Liquid supply unit and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply unit which stirs a liquid while reducing a load occurring in a storage part, and to provide a liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: A liquid supply unit 24 supplies a liquid to a discharge part for discharging the liquid from a storage part 25 in which the liquid is stored and includes: an attachment part 36 attached with the storage part; and a connection part 66 attached to the attachment part; and a drive part 61 attached to the attachment part. The attachment part has: a storage portion 37 in which the storage part is stored; and a support portion 51 which supports the storage portion. The connection part is connected to the storage part by the storage part being attached to the attachment part. The drive part reciprocates the storage portion relative to the support portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply unit and a liquid ejection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid supplied from a storage unit that stores the liquid. The liquid ejection device includes an agitation mechanism that agitates the liquid stored in the storage unit. The agitation mechanism presses the storage unit to deform the storage unit. As a result, the liquid stored in the storage unit is agitated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-177509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, the stirring mechanism presses the container, which can apply a large pressure to the container, which can cause a large load to be generated on the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid supply unit that solves the above problem is a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid from a storage section that stores liquid to an ejection section that ejects the liquid, and is equipped with a mounting section to which the storage section is attached, a connection section that is attached to the mounting section, and a drive section that is attached to the mounting section, wherein the mounting section has a storage portion in which the storage section is stored and a support portion that supports the storage portion, the connection section is connected to the storage section when the storage section is attached to the mounting section, and the drive section moves the storage section back and forth relative to the support portion.

[0006] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem includes the liquid supply unit and the ejection section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a liquid ejection device equipped with a liquid supply unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the storage section. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a liquid supply unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 3 with the tray removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tray. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing portion moved in the insertion direction from FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a liquid ejection device equipped with a liquid supply unit will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0009] <Liquid discharge device> 1, a liquid ejection device 11 includes a device body 12. The device body 12 has a housing 13. The device body 12 may have legs 14. The legs 14 support the housing 13. The legs 14 are placed on the floor, for example.

[0010] The device body 12 has a discharge unit 15. The discharge unit 15 is configured to discharge a liquid. The discharge unit 15 prints an image on the medium 99 by discharging the liquid onto the medium 99. The discharge unit 15 is housed in the housing 13.

[0011] The ejection unit 15 has a head 16. The head 16 ejects liquid onto the medium 99 inside the housing 13. The ejection unit 15 may have a carriage 17. The carriage 17 carries the head 16. The carriage 17 scans across the medium 99. This allows the head 16 to eject liquid across the width of the medium 99. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 is a serial printer. The liquid ejection device 11 may also be a line printer in which the heads 16 can eject liquid across the width of the medium 99 simultaneously.

[0012] The device body 12 is configured to transport the medium 99 toward the discharge unit 15. In one example, the liquid discharge device 11 is configured to transport a long medium 99 by rollers (not shown). The liquid discharge device 11 may also be configured to transport a single sheet of medium 99.

[0013] The device main body 12 may have a support section 18. The support section 18 is configured to support the medium 99. The support section 18 is a platform that supports the medium 99 from below. The support section 18 supports the printed medium 99 so as to guide it from inside the housing 13 to outside the housing 13, for example.

[0014] The device main body 12 may have a winding unit 19. The winding unit 19 is configured to wind up the medium 99. More specifically, the winding unit 19 winds up the medium 99 by rotating a winding shaft (not shown). The winding unit 19 winds up the medium 99 guided by the support unit 18.

[0015] The device body 12 may have a tension applying mechanism 20. The tension applying mechanism 20 is a mechanism that applies tension to the medium 99. The tension applying mechanism 20 applies tension to the medium 99 by contacting the medium 99 between the support unit 18 and the winding unit 19. This makes it easier for the winding unit 19 to wind up the medium 99.

[0016] The apparatus main body 12 may include a maintenance unit 21. The maintenance unit 21 is configured to perform maintenance on the discharge portion 15. The maintenance unit 21 maintains the discharge portion 15 by, for example, flushing, cleaning, wiping, or the like. Flushing is an operation in which the discharge portion 15 appropriately discharges liquid to prevent clogging with the liquid. Cleaning is an operation in which foreign matter is discharged from the discharge portion 15 along with the liquid. Wiping is an operation in which the liquid, foreign matter, and the like adhering to the discharge portion 15 are wiped away. The maintenance unit 21 may receive the liquid discharged from the discharge portion 15 by flushing. The maintenance unit 21 may clean the discharge portion 15 by suctioning the discharge portion 15. The maintenance unit 21 may wipe the discharge portion 15 by contacting the discharge portion 15.

