Liquid supply device and liquid discharge device

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid supply device that can efficiently supply ink from a liquid container. This technology can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized / circular economy. [Solution] A liquid supply device for supplying liquid from a liquid container 60 having a storage section 61 and a supply section 63, comprising: a support section 43 that supports the liquid container 60 and has a first end 43c and a second end 43d; an injection section provided at the second end 43d of the support section 43 to which the supply section 63 is connected and to which the liquid contained in the storage section 61 is injected via the supply section 63; a pressing member 47 that presses the storage section 61 of the liquid container 60 supported by the support section 43; and a control unit that controls the movement of the pressing member 47 to perform a liquid supply operation, wherein in the supply operation, the control unit moves the pressing member 47 in the direction from the first end 43c to the second end 43d while the pressing member 47 is pressing the storage section 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device and a liquid ejection device including the liquid supply device.

Background Art

[0002] In a liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer, a liquid ejection head for ejecting a liquid toward a recording medium is provided. As a method of supplying a liquid such as ink to the liquid ejection head, a method of mounting an ink cartridge on a carriage that supports the liquid ejection head and feeding the liquid, or a method of separately providing a liquid storage section such as an ink tank and feeding the liquid to the head with a pump or the like is known.

[0003] In recent years, in order to reduce the recording cost and cope with mass printing, a configuration in which a large-capacity ink tank is provided in the device main body of the liquid ejection device, a liquid storage container containing the liquid is connected to the device main body, and the liquid is replenished from the liquid storage container to the ink tank is becoming mainstream. Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge case that supports a liquid storage container having a liquid storage bag for storing a liquid, and a configuration in which the liquid can be supplied to the device main body by winding the liquid storage bag in the direction of the mouth plug by a shaft portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described above, the liquid storage bag is wound up as the liquid is supplied, so as the liquid supply progresses, the liquid storage bag becomes bulkier within the case. In particular, the larger the capacity (larger size) of the liquid storage bag, the greater the volume it occupies within the case, requiring more space. Conversely, if the capacity of the liquid storage bag is reduced to save space, the frequency of liquid storage bag replacement increases, adding to the hassle. Furthermore, users would always need to have multiple spare liquid storage bags on hand, making it unsuitable for liquid dispensing devices that require high-volume printing, and raising questions from an ecological standpoint.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a liquid supply device that can efficiently supply ink in a liquid container by different methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the liquid supply device of the present invention is A liquid supply device for supplying liquid from a liquid container having a flexible container that contains a liquid inside, and a supply unit for supplying the liquid contained in the container, A support portion for supporting the liquid container, comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, An injection unit to which the supply unit is connected and to which the liquid contained in the storage unit is injected via the supply unit, the injection unit being provided at the second end of the support unit, A pressing member that presses the liquid container's container, which is supported by the support portion, A control unit that controls the operation of the pressing member and performs a liquid supply operation, Equipped with, The control unit is characterized in that, during the supply operation, the pressing member moves in a direction from the first end toward the second end while the pressing member is pressing against the housing portion. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a liquid supply device capable of efficiently supplying ink from a liquid container can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of a liquid supply device and an ink container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the liquid supply device and ink container according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of the liquid supply device and ink container according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the liquid supply device and ink container according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of a liquid supply device and an ink container according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of a liquid supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of the ink supply operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, based on examples. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a liquid supply device for supplying ink from a liquid storage container to an inkjet recording head (liquid ejection head) and an inkjet recording apparatus (liquid ejection apparatus) that eject ink as a liquid will be described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is applicable to a liquid supply device that supplies a liquid to an apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile having a communication system, a word processor having a printer unit, and further, an industrial recording apparatus combined in a complex manner with various processing apparatuses.

[0012] <First Embodiment> As a first embodiment, a liquid ejection device 100 that ejects ink as a recording liquid onto a recording medium P such as paper or a sheet to record an image, and a liquid supply device 40 for supplying ink (liquid) to the liquid ejection device 100 will be described.

