at the gas-liquid interface.

[0007] In the device described in Patent Document 1, gas including oxygen gets mixed in the ink, which induces the generation of bubbles in the ink. The bubbles generated in the ink can cause a decrease in the ejection performance of the inkjet head to which the ink is supplied.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a liquid supply system, a liquid ejection system, and a liquid tank that suppresses the intrusion of moisture into the liquid tank in which liquid is stored. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A liquid supply system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid supply system comprising: a first liquid tank in which liquid is stored; a first liquid flow path connected to the first liquid tank and to a device to which the liquid is supplied, the first liquid flow path being inserted into the liquid stored in the first liquid tank; a first gas flow path connected to the first liquid tank, the first gas flow path having a first tank connection port connected to the first liquid tank and a first atmosphere opening port open to the atmosphere; and a first dehumidification mechanism provided in the first gas flow path, the first dehumidification mechanism containing a first desiccant.

[0010] According to the liquid supply system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first gas flow path connected to the first liquid tank is provided with a first dehumidification mechanism that accommodates a first dehumidifying agent, thereby preventing moisture from entering the first liquid tank when the first liquid tank is open to the atmosphere.

[0011] A liquid supply system according to a second aspect is the liquid supply system of the first aspect, wherein the first dehumidifying agent includes zeolite.

[0012] According to this embodiment, a desiccant that is a stable substance, is readily available, and is inexpensive can be used as the first desiccant.

[0013] A liquid supply system according to a third aspect is the liquid supply system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first desiccant is contained in a first container, and the first desiccant contained in the first dehumidification mechanism may be replaced together with the first container.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the efficiency of the replacement work of the first desiccant can be improved.

[0015] A liquid supply system according to a fourth aspect is a liquid supply system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first dehumidifying agent is contained in a mesh-like first container and may be contained in a first dehumidifying mechanism.

[0016] According to this embodiment, a container that has good ventilation and prevents the first desiccant from falling out can be used.

[0017] A liquid supply system according to a fifth aspect is the liquid supply system of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first gas flow path may include a first filter arranged between the first dehumidification mechanism and the first liquid tank.

[0018] According to this embodiment, it is possible to capture the fine powder desiccant that has fallen off the first dehumidifying mechanism.

[0019] A liquid supply system according to a sixth aspect is the liquid supply system of the fifth aspect, wherein the first dehumidifying agent is contained in a mesh-shaped first container and contained in a first dehumidifying mechanism, and the first filter may have mesh sizes smaller than the mesh sizes of the first container.

[0020] In such an embodiment, the size of the mesh of the first container can be determined according to the breathability of the first container and the size of the first dehumidifying agent.

[0021] The first liquid dehumidifying mechanism according to the seventh aspect may be disposed in a non-liquid tank projection area excluding a liquid tank projection area obtained by projecting the portion of the first liquid tank where the liquid is stored in the gravity upward.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the intrusion of the desiccant into the first liquid tank is suppressed.

[0023] A liquid supply system according to an eighth aspect is a liquid supply system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the first gas flow path may include a first atmosphere release valve between the first atmosphere opening and the first dehumidification mechanism for opening and closing the first gas flow path.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first atmosphere release valve is preferably a control valve that operates based on a control signal.

[0025] A liquid supply system according to a ninth aspect may be the liquid supply system of the eighth aspect, further comprising a first pressurized flow path connected between a first atmosphere release valve in the first gas flow path and the first dehumidification mechanism, and a first pump provided in the first pressurized flow path, the first pump pressurizing the liquid stored in the first liquid tank.

[0026] According to this aspect, the internal pressure of the first liquid tank can be adjusted by operating the first pump.

[0027] The liquid supply system of the tenth aspect may be the liquid supply system of any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising: a second liquid tank in which liquid is stored; a second liquid flow path connected to the second liquid tank and to a device to which the liquid is supplied, the second liquid flow path being inserted into the liquid stored in the second liquid tank; a second gas flow path connected to the second liquid tank, the second gas flow path having a second tank connection port connected to the second liquid tank and a second atmosphere opening port opened to the atmosphere; and a second dehumidification mechanism provided in the second gas flow path, the second dehumidification mechanism containing a second dehumidifying agent.

[0028] According to this aspect, in an aspect in which the second liquid tank that is open to the atmosphere is provided, intrusion of moisture into the second liquid tank is suppressed.

[0029] In such an embodiment, the first liquid tank can function as a supply liquid tank that stores liquid to be supplied to an apparatus in which the liquid is used, and the second liquid tank can function as a recovery liquid tank that stores liquid to be recovered from the apparatus in which the liquid is used.

[0030] A liquid supply system according to an eleventh aspect may be the liquid supply system of the tenth aspect, wherein the second gas flow path includes a second atmosphere release valve that opens and closes the second gas flow path.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second atmosphere release valve is preferably a control valve that operates based on a control signal.

[0032] The liquid supply system of the 12th aspect may be the liquid supply system of the 10th or 11th aspect, further comprising: a second pressurized flow path connected to a second liquid tank; a second pump provided in the second pressurized flow path, the second pump pressurizing the liquid stored in the second liquid tank; and a third dehumidification mechanism provided on the opposite side of the second pump to the second liquid tank in the second pressurized flow path, the third dehumidification mechanism containing a third desiccant.

[0033] According to this aspect, when air is sent to the second tank via the second pump and the second pressurized flow path, intrusion of moisture into the second tank is suppressed.

[0034] A liquid supply system according to a thirteenth aspect may further include a first pressurized flow passage connected to the first liquid tank, and the first pressurized flow passage may include a second pump.

[0035] According to this aspect, when air is sent to the first tank via the first pump and the first pressurized flow path, the intrusion of moisture into the first tank is suppressed.

[0036] A liquid supply system according to a fourteenth aspect is the liquid supply system of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the liquid may contain a component that absorbs moisture and condenses.

[0037] According to this aspect, condensation of the liquid caused by absorption of moisture by the liquid is suppressed.

[0038] A liquid supply system according to a fifteenth aspect is the liquid supply system of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the liquid may contain a component that undergoes hydrolysis.

[0039] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of hydrolysis of the liquid, which is caused by the absorption of moisture by the liquid.

[0040] A liquid ejection system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a liquid ejection head that applies liquid to an object to which liquid is to be applied, and a liquid supply system that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head, the liquid supply system including a first liquid tank in which liquid is stored, a first liquid flow path connected to the first liquid tank and to a device to which liquid is supplied, the first liquid flow path being inserted into the liquid stored in the first liquid tank, a first gas flow path connected to the first liquid tank, the first gas flow path having a first tank connection port connected to the first liquid tank and a first atmosphere opening port open to the atmosphere, and a first dehumidification mechanism provided in the first gas flow path, the first dehumidification mechanism containing a first desiccant.

[0041] According to the liquid ejection system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as the liquid supply system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The constituent elements of the liquid supply systems according to the second to fifteenth aspects may be applied to the constituent elements of the liquid ejection systems according to the other aspects.

[0042] A liquid tank according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid tank comprising: a liquid storage section in which liquid is stored; a connecting section to which a first liquid flow path is connected that is inserted into the liquid; an air opening port that opens the liquid storage section to the atmosphere via the first liquid flow path; and a first dehumidification mechanism in which a dehumidifying agent is held, the first dehumidification mechanism being positioned on the opposite side of the air opening port from the liquid storage section and housing a first dehumidifying agent.