[0017] The device main body 12 may have an operation panel 22. The operation panel 22 is attached to the housing 13. The operation panel 22 is operated by a user. The user gives instructions to the device main body 12 by operating the operation panel 22. The operation panel 22 may have a touch panel, or may have buttons, switches, levers, etc.

[0018] The device main body 12 has a device control unit 23. The device control unit 23 is configured to control the operation of the device main body 12. The device control unit 23 controls, for example, the discharge unit 15, the winding unit 19, and the maintenance unit 21.

[0019] The device control unit 23 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The device control unit 23 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an ASIC, that execute at least some of the various processes. The device control unit 23 may be configured with a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0020] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid supply unit 24. The liquid supply unit 24 is configured to supply liquid to the ejection portion 15. In one example, the liquid supply unit 24 is located outside the housing 13. The liquid supply unit 24 is installed on the floor, for example. The liquid supply unit 24 may also be housed in the housing 13.

[0021] The liquid supply unit 24 is configured to supply liquid from the container 25 to the ejection part 15. The liquid supply unit 24 is configured to be attached to the container 25. The liquid supply unit 24 and the container 25 will be described again later.

[0022] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a connector 26. The connector 26 connects the device body 12 and the liquid supply unit 24. The connector 26 includes a tube for supplying the liquid. The device body 12 sucks the liquid supply unit 24 through the connector 26, thereby supplying the liquid from the liquid supply unit 24 to the ejection section 15. The liquid supply unit 24 may externally pressurize the storage section 25, thereby supplying the liquid from the liquid supply unit 24 to the ejection section 15. That is, the device body 12 may include a suction pump, or the liquid supply unit 24 may include a pressure pump. The connector 26 includes a power line, a signal line, etc. in addition to the tube. The liquid supply unit 24 communicates with the device body 12. The liquid supply unit 24 may be controlled by the device control section 23 through the connector 26.

[0023] <Containment Unit> 2, the storage unit 25 is configured to store a liquid. In one example, the storage unit 25 is a flexible liquid pack. The storage unit 25 is not limited to a liquid pack, and may also be a cartridge.

[0024] The storage section 25 has a pack portion 27. The pack portion 27 is a portion that stores liquid. The pack portion 27 is flexible. The pack portion 27 expands and contracts depending on the remaining amount of liquid, pressure, etc. Specifically, the pack portion 27 contracts as the remaining amount of liquid decreases or the pressure inside the pack portion 27 decreases.

[0025] The storage portion 25 has a discharge portion 28. The discharge portion 28 is a portion that discharges liquid from the pack portion 27. The discharge portion 28 is attached to the pack portion 27. The discharge portion 28 is attached to the pack portion 27 so as to be located across the inside and outside of the pack portion 27.

[0026] The outlet portion 28 has an outlet body 29. The outlet body 29 is attached to the pack portion 27. An outlet port 30 opens in the outlet body 29. When the liquid supply unit 24 is inserted into the outlet port 30, the liquid is discharged from the storage portion 25.

[0027] The discharge portion 28 has one or more discharge tubes 31. In one example, the discharge portion 28 has two discharge tubes 31. The discharge tubes 31 are located within the pack portion 27. The discharge tubes 31 extend from the discharge body 29 into the pack portion 27. The two discharge tubes 31 extend from the discharge body 29 into the pack portion 27 in a aligned state.

[0028] The outlet portion 28 has a filter 32. The filter 32 is located within the pack portion 27. The filter 32 is connected to the outlet tubes 31. In one example, the filter 32 is connected to two outlet tubes 31. The liquid is discharged from the pack portion 27 to the outlet tubes 31 through the filter 32. At this time, the filter 32 collects foreign matter from the liquid.

[0029] The storage section 25 may have a substrate 33. The substrate 33 stores information about the liquid, such as the type of liquid stored in the pack section 27 and the remaining amount of liquid. The substrate 33 is attached to the outlet body 29, for example. When the liquid supply unit 24 is inserted into the outlet 30, the substrate 33 is connected to the liquid supply unit 24.