[0013] (Liquid ejection device) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the liquid ejection device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 mainly shows a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection unit (recording unit) of the liquid ejection device 100. The liquid ejection device 100 of the present embodiment is an inkjet recording device of a serial scan type that ejects ink from a liquid ejection head 10 to record an image on a recording medium P.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid ejection head 10, a pump 20, a main tank 30, a liquid supply device 40, a carriage 50, and a control unit 80. The liquid ejection head 10 is mounted on the carriage 50, and the carriage 50 moves in the main scanning direction X along the guide shaft 51. That is, the liquid ejection head 10 is configured to be able to scan (move) in the main scanning direction X with respect to the apparatus main body of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 100 conveys the recording medium P in a sub-scanning direction Y that intersects the main scanning direction X It includes a conveying unit. The conveying unit is composed of conveying members such as conveying rollers 55, 56, 57, 58 for conveying the recording medium P. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction X (the moving direction of the liquid ejection head 10) and the sub-scanning direction Y (the conveying direction of the recording medium P) are perpendicular to each other.

[0016] The liquid ejection head 10 is equipped with a plurality of sub-tanks 11, and ink supply is performed for each ink. The electrical wiring, ink, and air pipes necessary for printing (recording) are connected to the carriage 53 by the guide 59. Different colors of ink are stored in each sub-tank 11, and the liquid ejection head 10 is configured to be capable of performing high-quality full-color printing with a plurality of color inks. In the first embodiment, the liquid ejection device 100 is provided with four sub-tanks 11 corresponding to each of the four colors (black, yellow, cyan, magenta) of ink.

[0017] The main tank 30 is a liquid storage part for storing ink inside. The ink stored in the main tank 30 is supplied to the sub-tank 11 by the pump 20. In the first embodiment, the liquid ejection device 100 is provided with four main tanks 30 corresponding to each of the four colors of ink. And each main tank 30 is connected to the sub-tank 11 corresponding to the same color, and ink is supplied from the main tank 30 to the sub-tank 11. That is, in the first embodiment, as two types of ink tanks (liquid storage parts), the main tank 30 mounted on the device body of the liquid ejection device 100 and the sub-tank 11 mounted on the liquid ejection head 10 are provided.

[0018] The liquid supply device 40 is a liquid supply unit for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage container to the liquid ejection device 100 (in this example, the main tank 30). The liquid supply device 40 is configured such that the liquid storage container is detachable. The user can continuously supply ink to the liquid ejection device 100 by attaching a new (internally filled with ink) liquid storage container to the liquid supply device 40 in place of the liquid storage container whose internally stored ink has run out.

[0019] Various operations, such as the recording operation (printing operation) by the liquid ejection head 10 and the supply operation by the liquid supply device 40, are executed and controlled by the control unit 80. The control unit 80 can be configured, for example, with a processor, memory, storage, etc. In this case, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory or storage. In the first embodiment, the control unit 80 of the liquid ejection device 100 controls the operation of the liquid ejection head 10 and the liquid supply device 40, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a dedicated control unit may be provided for the liquid supply device 40 to control the operation of the liquid supply device 40.

[0020] (Liquid supply device) The liquid supply device 40 and the ink container 60, which is detachable from the liquid supply device 40, will be described in more detail. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are explanatory diagrams of the support member 43 and pressing member 47 and the ink container 60 provided in the liquid supply device 40 according to the first embodiment. Figures 6(a) to 6(d) are explanatory diagrams of the liquid supply device 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] The liquid supply device 40 comprises a main body 41, a support member 43 that constitutes a support for the ink container 60, an injection section 45 to which the ink container 60 is connected and to which ink is injected, and a pressing member 47 for pressing the ink container 60. The support member 43 is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 41.

[0022] The ink container 60 is a liquid container that holds ink inside as a liquid to be supplied to the liquid dispensing device 100. The ink container 60 is flexible and holds ink inside. It comprises a storage section 61 and a supply section 63 for supplying the ink stored in the storage section 61 to the liquid ejection device 100.

