Liquid supply unit and liquid ejection apparatus

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply unit and a liquid ejection device capable of simplifying the configuration of a liquid storage part.SOLUTION: The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid storage unit 18 capable of storing liquid, a supply flow path 19 through which the liquid in the liquid storage unit 18 flows out, an opening / closing unit 49 for opening and closing the supply flow path 19, and a posture changing unit 32 for changing the posture of the liquid storage unit 18 according to the remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid storage unit 18, and the opening / closing unit 49 opens and closes the supply flow path 19 in accordance with the change in the posture of the liquid storage unit 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink supply device that is an example of a liquid supply unit. The ink supply device has an ink storage section that is an example of a liquid storage section, an ink flow path that is an example of a supply flow path, and a float valve. The ink storage section stores ink injected through an ink inlet. The ink storage section sends ink from a communication port to the ink flow path.

[0003] The float valve is provided inside the ink container. When the ink container is sufficiently filled with ink, the float valve floats up to open the communication port. When the ink level becomes low, the float valve closes the communication port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-193616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The ink supply device of Patent Document 1 applies negative pressure to the ink flow path to suck liquid from the liquid storage section. Therefore, there is a risk that the float valve, which blocks the communication port, will become stuck to the communication port. To open the ink flow path, it is necessary to generate buoyancy in the float valve that is greater than the negative pressure in the ink flow path. However, if the buoyancy is increased by enlarging the float valve, a structure is required to position the float valve within the ink storage section, which could complicate the structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A liquid supply unit that solves the above problem comprises a liquid storage section capable of storing liquid, a supply flow path through which the liquid in the liquid storage section flows out, an opening / closing section for opening and closing the supply flow path, and an attitude change section that changes the attitude of the liquid storage section depending on the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage section, and the opening / closing section opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with changes in the attitude of the liquid storage section.

[0007] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem includes a liquid supply unit configured as described above and a liquid ejection section that can eject liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid supply unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid supply unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the supply channel. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the opening / closing section. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the liquid storage section and the opening / closing section in the supply position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the liquid storage section and the opening / closing section in the closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment] An embodiment of a liquid supply unit and a liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0010] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection section 12 and a liquid supply unit 13.

[0011] The liquid ejection unit 12 is capable of ejecting liquid. The liquid ejection unit 12 prints on the medium 14 by ejecting the liquid onto the medium 14. The liquid ejection unit 12 has a nozzle surface 16 in which one or more nozzles 15 open. The liquid ejection unit 12 ejects the liquid from the nozzles 15.

[0012] <Liquid supply unit> The liquid supply unit 13 may include a liquid storage section 18, a supply flow path 19, a supply pump 20, a first detection section 21 which is an example of a detection section, and a second detection section 22 which is also an example of a detection section.

[0013] The liquid storage section 18 is capable of storing liquid. The supply flow path 19 has an upstream end in the supply direction D connected to the liquid storage section 18. The liquid in the liquid storage section 18 flows out into the supply flow path 19. The supply flow path 19 has a downstream end in the supply direction D connected to the liquid discharge section 12. The supply flow path 19 supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 18 to the liquid discharge section 12.

[0014] The supply pump 20 is provided in the supply flow path 19. The supply pump 20 supplies the liquid sucked from the liquid storage unit 18 to the liquid discharge unit 12. The supply pump 20 may include a first one-way valve 24, a second one-way valve 25, a flexible membrane 26, a pump chamber 27, a pressure chamber 28, a spring 29, and a reduced pressure source 30.

[0015] The first one-way valve 24 is provided upstream of the pump chamber 27 in the supply direction D. The second one-way valve 25 is provided downstream of the pump chamber 27 in the supply direction D. The first one-way valve 24 and the second one-way valve 25 allow the flow of liquid downstream in the supply direction D. The first one-way valve 24 and the second one-way valve 25 restrict the flow of liquid upstream in the supply direction D.

[0016] The flexible membrane 26 separates the pump chamber 27 from the pressure chamber 28. The flexible membrane 26 is flexible. The flexible membrane 26 deforms in response to the difference in pressure between the pump chamber 27 and the pressure chamber 28, thereby changing the volume of the pump chamber 27.