[0030] <Liquid supply unit> As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, the liquid supply unit 24 has a mounting portion 36. The mounting portion 36 is configured to have one or more storage portions 25 mounted thereto. The mounting portion 36 may be configured to have a plurality of storage portions 25 mounted thereto. In one example, the mounting portion 36 is configured to have two storage portions 25 mounted thereto. The two storage portions 25 may contain the same type of liquid, or may contain different types of liquid. By mounting the storage portion 25 in the mounting portion 36, the liquid supply unit 24 can supply liquid from the storage portion 25 to the discharge portion 15.

[0031] The mounting portion 36 has a storage portion 37. The storage portion 37 is a portion that stores the storage portion 25. More specifically, the storage portion 37 is a portion that stores the storage portion 25 that is mounted to the mounting portion 36. One or more storage openings 38 are opened in the storage portion 37. The storage portion 37 may have multiple storage openings 38 opened. In one example, two storage openings 38 are opened in the storage portion 37. The storage portion 25 is inserted into the storage portion 37 through the storage openings 38. At this time, the storage portion 25 moves in the insertion direction D1. The storage portion 25 is pushed in the insertion direction D1 through the storage opening 38 and is stored in the storage portion 37. In this way, the storage portion 25 is mounted in the storage portion 37. By mounting the storage portion 25 in the storage portion 37, liquid can be supplied from the storage portion 25 to the discharge portion 15.

[0032] The multiple storage openings 38 are aligned in one direction in the storage portion 37. In one example, two storage openings 38 are aligned vertically. Therefore, the storage portion 37 accommodates two storage sections 25 aligned vertically. This reduces the foot space of the mounting portion 36. The multiple storage openings 38 may also be aligned horizontally, for example. In this case, the height of the mounting portion 36 is reduced.

[0033] The storage portion 37 may have a storage frame 39. The storage frame 39 is a frame that houses the storage section 25. A storage opening 38 opens into the storage frame 39. The storage frame 39 has a plurality of partition plates 40. In one example, the storage frame 39 has three partition plates 40. The three partition plates 40 are aligned vertically. The partition plates 40 are plates that define a storage space A1. The storage space A1 is a space in which the storage section 25 is housed. The three partition plates 40 define two storage spaces A1 within the storage frame 39. The storage space A1 communicates with the storage opening 38. The two storage spaces A1 communicate with the two storage openings 38, respectively.

[0034] The storage portion 37 may have a tray 41. The tray 41 is configured to be attached to the storage frame 39. The tray 41 is inserted into and removed from the storage frame 39 through the storage opening 38. The tray 41 is inserted into the storage frame 39 in an insertion direction D1. The tray 41 is attached to the storage frame 39 by being inserted into the storage frame 39.

[0035] The tray 41 is configured to hold the storage unit 25. The storage unit 25 is attached to the mounting unit 36 ​​by inserting the tray 41 into the storage frame 39 while holding the storage unit 25. The storage unit 25 may be attached directly to the mounting unit 36 ​​without using the tray 41.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7 , the tray 41 has a support wall 42. The support wall 42 is a wall that supports the storage section 25. The support wall 42 is, for example, a bottom wall of the tray 41. The tray 41 has a side wall 43. The side wall 43 extends from the support wall 42. The side wall 43 extends perpendicularly from the edge of the support wall 42, for example.

[0037] The side wall 43 extends to surround the storage portion 25. The side wall 43 extends to surround all four sides of the storage portion 25. A through hole 44 opens in the side wall 43. More specifically, the through hole 44 opens in a portion of the side wall 43 that faces the outlet body 29. The through hole 44 is positioned to overlap with the outlet 30. That is, the liquid supply unit 24 is inserted into the outlet 30 through the through hole 44.

[0038] An opening 45 is formed in the tray 41. The opening 45 is formed by a side wall 43. The tray 41 holds the storage section 25 in a state where the storage section 25 is exposed through the opening 45. That is, the tray 41 is attached to the storage frame 39 in a state where the storage section 25 is open to the storage space A1.