[0023] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the pressing member 47, the support member 43, and the ink container 60. Figure 1(b) is an explanatory diagram of the pressing operation of the pressing member 47 on the ink container 60. Figure 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the support member 43 and the ink container 60. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view showing the ink container 60 supported by the support member 43. Figure 6(c) is a perspective view showing the liquid supply device 40 with the support member 43 removed from the main body 41. Figure 6(d) is a perspective view showing the liquid supply device 40 with the support member 43 attached to the main body 41.

[0024] The storage section 61 of the ink storage container 60 is formed by folding and welding a film-like sheet material. In other words, the outer periphery of the storage section 61 includes a folded portion where the sheet material is folded and a welded portion for sealing the storage section 61. When the ink storage container 60 is not in use, the inside of the storage section 61 is filled with ink to be supplied to the main tank 30 of the liquid dispensing device 100. The ink storage container 60 is a flattened container whose thickness increases when filled with ink, and is approximately rectangular when viewed in the thickness direction. However, the ink storage container 60 is not limited to this shape. For example, it may be approximately square when viewed in the thickness direction, or it may be other polygonal or elliptical shapes.

[0025] The supply section 63 is provided at one end of the substantially rectangular shape of the storage section 61 in the longitudinal direction and includes a supply port through which ink can pass. The supply section 63 is a component that can be formed from, for example, a plastic material. In this example, the supply section 63 was located at one end in the longitudinal direction and in the center in the short direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the supply section 63 may be provided at the end in the short direction or at a corner.

[0026] The ink container 60, with its interior filled with ink in the storage section 61, is placed on the support member 43 with the supply section 63 fixed to it. The support member 43 has a fixing section 43a at one end in the longitudinal direction, which is open for fixing the supply section 63. The support member 43 also has a mounting surface 43b formed between the longitudinal end and the other end on which the ink container 60 is placed. With the supply section 63 fixed to the fixing section 43a, the storage section 61 is placed on the mounting surface 43b of the support member 43. At this time, the ink container 60 is supported so that the supply opening of the supply section 63 protrudes to the outside of the support member 43. In the first embodiment, the mounting surface 43b is a horizontal surface, and the ink container 60 is placed on the mounting surface 43b so that its thickness direction is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0027] The support member 43 is a support portion in which a space for accommodating the ink container 60 and a fixing portion 43a are formed, and is configured to accommodate the ink container 60 inside when the accommodating portion 61 is placed on the mounting surface 43b. The support member 43 is also a drawer configured to be insertable and removable from the main body 41 of the liquid supply device 40. In the following description, in the longitudinal direction parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the support member 43, the end of the support member 43 on the side where the fixing portion 43a is not provided will be called the first end portion 43c, and the end on the side opposite to the first end portion 43c where the fixing portion 43a is provided will be called the second end portion 43d.

[0028] With the supply unit 63 fixed to the fixing unit 43a, the support member 43 is inserted (attached) to the main body 41, thereby connecting the supply unit 63 to the injection unit 45. This makes it possible to supply the ink in the storage unit 61 to the main tank 30 of the liquid dispensing device 100 via the supply unit 63 and injection unit 45.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 100 has four colors (black, yellow, cyan). Four support members 43 are provided, each corresponding to a different ink (e.g., magenta). By pushing the support members 43 that support the ink container 60 corresponding to each color into the corresponding insertion stage, the supply unit 63 and the injection unit 45 are connected, and the ink container 60 is fixed to the liquid supply device 40.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6(d), the pressing member 47 is positioned above the support member 43 and the ink container 60, which are inserted into the main body 41. The pressing member 47 presses the ink container 60, which is supported by the support member 43, from above, supplying the ink contained in the storage section 61 to the outside. In other words, the pressing member 47 is positioned to press the surface of the storage section 61 opposite to the surface that contacts the mounting surface 43b.

