Liquid stirring device, and system

Abstract

To provide a liquid stirring device having structural features.SOLUTION: A liquid stirring device includes: storage means for storing liquid; support means which comes in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the storage means, and rotatably supports the storage means; and driving means for rotating the storage means supported on the support means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid agitation technique. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquids containing sedimentary substances may need to be stirred before use to disperse precipitates. For example, in a recording device that ejects liquid ink onto a recording medium to perform recording, stirring may be required to disperse precipitates when using ink such as pigment ink or metallic ink. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose devices that stir ink by rotating an ink container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-338195 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6567186 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the structure of conventional liquid agitating devices.

[0005] The present invention provides a liquid agitating device having a structural feature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a container for containing a liquid; a support means for supporting the storage means so as to be in contact with an outer peripheral wall of the storage means and for rotatably supporting the storage means; and a driving means for rotating the storage means supported by the support means. A liquid agitating device characterized by the above features is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention can provide a liquid agitating device having a structural feature. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 4] Front view of the storage section. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid container and a container support unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the container support unit is attached to the storage section. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] Front view of the storage space. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the container support unit is housed. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a stirring operation. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a flow path forming member and a valve unit. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of changes in the posture of a flow path forming member when rotated. [Figure 21]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the movable and fixed tube fixing members. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of changes in the shape of a tube or the like when rotated. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control circuitry of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 25] FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a perspective view of system A according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a front view of system A. In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions that intersect with each other, and in this embodiment, are perpendicular to each other. When system A is installed on a horizontal surface, the left-right direction is the X direction, the front-back direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction is the Z direction. The X and Y directions can also be called lateral directions.

[0011] System A of this embodiment is a recording system that includes a liquid ejection device 1 and liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, and records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium such as paper. In this embodiment, two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are provided. The liquid ejection device 1 and the two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are arranged side by side in the X direction. The liquid that the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B supply to the liquid ejection device 1 is mainly ink, and the liquid ejection device 1 is a recording device that ejects ink onto a recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to recording systems, and can be applied to various liquid ejection systems whose purpose is to eject liquid onto a medium.

[0012] "Recording" not only includes the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also includes the formation of images, patterns, designs, etc. on a recording medium, whether meaningful or insignificant, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans. In addition, although sheet-like paper is assumed as the "recording medium" in this embodiment, it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0013] <Liquid discharge device> The liquid ejection device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of the liquid ejection device 1. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a pair of left and right stands 2 and a main body 3 supported on the pair of stands 2. Each stand 2 is provided with casters 2a, allowing the liquid ejection device 1 to be moved relatively easily on the floor. Below the main body 3, a feeding unit 4, a drying unit 14, and a winding unit 5 are arranged. In this embodiment, the recording medium M is roll paper, and the feeding unit 4 has a shaft around which the recording medium M is wound. The winding unit 5 has a shaft around which the recording medium M is wound. In this embodiment, roll paper is exemplified as the recording medium M, but cut paper may also be used.

[0014] The main body 3 is provided with a transport unit 6. The transport unit 6 has a drive roller and a driven roller, and the recording medium M fed from the feeding unit 4 is sandwiched in the nip between these rollers. The recording medium M is transported onto a platen 7 by rotation of the drive roller. An ejection head 8 is disposed opposite the platen 7. The ejection head 8 is a recording head that ejects ink to form an image. An image is recorded on the recording medium M by ejecting ink from the ejection head 8 onto the recording medium M transported onto the platen 7.

[0015] The ejection head 8 has an ejection energy generating element, such as an electrothermal conversion element (heater) or a piezoelectric element, and ejects ink from the ejection orifices. When an electrothermal conversion element is used, the heat generated by the element causes the ink to bubble, and the resulting bubble-forming energy is used to eject the ink from the ejection orifices. The printing method of the ejection head 8 may be a serial scan method or a full line method. In the serial scan method, the ejection head 8 is mounted on a carriage and moves back and forth in the X direction. The ejection of ink while moving the ejection head 8 in the X direction is called a printing scan. An image is printed on the printing medium M by alternately repeating the conveyance operation of the printing medium M and the printing scan of the ejection head 8. In the present embodiment, the serial scan method is assumed. In the full line method, a long ejection head 8 extending in the X direction is used, and an image is printed while continuously conveying the printing medium M.

[0016] The recording medium M on which the image has been recorded passes through the drying unit 14 and is then taken up by the take-up unit 5. The drying unit 14 reduces the liquid components contained in the ink applied onto the recording medium M by the ejection head 8, thereby improving the fixation of the ink to the recording medium M. The drying unit 14 has a heat source such as a heater and an air blowing mechanism such as a fan, and dries the recording medium M by applying hot air to the recording medium M passing through, at least from the ink application side. Note that the drying method may be a combination of a method of applying hot air, a method of irradiating the surface of the recording medium M with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, etc.), or a conductive heat transfer method using contact with a heating element. The drying unit 14 may also be a unit that only blows air without having a heat source. The recording medium M on which the image has been recorded is cut by the user with scissors or automatically cut by a cutter (not shown).

[0017] A recovery unit 9 is disposed in the main body 3. The recovery unit 9 is disposed outside the recording area (outside the ejection area) of the ejection head 8, and performs processes related to the recovery and maintenance of the ejection performance of the ejection head 8. Examples of such processes include preliminary ejection, which ejects a predetermined amount of ink before and after a recording operation, and a process of suctioning residual ink from the ejection openings of the ejection head 8. As shown in FIG. 2, the ejection head 8 is moved onto the recovery unit 9 when a recovery process is required.

[0018] An operation panel 10 is provided on the front of the main body 3. The operation panel 10 is, for example, a touch panel, and is capable of accepting input of various settings related to recording, displaying the status of a recording job, etc. The liquid ejection device 1 is also provided with a waste liquid cartridge 11. The waste liquid cartridge 11 is disposed at the lower end of the main body 3, on the opposite side in the X direction from the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B.

[0019] Waste liquid (waste ink, etc.) sucked by the recovery unit 9 flows into the waste liquid cartridge 11 and is collected. The waste liquid cartridge 11 may be placed near the recovery unit 9. However, in this embodiment, the waste liquid cartridge 11 is placed in the empty space below the end of the main body 3, thereby reducing the installation area of ​​the liquid ejection device 1.

[0020] <Liquid Containment Device> Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are devices that store liquid such as ink to be ejected from ejection head 8 and supply the liquid such as ink to liquid ejection device 1. Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B each have a box-shaped main body 22 that forms multiple storage sections 23A and one storage section 23B. Casters 22a are provided on the bottom surface of main body 22, making it relatively easy to move liquid storage devices 20A and 20B on the floor.

[0021] The liquid storage devices 20A and 20B include a plurality of storage sections 23A arranged in the Z direction. Each storage section 23A has the form of a slot that opens in the front wall section 22b of the main body 22. A container support unit 24 is inserted into each storage section 23A so as to be detachable in the Y direction. The container support unit 24 replaceably supports a liquid container 200 (also simply referred to as container 200), which will be described later.

[0022] Liquid storage device 20A has storage section 23B. Storage section 23B has a larger space than storage section 23A, which opens to front wall section 22b of main body 22, and is opened and closed by opening / closing member 25 provided on front wall section 22b. Figure 4 is a front view of storage section 23B, with state ST41 showing a state in which opening / closing member 25 is closed, and state ST42 showing a state in which opening / closing member 25 is open.

[0023] The opening / closing member 25 is a door whose one end in the X direction is supported by the front wall portion 22b via a plurality of hinges 25a, and whose other end in the X direction is provided with a handle 25b that can be gripped by a user. When the user pulls the handle 25b toward themselves from state ST41, the opening / closing member 25 rotates around the hinge 25a as the rotation center, as shown in state ST42, and the inside of the storage portion 23B is exposed. Note that although the opening / closing member 25 is of a rotating type in this embodiment, it may also be of a sliding type.

[0024] The main body 22 is provided with a sensor 26 that detects the open / closed state of the opening / closing member 25. The sensor 26 detects a detection piece 27 provided on the opening / closing member 25. The sensor 26 is, for example, an optical sensor, and is arranged so as to detect the detection piece 27 when the opening / closing member 25 is in the closed state, and not to detect the detection piece 27 when the opening / closing member 25 is in the open state.

[0025] The storage section 23B has a built-in liquid agitating device 100. A plurality of container support units 24 are inserted into the liquid agitating device 100 so that they can be detached in the Y direction. In this embodiment, two container support units 24 can be attached to the liquid agitating device 100. The liquid agitating device 100 has the function of agitating the liquid in the container 200 supported by the container support units 24. Details of the liquid agitating device 100 will be described later. In this embodiment, a common container support unit 24 is used for both the storage section 23A and the storage section 23B, but different container support units may also be used.

[0026] Each of the storage sections 23A and 23B is provided with a tube that connects the container 200 to the liquid ejection device 1. Each tube is connected to the liquid ejection device 1 through a single hose 21 that accommodates all the tubes. The ink in the container 200 is supplied to the ejection head 8 through the tube.

[0027] In this embodiment, system A is equipped with two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, allowing for the use of more inks. Providing multiple liquid storage devices 20A and 20B is advantageous when increasing the number of ink colors to improve image quality or increasing the number of ink colors of the same color to improve productivity.

[0028] <Liquid container and container support unit> FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container 200 and the container support unit 24. The container 200 has a bag 202 made of a flexible material. Gusset portions 202a are provided on both sides of the bag 202, folded inward to increase the liquid capacity. The bag 202 is formed into a bag shape by welding together the sheets constituting the top and bottom surfaces and the sheet forming the gusset portion 202a, forming a flexible tank for containing liquid. When the amount of liquid remaining inside is large, the gusset portion 202a expands, and when the amount of liquid remaining is small, the gusset portion 202a folds in, thereby changing the shape of the bag 202 depending on the amount of liquid contained. The material of the bag 202 is, for example, a material with a multi-layer structure, such as PET. If the liquid inside has the property of reacting with air and solidifying, or if there is a concern that the concentration or remaining amount will change due to evaporation, a layered material containing an aluminum layer is advantageous as the material for the bag 202.

[0029] Container 200 has one longitudinal end 200a and the other longitudinal end 200b. When attached to liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, end 200a is located at the rear of liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, and end 200b is located at the front. End 200a is provided with outlet member 201. Outlet member 201 is formed with supply port 201a that communicates with water intake 203 inside bag 202. Liquid stored in bag 202 flows out to the outside through water intake 203 and supply port 201a. A spring-loaded supply port opening / closing valve that opens and closes supply port 201a is provided inside outlet member 201. Supply port 201a is normally kept closed by the supply port opening / closing valve.