[0039] The length of the side wall 43 is smaller than the distance between adjacent partition plates 40. Specifically, the vertical length of the tray 41 is smaller than the distance between adjacent partition plates 40 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the volume of the storage space A1 is larger than the volume of the tray 41. When the tray 41 is attached to the storage frame 39, a space not occupied by the tray 41 is generated in the storage space A1. This allows the storage section 25 to expand in the storage space A1.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, the storage portion 37 has a base frame 46. The base frame 46 is a frame that serves as the base of the storage portion 37. The base frame 46 supports the storage frame 39. The storage frame 39 is attached to the base frame 46. The base frame 46 supports the storage frame 39 from below.

[0041] The accommodating portion 37 may have a protective frame 47. The protective frame 47 is attached to the accommodating frame 39, for example. The protective frame 47 is a frame that protects the components of the liquid supply unit 24. The protective frame 47 protects, for example, the portion of the liquid supply unit 24 that is connected to the accommodating portion 25. The protective frame 47 is attached to the base frame 46. The protective frame 47 is aligned with the accommodating frame 39. In one example, the accommodating frame 39 and the protective frame 47 are aligned in this order in the insertion direction D1.

[0042] The mounting portion 36 has a support portion 51. The support portion 51 is a portion that supports the storage portion 37. The support portion 51 movably supports the storage portion 37. The support portion 51 supports the storage portion 37 so that it can reciprocate in one direction.

[0043] The support portion 51 has a support frame 52. The support frame 52 is a frame that supports the storage portion 37. The support frame 52 supports the storage portion 37 from below. The support frame 52 supports the storage portion 37 so that it can move. The support frame 52 supports the base frame 46 so that it can move back and forth in one direction.

[0044] The support portion 51 has a holding frame 53. The holding frame 53 is attached to the support frame 52. The holding frame 53 is, for example, fixed to the support frame 52. The holding frame 53 holds the connecting body 26. The holding frame 53 is aligned with the base frame 46 on the support frame 52. In one example, the base frame 46 and the holding frame 53 are aligned in this order in the insertion direction D1.

[0045] 8 and 9, the mounting portion 36 has a guide portion 56. The guide portion 56 is a portion that guides the storage portion 37. The guide portion 56 is located between the storage portion 37 and the support portion 51. More specifically, the guide portion 56 is located between the base frame 46 and the support frame 52.

[0046] The guide portion 56 is attached to the storage portion 37 and the support portion 51. The guide portion 56 is attached to the storage portion 37 and the support portion 51 in a state in which the storage portion 37 is movable relative to the support portion 51. More specifically, the guide portion 56 is attached to the base frame 46. The guide portion 56 is attached to the support frame 52. The guide portion 56 guides the base frame 46 relative to the support frame 52. In one example, the guide portion 56 guides the base frame 46 relative to the support frame 52 in the insertion direction D1.

[0047] The guide portion 56 has a rail 57. The rail 57 is attached to the support frame 52. The rail 57 extends in one direction. In one example, the rail 57 extends in the insertion direction D1. The guide portion 56 has a slider 58. The slider 58 is attached to the base frame 46. The slider 58 is configured to move along the rail 57. The movement of the slider 58 along the rail 57 causes the base frame 46 to move relative to the support frame 52. In one example, the movement of the slider 58 along the rail 57 causes the base frame 46 to move back and forth in the insertion direction D1 relative to the support frame 52.

[0048] The liquid supply unit 24 has a drive unit 61. The drive unit 61 is configured to reciprocate the storage unit 25. More specifically, the drive unit 61 is configured to reciprocate the storage portion 37. The drive unit 61 reciprocates the storage portion 37, thereby agitating the liquid in the storage unit 25. This prevents components contained in the liquid from settling. Examples of the components contained in the liquid include pigments and resins. The storage unit 25 is housed in the storage portion 37 in a state that is open to the storage space A1, and therefore locally expands and contracts as the drive unit 61 reciprocates the storage portion 37. This effectively agitates the liquid.

[0049] The drive unit 61 is attached to the mounting portion 36. The drive unit 61 is attached to the support portion 51. More specifically, the drive unit 61 is attached to the support frame 52. The drive unit 61 is positioned on the support frame 52 so as to be covered by the holding frame 53. The drive unit 61 is attached to the storage portion 37. More specifically, the drive unit 61 is attached to the base frame 46.