[0031] The pressing member 47 according to the first embodiment is a rotatable roller. The pressing member 47 has a cylindrical roller portion 47a and rotation shafts 47b extending from both ends in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support member 43 of the roller portion 47a, and is supported by the main body portion 41 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shafts 47b. The roller portion 47a is configured to press substantially the entire area of ​​the ink container 60 supported by the support member 43 in the short direction. Furthermore, the roller portion 47a is preferably made of a material such as rubber or plastic in order to prevent damage to the ink container 60.

[0032] The main body 41 has a rectangular opening 41a through which the rotating shaft 47b of the pressing member 47 is inserted. The pressing member 47 is supported so as to be movable along the opening 41a in the vertical direction and in the longitudinal direction (insertion / removal direction) of the support member 43.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1(b), the pressing member 47 moves from the first end 43c to the second end 43d of the support member 43 while pressing and rotating against the storage portion 61 of the ink storage container 60. The pressing member 47 moves from the first end 43c to the second end 43d so as to press against substantially the entire area of ​​the storage portion 61 from one end 61a to the other end 61b in the longitudinal direction. In this way, by crushing substantially the entire area of ​​the storage portion 61 with the pressing member 47 and supplying ink, it is possible to suppress excess ink inside the ink storage container 60.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the pressing member 47 was configured to move the ink inside toward the supply unit 63 by pressing the storage unit 61 while moving toward the supply unit 63. However, the liquid dispensing device 100 may also be equipped with a pump to simultaneously suck up the ink. With such a configuration, in addition to the ink pushing action by the pressing member 47, the ink movement can also be facilitated by the ink suction from the liquid dispensing device 100.

[0035] The ink supply operation by the liquid supply device 40 will be described in more detail. Figures 7(a) to 7(f) are explanatory diagrams of the ink supply operation. In the first embodiment, the pressing member 47 moves along the longitudinal direction of the support member 43 while pressing and crushing the storage portion 61 of the ink storage container 60. At this time, the movement of the pressing member 47 is controlled by the control unit 80.

[0036] Figure 7(a) shows the state in which the pressing member 47 is in the standby position. Before the ink supply operation starts or when the support member 43 is removed from the main body 41, the pressing member 47 is in the standby position. The standby position is the position on the first end 43c side in the longitudinal direction of the support member 43, and is a position that is retracted from the ink container 60 in the direction of gravity.

[0037] Figure 7(b) shows the state where the pressing member 47 is in the first pressing position below the standby position. When the ink supply operation starts, the pressing member 47 moves downward from the standby position in the direction of gravity toward the mounting surface 43b. Then, the pressing member 47 presses the end of the housing section 61 on the first end 43c side. In this way, the pressing member 47 descends to the position where it presses the housing section 61. Therefore, the position where the housing portion 61 is pressed by the first end portion 43c is defined as the first pressing position.

[0038] The ink supply operation may be started, for example, by the user operating the control panel, or it may be configured to start automatically based on the detection result of a detection unit that detects when the support member 43 supporting the ink storage container 60 is attached to the main body 41. Alternatively, it may be configured to start when the ink level in the main tank 30 falls below a predetermined amount, based on a detection unit that detects the remaining ink level.

[0039] Figure 7(c) shows the state in which the pressing member 47 has moved from the first pressing position toward the second end 43d, but has not yet reached the second end 43d. The control unit 80 determines the amount of ink to be supplied from the ink storage container 60, i.e., the distance the pressing member 47 should move, according to the remaining ink level in the main tank 30 of the liquid dispensing device 100. Then, according to the determined distance, the pressing member 47 moves toward the second end 43d while pressing the storage section 61 and rotating. Through this operation of the pressing member 47, the desired amount of ink is supplied from the ink storage container 60 to the main tank 30 via the supply section 63 and injection section 45.

[0040] The amount of movement of the pressing member 47 during the ink supply operation may be appropriately determined before the start of the ink supply operation according to the amount of ink remaining in the main tank 30, or it may be predetermined so that the amount of ink supplied remains constant. For example, the system may be configured so that the ink supply operation starts when the amount of ink remaining in the main tank 30 falls below a predetermined amount, and the amount of movement of the pressing member 47 may be predetermined so that the amount of ink supplied does not become excessive.