[0017] The spring 29 is provided in the pressure chamber 28. The spring 29 pushes the flexible membrane 26 in a direction that reduces the volume of the pump chamber 27. The pressure reduction source 30 is capable of reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber 28. By reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber 28, the pressure reduction source 30 increases the volume of the pump chamber 27. When the volume of the pump chamber 27 increases, the supply pump 20 sucks liquid from the liquid storage section 18. When the pressure reduction source 30 releases the pressure reduction in the pressure chamber 28, the spring 29 presses the flexible membrane 26. The spring 29 reduces the volume of the pump chamber 27, thereby pushing out the liquid in the pump chamber 27. The pressure reduction source 30 drives the supply pump 20 by alternately reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber 28 and releasing the pressure reduction.

[0018] The first detector 21 may be provided in the supply flow path 19. The first detector 21 detects the pressure between the liquid reservoir 18 and the supply pump 20. The second detection unit 22 may be provided in the supply pump 20. The second detection unit 22 detects the displacement of the flexible membrane 26. The second detection unit 22 indirectly detects the pressure upstream of the supply pump 20. Specifically, when the supply pump 20 is driven while the supply of liquid from the liquid storage unit 18 is stopped, the negative pressure upstream of the supply pump 20 increases. Therefore, even if the pressure chamber 28 is reduced, the flexible membrane 26 cannot be displaced to increase the volume of the pump chamber 27. Therefore, by having the second detection unit 22 detect the displacement of the flexible membrane 26, it is possible to know whether liquid is being supplied to the supply pump 20.

[0019] 2, in the drawing, the liquid supply unit 13 is placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0020] Liquid supply unit 13 may include an attitude changer 32 and a positioning unit 33. Attitude changer 32 changes the attitude of liquid storage portion 18 depending on the amount of liquid remaining in liquid storage portion 18. Attitude changer 32 may include a holder 34, a rotation shaft 35, and a weight 36.

[0021] The holder 34 holds the liquid storage portion 18. The holder 34 may support a rotation shaft 35. The rotation shaft 35 may extend in the width direction X. The rotation shaft 35 rotatably supports the liquid storage portion 18. That is, the liquid storage portion 18 is supported by the holder 34 via the rotation shaft 35. The liquid storage portion 18 can change its posture by rotating around the rotation shaft 35 as a fulcrum. Rotation refers to rotation around an axis, where the rotatable angle is less than 360 degrees.

[0022] The positioning portion 33 may be provided on the holder 34. The positioning portion 33 defines the range within which the attitude of the liquid storage portion 18 can change. The positioning portion 33 defines the range within which the liquid storage portion 18 can rotate.

[0023] <Liquid storage section> As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid reservoir 18 may have a front wall 38, a rear wall 39, a top wall 40, a bottom wall 41, and a recessed portion 42.

[0024] The front wall 38 is a wall located forward in the depth direction Y. The rear wall 39 is a wall located rearward in the depth direction Y. The top wall 40 is a wall located upward in the vertical direction Z. The bottom wall 41 is a wall located downward in the vertical direction Z. The recessed portion 42 is a portion recessed rearward in the depth direction Y with respect to the front wall 38 and upward in the vertical direction Z with respect to the bottom wall 41.

[0025] The weight 36 may be attached to the liquid reservoir 18. The weight 36 may be located in the recess 42. The weight 36 may be located rearward of the front wall 38. The weight 36 may be located above the bottom wall 41.

[0026] The liquid reservoir 18 may have a lid 44 , a reservoir chamber 45 , an inlet 46 , and a supply port 47 . The lid 44 is provided so as to be movable between a closed position where it closes the injection port 46 and an open position where it opens the injection port 46. When the lid 44 is positioned in the open position, liquid can be poured through the injection port 46. If the lid 44 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rear end in the depth direction Y, it becomes easier to pour liquid into the injection port 46 from the front.