[0043] The liquid tank according to the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure can provide the same operational effects as the liquid supply system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The components of the liquid supply systems according to the second to fifteenth aspects can be applied to the components of the liquid tank according to the other aspects. Effect of the Invention

[0044] According to the present disclosure, the first gas flow path connected to the first liquid tank is provided with a first dehumidifying mechanism that accommodates a first dehumidifying agent, thereby preventing moisture from entering the first liquid tank when the first liquid tank is opened to the atmosphere. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid supply system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a dehumidifying mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mesh applied to the container shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the desiccant container. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the dehumidifying mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the liquid supply system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the electrical configuration of the liquid supply system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid supply system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a liquid supply system to which a liquid tank according to a modified example is applied. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an ink-jet head. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the head module and includes a partial cross-sectional view. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an example of the nozzle arrangement of the ink-jet head shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the head module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, when multiple components are exemplified in the following embodiments, it can be interpreted that at least one of the multiple components is included.

[0047] [Configuration example of liquid supply system according to the first embodiment] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid supply system according to a first embodiment. The liquid supply system 10 shown in the figure is a system that supplies liquid to an inkjet head 12, and a non-circulation system in which the liquid is not circulated is applied. The inkjet head 12 shown in the figure is an example of a device to which liquid is supplied.

[0048] The liquid supply system 10 includes a liquid supply tank 14 , a liquid supply line 16 , a gas supply line 18 , a gas supply line valve 20 , a pressurized supply line 22 , a pump 24 , and a dehumidification mechanism 26 .

[0049] The supply liquid tank 14 stores the liquid to be supplied to the inkjet head 12. The supply liquid tank 14 includes a liquid storage section 14A for storing the liquid, a liquid connection port 14B to which the supply liquid flow path 16 is connected, and a gas connection port 14C to which the supply gas flow path 18 is connected. The supply liquid tank 14 described in the embodiment is an example of a first liquid tank.

[0050] The supply liquid flow path 16 is connected to the supply liquid tank 14 and also connected to the inkjet head 12. The supply liquid flow path 16 is a liquid flow path through which liquid passes when it is sent from the supply liquid tank 14 to the inkjet head 12. One end 16A of the supply liquid flow path 16 that is inserted into the supply liquid tank 14 is inserted into the liquid in a state in which the liquid is contained inside the supply liquid tank 14. This prevents gas inside the supply liquid tank 14 from being entrained in the liquid passing through the supply liquid flow path 16.

[0051] A soft tube made of rubber or the like may be used as the supply liquid flow path 16, or a hard tube made of plastic, metal, etc. The same applies to various gas flow paths and various liquid flow paths in the following description.

[0052] The supply liquid flow path 16 is equipped with a supply liquid flow path valve 28. The supply liquid flow path valve 28 opens and closes the supply liquid flow path 16. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the supply liquid flow path valve 28 is disposed near the end of the supply liquid flow path 16 that is connected to the inkjet head 12. A control valve that operates based on a control signal transmitted from a control device is applied to the supply liquid flow path valve 28. Note that control valves are also applied to various valves in the following description. The supply liquid flow path 16 described in the embodiment is an example of a first liquid flow path.

[0053] The supply gas flow path 18 is a gas flow path that is opened when the inside of the supply liquid tank 14 is opened to the atmosphere, with one end being open and functioning as an atmosphere opening port 18A of the supply liquid tank 14, and the other end functioning as a tank connection port 18B that is connected to the supply liquid tank 14. The other end of the supply gas flow path 18 may include a portion of the supply gas flow path 18 that is inserted into the inside of the supply liquid tank 14. Note that the supply gas flow path 18 described in the embodiment is an example of a first gas flow path, the tank connection port 18B is an example of a first tank connection port, and the atmosphere opening port 18A is an example of a first atmosphere opening port.

[0054] The supply gas flow path 18 is equipped with a supply gas flow path valve 20. When the supply gas flow path valve 20 is opened, the inside of the supply liquid tank 14 is opened to the atmosphere, and when the supply gas flow path valve 20 is closed, the inside of the supply liquid tank 14 is sealed. The supply gas flow path valve 20 described in the embodiment is an example of a first atmosphere release valve.

[0055] The liquid supply system 10 shown in FIG. 1 utilizes the head difference acting between the inkjet head 12 and the supply liquid tank 14 to supply liquid from the supply liquid tank 14, which is open to the atmosphere, to the inkjet head 12 in response to the consumption of liquid by the inkjet head 12.

[0056] The supply pressurization flow path 22 is a gas flow path connected to the supply gas flow path 18, and is equipped with a pump 24. The pump 24 pressurizes the inside of the supply liquid tank 14, which is sealed, when the supply gas flow path valve 20 is closed. The supply pressurization flow path 22 described in the embodiment is an example of a first pressurization flow path, and the pump 24 is an example of a first pump.

[0057] A gas-liquid interface exists inside the supply liquid tank 14. A dehumidification mechanism 26 containing a dehumidifying agent is disposed in the supply gas flow path 18 connected to the gas-liquid interface at a position between the supply gas flow path valve 20 and the gas connection port 14C. The dehumidifying agent is a material capable of absorbing moisture, such as zeolite, silica gel, and molecular sieve.

[0058] The dehumidification mechanism 26 is a housing having an internal space for accommodating a desiccant, and is a housing having a sealed structure. The supply gas flow path 18 communicates with the space in the dehumidification mechanism 26 in which the desiccant is accommodated.

[0059] Moisture in the air that has entered the supply gas flow passage 18 from the end of the supply gas flow passage 18 that is open to the atmosphere is absorbed by the dehumidifying agent contained in the dehumidifying mechanism 26. This prevents moisture in the air from entering the inside of the supply liquid tank 14.

[0060] The performance of the liquid used in the inkjet head 12 deteriorates due to absorption of moisture from the air. Examples of liquids that deteriorate due to moisture absorption include liquids that contain components that condense due to moisture absorption, and liquids that contain systems that undergo hydrolysis and condense the hydrolyzed chemical structure parts.

[0061] A dehumidification mechanism 26 containing a dehumidifying agent is disposed between the atmosphere opening port 18A of the supply gas flow path 18 and the supply liquid tank 14. This suppresses performance deterioration of the liquid contained inside the supply liquid tank 14 that is open to the atmosphere. Note that the dehumidification mechanism 26 described in the embodiment is an example of a first dehumidification mechanism, and the dehumidifying agent contained in the dehumidification mechanism 26 is an example of the first dehumidifying agent.

[0062] 1 realizes pressure control of the inkjet head 12 based on the height of the gas-liquid interface of the liquid stored in the supply liquid tank 14, so that the inside of the supply gas flow path 18 needs to be left with a space through which the atmosphere can pass. That is, the inside of the supply gas flow path 18 only needs to be open to the extent that it does not impede the flow of air. For example, it is preferable that the inside of the supply gas flow path 18 is not left too wide, since this reduces the possibility of moisture penetrating into the supply liquid tank 14.

[0063] In an apparatus equipped with the inkjet head 12, there is a maintenance operation for pressurizing the liquid inside the inkjet head 12 to discharge the liquid from the nozzles equipped in the inkjet head 12. When the above-mentioned maintenance operation of the inkjet head 12 is performed, the pump 24 is used.

[0064] Specifically, the supply gas flow path valve 20 is closed, and the pump 24 is operated to send air from the pump 24 to the inside of the supply liquid tank 14 via the supply gas flow path 18. The air sent from the pump 24 to the inside of the supply liquid tank 14 passes through the inside of the dehumidification mechanism 26. This prevents moisture from entering the inside of the supply liquid tank 14.

[0065] 1 is applied to collect air around the pump 24, but it is preferable that at least a portion of moisture has been removed in advance from the air collected by the pump 24. For example, dry air may be supplied to the pump 24 from a compression dryer called CDA, or dry nitrogen may be supplied to the gas flow path of the pump 24.