[0041] Figure 7(d) shows the state where the pressing member 47 has moved further toward the second end 43d and is in the second pressing position. When the ink supply operation is restarted, the stopped pressing member 47 starts moving again. When the pressing member 47 reaches the second end 43d, almost the entire area of ​​the storage section 61 is pressed, and the ink inside is almost completely emptied. Thus, the position where the pressing member 47 presses the storage section 61 on the second end 43d side is defined as the second pressing position. When the pressing member 47 reaches the second pressing position, it is time to replace the ink storage container 60. Note that the position in the direction of gravity is the same for the first pressing position and the second pressing position. Furthermore, the ink supply operation at this time can also be started by user operation or by the remaining ink level in the main tank 30.

[0042] Figure 7(e) shows the state in which the pressing member 47 is in a retracted position above the second pressing position. When the pressing member 47 reaches the second pressing position, it moves upward and away from the ink container 60. The position of the pressing member 47 at this time, after it has moved away from the position that presses the ink container 60, is defined as the retracted position.

[0043] Figure 7(f) shows the state where the pressing member 47 has moved from the retracted position toward the first end 43c and is in the standby position. The pressing member 47 then returns to the same position as before the ink supply operation began. The retracted position and the standby position are the same in the direction of gravity. Also, the distance from the retracted position to the standby position and the distance from the first pressing position to the second pressing position are the same. The liquid dispensing device 100 may be provided with a notification unit that informs the user, for example, that the ink container 60 is empty and it is time to replace the ink container 60, using images or sound. Notification to the user can be triggered, for example, when the pressing member 47 reaches the retracted position or the standby position.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(f), the pressing member 47 moves sequentially from the standby position to the first pressing position, the second pressing position, the retracted position, and back to the standby position, completing the ink supply operation for one ink container 60. The user can easily and continuously supply ink to the liquid dispensing device 100 by removing the support member 43 from the main body 41 and replacing the ink container 60 that has run out of ink with a new ink container 60. In this example, the range of motion of the pressing member 47 is set from the first pressing position (standby position) to the second pressing position (retracted position) in the longitudinal direction, and from the first pressing position (second pressing position) to the standby position (retracted position) in the direction of gravity. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and openings 41a or other members may be provided to allow the pressing member 47 to move over a wider range.

[0045] With the above configuration, the pressing member 47 can crush almost the entire area of ​​the storage section 61 to perform the ink supply operation, thereby improving the efficiency of using up the ink inside the ink storage container 60 and reducing the amount of ink that remains inside the ink storage container 60 and is wasted. Furthermore, since the pressing member 47 is configured to press almost the entire area of ​​the storage space formed in the support member 43, it can accommodate ink storage containers 60 of different sizes and capacities. In addition, since the ink storage container 60 does not become bulky before and after the ink supply operation, even a large-capacity ink storage container 60 requires minimal storage space. In other words, with this configuration, it is possible to realize the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) that have been advocated in recent years. The technology described herein can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular economy.

[0046] It should be noted that the above configuration described as the first embodiment is merely an example, and each configuration can be modified as appropriate. For example, the support member 43 may be configured so that it cannot be removed from the main body 41, and the ink container 60 may be directly attached to the liquid supply device 40. Alternatively, for example, instead of the support member 43, the entire liquid supply device 40 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the liquid dispensing device 100.

[0047] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the pressing member of the liquid supply device 40 differs from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the differences in the configuration of the second embodiment from that of the first embodiment will be described. Components in the second embodiment that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0048] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory diagrams of the support member 43, the pressing member 147, and the ink container 60 included in the liquid supply device 40 according to the second embodiment. Figure 2(a) is a perspective view of the pressing member 147, the support member 43, and the ink container 60. Figure 2(b) is an explanatory diagram of the pressing operation of the ink container 60 by the pressing member 147.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the pressing member 147 is formed in a blade shape having a tip portion 147a that extends downward in the direction of gravity. During the ink supply operation, the storage portion 61 of the ink storage container 60 is pressed by the tip portion 147a of the pressing member 147.