[0027] The reservoir 45 is capable of storing the liquid injected through the inlet 46. The supply flow path 19 may be formed of a tube. The supply flow path 19 may be connected to the liquid reservoir 18 by being inserted into the reservoir 45 through the supply port 47. The inlet 46 and the supply port 47 may be provided on the upper wall 40. The liquid reservoir 18 may hold the upstream end 19a of the inserted supply flow path 19 at the bottom of the reservoir 45. For example, the bottom of the reservoir 45 may be formed with a groove into which the supply flow path 19 fits.

[0028] 4 and 5 , a portion of supply flow channel 19 located outside reservoir chamber 45 may be passed under liquid reservoir 18. Supply flow channel 19 may be passed under pivot shaft 35. Holder 34 may hold supply flow channel 19.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid supply unit 13 may include an opening / closing section 49 and a position adjustment section 50. The opening / closing unit 49 is provided in the liquid storage unit 18. The opening / closing unit 49 may be provided in the bottom wall 41. The opening / closing unit 49 may protrude downward from the bottom wall 41. The opening / closing unit 49 is displaced in accordance with a change in the attitude of the liquid storage unit 18. The opening / closing unit 49 is capable of opening and closing the supply flow path 19. The opening / closing unit 49 may be provided in a position between the rotation shaft 35 and the weight 36 in the depth direction Y. The opening / closing unit 49 opens and closes the supply flow path 19 at a position between the rotation shaft 35 and the weight 36.

[0030] The position adjustment unit 50 can adjust the position of the open-close unit 49 relative to the liquid storage unit 18 in the direction in which the open-close unit 49 rotates. The position adjustment unit 50 may be configured, for example, by a long hole and a screw formed in the open-close unit 49. The position adjustment unit 50 can change the length from the tip of the open-close unit 49 to the bottom wall 41.

[0031] <Operation of this embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the center of gravity G of the liquid storage section 18 changes depending on the remaining amount of liquid stored. When a large amount of liquid remains, the center of gravity G is located behind the pivot shaft 35 in the depth direction Y. Therefore, the liquid storage section 18 assumes a supply position in which the rear wall 39 is lowered and the front wall 38 is raised. For example, when the liquid level 52 is located above the weight 36, the liquid storage section 18 assumes the supply position.

[0032] 7, when liquid storage portion 18 is in the supply posture, open / close portion 49 opens supply flow path 19. That is, liquid can flow through supply flow path 19. Liquid storage portion 18 in the supply posture is capable of supplying liquid.

[0033] 8, as liquid is supplied from liquid storage section 18 and the remaining amount of liquid decreases, liquid level 52 drops. As the remaining amount decreases, liquid storage section 18 has its center of gravity G move downward in the vertical direction Z and move forward in the depth direction Y.

[0034] As shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 8, when liquid level 52 drops further, center of gravity G exceeds pivot axis 35 in the depth direction Y. When center of gravity G moves forward in the depth direction Y from pivot axis 35, liquid storage section 18 rotates and changes its posture. That is, liquid storage section 18 assumes a closed posture in which front wall 38 is lowered and rear wall 39 is raised. As the position of center of gravity G of liquid storage section 18 changes depending on the remaining amount of liquid, liquid storage section 18 rotates around pivot axis 35, which serves as a fulcrum. When liquid storage section 18 assumes the closed posture, liquid level 52 is preferably located above upstream end 19a of supply flow path 19.

[0035] 9, when the liquid storage portion 18 is in the closed position, the open / close portion 49 closes the supply flow path 19. The open / close portion 49 rotates together with the liquid storage portion 18 around the rotation axis 35, which serves as the fulcrum, thereby pushing and closing the supply flow path 19. The open / close portion 49 of this embodiment presses from above on the supply flow path 19 that passes below the open / close portion 49 to close it. The portion of the supply flow path 19 that is pushed by the open / close portion 49 may be made of a silicone tube. The open / close portion 49 may close the supply flow path 19 by squeezing the silicone tube.