[0050] The drive unit 61 reciprocates the storage portion 37 relative to the support portion 51. In one example, the drive unit 61 reciprocates the storage portion 37 relative to the support portion 51 in the insertion direction D1. The drive unit 61 is, for example, an air cylinder. The drive unit 61 has a cylinder 62 and a rod 63. The cylinder 62 is attached to the support frame 52. The rod 63 extends from the cylinder 62. The rod 63 is attached to the base frame 46. The drive unit 61 reciprocates the rod 63 relative to the cylinder 62, thereby reciprocating the storage portion 37 relative to the support portion 51. The drive unit 61 may reciprocate the storage portion 37 using, for example, a ball screw. The drive unit 61 may reciprocate the storage portion 37 in the vertical direction, for example.

[0051] The liquid supply unit 24 has a connection part 66. The connection part 66 is configured to be connected to the storage part 25. The connection part 66 is attached to the mounting part 36. More specifically, the connection part 66 is attached to the storage part 37.

[0052] The connection portion 66 is configured to be connected to the storage portion 25. More specifically, the connection portion 66 is connected to the storage portion 25 by attaching the storage portion 25 to the mounting portion 36. In one example, the connection portion 66 is connected to the storage portion 25 by inserting the storage portion 25 into the storage portion 37 in the insertion direction D1. Therefore, when the storage portion 37 moves back and forth relative to the support portion 51 in the insertion direction D1, a large load is unlikely to be applied to the connection portion 66.

[0053] The connection portion 66 has one or more insertion members 67. In one example, the connection portion 66 has two insertion members 67. The insertion members 67 are members that are inserted into the storage portions 25. The two insertion members 67 are inserted into the two storage portions 25, respectively. The liquid drawn out from the storage portions 25 flows through the insertion members 67.

[0054] The insert members 67 are attached to the storage portion 37. The insert members 67 are attached to the storage frame 39. The insert members 67 are attached to the storage frame 39 so as to protrude from within the protective frame 47 into the storage space A1. The insert members 67 are protected by the protective frame 47. The two insert members 67 are attached to the storage frame 39 so as to be aligned vertically.

[0055] The insertion member 67 has a supply needle 68. The supply needle 68 is a needle that is inserted into the storage portion 25. The supply needle 68 is located in the storage space A1. When the storage portion 25 is attached to the attachment portion 36, the supply needle 68 is inserted into the outlet 30. In one example, the supply needle 68 is inserted into the outlet 30 through the through hole 44. When the supply needle 68 is inserted into the outlet 30, the liquid is discharged from the storage portion 25.

[0056] The connection unit 66 has one or more motors 69. In one example, the connection unit 66 has two motors 69. The motors 69 are attached to the insertion members 67. The two motors 69 are attached to the two insertion members 67, respectively. The motors 69 are driven to open or close the insertion members 67. When the motor 69 opens the insertion members 67, liquid can be discharged from the storage unit 25. When the motor 69 closes the insertion members 67, liquid cannot be discharged from the storage unit 25. In other words, the motor 69 stops or starts the supply of liquid.

[0057] The connection portion 66 includes a sensor 70. The sensor 70 is configured to detect the pressure inside the housing portion 25. The sensor 70 detects the pressure inside the housing portion 25 based on, for example, the deflection of the actuator. In addition, the sensor 70 may be configured to detect the temperature of the liquid. The sensor 70 may correct the pressure inside the housing portion 25 based on the temperature of the liquid.

[0058] 3, 4, 5, and 6, the connection portion 66 has a connection line 71. The connection line 71 is a line that connects the connection portion 66 to the connector 26. The connecting line 71 includes one or more connecting tubes 72. The connecting tubes 72 are tubes through which a liquid flows. The connecting tubes 72 extend from the insert members 67. In one example, the connecting tubes 72 extend from two insert members 67. The connecting tubes 72 may be bifurcated tubes or may include two tubes.

[0059] The connection tube 72 is connected to the connector 26 and the insertion member 67. The connection tube 72 is held by the holding frame 53. The connection tube 72 may be held by the protective frame 47. The length of the connection tube 72 is longer than the distance between the insertion member 67 and the holding frame 53. Specifically, the length from the part of the connection tube 72 held by the protective frame 47 to the part of the connection tube 72 held by the holding frame 53 is longer than the distance between the protective frame 47 and the holding frame 53. Therefore, the connection tube 72 extends in a slack state between the insertion member 67 and the holding frame 53. As a result, tension is less likely to be applied to the connection tube 72 when the storage portion 37 moves back and forth.