[0050] In the longitudinal direction of the support member 43, the tip portion 147a is configured to narrow towards the tip. The tip of the tip portion 147a may be R-shaped or chamfered, or a flat surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the support member 43 may be formed. In other words, the shape of the tip portion 147a can be appropriately changed according to the material of the housing portion 61, as long as it does not damage the housing portion 61.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2(b), in the second embodiment as well, the pressing member 147 moves in the direction from the first end 43c to the second end 43d of the support member 43 while pressing the storage portion 61 of the ink storage container 60. In other words, the pressing member 147 presses substantially the entire area of ​​the storage portion 61 from one end 61a to the other end 61b in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] Aside from the shape of the pressing member 147 and the fact that the pressing member 147 moves without rotating, the ink The operation of the pressing member 147 during the supply operation is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figures 7(a) to (f). Therefore, a detailed explanation of the ink supply operation is omitted.

[0053] In the configuration of the second embodiment, the pressing member 147 can crush substantially the entire area of ​​the storage section 61 to perform the ink supply operation, thereby improving the efficiency of using up the ink inside the ink storage container 60 and reducing the amount of ink that remains inside the ink storage container 60 and is wasted. Furthermore, since the pressing member 147 is configured to press substantially the entire area of ​​the storage space formed in the support member 43, it can accommodate ink storage containers 60 of different sizes.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the pressing member 147 can be moved away from the ink container 60 by moving it to a retracted position or a standby position, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the pressing member 147 can be moved away from the ink container 60 by changing the orientation of the pressing member 147 so that its tip 147a faces horizontally rather than downwards. Such a configuration contributes to saving space in the direction of gravity for the liquid supply device 40.

[0055] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of support rollers 49 are provided on the bottom surface of the support member 43. Hereinafter, only the differences between the configuration of the third embodiment and the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. Components in the configuration of the third embodiment that are the same as those in the configuration of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0056] In the third embodiment, a plurality of support rollers 49 are installed on the bottom surface of the support member 43 (the mounting surface 43b in the first embodiment). The support rollers 49 are rollers that can rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the short direction of the support member 43 (the direction in which the rotation axis 47b of the pressing member 47 extends). The plurality of support rollers 49 are installed over substantially the entire bottom surface of the storage space formed in the support member 43. In other words, in the third embodiment, the ink storage container 60 is supported by the support rollers 49 of the support member 43. The diameter of the support rollers 49 is smaller than the diameter of the roller portion 47a of the pressing member 47.

[0057] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are explanatory diagrams of the support member 43, the pressing member 47, and the ink container 60 included in the liquid supply device 40 according to the third embodiment. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the pressing member 47, the support member 43, and the ink container 60. Figure 3(b) is an explanatory diagram of the pressing operation of the ink container 60 by the pressing member 47.

[0058] Because the support roller 49 is provided on the support member 43, the ink container 60 supported by the support member 43 can move more easily in the longitudinal direction of the support member 43 compared to when it is simply placed on a flat surface. Therefore, the movement of the ink container 60 becomes smoother when the pressing member 47 moves while pressing on the ink container 60. In turn, it is possible to prevent the pressing member 47 from catching on the storage section 61 and pressing on the storage section 61, which would prevent the storage section 61 from being crushed as intended.

[0059] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is a configuration that combines the pressing member 147 according to the second embodiment with a plurality of support rollers 49 according to the third embodiment.

[0060] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are explanatory diagrams of the support member 43, the pressing member 147, and the ink container 60 included in the liquid supply device 40 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the pressing member 147, the support member 43, and the ink container 60. Figure 4(b) shows the pressing member 147 This is an explanatory diagram of the pressing operation of the ink container 60.

[0061] When the pressing member 147 is blade-shaped rather than roller-shaped, the support portion that supports the ink container 60 is made of a support roller 49, which makes it particularly easy to crush the container 61 as intended.