[0036] When the supply flow path 19 is blocked, the supply of liquid from the liquid storage section 18 stops. The first detection section 21 detects the pressure between the supply pump 20 and the blocked position where the opening / closing section 49 blocks the supply flow path 19. The second detection section 22 indirectly detects the pressure between the blocked position and the supply pump 20. The supply pump 20 is located downstream of the blocked position in the supply direction D. The first detection section 21 and the second detection section 22 can detect the attitude of the liquid storage section 18 by detecting the pressure between the blocked position and the supply pump 20. When it is detected that the liquid storage section 18 has taken the blocked attitude, the liquid ejection device 11 may prompt the user to refill the liquid.

[0037] When liquid is replenished into liquid storage section 18 in the closed position, liquid level 52 rises. As the remaining amount of liquid increases, liquid storage section 18 has its center of gravity G move upward in the vertical direction Z and move rearward in the depth direction Y.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, when the center of gravity G moves rearward in the depth direction Y from the rotation axis 35, the liquid storage portion 18 rotates and changes its posture. That is, the liquid storage portion 18 assumes a supply posture in which the rear wall 39 is lowered and the front wall 38 is raised. When the liquid storage portion 18 assumes the supply posture, the opening / closing portion 49 opens the supply flow path 19. The opening / closing portion 49 opens and closes the supply flow path 19 in accordance with the change in posture of the liquid storage portion 18.

[0039] <Effects of this embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The attitude changer 32 changes the attitude of the liquid storage section 18 in accordance with the remaining amount of liquid. The open / closer 49 opens and closes the supply flow path 19 in accordance with the change in attitude of the liquid storage section 18. Therefore, the liquid supply unit 13 opens and closes the supply flow path 19 in accordance with the remaining amount of liquid, and the configuration of the liquid storage section 18 can be simplified.

[0040] (1-2) The liquid storage portion 18 can easily change its posture by rotating around a fulcrum. The posture change portion 32 has a weight 36. Therefore, the position of the center of gravity G of the liquid storage portion 18 can be easily adjusted.

[0041] (1-3) The opening / closing part 49 rotates together with the liquid storage part 18. By having the rotating opening / closing part 49 press against the supply flow path 19, it is possible to quickly close the supply flow path 19. This reduces the risk of air being sent from the liquid storage part 18 when the remaining amount is low.

[0042] (1-4) The opening / closing unit 49 provided in the liquid storage unit 18 presses down on the supply flow path 19 to close it. Therefore, by utilizing the weight of the liquid storage unit 18 and the opening / closing unit 49, the supply flow path 19 can be easily closed.

[0043] (1-5) The opening / closing unit 49 is located between the fulcrum and the weight 36. Therefore, the opening / closing unit 49 can open the supply flow path 19 when the remaining amount is large, and can close the supply flow path 19 when the remaining amount is small.

[0044] (1-6) For example, if the user accidentally touches the weight 36, the center of gravity G may change, which may result in the supply flow path 19 not being properly blocked. In this regard, the weight 36 is located in the recessed portion 42. Therefore, the risk of the user touching the weight 36 can be reduced compared to when the weight 36 protrudes from the liquid storage portion 18.

[0045] (1-7) At least a portion of the supply flow path 19 is made of a silicone tube. The opening / closing unit 49 can easily close the supply flow path 19 by squeezing the silicone tube. The silicone tube has elasticity and durability. Therefore, even if the opening / closing unit 49 repeatedly presses the supply flow path 19, the opening / closing unit 49 moves away from the supply flow path 19, thereby opening the supply flow path 19.

[0046] (1-8) The position adjustment unit 50 can adjust the position of the opening / closing unit 49 in the direction in which the opening / closing unit 49 rotates. Therefore, the amount by which the rotating opening / closing unit 49 presses the supply flow path 19 can be easily adjusted.

[0047] (1-9) The positioning portion 33 defines the range within which the attitude of the liquid storage portion 18 can change, thereby reducing the risk of the attitude changing more than expected. (1-10) The liquid storage unit 18 has an inlet 46. The position of the liquid storage unit 18 changes depending on the amount of liquid remaining. Therefore, for example, a user can change the position of the liquid storage unit 18 by injecting liquid through the inlet 46.