[0066] Each of the liquid supply system 10 and the inkjet head shown in FIG. 1 can be understood as a component of a liquid ejection system that applies liquid to an object to which the liquid is to be applied.

[0067] [Specific examples of dehumidification mechanisms] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a dehumidifying mechanism. In the figure, a particulate dehumidifying agent De is shown housed in a container 30. Inside the dehumidifying mechanism 26, the dehumidifying agent De housed in the container 30 is placed. The dehumidifying agent De is housed in the container 30 having a shape that allows for easy replacement.

[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates a stainless steel mesh bag as an example of the container 30. The container 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be easily removed from and inserted into the dehumidification mechanism 26. This makes it easy to replace the dehumidifying agent De, and facilitates maintenance of the dehumidification mechanism 26. The dehumidifying agent De is placed in the container 30 while ensuring breathability. For example, the total volume of the dehumidifying agent De may be 50 percent or more and 70 percent or less of the volume of the container 30. The mesh shape described in the embodiment is an example of a net shape.

[0069] The maintenance cycle for the dehumidification mechanism 26 in the normal use state of the liquid supply system 10 may be any period ranging from one week to several months. The maintenance cycle for the dehumidification mechanism 26 depends on the humidity of the air passing through the supply gas flow path 18. Thus, the maintenance cycle for the dehumidification mechanism 26 may be set according to the humidity of the supply gas flow path 18.

[0070] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mesh applied to the container shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows a photograph of the mesh observed using a microscope. Mesh M1 is #180, mesh M2 is #250, and mesh M3 is #500.

[0071] The mesh size of #180 is a square with 91 micrometers on each side, the mesh size of #250 is a square with 72 micrometers on each side, and the mesh size of #500 is a square with 26 micrometers on each side. Note that #180 is sometimes called 180MESH.

[0072] Dehumidifying agents such as zeolite may peel off fine powder from the surface. If the powdered dehumidifying agent enters a liquid, the composition of the liquid may change. Furthermore, if the powdered dehumidifying agent enters the inside of the inkjet head 12, it may cause nozzle clogging.

[0073] Therefore, the mesh of the container 30 is set to a mesh size that can prevent the powdered desiccant from escaping through the gaps in the mesh. A preferable range of the mesh size is derived by carrying out a test shown in the following procedure.

[0074] In the mesh size test, a mesh bag containing a particulate dehumidifier sufficiently larger than the mesh size was immersed in water and shaken, and the presence of the powdered dehumidifier in the water was visually confirmed. Note that particles sufficiently larger than the mesh size include, for example, particles having a diameter 10 times or more the mesh size. The diameter of the particles may be the minimum particle size or the average particle size.

[0075] In the above test, when the mesh was #180, the presence of the powdered dehumidifying agent in the water was visually confirmed. On the other hand, when the mesh was #250 and when the mesh was #500, the presence of the powdered dehumidifying agent in the water was not visually confirmed. In other words, the mesh applied to the container 30 shown in FIG. 2 is preferably smaller than 75 micrometers square. More preferably, the mesh size applied to the container 30 is 30 micrometers or less.

[0076] 1 may include a filter in the supply liquid flow path 16 to prevent clogging of the nozzles in the inkjet head 12. The mesh size of the filter in the supply liquid flow path 16 may be smaller than the mesh size applied to the container 30. However, a mesh size that ensures a specified flow rate for the liquid from the supply liquid tank 14 to the inkjet head 12 and realizes a flow with a smaller flow rate distribution than the specified value is applied to the filter.

[0077] The container 30 in which the mesh bag is applied is made of a material having a relatively high resistance to the liquid applied to the inkjet head 12. Stainless steel is a preferable material for the container 30 because, when the liquid is a solvent-based ink, it has a relatively high resistance to the chemicals used in the ink, and is relatively inexpensive compared to other metal materials.

[0078] Furthermore, stainless steel allows the container 30 to continue to be usable even if splashed ink adheres to the container 30. In other words, stainless steel is a preferable material for the container 30 from the viewpoint of workability. The container 30 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a first container. The mesh size described in the embodiment is an example of the mesh size.

[0079] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a container for a desiccant. In the figure, a cylindrical container called a column or the like is shown as the container 32 in which the desiccant De is stored. The container 32 is provided with a first joint 32A at one end and a second joint 32B at the other end.

[0080] The first joint 32A has a structure that allows it to be attached and detached to the main body 32C. The first joint 32A is connected to the supply gas flow path 18 on the side that is connected to the supply liquid tank 14. The second joint 32B has a structure that is integrated with the main body 32C. The second joint 32B is connected to the supply gas flow path 18 on the side of the atmosphere opening port 18A.

[0081] The dehumidifying mechanism 26 including the container 32 shown in Fig. 4 includes a support member that fixes and supports the container 32. The dehumidifying agent De contained in the container 32 is replaced by removing the first joint 32A from the main body 32C. The container 32 shown in Fig. 4 may be a housing of the dehumidifying mechanism 26. The container 32 shown in Fig. 4 is an example of a first container.

[0082] [Example of dehumidification mechanism placement] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the dehumidification mechanism. The figure shows a schematic diagram of a liquid tank projection area PA where the arrangement of the dehumidification mechanism 26 is avoided. The liquid tank projection area PA is an area located in the upward direction of gravity with respect to the supply liquid tank 14, and is an area obtained by extending in the upward direction of gravity the planar shape PS of the supply liquid tank 14 obtained by projecting the supply liquid tank 14 onto an arbitrary horizontal plane HS.

[0083] FIG. 5 shows an example in which, for a cylindrical supply liquid tank 14, a cylindrical area obtained by extending a circle, which is the planar shape of the upper surface TP of the supply liquid tank 14, in the upward direction in the direction of gravity is defined as the liquid tank projection area PA.

[0084] The dehumidifying mechanism 26 is preferably disposed in a non-projected area UPA, which is defined as an area outside the liquid tank projection area PA. The dehumidifying mechanism 26 is preferably disposed in a position below the upper surface TP of the supply liquid tank 14 in the direction of gravity. This prevents particulate dehumidifying agent that may be generated from the dehumidifying agent from entering the supply liquid tank 14. The particulate dehumidifying agent may include particle pieces that have peeled off from the dehumidifying agent particles, fine powder that has been scraped off from the dehumidifying agent particles, and the like.

[0085] The liquid tank projection area PA is an example of a liquid tank projection area, and the non-projection area UPA is an example of a non-liquid tank projection area.

[0086] [Electrical configuration of the liquid supply system] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the liquid supply system shown in Fig. 1. The liquid supply system 10 includes a control device 100 to which a computer is applied. The computer applied to the control device 100 may be a personal computer or a workstation. The computer may be a virtual machine. The control device 100 may be configured using a plurality of computers. The plurality of computers constituting the control device 100 may be provided for each device constituting the liquid supply system 10.

[0087] The control device 100 includes a system control unit 102. The system control unit 102 performs overall control of the entire liquid supply system 10. In other words, the system control unit 102 transmits command signals to control units that control the devices that constitute the liquid supply system 10.

[0088] The control device 100 includes a liquid information acquisition unit 104. The liquid information acquisition unit 104 acquires liquid information related to the liquid supplied to the inkjet head 12. The liquid information may include the type of liquid. The liquid information is used to control the supply of the liquid.

[0089] The control device 100 includes a desiccant information acquisition unit 106. The desiccant information acquisition unit 106 acquires desiccant information related to the desiccant housed in the dehumidification mechanism 26. The desiccant information may include at least one of information on the type of desiccant and the replacement time of the desiccant. The system control unit 102 may notify the replacement time of the desiccant based on the information on the replacement time of the desiccant.