[0062] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, as a fifth embodiment, an example in which a stirring operation is performed to agitate the ink inside the ink container 60 using the pressing member 47 will be described. The apparatus configuration of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used and the description is omitted.

[0063] The ink used in the liquid dispensing device 100 may contain various additives, including pigments and dyes. Some of these additives have a high specific gravity and may settle at the bottom of the ink container 60. Therefore, it is preferable that the ink inside the ink container 60 be agitated before the ink supply operation.

[0064] However, requiring the user to stir the ink before attaching it to the liquid supply device 40 is burdensome for the user and unreliable. Furthermore, attempting to stir the ink may damage the ink container 60, causing the filled ink to leak. Additionally, if a long time passes after attaching the ink container 60 to the liquid supply device 40, additives may settle again at the bottom of the container. In such cases, the ink container 60 would have to be periodically removed and stirred, placing a significant burden on the user.

[0065] Therefore, the liquid supply device 40 according to the fifth embodiment is configured to perform a stirring operation in which the ink inside the storage section 61 is stirred by moving the ink storage container 60 while pressing it with the pressing member 47. The stirring operation can be performed by the control unit 80, similar to the ink supply operation, and the movement of the pressing member 47 in the stirring operation is controlled by the control unit 80.

[0066] The stirring operation will now be explained. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams of the support member 43 and pressing member 47, and the ink container 60, which are included in the liquid supply device 40 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of the pressing member 47, the support member 43, and the ink container 60. Figure 5(b) is an explanatory diagram of the stirring operation of the ink container 60 by the pressing member 47.

[0067] During the stirring operation, the pressing member 47 repeatedly moves from the first end 43c to the second end 43d and from the second end 43d to the first end 43c of the support member 43 while pressing the housing section 61. This causes the ink in the ink housing container 60, which is supported by multiple support rollers 49, to oscillate, resulting in a stirring action inside.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment, the amount by which the pressing member 47 presses the housing 61 (the amount by which the pressing member 47 penetrates the housing 61) is configured to be adjustable. To adjust the amount by which the pressing member 47 presses the housing 61, for example, the opening 41a of the main body 41 may be made wider in the direction of gravity, so that the position of the pressing member 47 in the direction of gravity can be freely adjusted. Alternatively, the opening 41a of the main body 41 may be formed so that the pressing member 47 passes through different paths when performing a supply operation and when performing a stirring operation. Furthermore, if the amount by which the pressing member 47 presses the housing 61 is not adjustable, the supply unit 63 or injection unit 45 may be plugged to prevent ink from moving outside the housing 61 when not supplying ink.

[0069] During the stirring operation, the amount of pressure applied by the pressing member 47 to the housing section 61 is limited to an amount that does not cause ink to move from the housing section 61 to the injection section 54. In other words, the amount of pressure applied by the pressing member 47 to the housing section The amount of pressure applied to 61 is less than the amount of pressure applied by the pressing member 47 to the housing 61 during the supply operation.

[0070] The pressing member 47 is attached to the main body 41 of the liquid supply device 40, which is integrated with the liquid dispensing device 100. Therefore, for example, it can be set to perform agitation periodically according to a timer provided in the liquid dispensing device 100. Furthermore, it can be set to perform agitation as appropriate according to the usage method and type of ink, such as when supplying ink before printing, when the support member 43 is set in the main body 41, or when the ink supply operation is interrupted (when the pressing member 47 is in the position shown in Figure 7(c)).

[0071] After the stirring operation is complete, the pressing member 47 is controlled to return to the position it was in before the stirring operation began. Subsequently, when the ink supply operation starts, the pressing member 47 moves from the first end 43c to the second end 43d, and ink is supplied from the ink container 60 to the liquid dispensing device 100 by the liquid supply device 40.