[0030] The container 200 has a side on which the outlet member 201 is provided that is, for example, about 180 mm long, and a side (side surface) perpendicular to this that is, for example, about 400 mm long. The container 200 holds, for example, about 1.5 L of liquid. The side on which the outlet member 201 is provided may be the long side instead of the short side. Furthermore, the bag 202 may be square instead of rectangular in plan view.

[0031] The container support unit 24 has a support portion 240 that supports the container 200, and has the overall form of a tray on which the container 200 is placed in a lying position. The support portion 240 has a placement surface 241 on which the container 200 is placed, and the four sides of the placement surface 241 are defined by left and right side plates 244, a front end portion 242, and a rear end portion 243. A notch portion 244a is formed in the side plate 244. A recess 243a in which the outlet member 201 is disposed is formed in the rear end portion 243. The side plate 244 is provided with a rib 244b extending in the Y direction.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the manner in which the container support unit 24 is attached to the storage section 23A. Note that although the manner in which the container support unit 24 is attached to the storage section 23A will be described here, the manner in which the container support unit 24 is attached to the liquid stirring device 100 in the storage section 23B is essentially the same.

[0033] The storage section 23A is provided with a case 230 that receives the container support unit 24. The container support unit 24 is displaceable in the Y direction between a storage position where the container 200 is stored in the main body 22 and a removal position where the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the main body 22. Figure 6 shows the container support unit 24 in the removal position. In the removal position, the container 200 can be replaced. In the storage position, the container 200 is attached to the case 230.

[0034] In this embodiment, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage section 23A at the removal position. However, the removal position may be a position where an end of the container support unit 24 is held within the storage section 23A, as long as the container support unit 24 is at a position where the container 200 can be replaced.

[0035] A needle member 231 to be inserted into the supply port 201a is provided at the rear side in the Y direction of the case 230. A needle member 231 is provided for each storage section 23A. When the container support unit 24 is located in the storage position, the needle member 231 is inserted into the supply port 201a and becomes connected. As a result, the supply port opening / closing valve inside the outlet member 201 becomes open due to the insertion of the needle member 231. The needle member 231 is connected to a tube 233. The needle member 231 and the tube 233 form a flow path that allows the liquid contained in the bag 202 to flow out to the liquid discharge device 1, which is the supply destination. An electric flow path valve 232 is provided at a midpoint of the tube 233. The tube 233 can be closed and opened by opening and closing the flow path valve 232.

[0036] A mechanism for holding the container support unit 24 in the storage position will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a handle provided on the container support unit 24. State ST71 in Fig. 7 shows the holding state, and state ST72 shows the holding release state.

[0037] A handle 245 that can rotate freely around an axis 245a extending in the X direction is provided at the front end 242 of the container support unit 24, and a user can operate the handle 245. The handle 245 also serves as an operating handle for an engaging portion 248. The handle 245 is provided with the engaging portion 248, and an engaging portion 234 that engages with the engaging portion 248 is formed at the bottom of the case 230.

[0038] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 248 is a convex portion, and the engaging portion 234 is a concave portion or a hole portion into which the engaging portion 248 is inserted. The engagement between the engaging portion 248 and the engaging portion 234 can prevent the container support unit 24 from falling off from the storage portion 23A even if vibrations are applied due to, for example, movement of the liquid storage device 20A.

[0039] The handle 245 is constantly biased by an elastic member 246 toward an engagement position (the position of state ST71 in FIG. 7 ) where the engagement portion 248 and the engagement portion 234 are engaged. The elastic member 246 is, for example, a coil spring. When the user grips the handle 245 and rotates the handle 245, the engagement portion 248 and the engagement portion 234 are disengaged as shown in state ST72, and the container support unit 24 inserted in the storage portion 23A can be removed from the storage portion 23A.

[0040] <Liquid stirring device> The container 200 can accommodate various types of liquid and be used for image recording, maintenance of the ejection head 8, and other purposes. Depending on the type of ink, coloring materials (e.g., pigment components) within the ink may settle over time. For example, pigment components in pigment-based inks, which are highly water-resistant and light-resistant, and titanium oxide components used for white inks, are insoluble in water and will settle, accumulate, and aggregate at the bottom of the container due to gravity if left undisturbed for a long period of time. Therefore, to achieve the desired color, it is necessary to evenly disperse the coloring components within the liquid while maintaining a predetermined particle size. In this embodiment, the liquid agitation device 100 is provided, which allows the liquid to be agitated to disperse the particles and improve their uniformity. In particular, automating the agitation of the liquid reduces the burden on the user.

[0041] <Device Overview> 8 and 9 are perspective views of the liquid agitating device 100, with FIG. 8 being a perspective view of the liquid agitating device 100 seen from the front side, and FIG. 9 being a perspective view of the liquid agitating device 100 seen from the rear side.

[0042] Liquid agitation device 100 comprises a storage unit 110 that stores liquid, a support unit 120 that rotatably supports storage unit 110, and a drive unit 130 that rotates storage unit 110 supported by support unit 120. These components are supported on main body 22 of liquid storage device 20A by a frame that includes frames 101-103.

[0043] In this embodiment, the liquid contained in the containing unit 110 is agitated by rotating the containing unit 110 around a rotation center line CL shown as an imaginary line. By rotating the containing unit 110, the liquid can be agitated more effectively. The rotation center line CL is a line that passes through the containing unit 110, and its direction is the Y direction in this embodiment.

[0044] In this embodiment, the two container support units 24 are configured to be freely inserted into and removed from the front side of the storage unit 110. This allows the liquids in the two containers 200 to be stirred simultaneously. The two container support units 24 are attached to the storage unit 110 so that they are stacked one on top of the other. The number of attachable container support units 24 may be three or more, or may be one.

[0045] The drive unit 130 is disposed at the rear side of the storage unit 110, leaving a relatively large space in front of the storage unit 110. This improves the ease with which a user can insert and remove the container support unit 24 into and from the storage unit 110. Furthermore, by adopting a structure in which the liquid agitating device 100 as a whole extends in the Y direction, the size of the liquid agitating device 100 in the X direction can be reduced.

[0046] <Containment Unit> Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. The containing unit 110 includes a containing member 111 and a shaft fixing member 118 connected in the direction of the rotation center line CL.

[0047] The accommodating member 111 is a hollow member that accommodates the container 200. The accommodating member 111 has a front end 111a, which is one end in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction), and a rear end 111b, which is the other end. Between the front end 111a and the rear end 111b, an outer wall portion 111c of the accommodating member 111 is formed by a cylindrical portion 112 and a rectangular cylindrical portion 113. The cylindrical portion 112 is formed closer to the front end 111a than the rear end 111b, and the rectangular cylindrical portion 113 is formed from the cylindrical portion 112 on the front end 111a side and the rear end 111b side, respectively. The cylindrical portion 112 forms a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The rectangular cylindrical portion 113 has a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape. A fan-shaped cover member 111d is attached to the front end portion 111a, covering the components from the front end portion 111a to the rear when the liquid agitating device 100 is viewed from the front.

[0048] In addition to Figures 8 and 9, please refer to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a front view of the upper and lower storage spaces 114 formed by the storage member 111, showing the state in which the container support unit 24 has been removed from the storage space 114. Figure 11 also shows a front view of the upper and lower storage spaces 114, particularly showing the state (cross-sectional shape) in which the container support unit 24 is stored in the storage space 114. The storage space 114 is formed over the entire area of ​​the cylindrical portion 112 and the square tube portion 113. Unless otherwise specified, matters regarding directions in the following explanation will be assumed to be when the storage unit 110 is in the initial position.

[0049] The internal space of the accommodating member 111 is divided into two sections, upper and lower, by a partition wall 114b extending in the X and Y directions, and accommodating spaces 114 are formed on the upper and lower sides of the partition wall 114b along the rotation center line CL. An opening 114a, which serves as an entrance and exit for the accommodating space 114, is formed in the front end portion 111a of the accommodating member 111.

[0050] The container support unit 24 is displaceable in the Y direction between a storage position where the container 200 is stored in the storage space 114 and a removal position where the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the storage unit 110. The container 200 can be replaced at the removal position. Because the container 200 can be replaced, liquid refilling can be performed quickly and the container support unit 24 can be used repeatedly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are almost no structures near the opening 114a that would interfere with the replacement work, so the container 200 can be replaced easily.

[0051] In this embodiment, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage space 114 at the removal position. However, the removal position may be a position where the end of the container support unit 24 is held within the storage space 114, as long as the container support unit 24 is at a position where the container 200 can be replaced.

[0052] The inner side of the storage space 114 (the side of the end 111b of the storage member 111) is closed, and a needle member 110a protrudes in the Y direction from the wall. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into the storage space 114, the needle member 110a is inserted into the supply port 201a of the container support unit 24. When the needle member 110a is inserted into the supply port 201a, a flow path is formed that allows the liquid stored in the bag 202 supported by the container support unit 24 to flow out to the liquid discharge device 1, which is the supply destination.

[0053] The storage space 114 in this embodiment is a flat rectangular parallelepiped space whose height in the Z direction is shorter than its width in the X direction and which extends in the Y direction. Note that the storage space 114 may also be a flat rectangular parallelepiped space whose height in the Z direction is longer than its width in the X direction and which extends in the Y direction.

[0054] The upper storage space 114 is defined by a top wall 114c, left and right side walls 114d, and a partition wall 114b that serves as the bottom wall, while the upper storage space 114 is defined by a bottom wall 114e, left and right side walls 114f, and a partition wall 114b that serves as the top wall. The partition wall 114b that serves as the bottom wall of the upper storage space 114 and the bottom wall 114e of the lower storage space 114 can be provided with an engagement portion equivalent to the engagement portion 234 that holds the container support unit 24 in the storage position, as described with reference to Figure 7.

[0055] Guide portions 114g are formed on the left and right side walls 114d of the upper storage space 114. The guide portions 114g have a stepped or inclined shoulder-shaped cross section and extend in the Y direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into or removed from the storage space 114, the guide portions 114g function as rails that slide against the ribs 244b of the container support unit 24, guiding displacement of the container support unit 24 in the insertion / removal direction. Furthermore, the guide portions 114g abut against the ribs 244b in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation center line CL (the Z direction in the initial position), restricting displacement of the container support unit 24 in this intersecting direction. This prevents the container support unit 24 from rattling within the storage space 114 when the storage unit 110 rotates.