[0090] The control device 100 includes a filter information acquisition unit 108. The filter information acquisition unit 108 acquires filter information related to various filters provided in the supply liquid flow path 16. The filter information may include the replacement time of the filter provided in the supply liquid flow path 16. The system control unit 102 may notify the replacement time of the filter based on the information of the replacement time of the filter.

[0091] The control device 100 includes a sensor information acquisition unit 110. The sensor information acquisition unit 110 may include various sensors such as a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the supply liquid flow path 16, a remaining amount sensor of the supply liquid tank 14, and a temperature sensor. The system control unit 102 transmits command signals to the control units of each unit of the liquid supply system 10 based on the sensor information acquired using the sensor information acquisition unit 110.

[0092] The control device 100 includes a pump control unit 112. The pump control unit 112 controls the operation of the pump 114 based on a command signal transmitted from the system control unit 102. The pump control unit 112 controls the on / off of the pump 114 and the discharge flow rate of the pump 114 based on preset operating conditions of the pump 114. The pump 114 illustrated in Fig. 6 represents one or more pumps included in the liquid supply system 10. For example, the pump 114 illustrated in Fig. 6 includes the pump 24 illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0093] The control device 100 includes a valve control unit 116. The valve control unit 116 controls the operation of the valve 118 based on a command signal transmitted from the system control unit 102. The valve control unit 116 controls the on / off of the valve 118 based on a preset operating condition of the valve 118. The valve 118 illustrated in Fig. 6 represents one or more valves included in the liquid supply system 10. For example, the valve 118 illustrated in Fig. 6 includes the supply gas flow path valve 20 and the supply liquid flow path valve 28 illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0094] The control device 100 includes a display control unit 120. The display control unit 120 transmits, to the display 122, a display signal representing information to be displayed on the display 122, based on a command signal transmitted from the system control unit 102. The display 122 displays various information related to the liquid supply system 10.

[0095] For example, the display control unit 120 may cause text information or the like indicating the time to replace a filter to be displayed on the display 122. In addition, the display control unit 120 may cause text information or the like indicating the detection results of various sensors acquired using the sensor information acquisition unit 110 to be displayed on the display 122.

[0096] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the electrical configuration of the liquid supply system shown in Figure 6. The controller 100 comprises a processor 142, a computer readable medium 144, a communication interface 146, an input / output interface 148 and a bus 150.

[0097] The processor 142 includes a CPU. The processor 142 may include a GPU. Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit.

[0098] The processor 142 is connected to the computer readable medium 144, the communication interface 146, and the input / output interface 148 via a bus 150. An input device 156 and a display 122 are connected to the control device 100 via the input / output interface 148.

[0099] In the control device 100, the processor 142 executes a program stored in a computer-readable medium 144 to realize various functions. Note that the term "program" is synonymous with the term "software."

[0100] The computer-readable medium 144 is a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium 144 includes a memory 152 that is a main storage device and a storage 154 that is an auxiliary storage device. The computer-readable medium 144 may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, a solid-state drive device, or the like. The computer-readable medium 144 may be any combination of multiple devices.

[0101] A hard disk device may be referred to as an HDD, which is an abbreviation of the English term Hard Disk Drive, and a solid state drive device may be referred to as an SSD, which is an abbreviation of the English term Solid State Drive.

[0102] The control device 100 performs data communication with an external device via a communication interface 146. The communication interface 146 may be compliant with various standards such as USB. The communication form of the communication interface 146 may be either wired communication or wireless communication. Note that USB is an abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus and is a registered trademark.

[0103] The processor 142 is connected to an input device 156 and a display 122 via an input / output interface 148. The input device 156 is implemented by input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display 122 displays various information applied to the control device 100.

[0104] Various types of information applied to the liquid supply system 10 are displayed on the display 122. The display 122 is used as part of a GUI when receiving input from the input device 156. The display 122 is not limited to one, and a multi-display configuration having multiple displays is also possible. Note that GUI is an abbreviation for Graphical User Interface.

[0105] A liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a projector, etc. may be used as the display 122. Any combination of a plurality of devices may be used as the display 122. Note that the EL in the organic EL display is an abbreviation for Electro-Luminescence.

[0106] The memory 152 of the computer-readable medium 144 stores a liquid information acquisition program 160, a desiccant information acquisition program 162, a filter information acquisition program 164, a sensor information acquisition program 166, a pump control program 168, a valve control program 170, and a display control program 172, which are executed by the processor 142.

[0107] The liquid information acquisition program 160 is applied to the liquid information acquisition unit 104 shown in Fig. 6 and realizes a function of acquiring liquid information. The desiccant information acquisition program 162 is applied to the desiccant information acquisition unit 106 and realizes a function of acquiring desiccant information. The filter information acquisition program 164 is applied to the filter information acquisition unit 108 and realizes a function of acquiring filter information. The sensor information acquisition program 166 is applied to the sensor information acquisition unit 110 and realizes a function of acquiring sensor information.

[0108] A pump control program 168 is applied to the pump control unit 112 and realizes a pump control function. A valve control program 170 is applied to the valve control unit 116 and realizes a valve control function. A display control program 172 is applied to the display control unit 120 and realizes a display control function.

[0109] Various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 144 include one or more instructions. The computer-readable medium 144 stores various data, various parameters, and the like.

[0110] Here, examples of the hardware structure of the processor 142 include a CPU, a GPU, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes programs and acts as various functional units. The GPU is a processor specialized for image processing.

[0111] A PLD is a processor whose electrical circuitry can be reconfigured after the device is manufactured. An example of a PLD is the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). An ASIC is a processor that contains dedicated electrical circuitry designed specifically to perform a specific task.

[0112] A processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different types. Examples of combinations of various processors include a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more CPUs, and a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more GPUs. Another example of a combination of various processors includes a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs.

[0113] A single processor may be used to configure multiple functional units. An example of using a single processor to configure multiple functional units is a configuration in which a single processor is configured by applying a combination of one or more CPUs and software, such as a SoC (System On a Chip) as typified by a computer such as a client or server, and the processor is made to operate as multiple functional units.

[0114] Another example of using one processor to configure multiple functional units is a processor that uses one IC chip to realize the functions of the entire system including the multiple functional units. Note that IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.

[0115] In this way, the various functional units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the various processors described above. More specifically, the hardware structure of the various processors described above is an electric circuit (circuitry) that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0116] [Specific examples of dehumidifiers] In the first embodiment, zeolite is used as a dehumidifying agent. The zeolite is preferably used after being subjected to a heat treatment using a heating device such as an oven to evaporate moisture. The heating temperature applied to the heat treatment is preferably 200° C. or higher.

[0117] When the zeolite that has been used is free of liquid and is not contaminated, it can be taken out of the container 30 shown in FIG. 2 and subjected to a heat treatment under the heating conditions described above, so that it can be reused.

[0118] In addition to the above-mentioned zeolite, silica gel, or molecular sieve, the dehumidifying agent may be aluminum oxide, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, activated anhydrous calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, magnesium perchlorate, magnesium sulfate (anhydrous), phosphorus(V) oxide, potassium carbonate (anhydrous), or the like.

[0119] [Functions and Effects of the Liquid Supply System 10 According to the First Embodiment] The liquid supply system 10 according to the first embodiment can provide the following advantageous effects.

[0120] [1] The supply gas flow path 18 connected to the supply liquid tank 14 is provided with a dehumidification mechanism 26 that contains a dehumidifier De that absorbs moisture in the air passing through the supply gas flow path 18. This prevents moisture from entering the supply liquid tank 14 when the supply gas flow path valve 20 provided in the supply gas flow path 18 is opened to open the supply liquid tank 14 to the atmosphere.