[0060] The connecting wires 71 include connecting electric wires 73. The connecting electric wires 73 are wires through which electricity flows. The connecting electric wires 73 extend from the motor 69. The connecting electric wires 73 are connected to the motor 69 and a control unit 76, which will be described later. The connecting electric wires 73 connect the motor 69 to the connector 26 through the control unit 76.

[0061] The connecting electric wire 73 extends parallel to the connecting tube 72. The connecting electric wire 73 is held by the holding frame 53. The connecting electric wire 73 may be held by the protective frame 47. The length of the connecting electric wire 73 is longer than the distance between the motor 69 and the holding frame 53. More specifically, the length of the connecting electric wire 73 from the point held by the protective frame 47 to the point held by the holding frame 53 is longer than the distance between the protective frame 47 and the holding frame 53. Therefore, the connecting electric wire 73 extends in a slack state between the motor 69 and the holding frame 53. As a result, tension is less likely to be applied to the connecting electric wire 73 when the housing portion 37 moves back and forth.

[0062] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the liquid supply unit 24 has a control unit 76. The control unit 76 may be configured with a processor or may be configured with a hardware circuit. The control unit 76 is connected to the connector 26. The control unit 76 receives power from the device body 12 via the connector 26. The control unit 76 is connected to the device control unit 23 via the connector 26. The control unit 76 controls the liquid supply unit 24. The control unit 76 controls the liquid supply unit 24 based on instructions from the device control unit 23, for example. The control unit 76 is configured to control the drive unit 61. The control unit 76 may also control the connection unit 66. Instead of the control unit 76, the device control unit 23 may control the liquid supply unit 24.

[0063] The control unit 76 controls the drive unit 61 to agitate the liquid in the storage unit 25. The control unit 76 controls the drive unit 61 to reciprocate the storage unit 37 relative to the support unit 51. In one example, the control unit 76 controls the drive unit 61 to reciprocate the storage unit 37 in the insertion direction D1.

[0064] When stirring the liquid, the control unit 76 moves the storage portion 37 back and forth a predetermined number of times at a predetermined cycle. For example, the control unit 76 moves the storage portion 37 back and forth 10 times at a cycle in which the storage portion 37 makes one cycle every 0.4 seconds. The control unit 76 may determine the stirring intensity based on the state of the liquid contained in the storage portion 25. The stirring intensity is determined, for example, by the number of times the storage portion 37 moves back and forth, the cycle of the cycle, etc. The cycle of the cycle of the cycle is the time required for the storage portion 37 to make one cycle.

[0065] The control unit 76 may determine the number of reciprocating movements of the storage portion 37 based on the state of the liquid stored in the storage portion 25. When it is expected that the degree of settling of the liquid is relatively large, the control unit 76 increases the number of reciprocating movements of the storage portion 37 compared to normal. The control unit 76 determines the number of reciprocating movements of the storage portion 37, for example, according to the elapsed time. The elapsed time is the time that has elapsed since the previous stirring was performed. The elapsed time is counted by the control unit 76. The control unit 76 increases the number of reciprocating movements of the storage portion 37 as the elapsed time increases. The control unit 76 may increase the number of reciprocating movements of the storage portion 37, for example, when replacing the storage portion 25. The control unit 76 may cause the storage portion 37 to reciprocate the maximum number of times when replacing the storage portion 25.

[0066] The control unit 76 may determine the period of reciprocating movement of the storage portion 37 based on the state of the liquid stored in the storage portion 25. The control unit 76 may determine the period of reciprocating movement of the storage portion 37 based on the remaining amount of liquid. The control unit 76 determines the remaining amount of liquid from the substrate 33. For example, the control unit 76 reduces the period of reciprocating movement of the storage portion 37 based on a decrease in the remaining amount of liquid. This allows the liquid to be effectively agitated in accordance with the remaining amount of liquid. If the period of reciprocating movement of the storage portion 37 is short when the remaining amount of liquid is large, the liquid may not be effectively agitated.

[0067] The control unit 76 reciprocates the containing portion 37 at a predetermined timing. The control unit 76 may reciprocate the containing portion 37 at the timing when the liquid ejection device 11 is powered on, for example.