[0056] Similarly, guide portions 114h are formed on the left and right side walls 114f of the lower storage space 114. The guide portions 114h have a convex shape that protrudes downward from the partition wall 114b and extend in the Y direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into or removed from the storage space 114, the guide portions 114h function as rails that slide against the ribs 244b of the container support unit 24, guiding displacement of the container support unit 24 in the insertion / removal direction. Furthermore, the guide portions 114h abut against the ribs 244b in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation center line CL (the Z direction in the initial position), thereby restricting displacement of the container support unit 24 in this intersecting direction. When the storage unit 110 rotates, rattling of the container support unit 24 within the storage space 114 can be prevented.

[0057] The rotation center PC of the storage unit 110 is located on the partition wall 114b. The rotation center PC is an arbitrary point on the rotation center line CL. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the rotation center line CL passes between the two storage spaces 114, so the storage unit 110 can more evenly agitate the liquid in the two storage containers 200.

[0058] <Rotational support structure> The structure for rotatably supporting the accommodating unit 110 will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, 12, and 13. Figure 12 is a front view of the liquid agitating device 100, mainly showing the rotatable support structure of the accommodating unit 110. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the rear part of the accommodating unit 110 with the drive unit 130 removed.

[0059] The following describes the issues with a structure that rotatably supports the storage unit 110. If shafts are provided on the storage unit 110 at both ends of the rotation center line CL, the presence of the shafts and bearings may reduce design freedom and reduce user convenience. For example, in a structure in which the container support unit 24 is inserted and removed from the storage unit 110, as in this embodiment, there may be restrictions on the insertion and removal location and insertion and removal direction. Furthermore, in a structure that stores and agitates a large volume of liquid, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the shafts and bearings, taking into account the weight of the liquid.

[0060] In this embodiment, this problem is solved by combining a support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, with a support structure with a shaft (a shaft member 117 and a bearing member 103a, which will be described later).

[0061] The support unit 120 is a mechanism that abuts against the outer wall portion 111c of the accommodating unit 110 and rotatably supports the accommodating unit 110. In this embodiment, the support unit 120 supports the accommodating unit 110 rotatably around the rotation center line CL by having a plurality of abutment portions 121 abut against the cylindrical portion 112 of the accommodating member 111. In this embodiment, the support unit 120 has two abutment portions 121, and these two abutment portions 121 abut against the cylindrical portion 112 at abutment positions 112a that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 112.

[0062] Each contact portion 121 in this embodiment is a roller supported by a bearing 122 around an axis in a direction parallel to the rotation center line CL (Y direction). The bearing 122 is supported by the frame 101. The peripheral surface of the contact portion (roller) 121 abuts against the cylindrical portion 112, and the containing unit 110 is placed between the two contact portions (rollers) 121 and can roll freely in place in the direction of arrow DR in Figure 12. Because the containing unit 110 is supported from below by the two abutment portions 121, structural stability can be obtained without requiring significant reinforcement of rigidity, even when the containing unit 110 contains a large volume of liquid and is heavy.

[0063] The cylindrical portion 112 is formed closer to the front end 111a than the rear end 111b of the accommodating member 111, and the support unit 120 rotatably supports the accommodating unit 110 at a position closer to the front end 111a than the rear end 111b. The accommodating unit 110 is supported by the shaftless support unit 120 near the opening 114a, which serves as an entrance and exit for inserting and removing the container support unit 24 into and from the accommodating space 114. Since there are no shafts or bearings in the front of the liquid agitating device 100, the convenience of the user when inserting and removing the container support unit 24 is improved. Furthermore, when inserting and removing the container support unit 24, a load in the direction of gravity may easily act near the opening 114a. However, because two abutment portions 121 support the accommodating unit 110 from below near the opening 114a, such load can be stably received.

[0064] Furthermore, by configuring the housing member 111 to have a cylindrical portion 112 and a rectangular tube portion 113, it is possible to reduce the weight and the moment of inertia of rotation compared to when the entire housing member 111 is formed from the cylindrical portion 112. The rectangular tube portion 113 has a long side portion 113a and a short side portion 113b that form its rectangular outline. In this embodiment, the relationship between the width WL of the long side portion 113a, the width WS of the short side portion 113b, and the radius R of the cylindrical portion 112 is WL > WS and WS < 2 × R. By making the width WS of the rectangular tube portion 113 smaller than the diameter (2 × R) of the cylindrical portion 112, it is possible to reduce the weight and the moment of inertia of rotation.

[0065] On the other hand, the relationship WL>2×R holds, and the cylindrical portion 112 and the abutment position 112a are located inside an imaginary circle VC that passes through the outermost part of the accommodating unit 110 and has the rotation center PC as its center. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the liquid agitating device 100. The side wall 22c of the storage section 23B can be brought closer to the accommodating unit 110, and the size of the liquid agitating device 100 in the X direction can be reduced.

[0066] A shaft member 117 is provided at the rear (toward the rear end 111b) of the accommodation unit 110. The shaft member 117 is fixed to the end of a shaft fixing member 118 and extends along the rotation center line CL. The shaft fixing member 118 is a hollow body having a flange portion 118a fixed to the rear end 111b of the accommodation unit 111 and a body portion 118b extending rearward from the flange portion 118a, and the shaft member 117 is fixed to the end of the body portion 118b. The frame 103 includes a plate-shaped bearing member 103a, and the shaft member 117 is supported by being inserted through a shaft hole 103b. By rotatably supporting the accommodation unit 110 not only by the support unit 120 but also by the shaft member 117 and the bearing member 103a, it is possible to prevent the rotation center PC of the accommodation unit 110 from wobbling, thereby achieving more stable rotation. The shaft member 117 and the bearing member 103a are located on the opposite side of the accommodating unit 110 with respect to the opening 114a, and therefore the convenience of the user when inserting and removing the container support unit 24 is not impaired.

[0067] The liquid agitator 100 also includes a regulating unit 150 that regulates displacement of the accommodating member 111 in a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL. The regulating unit 150 of this embodiment regulates the accommodating member 111 from displacing upward in the Z direction. When inserting or removing the container support unit 24, if an upward force acts on the front side of the accommodating unit 110 and the position of the accommodating unit 110 becomes tilted, a bending load acts on the shaft member 117. By providing the regulating unit 150, such a change in position can be prevented.

[0068] The restriction unit 150 of this embodiment has a plurality of abutment portions 151 that face the cylindrical portion 112 in the Z direction at a position above the rotation center line CL. When the accommodating member 111 attempts to displace upward, the plurality of abutment portions 151 abut against the cylindrical portion 112, physically preventing this displacement. The plurality of abutment portions 151 may be in constant abutment with the cylindrical portion 112, or may normally be located slightly spaced apart in the Z direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the restriction unit 150 has two contact portions 151, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 112. In this embodiment, each contact portion 151 is a roller supported by a bearing 152 around an axis parallel to the rotation center line CL (Y direction). The bearing 152 is supported by the frame 102.

[0070] The two contact portions 151 are positioned in the same X and Y directions as the two contact portions 121 of the support unit 120. The same parts can be used for the set of the two contact portions 151 and the bearing 152 and the set of the two contact portions 121 and the bearing 122 of the support unit 120. Sharing parts reduces the number of types of parts.

[0071] <Drive unit> The structure of the drive unit 130 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The drive unit 130 is disposed outside (rearward of) the rear end portion 111b of the accommodating member 111 in the direction of the rotation center line CL. By disposing the drive unit 130 on the opposite side of the opening 114a from the accommodating unit 110, it is possible to reduce the number of mechanisms present around the opening 114a, improving the convenience of the user when inserting and removing the container support unit 24.

[0072] The drive unit 130 includes a motor 131 as a drive source. The motor 131 is fixed to a frame (not shown). A gear 132 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 131. In this embodiment, the motor 131 is a step motor. The amount of rotation of the containing unit 110 can be controlled by the amount of rotation of the motor 131. The motor 131 may be a DC motor, and in this case, a rotation amount sensor such as a rotary encoder may be provided to control the amount of rotation.

[0073] The drive unit 130 includes gears 133, 134, and 135. The gears 133 and 134 are rotatably supported by a frame (not shown). The gears 133 and 134 are each a double gear, with the large gear of gear 133 meshing with the gear 132, and the small gear of gear 133 meshing with the large gear of gear 134. Furthermore, the small gear of gear 134 meshes with gear 135. A torque limiter 133a is provided between the small gear and large gear of gear 133, which can cut off the drive transmission between them. The torque limiter 133a prevents an overload from being applied to the motor 131. Furthermore, if a user accidentally touches the accommodation unit 110 while it is rotating, the torque limiter 133a cuts off the transmission of the drive force, preventing a high load from being applied to the user's hand.

[0074] The gear 135 is fixed to the shaft member 117. When the motor 131 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the shaft member 117, causing the containing unit 110 to rotate. The bearing member 103a is located between the gear 135 and the shaft fixing member 118, and these determine the position of the containing unit 110 in the direction of the rotation center line CL. Note that, although a gear mechanism is used as a mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the motor 131 to the shaft member 117, other types of transmission mechanisms such as a belt transmission mechanism may also be used.

[0075] <Example of stirring operation> 14 shows an example of the stirring operation (rotation operation of the storage unit 110) driven by the drive unit 130. State ST141 shows the state in which the storage unit 110 is in the initial position. In the initial position, the storage member 111 is in a horizontal position with the long side portion 113a horizontal. The support portion 240 of the container support unit 24 and the storage container 200 in the storage space 114 are also in a horizontal position, and the gusset portions 202a on both sides of the storage container 200 are positioned at the same height.

[0076] State ST142 shows an inclined state in which the storage unit 110 has rotated counterclockwise by an angle θ1 from the initial position. The position of the storage unit 110 in this state is called the left inclined position. The gusset portions 202a on both sides of the storage container 200 are positioned higher on the right side than on the left side in the figure. Liquid in the storage container 200 flows from the right gusset portion 202a to the left gusset portion 202a.

[0077] State ST143 shows an inclined state in which the storage unit 110 has rotated clockwise by an angle θ2 from the initial position. The position of the storage unit 110 in this state is called the right-tilt position. The gusset portions 202a on both sides of the storage container 200 are higher on the left side than on the right side in the figure. Liquid in the storage container 200 flows from the right gusset portion 202a side to the left gusset portion 202a side.

[0078] The liquid in the container 200 can be agitated by repeatedly changing the posture of the containing unit 110, for example, from state ST141 to state ST142 to state ST141 to state ST143 to state ST141 to . . .

[0079] When changing the attitude of the containing unit 110 from state ST142 to state ST143, the rotation may be temporarily stopped at intermediate state ST141. Conversely, the rotation may not be stopped at intermediate state ST141, and the attitude of the containing unit 110 may be continuously changed from state ST141 to state ST143. The same applies when changing the attitude of the containing unit 110 from state ST143 to state ST142.