[0121] In addition, when the liquid contained in the supply liquid tank 14 has a component that condenses due to moisture absorption, and when the liquid contains a system in which a chemical structural part that hydrolyzes due to moisture absorption condenses, deterioration of the performance of the liquid can be suppressed.

[0122] [2] The desiccant may be a desiccant such as zeolite, silica gel, or molecular sieve, which is easily available, reusable, and inexpensive.

[0123] [3] The desiccant is placed in the container 30 and housed in the dehumidification mechanism 26. Thus, when the desiccant is replaced, the container 30 is taken out of the dehumidification mechanism 26 and housed in the dehumidification mechanism 26. Thus, the efficiency of the desiccant replacement work can be improved.

[0124] [4] A mesh bag is applied to the container 30 in which the desiccant is placed, thereby removing moisture from the air around the container 30.

[0125] [5] Stainless steel is applied as the material of the mesh bag applied to the container 30. This ensures that the container 30 has relatively high durability against the desiccant, air, and liquid.

[0126] [Configuration example of liquid supply system according to the second embodiment] 8 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a liquid supply system according to the second embodiment. Below, components that differ from the liquid supply system 10 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0127] A liquid supply system 11 according to the second embodiment is configured by adding a filter 40 to the liquid supply system 10 shown in Fig. 1. The filter 40 is disposed at a position in the supply gas flow path 18 between the supply liquid tank 14 and the dehumidification mechanism 26.

[0128] The mesh size of the filter 40 is preferably smaller than the mesh size applied to the container 30. The upper limit of the mesh size of the filter 40 is determined based on the viewpoint of applying a specified head difference to the liquid contained in the inkjet head 12 when the supply liquid tank 14 is open to the atmosphere. The filter 40 illustrated in Fig. 8 is an example of a first filter.

[0129] [Functions and Effects of the Liquid Supply System According to the Second Embodiment] The liquid supply system 10 according to the second embodiment can provide the following advantageous effects.

[0130] [1] A filter 40 is provided at a position between the supply liquid tank 14 and the dehumidification mechanism 26 in the supply gas flow path 18. This prevents the powder of the dehumidifying agent De contained in the dehumidification mechanism 26 from entering the supply liquid tank 14.

[0131] [2] The mesh size of the filter 40 is smaller than the mesh size applied to the container 30. This allows the filter 40 to capture the powdered desiccant that has escaped through the mesh gaps of the container 30.

[0132] [Configuration example of liquid supply system according to the third embodiment] Fig. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid supply system according to the third embodiment. Below, components that differ from the liquid supply system 10 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. Fig. 9 illustrates a liquid supply system 200 that supplies ink to an inkjet head 12 provided in an inkjet printer 202. In the following description, ink is an example of the liquid in the first embodiment. The inkjet printer 202 can be understood as a liquid ejection system to which ink is supplied from the liquid supply system 200.

[0133] The inkjet printer 202 is provided with an inkjet head 12 for each ink color. For example, when cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are used to print a color image, the inkjet printer 202 is provided with a plurality of inkjet heads 12 corresponding to cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, respectively.

[0134] When a plurality of inkjet heads 12 are provided, a liquid supply system 200 is provided for each of the plurality of inkjet heads 12. The same configuration is applied to the plurality of liquid supply systems 200.

[0135] The liquid supply system 200 employs a circulation system that recovers ink from the inkjet head 12 and circulates the recovered ink to the supply liquid tank 14. That is, the liquid supply system 200 includes a recovered liquid tank 214 and a recovered liquid flow path 216.

[0136] The recovered liquid tank 214 contains the ink recovered from the inkjet head 12. The recovered liquid tank 214 can have the same structure as the supply liquid tank 14, and has the same function as the supply liquid tank 14.

[0137] The recovery liquid flow path 216 is a flow path for ink to flow from the inkjet head 12 to the recovery liquid tank 214. The recovery liquid flow path 216 is connected to the inkjet head 12 and also to the recovery liquid tank 214.

[0138] The liquid supply system 200 includes a recovered gas flow path 218. The recovered gas flow path 218 is a gas flow path that is opened when the inside of the recovered liquid tank 214 is opened to the atmosphere, with one end open and functioning as an atmosphere opening port 218A of the recovered liquid tank 214, and the other end connected to the recovered liquid tank 214. The other end of the recovered gas flow path 218 may include a portion of the recovered gas flow path 218 that is inserted into the recovered liquid tank 214.

[0139] The recovered gas flow path 218 is equipped with a recovered gas flow path valve 220. When the recovered gas flow path valve 220 is opened, the inside of the recovered liquid tank 214 is opened to the atmosphere, and when the recovered gas flow path 218 is closed, the inside of the recovered liquid tank 214 is sealed.

[0140] The liquid supply system 200 utilizes the head difference acting between the inkjet head 12 and the collected liquid tank 214 to collect liquid from the inkjet head 12 into the collected liquid tank 214 that is open to the atmosphere.

[0141] The liquid supply system 200 includes a dehumidification mechanism 226. The dehumidification mechanism 226 is provided in the supply gas flow path 18 and the recovered gas flow path 218. The dehumidification mechanism 226 contains a dehumidifier DeI that acts on the air flowing through the supply gas flow path 18, and a dehumidifier DeO that acts on the air flowing through the recovered gas flow path 218.

[0142] The dehumidifying agents DeI and DeO are contained in a container 30, similar to the dehumidifying agent De shown in Fig. 2, and the container 30 is contained in the dehumidifying mechanism 226. Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which a dehumidifying agent DeI acting on the supply gas flow path 18 and a dehumidifying agent DeO acting on the recovered gas flow path 218 are provided, but a dehumidifying agent acting on both the supply gas flow path 18 and the recovered gas flow path 218 may be provided.

[0143] The recovered gas flow path 218 may be provided with a filter having a similar structure and function to the filter 40 shown in Fig. 8 between the dehumidification mechanism 226 and the recovered liquid tank 214. The filter provided in the recovered gas flow path 218 is not shown in the drawings.

[0144] The liquid supply system 200 includes a recovery pressurization passage 222 and a pump 224. The recovery pressurization passage 222 is connected to the recovery liquid tank 214 at one end and to the pump 224 at the other end.

[0145] The recovery pressurization flow path 222 is equipped with a recovery pressurization flow path valve 221. The recovery pressurization flow path valve 221 opens and closes the recovery pressurization flow path 222. For example, when the inside of the recovery liquid tank 214 is depressurized, the recovery gas flow path valve 220 is closed and the recovery pressurization flow path valve 221 is opened to operate the pump 224.

[0146] The other end of the supply pressurization flow path 22 is connected to the pump 224. One end of the supply pressurization flow path 22 is connected to the supply liquid tank 14. The supply pressurization flow path 22 is equipped with a supply pressurization flow path valve 21. The supply pressurization flow path valve 21 opens and closes the supply pressurization flow path 22. For example, when the inside of the supply liquid tank 14 is to be pressurized, the supply gas flow path valve is closed and the supply pressurization flow path valve 21 is opened to operate the pump 224.

[0147] One end of intake / exhaust flow path 225 is connected to pump 224. The other end of intake / exhaust flow path 225 is open and functions as intake / exhaust port 225A. Intake / exhaust flow path 225 is equipped with a dehumidification mechanism 223. Dehumidification mechanism 223 has a similar configuration to dehumidification mechanism 26 shown in FIG. 1 and has a similar function to dehumidification mechanism 26.

[0148] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which a single pump 224 is used to pressurize the supply liquid tank 14 and depressurize the recovery liquid tank 214, but a tank for pressurizing the supply liquid tank 14 and a tank for depressurizing the recovery liquid tank 214 may be provided separately.