[0068] The control unit 76 may cause the storage portion 37 to move back and forth during a period when liquid is not being supplied from the storage portion 25 to the discharge portion 15. That is, the control unit 76 agitates the liquid in the storage portion 25 when liquid is not being supplied from the liquid supply unit 24 to the device body 12. When the liquid is agitated, the pressure inside the storage portion 25 fluctuates. Therefore, if liquid supply and liquid agitation are performed in parallel, the liquid supply may become unstable. In this regard, by having the control unit 76 move the storage portion 37 back and forth during a period when liquid is not being supplied from the storage portion 25 to the discharge portion 15, the liquid supply becomes stable.

[0069] <Actions and Effects of the Example> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The driving unit 61 reciprocates the storage portion 37 relative to the support portion 51. According to the above configuration, the storage portion 25 reciprocates relative to the support portion 51. This agitates the liquid stored in the storage portion 25 without causing a large load on the storage portion 25.

[0070] (2) The driving unit 61 reciprocates the storage portion 37 in the insertion direction D1 relative to the support portion 51. According to the above configuration, the liquid stored in the storage portion 25 is agitated without applying a large load to the connection portion 66.

[0071] (3) The storage portion 37 stores the storage sections 25 in a state where the storage sections 25 are aligned vertically. According to the above configuration, the foot space of the mounting section 36 is reduced. (4) The storage section 37 has a tray 41 that holds the storage unit 25 and a storage frame 39 to which the tray 41 is attached. With the above configuration, compared to when the storage unit 25 is held in a case, for example, the storage unit 25 can expand and contract as the storage unit 37 moves back and forth relative to the support part 51. This allows the liquid to be stirred effectively.

[0072] (5) The length of the connection tube 72 is longer than the distance between the insertion member 67 and the holding frame 53. According to the above configuration, tension is less likely to be applied to the connection tube 72 when the storage portion 37 moves back and forth relative to the support portion 51. In other words, the liquid is stirred without a large load being applied to the connection tube 72.

[0073] (6) The guide portion 56 is attached to the storage portion 37 and the support portion 51 in a state in which the storage portion 37 is movable relative to the support portion 51. According to the above configuration, the guide portion 56 allows the storage portion 37 to move smoothly relative to the support portion 51. This effectively agitates the liquid.

[0074] (7) The control unit 76 determines the number of times the container portion 37 reciprocates based on the state of the liquid contained in the container 25. According to the above configuration, the liquid is appropriately agitated depending on the degree of sedimentation.

[0075] (8) The control unit 76 moves the storage portion 37 back and forth during a period when liquid is not being supplied from the storage unit 25 to the discharge unit 15. With the above configuration, the pressure in the storage unit 25 is less likely to change while liquid is being supplied. This makes it easier to stabilize the liquid supply.

[0076] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0077] (A) A liquid supply unit supplies liquid from a storage portion that stores liquid to a discharge portion that discharges the liquid, and includes a mounting portion to which the storage portion is attached, a connection portion attached to the mounting portion, and a drive portion attached to the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion includes a storage portion that stores the storage portion and a support portion that supports the storage portion, the connection portion is connected to the storage portion when the storage portion is attached to the mounting portion, and the drive portion moves the storage portion back and forth relative to the support portion. According to the above configuration, the storage portion moves back and forth relative to the support portion. This agitates the liquid stored in the storage portion without causing a large load on the storage portion.

[0078] (B) In the liquid supply unit, the connection part may be connected to the container part by inserting the container part into the container portion in an insertion direction, and the drive part may move the container portion back and forth in the insertion direction relative to the support part. With the above configuration, the liquid contained in the container part is agitated without generating a large load on the connection part.

[0079] (C) In the liquid supply unit, the container may be one of a plurality of containers, the mounting section may be configured to mount the plurality of containers, and the container portion may accommodate the plurality of containers in a state where the plurality of containers are aligned vertically. With the above configuration, the foot space of the mounting section may be reduced.

[0080] (D) In ​​the liquid supply unit, the container may be a flexible liquid pack, and the container may include a tray that holds the container and a container frame to which the tray is attached. With this configuration, the container can expand and contract as it moves back and forth relative to the support, compared to when the container is held in a case, for example. This allows the liquid to be stirred effectively.