[0080] Alternatively, between state ST142 and state ST143, the orientation of the containing unit 110 may be changed continuously multiple times without stopping the rotation in state ST141, and then the rotation may be stopped for a predetermined time in state ST141. This operation may then be repeated. By stopping the rotation for a predetermined time in state ST141, the power consumption of the motor 131 can be reduced, and by resuming the rotation before the settling of particles in the liquid progresses, the uniformity of the liquid can be maintained.

[0081] The angles θ1 and θ2 may be the same or different. The angles θ1 and θ2 may be the same when performing a stirring operation under one condition, and may be different when performing a stirring operation under another condition. When the angles θ1 and θ2 are different angles, the magnitude relationship between them may be switched alternately between θ1 > θ2 and θ1 < θ2.

[0082] If angles θ1 and θ2 are too small, the stirring effect will decrease, and if they are too large, container 200 may be twisted. Therefore, angles θ1 and θ2 may be, for example, angles selected from the range of 20 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees, or may be angles selected from the range of 60 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less. A specific angle may be, for example, 70 degrees.

[0083] The angles θ1 and θ2 may be different depending on the conditions for starting the stirring operation. For example, the angles θ1 and θ2 may be larger under conditions in which it is estimated that sedimentation is progressing, and smaller under conditions in which it is estimated that sedimentation is not progressing.

[0084] The rotation of the containing unit 110 is controlled by accelerating from a stationary state, rotating at a constant speed, and then decelerating and stopping. If the constant rotation speed (the rotation speed of the motor 131) is too fast, excessive load may be placed on the containing unit 200, while if it is too slow, stirring will take a long time. Therefore, the constant rotation speed may be selected, for example, from a range of 20 deg / sec to 160 deg / sec, or from a range of 30 deg / sec to 140 deg / sec. The constant rotation speed may be related to the angles θ1 and θ2. For example, when the angles θ1 and θ2 are θα, the rotation speed may be V1. When the angles θ1 and θ2 are θβ, which is larger than θα, the rotation speed may be V2, which is slower than V1. This allows for both reduced load on the containing unit 200 and good fluidity of the liquid.

[0085] <Rotation range restriction structure> If the accommodating unit 110 rotates excessively, there are problems such as malfunction of the drive system or twisting of the tube that discharges the liquid, which impedes the flow of the liquid. One cause of excessive rotation is that the user may accidentally rotate the accommodating unit 110 by hand when inserting or removing the container support unit 24 into or from the accommodating unit 110. The liquid agitating device 100 of this embodiment is provided with a structure that physically restricts the rotation range of the accommodating unit 110.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 8, 9, 12, and 15 to 17. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation restriction unit 140, and Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams showing how the rotation restriction unit 140 restricts rotation.

[0087] The liquid agitator 100 is provided with a rotation restriction unit 140 that restricts the rotation range of the accommodating unit 110. The rotation restriction unit 140 is provided with stoppers 141 and 142 that come into contact with the accommodating unit 110 to physically restrict its rotation. By coming into contact with the accommodating unit 110 and directly restricting the rotation of the accommodating unit 110, excessive rotation of the accommodating unit 110 can be reliably prevented.

[0088] The stoppers 141 and 142 are block-shaped members fixed to the frame 101 and have inclined abutment surfaces 141a and 142a. The stopper 141 abuts against an abutment portion 115 formed on the outer wall portion 111c of the accommodating unit 110, thereby defining the upper limit of the range of rotation of the accommodating unit 110 in one direction (rotation from state ST141 to state ST142 in FIG. 14). The stopper 142 abuts against an abutment portion 116 formed on the outer wall portion 111c of the accommodating unit 110, thereby defining the upper limit of the range of rotation of the accommodating unit 110 in the other direction (rotation from state ST141 to state ST143 in FIG. 14). In this embodiment, the angles of the upper limits of the rotation range defined by the stoppers 141 and 142 are the same.

[0089] Abutment portions 115 and 116 are formed on square tube-shaped portion 113, and in particular, are formed on long side portion 113a rather than short side portion 113b. If the abutment portions protrude from short side portion 113b, their presence tends to increase the diameter of imaginary circle VC shown in FIG. 12. This may result in the liquid agitator 100 becoming larger in the X and Z directions. By forming abutment portions 115 and 116 on part of long side portion 113a, the liquid agitator 100 can be made smaller.

[0090] 12, the contact surfaces 141a and 142a of the stoppers 141 and 142 are located inside the imaginary circle VC. In other words, the contact positions of the stoppers 141 and 142 and the contact portions 115 and 116 in the radial direction of the rotation of the containing unit 110 (radial direction of the imaginary circle VC) are located inside the imaginary circle VC. The positions of the stoppers 141 and 142 in the X and Z directions can be kept within a narrow range, and the liquid agitating device 100 can be made smaller in size in the X and Z directions.

[0091] 15, when viewed in the direction of the rotation center line CL, abutment portions 115 and 116 are spaced apart in the X direction by a distance W1 with respect to the abutment position, and stoppers 141 and 142 are spaced apart in the X direction by a distance W2. The relationship is W1>W2. The arrangement range of stoppers 141 and 142 in the X direction is within the width of accommodating member 111, so that liquid agitating device 100 can be made smaller in size in the X direction.

[0092] Furthermore, the abutment portions 115 and 116 are formed at the end of the long side portion 113a in the X direction (at the boundary with the short side portion 113b). Because they are located relatively far from the rotation center PC, even if the rigidity of the stoppers 141 and 142 is relatively low, the rotation of the containing unit 110 can be more reliably restricted.

[0093] The stoppers 141 and 142 are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). Corresponding to such an arrangement of the stoppers 141 and 142, the abutment portions 115 and 116 are also arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). By arranging the stoppers 141 and 142 so as to be offset from each other in the direction of the rotation center line CL, it is possible to shorten the distance between the stoppers 141 and 142 in the X direction even if the allowable range of rotation of the containing unit 110 is large. This allows the liquid agitating device 100 to be made smaller in size in the X direction.

[0094] 16 is a perspective view showing, from two directions, a state in which rotation of the accommodating unit 110 is restricted by the stopper 141 abutting against the abutment portion 115. Further rotation of the accommodating unit 110 is physically restricted by the abutment portion 115 abutting against the abutment surface 141 a of the stopper 141. An interference avoidance portion 115′ is formed in the accommodating member 111 adjacent to the abutment portion 115. In this embodiment, the interference avoidance portion 115′ is a recess, and interference between the abutment portion 116 and the accommodating member 111 is avoided.

[0095] 17 is a perspective view showing, from two directions, a state in which rotation of the accommodating unit 110 is restricted by the stopper 142 abutting against the abutment portion 116. The abutment portion 116 abuts against the abutment surface 142a of the stopper 142, physically restricting further rotation of the accommodating unit 110. An interference avoidance portion 116' is formed in the accommodating member 111 adjacent to the abutment portion 116. In this embodiment, the interference avoidance portion 116' is a recess, which prevents interference between the abutment portion 116 and the accommodating member 111.

[0096] In this embodiment, the rotation range of the containing unit 110 is restricted by the contact between the stoppers 141 and 142 and the containing member 111, but the rotation range may be restricted by using other parts. For example, the rotation range of the containing unit 110 may be restricted by contacting a stopper with the gear 133, the gear 134, or the gear 135 of the drive unit 130 to restrict its rotation.

[0097] <Rotation position detection> The containing unit 110 can be touched by the user, and the position of the containing unit 110 may shift when the liquid agitating device 100 is powered off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a torque limiter 133a is provided in the drive transmission path of the drive unit 130, which can cause an error between the amount of rotation of the motor 131 and the rotation position of the containing unit 110. If there is a large error in the recognition of the rotation position of the containing unit 110, the rotation of the containing unit 110 may not be accurately controlled during the agitation operation. In this embodiment, a sensor that detects the position of the containing unit 110 is provided, thereby improving the recognition accuracy of the rotation position of the containing unit 110.

[0098] Please refer to Figures 9, 16, 17 and 18. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the position detection operation of the accommodation unit 110.

[0099] The containing unit 110 is provided with a detection piece 181 that rotates around the rotation center line CL together with the containing unit 110. In this embodiment, the detection piece 181 is formed integrally with the gear 135 and is fixed to the shaft member 117 by using the gear 135. A sensor 180 that detects the detection piece 181 is fixed to the frame 103. The sensor 180 is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects whether the detection piece 181 is present at the detection position of the sensor 180. When the containing unit 110 is viewed from the rear side, the detection position is the 3 o'clock position if compared to the face of a clock centered on the rotation center PC (see FIG. 18).

[0100] The detection piece 181 includes a portion extending around the rotation center line CL, and when the rotation position of the containing unit 110 is within a certain rotation range, the sensor 180 detects the detection piece 181. In this embodiment, the detection piece 181 has an arc shape (or a fan shape) centered on the rotation center CL, and particularly in this embodiment, it has an arc shape that is a semicircle.

[0101] In this embodiment, the position where the edge of the detection piece 181 crosses the sensor 180 (the position where the detection result changes, for example, from non-detection to detection) is taken as the reference position. In this embodiment, the reference position corresponds to the initial position of the containing unit 110 (state ST141 in FIG. 14). State ST182 in FIG. 18 shows the positional relationship between the detection piece 181 and the sensor 180 when the containing unit 110 is in the initial position.

[0102] The detection piece 181 is provided so that the detection piece 181 can be detected by the sensor 180 while the accommodation unit 110 moves from the initial position to the left tilt position shown in state ST142 in Figure 14. State ST183 in Figure 18 shows a position in the middle of the accommodation unit 110 rotating from the initial position to the left tilt position (state ST142) in Figure 14.

[0103] The detection piece 181 is provided so that it is not detected by the sensor 180 while the accommodation unit 110 moves from the initial position to the right tilt position shown in state ST143 in Fig. 14. State ST181 in Fig. 18 shows a position in the middle of the accommodation unit 110 rotating from the initial position to the right tilt position (state ST143) in Fig. 14.

[0104] An example of processing that uses the detection results of sensor 180 will be described. This processing can be executed by control unit 32, which will be described later. First, an example of initialization processing that rotates containing unit 110 to the initial position will be described with reference to FIG. 18. The initialization processing can be performed, for example, when power is turned on to liquid agitation device 100. The initialization processing can also be performed periodically, for example, after power is turned on to liquid agitation device 100.