[0149] The liquid supply system 200 includes a main tank 284, a main supply liquid flow path 286, and a main recovery liquid flow path 292. The main tank 284 supplies ink to the supply liquid tank 14 by utilizing a head difference between the main tank 284 and the supply liquid tank 14, and recovers ink from the recovery liquid tank 214 by utilizing a head difference between the main tank 284 and the recovery liquid tank 214.

[0150] The main supply liquid flow path 286 is a liquid flow path through which ink flows from the main tank 284 to the supply liquid tank 14. The main supply liquid flow path 286 is equipped with a main supply pump 288. The main supply pump 288 sucks up ink from the main tank 284. A tube pump is used as the main supply pump 288.

[0151] The main recovered liquid flow path 292 is a liquid flow path through which ink flows from the recovered liquid tank 214 to the main tank 284 .

[0152] The main recovery liquid flow path 292 is equipped with a main recovery pump 294. The main recovery pump 294 sucks up ink from the recovery liquid tank 214. The main recovery pump 294 is a tube pump.

[0153] The main tank 284 stores the ink collected from the recovery liquid tank 214. In the main tank 284, the ink collected from the recovery liquid tank 214 may have its physical properties, such as concentration and viscosity, adjusted.

[0154] The liquid supply system 200 includes a main gas flow path 296. One end of the main gas flow path 296 is open and functions as an air opening 296A of the main tank 284, and the other end is connected to the main tank 284.

[0155] The main gas flow path 296 is equipped with a dehumidification mechanism 298. The dehumidification mechanism 298 has the same configuration as the dehumidification mechanism 26 shown in FIG.

[0156] The supply liquid flow path 16 of the liquid supply system 200 and the supply flow path 230 of the inkjet head 12 are connected by using a relay supply liquid flow path 17. The relay supply liquid flow path 17 is provided with a relay supply liquid flow path valve 280. The relay supply liquid flow path valve 280 opens and closes the relay supply liquid flow path 17.

[0157] The recovery liquid flow path 216 of the liquid supply system 200 and the recovery flow path 232 of the inkjet head 12 are connected by using a relay recovery liquid flow path 217. The relay recovery liquid flow path 217 is provided with a relay recovery liquid flow path valve 282. The relay recovery liquid flow path valve 282 opens and closes the relay recovery liquid flow path 217.

[0158] The supply flow path 230 of the inkjet head 12 is equipped with a first supply valve 234 and a second supply valve 236. The recovery flow path 232 of the inkjet head 12 is equipped with a first recovery valve 238 and a second recovery valve 240.

[0159] The supply flow path 230 and the recovery flow path 232 are connected by using a bypass flow path 242. One end of the bypass flow path 242 is connected to a position between the first supply valve 234 and the second supply valve 236 in the supply flow path 230, and the other end of the bypass flow path 242 is connected to a position between the first recovery valve 238 and the second recovery valve 240 in the recovery flow path 232. The bypass flow path 242 is provided with a bypass flow path valve 244 that opens and closes the bypass flow path 242.

[0160] When ink is supplied to the inkjet head 12, a first supply valve 234 and a second supply valve 236 are opened. When ink is collected from the inkjet head 12, a first collection valve 238 and a second collection valve 240 are opened.

[0161] When circulating ink via the bypass flow path 242 without passing through the inkjet head 12, the first supply valve 234, the first recovery valve 238 and the bypass flow path valve 244 are opened, and the second supply valve 236 and the second recovery valve 240 are closed.

[0162] The recovered liquid flow path 216 described in the embodiment is an example of a second liquid flow path, the recovered liquid tank 214 is an example of a second liquid tank, and the recovered gas flow path 218 is an example of a second gas flow path.

[0163] The atmosphere open port 218A of the recovered gas flow path 218 described in the embodiment is an example of a second atmosphere open port, and the port connected to the recovered liquid tank 214 is an example of a second tank connection port. The recovered gas flow path valve 220 described in the embodiment is an example of a second atmosphere open valve.

[0164] The dehumidification mechanism 226 described in the embodiment is an example of a second dehumidification mechanism, the dehumidification agent DeO housed in the dehumidification mechanism 226 is an example of a second dehumidification agent, and the dehumidification agent DeI is an example of a first dehumidification agent. The filter provided in the recovered gas passage 218 described in the embodiment is an example of a second filter.

[0165] The recovery and pressurization flow path 222 described in the embodiment is an example of a second pressurization flow path, and the pump 224 is an example of a second pump. The dehumidification mechanism 223 described in the embodiment is an example of a third dehumidification mechanism, and the dehumidifying agent contained in the dehumidifying mechanism 223 is an example of a third dehumidifying agent.

[0166] [Functions and Effects of the Liquid Supply System According to the Third Embodiment] In the liquid supply system according to the third embodiment, when a circulation method is applied in which ink is recovered from the inkjet head 12 to the liquid supply system 200, the intrusion of moisture into the recovered liquid tank 214 and the main tank 284, in which the ink recovered from the inkjet head 12 is stored, is suppressed when the recovered liquid tank 214 and the main tank 284 are opened to the atmosphere.

[0167] [Modification of liquid tank] 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid supply system to which a liquid tank according to a modified example is applied. In the liquid supply system 10A shown in the figure, a dehumidification mechanism 26 is directly connected to the supply liquid tank 14, and the supply liquid tank 14 and the dehumidification mechanism 26 are integrally configured.

[0168] Although Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the dehumidification mechanism 26 is attached to the upper surface TP of the supply liquid tank 14, the dehumidification mechanism 26 may be attached to the side surface 14E of the supply liquid tank 14. Fig. 10 illustrates the dehumidification mechanism 26 attached to the side surface 14E of the supply liquid tank 14 using a dashed line.

[0169] The supply liquid tank 14 according to the modified example can also be applied to the recovery liquid tank 214 and the main tank 284 shown in Fig. 9. The arrangement of the dehumidification mechanism 26 and the structure of the container 30, etc. may also be applied to the supply liquid tank 14 according to the modified example.

[0170] The supply liquid tank 14 according to the modification is prevented from invading moisture when it is opened to the atmosphere, similar to the supply liquid tank 14 shown in Fig. 1. Note that the portion of the supply liquid tank 14 described in the embodiment to which the supply liquid flow path 16 is connected is an example of a connecting portion.

[0171] [About liquids] The term "liquid" includes ink used in the third embodiment. The ink is not limited to graphic ink containing a colorant, but includes functional ink for industrial use. Examples of functional ink for industrial use include resist liquid for forming a mask pattern, metal ink for forming an electric wiring pattern, and resin ink for forming a three-dimensional resin pattern.

[0172] [Example of inkjet head configuration] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an inkjet head. Note that the inkjet head 420 in the following description is applied to the inkjet head 12 shown in Fig. 1 etc. Note that the inkjet head 420 described in the embodiment is an example of a liquid ejection head to which the inkjet method is applied and which applies liquid to an object to which liquid is applied.

[0173] 11 has a structure in which a plurality of head modules 460 are connected in a row along the longitudinal direction of the inkjet head 420. The plurality of head modules 460 are integrated and supported by a head frame 464.

[0174] The inkjet head 420 is a line head in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged over a length corresponding to the entire width of the substrate S in the substrate width direction. Note that the nozzles are not shown in Fig. 11. The nozzles are denoted by reference numeral 480 and are shown in Fig. 13.

[0175] The planar shape of the nozzle surface 462 of the head module 460 is a parallelogram. Dummy plates 466 are attached to both ends of the head frame 464. The planar shape of the nozzle surface 462 of the inkjet head 420, including the head module 460 and the dummy plates 466, is a rectangle as a whole. Note that the nozzle surface 462 of the head module 460 shown in FIG. 11 is a component of the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 420.