[0048] (1-11) The first detection unit 21 detects the pressure of the liquid between the blocking position and the supply pump 20. When the opening / closing unit 49 blocks the supply flow path 19, the negative pressure increases between the blocking position and the supply pump 20. Therefore, by having the first detection unit 21 detect the pressure, it can be detected that the opening / closing unit 49 has blocked the supply flow path 19.

[0049] (1-12) The second detection unit 22 detects the displacement of the flexible membrane 26. When the opening / closing unit 49 closes the supply flow path 19, the flexible membrane 26 cannot be displaced. Therefore, by having the second detection unit 22 detect the displacement of the flexible membrane 26, it is possible to detect that the opening / closing unit 49 has closed the supply flow path 19.

[0050] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0051] The liquid supply unit 13 may be configured without at least one of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22. Liquid supply unit 13 may include a position detection unit that directly detects the position of liquid storage portion 18. Liquid supply unit 13 may stop driving supply pump 20 when it detects that liquid storage portion 18 has taken the closed position.

[0052] Liquid supply unit 13 may include a remaining amount detection section that detects the remaining amount of liquid stored in liquid storage section 18. Position change section 32 may change the position of liquid storage section 18, for example, by pressing liquid storage section 18 with a solenoid or by rotating liquid storage section 18 with a motor. Position change section 32 may change liquid storage section 18 to the closed position when the remaining amount of liquid stored in liquid storage section 18 in the supply position falls below a threshold.

[0053] The liquid supply unit 13 may not include the supply pump 20. The liquid supply unit 13 may supply the liquid by means of a hydraulic head. The supply pump 20 may be a tube pump, a gear pump, a piston pump, or the like.

[0054] The liquid reservoir 18 does not have to have the inlet 46. The liquid reservoir 18 may be a replaceable cartridge. The liquid supply unit 13 may not be provided with the positioning part 33 .

[0055] The liquid supply unit 13 may not include the position adjustment part 50. The opening / closing part 49 may be formed integrally with the liquid storage part . As long as the portion of the supply flow path 19 located at the blocked position is blockable, other portions may have rigidity. The portion of the supply flow path 19 located at the blocked position may be made of a rubber tube or an elastomer tube.

[0056] The weight 36 may be located at a position other than the recess 42. The weight 36 may be hung from the liquid storage section 18 by, for example, a string. The weight 36 may be provided on the bottom wall 41. The weight 36 may be provided on the top wall 40. The weight 36 may be provided inside the storage chamber 45. The liquid supply unit 13 may be provided with multiple weights 36 or may be configured without any weights 36.

[0057] When the liquid storage portion 18 is in the supply position, the distance between the opening / closing portion 49 and the rotation shaft 35 in the depth direction Y may be longer than the distance between the weight 36 and the rotation shaft 35. The supply flow path 19 may be positioned other than below the opening / closing unit 49. The opening / closing unit 49 may close the supply flow path 19 by pushing it from the side. The opening / closing unit 49 may close the supply flow path 19 by pushing it from below.

[0058] The opening / closing unit 49 may be provided separately from the liquid storage unit 18. For example, the liquid supply unit 13 may cause the opening / closing unit 49 to close the supply flow path 19 when it detects that the liquid storage unit 18 has taken the closed position.

[0059] The open / close unit 49 may be provided in the supply flow path 19. For example, the open / close unit 49 may be a valve that opens when pressed. The open / close unit 49 may open the supply flow path 19 when pressed by the liquid storage unit 18 in the supply position. When the liquid storage unit 18 takes the closed position and moves away from the open / close unit 49, the open / close unit 49 may close the supply flow path 19.

[0060] The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or discharges liquids other than ink. The liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device may be in the form of granules, tears, or strings. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be in any liquid phase, including fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid may refer not only to a single state of matter, but also to solid functional material particles, such as pigments and metal particles, dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink encompasses various liquid compositions, such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacture, a device used as a precision pipette to eject sample liquids, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects etching liquids such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates, etc.

[0061] [Definition] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option," "any combination of two options," or "any combination of three or more options" when the number of options is three or more.