[0105] In the initialization process, first, the detection result of the sensor 180 is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the detection piece 181 has been detected. If the detection piece 181 is not detected, as exemplified in state ST181 in FIG. 18, it can be determined that the accommodating unit 110 is in a position rotated toward the right-inclined position (toward state ST143 in FIG. 14) from the initial position. Therefore, the drive unit 130 rotates the accommodating unit 110 in the direction of arrow RL, and the rotation of the accommodating unit 110 is stopped at the position where the detection result of the sensor 180 changes from non-detection to detection. The accommodating unit 110 is now located in its initial position.

[0106] When the detection piece 181 is detected as shown in state ST183 in Figure 18, it can be determined that the accommodating unit 110 is in a position rotated toward the left tilt position (toward state ST142 in Figure 14) from the initial position. Therefore, the drive unit 130 rotates the accommodating unit 110 in the direction of arrow RR. After passing the position where the detection result of the sensor 180 changes from detection to non-detection, the rotation direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed, and the accommodating unit 110 is stopped at the position where the detection result of the sensor 180 changes from non-detection to detection. The accommodating unit 110 is now located in its initial position.

[0107] In this manner, in this embodiment, by making the shape of the detection piece 181 correspond to the rotational position of the containing unit 110, it is possible to determine in which rotational direction the containing unit 110 has been rotated relative to the initial position based on the detection result of the sensor 180. As a result, the initialization process can be completed quickly.

[0108] Next, an example of rotation error processing of the containing unit 110 during the stirring operation will be described. In the stirring operation illustrated in Fig. 14, the detection result of the sensor 180 switches from non-detection to detection, or from detection to non-detection, every time the containing unit 110 passes the initial position (state ST141). If the detection result of the sensor 180 does not switch even when the amount of rotation of the motor 131 reaches a predetermined amount, it can be determined that a foreign object has interfered with the drive unit 130 or the containing unit 110, making it unable to rotate.

[0109] If it is determined that rotation is impossible, error processing can be performed, such as stopping the driving of the motor 131 and notifying the user. For example, a message may be displayed via the operation panel 10 or the host computer 300, instructing the liquid ejection device 1 or the liquid stirring device 100 to be initialized by turning off the power, or the message may be notified by voice or the like. Alternatively, an error code may be displayed via the operation panel 10 or the host computer 300, or the error code may be notified by voice or the like, so that the user can be guided to a service call.

[0110] In this embodiment, the detection piece 181 is formed integrally with the gear 135, but the location of the detection piece 181 is not limited to the gear 135. For example, the detection piece 181 may be provided on the housing member 111, or may be provided on the cylindrical portion 112, for example.

[0111] <Liquid discharge structure> The structure for discharging liquid from the container 200 via the needle member 110a will now be described. A flow path forming member 119 is provided at the rear end 111b of the container 111 between the rear end 111b and the shaft fixing member 118. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the flow path forming member 119 at the rear end 11b of the container 111 and the valve unit 170, with the shaft fixing member 118 removed from the rear end 111b. Figure 20 shows an example of a flow path formed by the flow path forming member 119 and a change in the position of the flow path forming member 119 as the container unit 110 rotates.

[0112] First, refer to Figure 20. The flow path forming member 119 forms a liquid flow path 119b and two liquid flow paths 119a branching off from the flow path 119b. An outlet hole 1903 is formed at the end of the flow path 119b. A communication hole 1901 is formed at the end of each flow path 119a, communicating with each of the needle members 110a in the upper and lower two storage spaces 114. A check valve 1902 is formed midway along the flow path 119a. The liquid in the container 200 flows out of the storage unit 110 through the needle member 110a, the communication hole 1901, the flow path 119a, the flow path 119b, and the outlet hole 1903, in this order.

[0113] State ST201 shows the posture of the flow path forming member 119 when the accommodating unit 110 is in the initial position. State ST202 shows the posture of the flow path forming member 119 when the accommodating unit 110 is in the left tilt position (state ST142 in FIG. 14). State ST203 shows the posture of the flow path forming member 119 when the accommodating unit 110 is in the right tilt position (state ST143 in FIG. 14).

[0114] If the liquid agitation device 100 is not operated for a long period of time with the containing unit 110 in the initial position, particles contained in the liquid may settle around each branch point between the flow path 119b and the two flow paths 119a. However, in this embodiment, when the containing unit 110 rotates due to the agitation operation, the flow path forming member 119 also rotates and its position changes. Because the inclination of the flow paths 119a and 119b changes, particles that had settled around each branch point become more likely to flow together with the liquid, and clogging of the flow paths 119a and 119b with particles can be prevented.

[0115] 19 is an electrically operated valve that switches between closing and opening flow path 119a at position 171' near each branch point between flow path 119b and the two flow paths 119a. Valve unit 170 includes two valve elements 171 corresponding to the two positions 171', a motor 172 that is a drive source, and a position sensor 173 that detects the positions of the two valve elements 171. A cam mechanism (not shown) built into valve unit 170 is driven by motor 172 to drive valve element 171, thereby switching between closing and opening flow path 119a.

[0116] The valve unit 170 makes it possible to selectively close both of the two flow paths 119a or open one of them. For example, if containers 200 containing the same type of liquid are stored in each of the two storage spaces 114 on the two levels, liquid is supplied from one container 200 and the supply of liquid from the other container 200 is stopped. When the remaining amount of liquid in one container 200 runs out, liquid is supplied from the other container 200 and the supply of liquid from the one container 200 is stopped. The one container 200 with no remaining liquid can then be replaced with a new container 200.

[0117] <Tube wiring structure> A flexible tube is connected to the outlet hole 1903, and the liquid is supplied to the liquid discharger 1 via the tube. As shown in FIG. 20 , as the containing unit 110 rotates, the flow path forming member 190 also rotates, changing the position of the outlet hole 1903. It is necessary to prevent the tube from twisting due to this position change or from making unintended movements that could cause contact with and damage to surrounding structures. In this embodiment, such a problem is solved by employing a structure that controls the behavior of the tube as the containing unit 110 rotates.

[0118] Please refer to Figures 9, 13, 16, 17, and 21 to 23. Figure 21 is a rear view showing the rear part of the accommodation unit 110, and shows the state in which the drive unit 130 has been removed, except for the gear 135. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram of the holding member 165. Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of how the shape of the tube 160, etc. changes when the accommodation unit 110 is rotated.

[0119] The tube 160 has an end 160a connected to the outlet hole 2903 and extends from the accommodating unit 110. The tube 160 forms a discharge flow path for the liquid discharged from the accommodating unit 110 (i.e., the liquid in the container 200). A fixing member 161 is provided around the body 118b of the shaft fixing member 118. The fixing member 161 is a clip-type member that clamps an intermediate portion of the tube 160 and fixes the intermediate portion of the tube 160 to the accommodating unit 110. The fixing member 161 rotates together with the accommodating unit 110 around the rotation center line CL.

[0120] A fixing member 162 is provided on the frame 103. The fixing member 162 is a clip-type member that fixes an intermediate portion of the tube 160 downstream of the fixing member 161 in the outflow direction of the liquid. Because the fixing member 162 is fixed to the frame 103, it is an immovable member that does not rotate together with the containing unit 110. As shown in FIG. 9 , the fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged on an imaginary plane VF that is perpendicular to the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, the fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged on a common imaginary plane, but the imaginary plane VF on which the fixing member 161 is arranged and the imaginary plane VF on which the fixing member 162 is arranged may be offset in the direction of the rotation center line CL. In that case, the tube 160 may be arranged in a spiral shape extending in the direction of the rotation center CL.

[0121] When the accommodation unit 110 is in the initial position, as shown in FIG. 21 , if we compare it to a clock face centered on the rotation center PC, the fixing member 161 is at the 2 o'clock position and the fixing member 162 is at the 10 o'clock position. The tube 160 passes clockwise from the end 160a, passes above the body 118b, reaches the fixing member 161, and then passes further clockwise below the body 118b, reaches the fixing member 162. The tube 160 then extends further from the fixing member 162 ( FIG. 13 ). Only the section of the tube 160 from the end 160a to the fixing member 162 is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 . The fixing members 161 and 162 are positioned at least inside the cylindrical portion 112 when viewed from the Y direction. This allows the movement area in the X direction of the tube 160, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the accommodation unit 110, to be reduced.

[0122] The fixing member 161 fixes a middle portion of the tube 160 so that it is oriented more in the tangential direction L1 than in the radial direction L2 of a virtual circle on the XZ plane centered on the rotation center PC. In this embodiment, this middle portion is oriented in the tangential direction L1. Similarly, the fixing member 162 fixes a middle portion of the tube 160 so that it is oriented more in the tangential direction L3 than in the radial direction L4 of a virtual circle on the XZ plane centered on the rotation center PC. In this embodiment, this middle portion is oriented in the tangential direction L13. Therefore, in the tube section from the end 160a of the tube 160 to the fixing member 161 and the tube section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, the tube 160 is routed in an arc or spiral shape around the rotation center line CL. The fixing members 161 and 162 are configured to fix the tube 160 approximately parallel to the tangential directions L1 and L3, respectively. This allows the expansion direction of the tube 160, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the accommodation unit 110, to be guided in the direction of gravity, reducing the load on the tube 160 and suppressing damage to the tube 160. This also reduces the expansion of the tube 160 in the X direction, making it possible to reduce the size of the space in the X direction in which the tube 160 runs.

[0123] In this embodiment, the tube 160 is routed along the tube section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162 together with an electric cable (for example, a flexible flat cable) 163 and a flexible band member 164 .

[0124] The electric cable 163 includes wiring for electrical components provided in the accommodating unit 110, such as the electric wiring for the motor 172 and the sensor 173. Similar to the tube 160, the electric cable 163 is fixed at an intermediate portion thereof by a fixing member 161, and at an intermediate portion downstream thereof by a fixing member 162. In the cable section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, the electric cable 163 is routed in an arc or spiral shape around the rotation center line CL. The tube 160, the electric cable 163, the fixing member 161, and the fixing member 162 are arranged closer to the rear end 111b of the accommodating member 111 than the front end 111a, particularly behind the rear end 111b in this embodiment. These configurations do not interfere with the user's insertion and removal of the container support unit 24 near the front end 111a, improving user convenience.

[0125] The belt member 164 is made of, for example, a polyester film. The belt member 164 supports the tube 160 and the electric cable 163 and further stabilizes the behavior of the tube 160 and the electric cable 163 when the accommodation unit 110 rotates. The belt member 164 extends from the fixed member 161 to the fixed member 162.