[0176] A flexible substrate 468 is attached to the head module 460. The flexible substrate 468 is a wiring member that transmits a driving voltage supplied to the head module 460. One end of the flexible substrate 468 is electrically connected to the head module 460, and the other end is electrically connected to a driving voltage supply circuit. Note that the driving voltage supply circuit is not shown in the figure.

[0177] Each of the multiple head modules 460 provided in the inkjet head 420 can be associated with a module number indicating the position of the head module 460, starting from the head module 460 arranged at one end of the inkjet head 420.

[0178] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a head module including a partial cross-sectional view. The head module 460 has an ink supply unit including an ink supply chamber 472 and an ink circulation chamber 474 on the upper surface side in Fig. 12, which is the side opposite to the nozzle surface 462 of the nozzle plate 470.

[0179] The ink supply chamber 472 is connected to a buffer tank via a supply-side individual flow path 476. The ink circulation chamber 474 is connected to the buffer tank via a recovery-side individual flow path 478.

[0180] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing an example of a nozzle arrangement of the inkjet head shown in Fig. 11. The central portion of the nozzle surface 462 of the head module 460 is provided with a band-shaped nozzle arrangement portion 484. The nozzle arrangement portion 484 substantially functions as the nozzle surface 462.

[0181] A plurality of nozzles 480 are arranged in the nozzle arrangement portion 484. The nozzles 480 include nozzle openings 482 formed in the nozzle surface 462. In the following description, the arrangement of the nozzles 480 may be read as the arrangement of the nozzle openings 482.

[0182] The head module 460 has a planar shape of a parallelogram having a long side end face aligned in the V direction and inclined at an angle β with respect to the substrate width direction, as shown by the symbol X, and a short side end face aligned in the W direction and inclined at an angle α with respect to the substrate transport direction, as shown by the symbol Y.

[0183] In the head module 460, a plurality of nozzles 480 are arranged in a matrix with respect to a row direction along the V direction and a column direction along the W direction. The nozzles 480 may be arranged in a row direction along the width direction of the substrate and in a column direction obliquely intersecting the width direction of the substrate.

[0184] In the case of an inkjet head 420 in which a plurality of nozzles 480 are arranged in a matrix, a projected nozzle array obtained by projecting each nozzle 480 in the matrix arrangement along the nozzle array direction can be considered to be equivalent to a single nozzle array in which the nozzles 480 are arranged at approximately equal intervals at a density that achieves the maximum recording resolution in the nozzle array direction. The projected nozzle array is a nozzle array obtained by orthogonally projecting each nozzle 480 in the matrix arrangement along the nozzle array direction.

[0185] "Approximately equal intervals" means that the droplets are substantially equal in intervals as droplets that can be recorded by a printing device. For example, the concept of equal intervals also includes cases where the intervals are slightly different in consideration of at least one of manufacturing errors and droplet movement on the substrate due to impact interference. The projected nozzle row corresponds to a substantial nozzle row. When the projected nozzle row is taken into consideration, a nozzle number indicating the nozzle position can be associated with each nozzle 480 in the order of the projected nozzles aligned along the nozzle row direction.

[0186] Although FIG. 13 illustrates an inkjet head 420 in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a matrix, the nozzles may be arranged in a single row, or in a zigzag arrangement in two rows.

[0187] The effective density of the nozzles 480 in the width direction of the substrate corresponds to the printing resolution in the width direction of the substrate. An example of the printing resolution in the width direction of the substrate is 1200 dots per inch. Dots per inch, which represents the number of dots per inch, can be referred to as dpi using the abbreviation of Dot Per Inch.

[0188] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the head module. The head module 460 includes an ink supply path 500, an individual supply path 502, a pressure chamber 504, a nozzle communication path 506, an individual circulation path 508, a common circulation path 510, a piezoelectric element 512, and a vibration plate 514.

[0189] The ink supply path 500, the individual supply paths 502, the pressure chambers 504, the nozzle connecting paths 506, the individual circulation paths 508, and the common circulation path 510 are formed in a flow path structure 516. The nozzle 480 includes a nozzle opening 482 and a nozzle connecting path 506. The nozzle connecting path 506 is a flow path that constitutes the ejection element, and corresponds to the flow path that communicates with the nozzle opening 482.

[0190] The individual supply path 502 is a flow path that connects the pressure chamber 504 and the ink supply path 500. The nozzle communication path 506 is a flow path that connects the pressure chamber 504 and the nozzle opening 482. The individual circulation path 508 is a flow path that connects the nozzle communication path 506 and the common circulation path 510.

[0191] A vibration plate 514 is disposed on the flow path structure 516. A piezoelectric element 512 is disposed on the vibration plate 514 via an adhesive layer 522. The piezoelectric element 512 has a laminated structure of a lower electrode 524, a piezoelectric layer 526, and an upper electrode 528. The lower electrode 524 may be called a common electrode, and the upper electrode 528 may be called an individual electrode.

[0192] The upper electrode 528 is an individual electrode patterned in accordance with the shape of each pressure chamber 504, and each pressure chamber 504 is provided with a piezoelectric element 512. The piezoelectric element 512 corresponds to an energy generating element that constitutes an ejection element.

[0193] The ink supply path 500 communicates with the ink supply chamber 472 shown in Fig. 12. Ink is supplied from the ink supply path 500 to the pressure chamber 504 via the individual supply path 502. A drive voltage is applied to the upper electrode 528 of the piezoelectric element 512 to be operated in accordance with image data, and the piezoelectric element 512 and the vibration plate 514 are deformed, changing the volume of the pressure chamber 504.

[0194] The head module 460 ejects ink droplets from the nozzle openings 482 through the nozzle communication passages 506 in response to pressure changes that accompany changes in the volume of the pressure chambers 504. Note that image data may also be referred to as print data and print-based data.

[0195] The pressure chambers 504 corresponding to the nozzle openings 482 each have a roughly square planar shape, with an outlet to the nozzle opening 482 disposed at one of the diagonal corners, and an individual supply path 502 serving as an ink inlet disposed at the other. The shape of the pressure chamber is not limited to a square. The planar shape of the pressure chamber can be a variety of shapes, including a diamond, a rectangle or other quadrangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, other polygons, a circle, and an ellipse.

[0196] The nozzle communication passage 506 is formed with a circulation outlet 530. The nozzle communication passage 506 is communicated with an individual circulation flow path 508 via the circulation outlet 530. Of the ink held in the nozzles 480, ink that is not used for ejection is collected into the common circulation flow path 510 via the individual circulation flow path 508.

[0197] The circulation common flow path 510 communicates with the ink circulation chamber 474 shown in Fig. 12. Ink is collected to the circulation common flow path 510 via the individual circulation flow paths 508. This prevents the ink held in the nozzles 480 from thickening during non-ejection periods.

[0198] 14 illustrates a piezoelectric element 512 having a structure that is individually separated in correspondence with each of the multiple nozzles 480. Of course, a structure in which a piezoelectric layer 526 is integrally formed for the multiple nozzles 480, individual electrodes are formed in correspondence with each of the multiple nozzles 480, and an active region is formed for each nozzle 480 may be applied.

[0199] The ejection method of the inkjet head 420 may be a thermal method in which ink is pressurized by utilizing the film boiling phenomenon of the ink, or an electrostatic method in which an electric field generated between the inkjet head and the object onto which the ink is ejected acts on the ink.

[0200] The inkjet head 420 may employ a serial method in which the inkjet head 420 scans in the main scanning direction and the reverse scanning direction.