[0062] [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0063] [1] The liquid supply unit comprises a liquid storage section capable of storing liquid, a supply flow path through which the liquid in the liquid storage section flows out, an opening / closing section for opening and closing the supply flow path, and an attitude change section for changing the attitude of the liquid storage section in accordance with the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage section, and the opening / closing section opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with the change in attitude of the liquid storage section.

[0064] With this configuration, the attitude change section changes the attitude of the liquid storage section in accordance with the amount of remaining liquid. The opening and closing section opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with the change in attitude of the liquid storage section. Therefore, because the liquid supply unit opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with the amount of remaining liquid, the configuration of the liquid storage section can be simplified.

[0065] [2] In the liquid supply unit of [1] above, the posture change section may have a weight attached to the liquid storage section, and the liquid storage section may rotate around a fulcrum as the center of gravity of the liquid storage section changes depending on the remaining amount.

[0066] According to this configuration, the liquid storage section can easily change its posture by rotating around the fulcrum. The posture changing section has a weight. Therefore, the center of gravity of the liquid storage section can be easily adjusted.

[0067] [3] In the liquid supply unit of [2] above, the opening and closing section may be provided in the liquid storage section and may rotate together with the liquid storage section around the fulcrum to push and close the supply flow path.

[0068] With this configuration, the opening / closing section rotates together with the liquid storage section. The supply flow path can be quickly closed by having the rotating opening / closing section push against the supply flow path. This reduces the risk of air being sent from the liquid storage section when the remaining amount is low.

[0069] [4] In the liquid supply unit of [3] above, the supply flow path may pass under the opening and closing part, and the opening and closing part may press the supply flow path from above to close it. According to this configuration, the opening and closing part provided in the liquid storage part presses on the supply flow path from above to close it, so that the supply flow path can be easily closed by utilizing the weight of the liquid storage part and the opening and closing part.

[0070] [5] In the liquid supply unit of any one of the above [2] to [4], the opening and closing section may open and close the supply flow path at a position between the fulcrum and the weight. According to this configuration, the opening / closing unit is located between the fulcrum and the weight, and therefore the opening / closing unit can open the supply flow path when the remaining amount is large and close the supply flow path when the remaining amount is small.

[0071] [6] In the liquid supply unit of any one of the above [2] to [5], the liquid storage section may have a recessed section, and the weight may be located in the recessed section. For example, if a user accidentally touches the weight, the center of gravity may shift, potentially preventing the supply flow path from being properly blocked. With this configuration, the weight is positioned in the recess, reducing the risk of the user accidentally touching the weight compared to when the weight protrudes from the liquid storage section.

[0072] [7] In the liquid supply unit of the above [3] or [4], the portion of the supply flow path that is pressed by the opening and closing portion may be made of a silicon tube. According to this configuration, at least a portion of the supply flow path is made of a silicone tube. The opening / closing part can easily close the supply flow path by squeezing the silicone tube. The silicone tube has elasticity and durability. Therefore, even if the opening / closing part repeatedly presses against the supply flow path, the opening / closing part moves away from the supply flow path, thereby opening the supply flow path.

[0073] [8] Any one of the liquid supply units [3], [4] and [7] above may include a position adjustment part that can adjust the position of the opening / closing part relative to the liquid storage part in the direction in which the opening / closing part rotates.

[0074] According to this configuration, the position adjustment unit can adjust the position of the opening / closing unit in the direction in which the opening / closing unit rotates, making it possible to easily adjust the amount by which the rotating opening / closing unit presses against the supply flow path.

[0075] [9] Any one of the liquid supply units [1] to [8] above may include a positioning portion that defines a range within which the attitude of the liquid storage portion can change. According to this configuration, the positioning portion defines the range within which the orientation of the liquid storage portion can change, thereby reducing the risk of the orientation changing more than expected.

[0076]

[10] In the liquid supply unit of any one of the above [1] to [9], the liquid storage section may have an inlet through which the liquid can be injected. According to this configuration, the liquid storage unit has an inlet. The liquid storage unit changes its posture depending on the amount of liquid remaining. Therefore, for example, a user can change the posture of the liquid storage unit by injecting liquid through the inlet.