[0126] In order to route the tube 160 and the electric cable 163 together with the belt member 164 as a single unit, a plurality of holding members 165 are used to hold them. The plurality of holding members 165 are arranged in the section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, and are bundling members that integrally bundle the tube 160, the electric cable 163, and the belt member 164. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the holding members 165, which are configured to hold the respective intermediate portions of the tube 160, the electric cable 163, and the belt member 164 with gaps 165a. The holding members 165 can prevent the tube 160, the electric cable 163, and the belt member 164 from coming apart.

[0127] 23, the behavior of the tube 160, the electric cable 163, and the belt member 164 (hereinafter referred to as the tube 160, etc.) when the accommodation unit 110 rotates will be described. State ST221 shows a state in which the accommodation unit 110 is in the initial position. The tube 160, etc. have a moderate amount of play or slack in the space from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162.

[0128] State ST222 shows the state of the tube 160, etc. when the accommodation unit 110 is in the left tilt position (state ST142 in FIG. 14 ). Compared to state ST221, in state ST222, the length of the section between fixing members 161 and 162 in the clockwise direction in the figure is shorter, and the two are closer together. The amount of play or slack in the tube 160, etc., increases in the section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, and the radius of the arc described by this section increases.

[0129] State ST223 shows the state of the tubes 160, etc. when the accommodation unit 110 is in the right-tilted position (state ST143 in FIG. 14 ). Compared to state ST221, in state ST223, the length of the section between fixing members 161 and 162 in the clockwise direction in the figure is longer, and the two are spaced apart. The amount of play or slack in the tubes 160, etc. is reduced in the section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, and the radius of the arc described by this section is smaller. The tubes 160, etc. are close to the circumferential surface of body portion 118b but do not come into contact with it, and the tubes 160, etc. do not come into contact with the valve unit 170.

[0130] In this manner, in this embodiment, by adopting an arrangement in which the radius of the arc described by the tube 160 or the like changes depending on the direction of rotation of the accommodation unit 110, it is possible to control the behavior of the tube accompanying the rotation of the accommodation unit 110. As a result, it is possible to prevent twisting of the tube 160 or the like or the occurrence of unintended behavior.

[0131] <Control circuit> The configuration of the control circuit of system A will be described with reference to Figure 24. Figure 24 is a block diagram of the control circuit of system A. Main control unit 30 controls the entire system A in response to instructions from host computer 300 and operation panel 10. Control unit 31 controls liquid ejection device 1 based on instructions from main control unit 30, and control unit 32 controls liquid storage devices 20A and 20B based on instructions from main control unit 30. Main control unit 30 and control units 31 and 32 each include, for example, at least one processor, at least one storage device, and at least one input / output interface. The storage device is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM. The input / output interface inputs and outputs signals between the processor and external devices (sensors, motors, etc.).

[0132] The ejection control unit 35 controls the ejection head 8, particularly the ejection of liquid. The actuator group 34 includes a transport motor that is the drive source for the transport unit 6, a carriage motor that is the drive source for the movement mechanism of the carriage (not shown), a take-up motor that is the drive source for the take-up unit 5, and a recovery motor that is the drive source for the recovery unit 9. The actuator group 34 also includes a cutter motor that is the drive source for a cutter (not shown) that cuts the recording medium M after image recording. The sensor group 33 includes various sensors that the liquid ejection device 1 is equipped with.

[0133] The clock unit 38 is a counter that outputs the count result of the elapsed time to the control unit 32. When the stirring period of the liquid is managed by time, the count result of the clock unit 38 can be used. The stirring timing can also be determined by using the count result of the clock unit 38.

[0134] The actuator group 37 includes motors 131 and 172, a flow path valve 232, and the like provided in the liquid agitating device 100. The sensor group 36 includes sensors 26 and 180, and the like provided in the liquid agitating device 100.

[0135] <Example of control circuit processing> An example of processing executed by the control unit 32 for the stirring operation will be described. Here, the stirring operation using the rotation restriction unit 140 will be described. As described above, the rotation restriction unit 140 is a structure that physically restricts the rotation range of the containing unit 110. On the other hand, by intentionally causing the abutment portions 115 and 116 to collide with the stoppers 141 and 142, it is possible to apply an impact to the containing unit 110 and improve the stirring effect of the liquid. However, when the abutment portions 115 and 116 abut against the stoppers 141 and 142, a hitting sound may be generated. Therefore, operating conditions are determined in advance, and one of the following rotation operations, which have different rotation ranges for the containing unit 110, is performed depending on whether the operating conditions are met.

[0136] FIG. 25 shows an example of the rotational movement of the storage unit 110 when a normal stirring action is to occur. State ST251 shows a state in which the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. State ST252 shows a state in which the storage unit 110 has been rotated to a left tilt position. At this time, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 is reversed before the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141. As an example, the amount of rotation of the motor 131 is controlled so that the rotation of the storage unit 110 stops before the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141, and then the motor 131 is rotated in the reverse direction. Because the abutment portion 115 does not abut against the stopper 141, the generation of a hitting sound can be prevented.

[0137] State ST253 shows a state in which the accommodation unit 110 has been rotated to the right tilt position. Similarly, the rotation direction of the accommodation unit 110 is reversed before the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled so that the rotation of the accommodation unit 110 stops before the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142, and then the motor 131 is rotated in the reverse direction. Because the abutment portion 116 does not abut against the stopper 142, it is possible to prevent the generation of a hitting sound.

[0138] 26 shows an example of the rotational operation of the containing unit 110 when a high stirring effect is to be generated. This rotational operation is performed, for example, when the system A is powered on, when the liquid stirring device 100 is powered on, when the container 200 is replaced, when a container 200 that has been stored stationary for a long period of time is used, etc.

[0139] State ST261 shows a state in which the accommodating unit 110 is in its initial position. State ST262 shows a state in which the accommodating unit 110 has been rotated to a left tilt position. At this time, the rotation direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed after the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141. As an example, the amount of rotation of the motor 131 is controlled so that the accommodating unit 110 continues to rotate until the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141, and then the motor 131 is stopped and rotates in the reverse direction. As the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141, an impact is applied to the accommodating unit 110, improving the agitation performance of the liquid in the container 200. Even if an impact is applied to the accommodating unit 110, the torque limiter 133a prevents the impact from being transmitted to the motor 131, thereby minimizing the impact on the drive system.

[0140] State ST263 shows a state in which the accommodating unit 110 has been rotated to the right-tilted position. Similarly, after the abutting portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142, the rotation direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled so that the accommodating unit 110 continues to rotate until the abutting portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142, and then the motor 131 is stopped and rotates in the reverse direction. As the abutting portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142, an impact is applied to the accommodating unit 110, improving the agitation performance of the liquid in the container 200.

[0141] 26, the rotational movement may be controlled so that the impact is applied only to one tilt position. Specifically, at the left tilt position, the rotational direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed after the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141. However, at the right tilt position, the rotational direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed before the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142, so that the abutment portion 116 does not abut against the stopper 142.

[0142] As an opposite pattern, in the right tilt position, the rotation direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed after the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stopper 142. However, in the left tilt position, the rotation direction of the accommodating unit 110 is reversed before the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stopper 141, so that the abutment portion 115 does not abut against the stopper 141.

[0143] In this way, when controlling so that an impact acts only on one tilt position, the combination of the contact portion and stopper to be collided may be changed under predetermined conditions. For example, after a predetermined number of rotational movements causing contact portion 115 to collide with stopper 141 have been performed, the combination of the contact portion and stopper to be collided is changed to contact portion 116 and stopper 142. Then, after a predetermined number of rotational movements causing contact portion 116 to collide with stopper 142 have been performed, the combination of the contact portion and stopper to be collided is changed again to contact portion 115 and stopper 141. The condition for changing the combination may be the time or period of the rotational movements in addition to the number of rotational movements.

[0144] Second Embodiment Another configuration example of the liquid agitation device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0145] The outer wall portion 111c of the accommodating member 111 of the first embodiment includes a cylindrical portion 112 and a square tube portion 113, but the entire outer wall portion of the accommodating member 111 may be cylindrical, as in configuration example EX1 of FIG.

[0146] Next, in the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the accommodating unit 110 is a pivotable support structure that combines the support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, with a shafted support structure (shaft member 117, bearing member 103a). However, the accommodating unit 110 may be rotatably supported by only the shaftless support structure. Configuration example EX2 in FIG. 27 shows one such example, in which two pairs of cylindrical portions 112 and support units 120 are provided spaced apart in the direction of the rotation center line CL to support the accommodating unit 110. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for the shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a.

[0147] In the case of a configuration in which the containing unit 110 is rotatably supported only by a shaftless support structure as in this example, the drive unit 130 may be configured to rotate the contact portion 121 (roller) to rotate the containing unit 110, as in configuration example EX3 of Fig. 27. Alternatively, as in configuration example EX4 of Fig. 27, the drive unit 130 may be configured to include a gear 136 fixed to the periphery of the containing member 111, and to transmit driving force to the gear 136 to rotate the containing unit 110.

[0148] Next, in the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 112 is provided around the entire circumferential direction of the accommodating member 111, and the cylindrical portion 112 is supported by the support unit 120, but the portion with which the support unit 120 abuts may be within the range of rotation of the accommodating unit 110. For example, as in configuration example EX5 in Fig. 27 , a configuration may be adopted in which an arc-shaped portion 112' is provided in place of the cylindrical portion 112, and the abutment portion 121 of the support unit 120 abuts against the circumferential surface of the arc-shaped portion 112'.

[0149] Next, in the first embodiment, the contact portion 121 of the support unit 120 is configured as a roller, but instead of a member that rolls like a roller, it may be a member that slides against the storage member 111. Configuration example EX6 in Figure 27 shows one such example. The contact portion 121A that replaces the contact portion 121 is a member that has a curved surface with which the cylindrical portion 112 slides, and does not roll.

[0150] Next, in the first embodiment, the opening 114a of the storage space 114 is configured to open at the front end 111a in the direction of the rotation center line CL of the storage member 111, but the opening may open in a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL. For example, configuration example EX7 in Fig. 28 is configured such that a storage space 114', instead of the storage space 114, opens upward. The container 200 (or the container 200 and the container support unit 24) is inserted into and removed from the storage space 114' in the vertical direction.

[0151] Next, in the first embodiment, the container 200 is configured to be replaceable with respect to the containing unit 110, but the containing unit 110 may be a liquid tank equivalent to the container 200. Configuration example EX8 in FIG. 28 shows one example, in which the containing unit 110A itself constitutes a liquid tank. In configuration example EX8, similar to configuration example EX3 in FIG. 27, the supporting unit 120 is configured to rotatably support the containing unit 110A using only the shaftless supporting unit 120. Therefore, when the remaining amount of liquid runs out, the containing unit 110A is replaced as a whole.