[0201] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, an inkjet head, which is an inkjet type liquid ejection head, is exemplified as a device to which liquid is supplied from the liquid supply system 10, etc., but the device to which liquid is supplied may also be a head to which an ejection method other than the inkjet method is applied, such as a spray type head provided in a spray coating device.

[0202] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified, added, or deleted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and many modifications may be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant field within the technical concept of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments, modifications, and application examples may be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 10 Liquid Supply System 10A Liquid Supply System 11 Liquid Supply System 12 Inkjet head 14 Supply tank 14A Liquid storage section 14B Liquid communication port 14C Gas communication port 14E Side 16 Feed liquid flow path 16A One end of the supply flow path 17 Relay supply liquid flow path 18 Supply gas flow path 18A Atmospheric vent 20 Supply gas flow path valve 21 Supply pressure flow passage valve 24 Pump 26 Dehumidification mechanism 28 Supply liquid flow path valve 30 containers 32 Container 32A 1st joint 32B 2nd joint 32C Main Unit 40 Filters 100 Control device 102 System control section 104 Liquid information acquisition section 106 Dehumidifier information acquisition unit 108 Filter information acquisition unit 110 Sensor information acquisition unit 112 Pump control section 114 Pump 116 Valve control section 118 Valve 120 Display control unit 122 Display 142 processors 144 Computer-readable medium 146 Communication Interface 148 Input / Output Interface 150 Bus 152 Memory 154 Storage 156 Input Devices 160 Liquid Information Acquisition Program 162 Dehumidifier Information Acquisition Program 164 Filter information acquisition program 166 Sensor Information Program 168 Pump Control Program 170 Valve Control Program 172 Display Control Program 200 Liquid Supply System 202 Inkjet printer 214 Recovery liquid tank 216 Recovery liquid flow path 217 Relay recovery liquid flow path 218 Recovery gas flow path 218A Atmospheric vent 220 Recovery gas flow path valve 221 Recovery pressure flow passage valve 222 Recovery pressure channel 223 Dehumidification mechanism 224 Pump 225 Intake and exhaust flow passage 225A Intake and exhaust port 226 Dehumidification mechanism 230 Supply Channel 232 Recovery channel 234 First supply valve 236 Second supply valve 238 First recovery valve 240 Second recovery valve 242 Bypass flow path 244 Bypass flow valve 280 Relay supply liquid flow path valve 282 Relay recovery liquid flow path valve 284 Main Tank 286 Main supply flow path 288 Main Supply Pump 292 Main recovery fluid flow path 294 Main Recovery Pump 296 Main gas flow path 296A Atmospheric vent 298 Dehumidification mechanism 420 Inkjet head 460 Head Module 462 Nozzle surface 464 Head Frame 466 Dummy Plate 468 Flexible Board 470 Nozzle Plate 472 Ink supply chamber 474 Ink Circulation Chamber 480 Nozzle 482 Nozzle opening 484 Nozzle arrangement section 500 Ink supply path 502 Individual supply channel 504 Pressure Chamber 506 Nozzle connection passage 508 Circulation individual flow path 510 Circulation common flow path 512 Piezoelectric element 514 Vibration Plate 516 Flow Channel Structure 522 Adhesive layer 524 stock electrode 526 Piezoelectric Layer 528 Upper electrode 530 Circulation outlet De Dehumidifier DeI Dehumidifier DeO Dehumidifier HS horizontal plane M1 Mesh M2 Mesh M3 Mesh PA Liquid Tank Projection Area PS Planar shape TP top surface

Claims

1. a first liquid tank in which liquid is stored; a first liquid flow path connected to the first liquid tank and a device to which the liquid is supplied, the first liquid flow path being inserted into the liquid stored in the first liquid tank; a first gas flow path connected to the first liquid tank, the first gas flow path including a first tank connection port connected to the first liquid tank and a first atmosphere opening port opened to the atmosphere; a first dehumidifying mechanism provided in the first gas flow path, the first dehumidifying mechanism containing a first dehumidifying agent; A liquid supply system comprising:

2. The liquid delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the first desiccant comprises a zeolite.

3. The first desiccant is contained in a first container; 2. The liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first desiccant contained in the first desiccant mechanism is replaced together with the first container.

4. 2. The liquid supply system of claim 1, wherein the first desiccant is contained in a mesh first container and contained within the first desiccant mechanism.

5. The liquid supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the first gas flow path includes a first filter disposed between the first dehumidification mechanism and the first liquid tank.

6. The first dehumidifying agent is contained in a mesh-like first container and is contained in the first dehumidifying mechanism; 6. A liquid supply system according to claim 5, wherein the first filter has a mesh size smaller than a mesh size of the first container.

7. The liquid supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the first dehumidification mechanism is disposed in a non-liquid tank projection area excluding a liquid tank projection area obtained by projecting a portion of the first liquid tank where the liquid is stored in the upward direction of gravity.

8. The liquid supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the first gas flow path includes a first atmosphere release valve configured to open and close the first gas flow path between the first atmosphere open port and the first dehumidification mechanism.

9. a first pressurized flow passage connected between the first atmosphere release valve and the first dehumidification mechanism in the first gas flow passage; a first pump provided in the first pressurized flow path, the first pump pressurizing the liquid stored in the first liquid tank; A liquid supply system as claimed in claim 8 comprising:

10. a second liquid tank in which the liquid is stored; a second liquid flow path connected to the second liquid tank and a device to which the liquid is supplied, the second liquid flow path being inserted into the liquid stored in the second liquid tank; a second gas flow path connected to the second liquid tank, the second gas flow path including a second tank connection port connected to the second liquid tank and a second atmosphere opening port opened to the atmosphere; a second dehumidification mechanism provided in the second gas flow path, the second dehumidification mechanism containing a second dehumidifying agent; A liquid supply system according to claim 1 , comprising:

11. The liquid supply system according to claim 10 , wherein the second gas flow path includes a second atmosphere release valve that opens and closes the second gas flow path.

12. a second pressurized flow passage connected to the second liquid tank; a second pump provided in the second pressurized flow path, the second pump pressurizing the liquid stored in the second liquid tank; a third dehumidification mechanism provided on an opposite side of the second liquid tank from the second pump in the second pressurized flow path, the third dehumidification mechanism containing a third dehumidifying agent; A liquid supply system according to claim 10 comprising:

13. a first pressurized flow passage connected to the first liquid tank; 13. A liquid supply system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first pressurised flow path is provided with the second pump.

14. The liquid supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid contains a component that absorbs moisture and condenses.

15. The liquid supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid contains a component that undergoes hydrolysis.

16. a liquid ejection head that applies liquid to a liquid application target; a liquid supply system for supplying the liquid to the liquid ejection head; Equipped with The liquid supply system comprises: a first liquid tank in which liquid is stored; a first liquid flow path connected to the first liquid tank and a device to which the liquid is supplied, the first liquid flow path being inserted into the liquid stored in the first liquid tank; a first gas flow path connected to the first liquid tank, the first gas flow path including a first tank connection port connected to the first liquid tank and a first atmosphere opening port opened to the atmosphere; a first dehumidifying mechanism provided in the first gas flow path, the first dehumidifying mechanism containing a first dehumidifying agent; A liquid dispensing system comprising:

17. A liquid storage section in which a liquid is stored; a connecting portion to which a first liquid flow path to be inserted into the liquid is connected; an atmosphere opening port that opens the liquid storage portion to the atmosphere through the first liquid flow path; a first dehumidifying mechanism for holding a desiccant, the first dehumidifying mechanism being disposed on a side opposite to the liquid reservoir of the air opening port, and housing a first desiccant; A liquid tank comprising:

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