[0077]

[11] Any one of the liquid supply units [1] to

[10] above may include a supply pump provided in the supply flow path, and a detection unit that detects the pressure between the supply pump and a blocking position where the opening / closing unit blocks the supply flow path.

[0078] According to this configuration, the detection unit detects the pressure of the liquid between the blocking position and the supply pump. When the opening / closing unit blocks the supply flow path, negative pressure increases between the blocking position and the supply pump. Therefore, by having the detection unit detect the pressure, it is possible to detect that the opening / closing unit has blocked the supply flow path.

[0079]

[12] Any one of the liquid supply units [1] to

[11] above may include a supply pump provided in the supply flow path and having a flexible membrane, and a detection unit that detects displacement of the flexible membrane.

[0080] According to this configuration, the detection unit detects the displacement of the flexible membrane. When the opening / closing unit blocks the supply flow path, the flexible membrane cannot be displaced. Therefore, by having the detection unit detect the displacement of the flexible membrane, it is possible to detect that the opening / closing unit has blocked the supply flow path.

[0081]

[13] A liquid ejection device includes any one of the liquid supply units [1] to

[12] above, and a liquid ejection section capable of ejecting liquid. According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the liquid supply unit described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...liquid ejection section, 13...liquid supply unit, 14...medium, 15...nozzle, 16...nozzle surface, 18...liquid storage section, 19...supply flow path, 19a...upstream end, 20...supply pump, 21...first detection section which is an example of a detection section, 22...second detection section which is an example of a detection section, 24...first one-way valve, 25...second one-way valve, 26...flexible membrane, 27...pump chamber, 28...pressure chamber , 29...spring, 30...pressure reduction source, 32...posture change portion, 33...positioning portion, 34...holder, 35...rotating axis, 36...weight, 38...front wall, 39...rear wall, 40...upper wall, 41...bottom wall, 42...recessed portion, 44...lid, 45...storage chamber, 46...inlet, 47...supply port, 49...opening / closing portion, 50...position adjustment portion, 52...liquid level, D...supply direction, G...center of gravity, X...width direction, Y...depth direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. a liquid storage section capable of storing liquid; a supply flow path through which the liquid in the liquid storage portion flows out; an opening / closing unit for opening and closing the supply flow path; a position change unit that changes the position of the liquid storage unit in accordance with the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage unit; Equipped with The liquid supply unit, wherein the opening and closing section opens and closes the supply flow path in accordance with a change in the attitude of the liquid storage section.

2. the attitude change unit has a weight attached to the liquid storage unit, 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage section rotates about a fulcrum as a result of a change in the position of the center of gravity of the liquid storage section depending on the remaining amount.

3. The liquid supply unit according to claim 2 , wherein the opening and closing portion is provided in the liquid storage portion and rotates together with the liquid storage portion around the fulcrum to press and close the supply flow path.

4. the supply flow path passes under the opening and closing portion, 4. The liquid supply unit according to claim 3, wherein the opening and closing portion closes the supply flow path by pressing from above.

5. The liquid supply unit according to claim 3 , wherein the opening and closing portion opens and closes the supply flow path at a position between the fulcrum and the weight.

6. the liquid storage portion has a recessed portion, The liquid supply unit according to claim 2 , wherein the weight is located in the recess.

7. 4. The liquid supply unit according to claim 3, wherein the supply flow path has a portion that is pressed by the opening and closing portion, the portion being made of a silicon tube.

8. 4. The liquid supply unit according to claim 3, further comprising a position adjustment section that adjusts the position of the opening / closing section relative to the liquid storage section in a direction in which the opening / closing section rotates.

9. 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning portion that defines a range within which the attitude of the liquid storage portion can be changed.

10. 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage section has an inlet through which the liquid can be injected.

11. a supply pump provided in the supply flow path; a detection unit that detects a pressure between the supply pump and a blocking position where the opening / closing unit blocks the supply flow path; The liquid supply unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:

12. a supply pump provided in the supply flow path and having a flexible membrane; a detection unit that detects a displacement of the flexible membrane; The liquid supply unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:

13. A liquid supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a liquid ejection unit capable of ejecting liquid; A liquid ejection device comprising:

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