[0152] Next, in the first embodiment, an example was given in which the accommodating unit 110 has a pivotal support structure that combines the support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, with a shafted support structure (shaft member 117, bearing member 103a). However, the accommodating unit 110 may be pivotally supported solely by a shafted support structure. Configuration example EX9 in Figure 29 shows one such example. The accommodating unit 110 has not only a shaft 117 at its rear end but also a shaft 117' at its front end, each of which is supported by a bearing 104. The bearing 104 is configured to support the shafts 117, 117' with a horizontally extending beam portion. When the accommodating unit 110 is in its initial position, the beam portion and the shaft 117' are located between the two storage spaces 114, and are configured not to significantly interfere with the insertion and removal of the container support unit 24 into and from the storage space 114.

[0153] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0154] <Summary of the embodiment> The above embodiments disclose the following liquid agitation device or system.

[0155] Item 1. a containing means (110) for containing a liquid; a support means (120) that abuts against an outer peripheral wall (111c) of the storage means (110) and supports the storage means (110) so as to be rotatable; and a driving means (130) for rotating the storage means supported by the support means (120). A liquid agitator (100) characterized by:

[0156] Item 2. The liquid agitator according to item 1, The containing means (110) The liquid container (200) includes a container member (111) that contains the liquid container (200) and forms the outer peripheral wall (111c). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0157] Item 3. The liquid agitator according to item 2, The direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110) is the horizontal direction (Y), The outer peripheral wall (111c) of the housing member (111) includes a cylindrical portion (112), The support means (120) includes a plurality of abutment portions (121) that abut against the cylindrical portion (112) from below at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion (112). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0158] Item 4. Item 3. The liquid agitator according to item 3, Each of the plurality of contact portions (121) is a roller. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0159] Item 5. The liquid agitator according to item 2, a restricting means (150) for restricting displacement of the storage member (111) in a direction intersecting with the rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110); A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0160] Item 6. Item 3. The liquid agitator according to item 3, The outer peripheral wall (111c) of the storage member (111) includes a rectangular tube-shaped portion (113) aligned with the cylindrical portion (112) in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110), The rectangular cylindrical portion (113) forms at least a part of the storage space (114) of the liquid storage container (200), The rectangular cylindrical portion (113) has a first width (WS) and a second width (WL) perpendicular to the first width, The first width (WS) is shorter than the diameter (2R) of the cylindrical portion (112). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0161] Item 7. The liquid agitator according to item 2, The containing member (111) is a first end (111a) on one side in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the accommodating means (110); a second end (111b) on the other side in the direction of the rotation center line (CL); a storage space (114) for the liquid container (200) that is open to the first end (111a) along the direction of the rotation center line (CL); having A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0162] Item 8. Item 7: The liquid agitator according to item 7, The direction of the rotation center line (CL) is the horizontal direction (Y), The support means (120) rotatably supports the storage means (110) at a position closer to the first end (111a) than to the second end (111b). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0163] Item 9. Item 7: The liquid agitator according to item 7, The receiving means (110) includes a shaft member (117) extending along the rotation center line on the second end (111b) side, The liquid agitator includes a bearing (103) that supports the shaft member (117). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0164] Item 10. Item 7: The liquid agitator according to item 7, the driving means (130) is disposed outside the second end (111b) in the direction of the rotation center line (CL); A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0165] Item 11. The liquid agitator according to item 2, The containing member (111) is a first end (111a) on one side in the direction of the rotation center line of the receiving means (110); a second end (111b) on the other side in the direction of the pivot center line; a first storage space (114) extending along the direction of the rotation center line and opening at the first end (111a); a second storage space (114) extending along the direction of the rotation center line and opening at the first end (111a); The rotation center line (CL) passes between the first accommodation space (114) and the second accommodation space (114). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0166] Item 12. The liquid agitator according to item 1, and a restricting means (140) for restricting the rotation range of the storage means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0167] Item 13. Item 13. The liquid agitator according to item 12, The restricting means (140) restricts the rotation range by contacting the containing means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0168] Item 14. Item 14. The liquid agitator according to item 13, a contact position between the restricting means (140) and the accommodating means (110) in the radial direction of the rotation of the accommodating means (110) passing through the outermost part of the accommodating means (110) in the radial direction and located inside a virtual circle (VC) having a center at the rotation center of the accommodating means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0169] Item 15. Item 14. The liquid agitator according to item 13, The restricting means (140) is a first stopper (141) that abuts against a first abutment portion (115) of the storage means (110) when the storage means (110) rotates in a first direction; a second stopper (142) that abuts against the second abutment portion (116) of the accommodating means when the accommodating means (110) rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0170] Item 16. Item 16. The liquid agitator according to item 15, The first stopper (141) and the second stopper (142) are spaced apart in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the containing means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0171] Item 17. Item 16. The liquid agitator according to item 15, When viewed in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the accommodating means (110), the first contact portion (115) and the second contact portion (116) are spaced apart by a first distance (W1), When viewed in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110), the first stopper (141) and the second stopper (142) are spaced apart by a second distance (W2) that is shorter than the first distance (W1). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0172] Item 18. Item 16. The liquid agitator according to item 15, The containing means (110) a container member (111) having a storage space (114) for storing a liquid container (200) and forming the first contact portion (115) and the second contact portion (116); The container member (111) has a rectangular cylindrical portion (113) that forms at least a part of the container space (114) of the liquid container (200), The first contact portion (115) and the second contact portion (116) are formed on the long side portion (113a) of the rectangular cylindrical portion (113), which has a long side portion (113a) and a short side portion (113b) that define the contour of the rectangular cylindrical portion (113). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0173] Item 19. Item 16. The liquid agitator according to item 15, The driving means (130) is capable of executing a first operation (ST251-ST253) and a second operation (ST261-ST263), In the first operation, the rotation direction of the accommodating means (110) is switched from the first direction to the second direction before the first abutment portion (115) abuts against the first stopper (141), In the second operation, after the first contact portion (115) contacts the first stopper (141), the rotation direction of the accommodating means (110) is switched from the first direction to the second direction. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0174] Item 20. The liquid agitator according to item 1, a tube (160) extending from the container (110) and forming a flow path for liquid discharged from the container; a first fixing member (161) for fixing a first portion of the tube to the receiving means (110) and arranged to rotate together with the receiving means; a second fixing member (162) that fixes a second portion of the tube downstream of the first portion in the flow path and is arranged so as not to rotate together with the accommodating means; The first fixing member (161) and the second fixing member (162) are arranged such that a tube section between the first portion and the second portion of the tube is routed around a rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0175] Item 21. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, The first fixing member (161) and the second fixing member (162) are arranged so that the tube section is routed in an arc shape around the rotation center line (CL). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0176] Item 22. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, The first fixing member (161) The first portion is fixed so as to be oriented in a tangential direction (L1) rather than a radial direction (L2) of an imaginary circle centered on a rotation center (PC) of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0177] Item 23. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, The second fixing member (162) The second portion is fixed so as to be oriented in a tangential direction (L3) rather than a radial direction (L4) of an imaginary circle centered on a rotation center (PC) of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0178] Item 24. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, The first fixing member (161) is disposed on a virtual plane (VF) perpendicular to the rotation center line (CL), The second fixing member (162) is disposed on a virtual plane (VF) perpendicular to the rotation center line (CL). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0179] Item 25. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, The containing means (110) a container member (111) that contains a liquid container (200) and forms the outer peripheral wall (111c); The containing member (111) is a first end (111a) on one side in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the accommodating means (110); a second end (111b) on the other side in the direction of the rotation center line (CL); a storage space (114) for the liquid container (200) that is open to the first end (111a) along the direction of the rotation center line (CL), the first fixing member (161), the second fixing member (162), and the tube (160) are disposed closer to the second end (111b) than to the first end (111a); A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0180] Item 26. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, The containing means (110) a container member (111) for containing a liquid container (200); a flow path forming member (119) attached to the containing member (111), The flow path forming member (119) a first flow path (119b) in communication with the tube; a second flow path (119a) branching from the first flow path (119b) and communicating with the liquid container (200); A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0181] Item 27. Item 20: The liquid agitator according to item 20, a flexible band member (164) for supporting the tube section; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0182] Item 28. Item 21: The liquid agitator according to item 21, the first fixing member (161) also fixes a third portion of the electric cable (163); the second fixing member (162) also fixes a fourth portion of the electrical cable (163); A cable section between the third portion and the fourth portion of the electric cable (163) is routed around the pivot center line (CL). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0183] Item 29. The liquid agitator according to item 1, a detection piece (181) provided in the housing means (110) and rotating together with the housing means (110); and a detection means (180) for detecting the detection piece (181). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0184] Item 30. Item 29: The liquid agitator according to item 29, The detecting means (180) detects that the storing means (110) is located at a predetermined position (ST141). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0185] Item 31. Item 29: The liquid agitator according to item 29, The detection piece (181) includes a portion extending around the rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0186] Item 32. Item 29: The liquid agitator according to item 29, The detection piece (181) has an arc shape centered on the rotation center (CL) of the storage means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0187] Item 33. Item 29: The liquid agitator according to item 29, The driving means (130) The storage means (110) is rotatable between a first position (ST143) and a second position (ST142), Between the first position (ST143) and the second position (ST142), there is an initial position (ST141) of the containing means (110), The detection piece (181) is When the storage means (110) is in a position within the range from the initial position to the first position (ST143), it is detected by the detection means (180), When the storage means is in a position within the range from the initial position to the second position (ST142), the storage means is configured to be undetectable by the detection means (180), It extends around the rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110), A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0188] Item 34. The liquid agitator according to item 1, The containing means (110) a container member (111) having a container space for a liquid container; a tray (24) that is removably inserted into the storage space (114) through an opening (114a) formed in the storage member (111) and that replaceably supports a liquid storage container; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0189] Item 35. Item 34: The liquid agitator according to item 34, The containing member (111) is a first end (111a) on one side in the direction of the rotation center line (CL) of the accommodating means (110); a second end (111b) on the other side in the direction of the pivot center line, The accommodation space (114) is formed along the rotation center line (CL), The opening (114a) is formed in the first end (111a), the tray (24) is provided so as to be displaceable between a first position in which the liquid container (200) is accommodated in the accommodation space (114) and a second position in which the liquid container (200) can be removed from the tray; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0190] Item 36. Item 36. The liquid agitator according to Item 35, The storage member (111) has guide portions (114g, 114h) that guide the displacement of the tray (24). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0191] Item 37. Item 36: The liquid agitator according to item 36, The guide portions (114g, 114h) restrict the tray (24) from being displaced in a direction (Z) intersecting the direction of the rotation center line (CL). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0192] Item 38. a containing means (110) for containing a liquid; a driving means (130) for rotating the storage means (110); and a restricting means (140) for restricting the rotation range of the storage means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0193] Item 39. a containing means (110) for containing a liquid; a driving means (130) for rotating the storage means (110); a tube (160) extending from the container (110) and forming a flow path for liquid discharged from the container; A liquid stirring device comprising: a first fixing member (161) for fixing a first portion of the tube to the receiving means (110) and arranged to rotate together with the receiving means; a second fixing member (162) that fixes a second portion of the tube downstream of the first portion in the flow path and is arranged so as not to rotate together with the accommodating means; The first fixing member (161) and the second fixing member (162) are arranged such that a tube section between the first portion and the second portion of the tube is routed around a rotation center line (CL) of the storage means (110). A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0194] Item 40. a containing means (110) for containing a liquid; a driving means (130) for rotating the storage means (110); a detection piece (181) provided in the housing means (110) and rotating together with the housing means (110); a detection means (180) for detecting the detection piece (181); A liquid mixing device comprising:

[0195] Item 41. a containing means (110) for containing a liquid; a driving means (130) for rotating the storage means (110); A liquid agitator (100) comprising: The containing means (110) a container (111) having a container space (114) for a liquid container (200); a tray (24) that is arranged so as to be insertable into and removable from the storage space (114) through the opening (114a) of the storage member (111) and that replaceably supports a liquid storage container (200); A liquid agitation device characterized by:

[0196] Item 42. A system (A) comprising a liquid ejection device (1) that ejects a liquid onto a medium, and a liquid storage device (20A) that stores a liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection device (1), The liquid storage device (20A) includes the liquid agitation device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 41. A system characterized by:

[0197] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 100 liquid agitator, 110 storage unit, 130 drive unit

Claims

1. a container for containing a liquid; a support means for supporting the storage means so as to be in contact with an outer peripheral wall of the storage means and for rotatably supporting the storage means; and a driving means for rotating the storage means supported by the support means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

2. The liquid agitating device according to claim 1, The containing means is a containing member that contains a liquid container and forms the outer peripheral wall; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

3. The liquid agitating device according to claim 2, The direction of the rotation center line of the storage means is the horizontal direction, the outer peripheral wall of the housing member includes a cylindrical portion, the support means includes a plurality of abutment portions that abut on the cylindrical portion from below at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion, A liquid agitation device characterized by:

4. The liquid agitating device according to claim 3, Each of the plurality of contact portions is a roller. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

5. The liquid agitating device according to claim 2, a restricting means for restricting displacement of the accommodating member in a direction intersecting with a rotation center line of the accommodating means; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

6. The liquid agitating device according to claim 3, the outer peripheral wall of the accommodating member includes a square tube-shaped portion that is aligned with the cylindrical portion in a direction of a rotation center line of the accommodating means, the rectangular cylindrical portion forms at least a part of the storage space of the liquid container, the rectangular cylindrical portion has a first width and a second width perpendicular to the first width, the first width is less than a diameter of the cylindrical portion; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

7. The liquid agitating device according to claim 2, The containing member is a first end portion on one side in the direction of the rotation centerline of the receiving means; a second end portion on the other side in the direction of the pivot center line; a storage space of the liquid container that is along the direction of the rotation center line and that is open to the first end; having A liquid agitation device characterized by:

8. The liquid agitating device according to claim 7, the direction of the rotation center line is a lateral direction, the support means rotatably supports the accommodating means at a position closer to the first end than to the second end; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

9. The liquid agitating device according to claim 7, the housing means includes a shaft member extending along the rotation center line on the side of the second end, The liquid agitating device includes a bearing that supports the shaft member. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

10. The liquid agitating device according to claim 7, the drive means is disposed outside the second end in the direction of the pivot axis; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

11. The liquid agitating device according to claim 2, The containing member is a first end portion on one side in the direction of the rotation centerline of the receiving means; a second end portion on the other side in the direction of the pivot center line; a first accommodation space extending in the direction of the rotation center line and opening at the first end; a second accommodation space extending in the direction of the rotation center line and opening at the first end, The rotation center line passes between the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

12. The liquid agitating device according to claim 1, a restricting means for restricting the rotation range of the accommodation means; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

13. The liquid agitating device according to claim 12, The restricting means restricts the rotation range by contacting the containing means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

14. The liquid agitating device according to claim 13, a contact position between the restricting means and the accommodating means in a radial direction of rotation of the accommodating means that passes through the outermost part of the accommodating means in the radial direction and is located inside a virtual circle whose center is the rotation center of the accommodating means; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

15. The liquid agitating device according to claim 13, The restriction means is a first stopper that abuts against a first abutment portion of the accommodating means when the accommodating means rotates in a first direction; a second stopper that comes into contact with the second contact portion of the storage means when the storage means rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A liquid agitation device characterized by:

16. The liquid agitating device according to claim 15, The first stopper and the second stopper are spaced apart in the direction of the rotation center line of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

17. The liquid agitating device according to claim 15, When viewed in a direction of a rotation center line of the storage means, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are spaced apart by a first distance, When viewed in the direction of the rotation center line of the storage means, the first stopper and the second stopper are spaced apart by a second distance that is shorter than the first distance. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

18. The liquid agitating device according to claim 15, The containing means is a housing member having a housing space for housing a liquid container and forming the first contact portion and the second contact portion; the container member has a rectangular cylindrical portion that forms at least a part of the container space of the liquid container, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are formed on the long side portion of the long side portion and the short side portion that form the contour of the rectangular cylindrical portion; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

19. The liquid agitating device according to claim 15, the driving means is capable of performing a first operation and a second operation, In the first operation, the rotation direction of the accommodating means is switched from the first direction to the second direction before the first abutment portion abuts against the first stopper, In the second operation, after the first contact portion contacts the first stopper, the rotation direction of the accommodating means is switched from the first direction to the second direction. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

20. The liquid agitating device according to claim 1, a tube extending from the container means and forming a flow path for liquid discharged from the container means; a first fixing member that fixes a first portion of the tube to the housing means and is arranged to rotate together with the housing means; a second fixing member that fixes a second portion of the tube downstream of the first portion in the flow path and is arranged so as not to rotate together with the accommodating means, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged such that a tube section between the first portion and the second portion of the tube is routed around a rotation center line of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

21. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, The first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged so that the tube section is routed in an arc shape around the rotation center line. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

22. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, The first fixing member is the first portion is fixed so as to be oriented in a tangential direction rather than a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation center of the storage means; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

23. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, The second fixing member is the second portion is fixed so as to be oriented in a tangential direction rather than a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation center of the storage means; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

24. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, the first fixing member is disposed on a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation center line, the second fixing member is disposed on a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation center line; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

25. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, The containing means is a container member that contains a liquid container and forms the outer peripheral wall; The containing member is a first end portion on one side in the direction of the rotation centerline of the receiving means; a second end portion on the other side in the direction of the pivot center line; a storage space for the liquid container that is along the direction of the rotation center line and that is open to the first end, the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the tube are disposed closer to the second end than to the first end; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

26. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, The containing means is a container member that contains a liquid container; a flow path forming member attached to the housing member, The flow path forming member is a first flow path in communication with the tube; a second flow path branching from the first flow path and communicating with the liquid container; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

27. The liquid agitating device according to claim 20, a flexible band member supporting the tube section; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

28. The liquid agitating device according to claim 21, the first fixing member also fixes a third portion of the electrical cable; the second fixing member also fixes a fourth portion of the electric cable; a cable section between the third portion and the fourth portion of the electric cable is routed around the pivot center line; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

29. The liquid agitating device according to claim 1, a detection piece provided in the housing means and rotating together with the housing means; and a detection means for detecting the detection piece. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

30. 30. The liquid agitating device according to claim 29, The detection means detects that the storage means is located at a predetermined position. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

31. 30. The liquid agitating device according to claim 29, the detection piece includes a portion extending around a rotation center line of the storage means, A liquid agitation device characterized by:

32. 30. The liquid agitating device according to claim 29, The detection piece has an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

33. 30. The liquid agitating device according to claim 29, The driving means The receiving means is rotatable between a first position and a second position; an initial position of the containing means between the first position and the second position; The detection piece is When the storage means is in a position within a range from the initial position to the first position, the storage means is detected by the detection means, When the storage means is located at a position within a range from the initial position to the second position, the storage means is not detected by the detection means. extending around the rotation centerline of the storage means; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

34. The liquid agitating device according to claim 1, The containing means is a storage member having a storage space for a liquid container; a tray that is inserted into and removed from the storage space through an opening formed in the storage member and that supports a liquid storage container in a replaceable manner, A liquid agitation device characterized by:

35. 35. The liquid agitating device according to claim 34, The containing member is a first end portion on one side in the direction of the rotation centerline of the receiving means; a second end portion on the other side in the direction of the pivot center line, The accommodation space is formed along the rotation center line, the opening is formed in the first end; the tray is provided so as to be displaceable between a first position where the liquid container is accommodated in the accommodation space and a second position where the liquid container can be removed from the tray; A liquid agitation device characterized by:

36. 36. The liquid agitating device according to claim 35, The storage member has a guide portion that guides the displacement of the tray. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

37. 37. The liquid agitating device according to claim 36, The guide portion restricts the tray from being displaced in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation center line. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

38. a container for containing a liquid; a driving means for rotating the storage means; and a restricting means for restricting the rotation range of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

39. a container for containing a liquid; a driving means for rotating the storage means; a tube extending from the container means and forming a flow path for liquid discharged from the container means; A liquid stirring device comprising: a first fixing member that fixes a first portion of the tube to the housing means and is arranged to rotate together with the housing means; a second fixing member that fixes a second portion of the tube downstream of the first portion in the flow path and is arranged so as not to rotate together with the accommodating means, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged such that a tube section between the first portion and the second portion of the tube is routed around a rotation center line of the storage means. A liquid agitation device characterized by:

40. a container for containing a liquid; a driving means for rotating the storage means; a detection piece provided in the housing means and rotating together with the housing means; a detection means for detecting the detection piece; A liquid mixing device comprising:

41. a container for containing a liquid; a driving means for rotating the storage means; A liquid stirring device comprising: The containing means is a storage member having a storage space for a liquid container; a tray that is disposed so as to be insertable into and removable from the storage space through the opening of the storage member and that supports a liquid storage container in a replaceable manner, A liquid agitation device characterized by:

42. A system including a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a liquid storage device that stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection device, The liquid storage device comprises a liquid agitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 41. A system characterized by:

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