[0081] (E) In the liquid supply unit, the connection portion may have an insertion member inserted into the storage portion and a connection tube extending from the insertion member, the support portion may have a holding frame that holds the connection tube, the insertion member may be attached to the storage portion, and the length of the connection tube may be longer than the distance between the insertion member and the holding frame. With this configuration, tension is less likely to be applied to the connection tube when the storage portion moves back and forth relative to the support portion. In other words, the liquid is agitated without placing a large load on the connection tube.

[0082] (F) In the liquid supply unit, the mounting portion may have a guide portion located between the storage portion and the support portion, and the guide portion may be attached to the storage portion and the support portion in a state in which the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion. According to the above configuration, the guide portion allows the storage portion to move smoothly relative to the support portion, thereby effectively stirring the liquid.

[0083] (G) The liquid supply unit may include a control unit that controls the drive unit, and the control unit may determine the number of times the storage portion reciprocates based on the state of the liquid stored in the storage portion. With the above configuration, the liquid is appropriately agitated according to the degree of sedimentation.

[0084] (H) The liquid supply unit may include a control unit that controls the drive unit, and the control unit may cause the storage portion to reciprocate during periods when liquid is not being supplied from the storage portion to the discharge portion. With this configuration, the pressure in the storage portion is less likely to change during liquid supply. This makes it easier to stabilize the liquid supply.

[0085] (I) A liquid ejection device includes the liquid supply unit and the ejection section. According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the liquid supply unit described above can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...device main body, 13...casing, 14...leg portion, 15...ejection portion, 16...head, 17...carriage, 18...support portion, 19...winding portion, 20...tensioning mechanism, 21...maintenance unit, 22...operation panel, 23...device control portion, 24...liquid supply unit, 25...storage portion, 26...connector, 27...pack portion, 28...outlet portion, 29...outlet body, 30...outlet port, 31...outlet tube, 32...filter, 33...substrate, 36...mounting portion, 37...storage portion, 38...storage port, 39...storage frame, 40 ...Partition plate, 41...Tray, 42...Support wall, 43...Side wall, 44...Through hole, 45...Opening, 46...Base frame, 47...Protective frame, 51...Support part, 52...Support frame, 53...Holding frame, 56...Guide part, 57...Rail, 58...Slider, 61...Drive part, 62...Cylinder, 63...Rod, 66...Connection part, 67...Insertion member, 68...Feed needle, 69...Motor, 70...Sensor, 71...Connecting line, 72...Connecting tube, 73...Connecting electrical line, 76...Control unit, 99...Medium, A1...Storage space, D1...Insertion direction.

Claims

1. A liquid supply unit that supplies liquid from a storage portion that stores liquid to a discharge portion that discharges the liquid, a mounting portion to which the storage portion is mounted; a connection part attached to the mounting part; a drive unit attached to the mounting unit, The mounting portion is a housing portion in which the housing portion is housed; a support portion that supports the storage portion; the connection portion is connected to the accommodation portion by the accommodation portion being attached to the attachment portion, The liquid supply unit is characterized in that the drive section reciprocates the storage section relative to the support section.

2. the connection portion is connected to the accommodation portion by inserting the accommodation portion into the accommodation portion in an insertion direction, The liquid supply unit according to claim 1 , wherein the drive section reciprocates the containing portion relative to the support portion in the insertion direction.

3. the housing portion is one of a plurality of housing portions, the mounting portion is configured to mount the plurality of storage portions; 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion stores the plurality of storage sections in a state where the plurality of storage sections are aligned in a vertical direction.

4. the container is a flexible liquid pack, The storage portion is a tray for holding the storage unit; 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage frame to which the tray is attached.

5. The connection portion is an insertion member to be inserted into the accommodating portion; a connecting tube extending from the insertion member, the support portion has a holding frame for holding the connecting tube; The insert member is attached to the housing portion; 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the length of the connecting tube is longer than the distance between the insertion member and the holding frame.

6. the mounting portion has a guide portion located between the accommodation portion and the support portion, 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is attached to the storage portion and the support portion in a state in which the storage portion is movable relative to the support portion.

7. a control unit that controls the drive unit, 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the number of times the containing portion reciprocates based on the state of the liquid contained in the containing portion.

8. a control unit that controls the drive unit, 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the containing portion to reciprocate during a period when liquid is not being supplied from the containing portion to the ejection portion.

9. A liquid supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a liquid ejection device comprising the ejection section;

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