[0072] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A liquid supply device for supplying liquid from a liquid container having a flexible container that contains a liquid inside, and a supply unit for supplying the liquid contained in the container, A support portion for supporting the liquid container, comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, An injection unit to which the supply unit is connected and to which the liquid contained in the storage unit is injected via the supply unit, the injection unit being provided at the second end of the support unit, A pressing member that presses the liquid container's container, which is supported by the support portion, A control unit that controls the operation of the pressing member and performs a liquid supply operation, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is characterized in that, in the supply operation, the control unit moves the pressing member in a direction from the first end toward the second end while the pressing member is pressing the housing portion. (Configuration 2) The liquid supply device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the pressing member is configured to be movable between a first pressing position that presses the end of the liquid container supported by the support portion toward the first end, a second pressing position that presses the end of the liquid container supported by the support portion toward the second end, and a retracted position that is retracted from the liquid container supported by the support portion. (Composition 3) The liquid supply device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing member is a rotatably configured roller that, in the supply operation, moves in a direction from the first end toward the second end while pressing and rotating over the receiving portion. (Composition 4) The pressing member is a blade having a tip portion that extends in a direction intersecting the direction from the first end to the second end, The liquid supply device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit moves the blade in a direction from the second end toward the first end while pressing the housing portion with the tip of the blade during the supply operation. (Composition 5) The liquid supply device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the support portion has a mounting surface on which the storage portion is placed when the supply portion is connected to the injection portion. (Composition 6) The liquid supply device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the support portion has a plurality of rotatable support rollers that support the storage portion from below when the supply portion is connected to the injection portion. (Composition 7) The pressing member is a roller configured to be rotatable, The liquid supply device according to configuration 6, characterized in that the diameter of the support roller is smaller than the diameter of the pressing member. (Composition 8) The liquid supply device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit can perform a stirring operation to stir the liquid contained in the containment by moving the pressing member while the pressing member is pressing the containment. (Composition 9) The liquid supply device according to configuration 8, characterized in that the amount by which the pressing member presses the housing during the stirring operation is smaller than the amount by which the pressing member presses the housing during the supply operation. (Composition 10) The liquid supply device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the pressing member is made of rubber or plastic. (Composition 11) A liquid supply device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, A transport unit that transports the recording medium, A liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid supplied from the liquid supply device toward a recording medium being transported by the transport unit, A liquid dispensing device characterized by being equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 40...Liquid supply device, 43...Support member (support part), 43c...First end, 43d...Second end, 47...Pressing member, 54...Injection part, 60...Ink container (liquid container), 61...Storage part, 63...Supply part, 80...Control unit

Claims

1. A liquid supply device for supplying liquid from a liquid container having a flexible container that contains a liquid inside, and a supply unit for supplying the liquid contained in the container, A support portion for supporting the liquid container, comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, An injection unit to which the supply unit is connected and to which the liquid contained in the storage unit is injected via the supply unit, the injection unit being provided at the second end of the support unit, A pressing member that presses the liquid container's container, which is supported by the support portion, A control unit that controls the operation of the pressing member and performs a liquid supply operation, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is characterized in that, in the supply operation, the control unit moves the pressing member in a direction from the first end toward the second end while the pressing member is pressing the housing portion.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing member is configured to be movable between a first pressing position that presses the end of the liquid container supported by the support portion toward the first end, a second pressing position that presses the end of the liquid container supported by the support portion toward the second end, and a retracted position that is retracted from the liquid container supported by the support portion.

3. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a rotatably configured roller that, in the supply operation, moves in a direction from the first end toward the second end while pressing the receiving portion and rotating.

4. The pressing member is a blade having a tip portion that extends in a direction intersecting the direction from the first end to the second end, The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit moves the blade in a direction from the second end toward the first end while pressing the housing portion with the tip of the blade during the supply operation.

5. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support portion has a mounting surface on which the storage portion is placed when the supply portion is connected to the injection portion.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support portion has a plurality of rotatable support rollers that support the storage portion from below when the supply portion is connected to the injection portion.

7. The pressing member is a roller configured to be rotatable, The liquid supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that the diameter of the support roller is smaller than the diameter of the pressing member.

8. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is capable of performing a stirring operation to stir the liquid contained in the containment by moving the pressing member while the pressing member is pressing the containment.

9. The liquid supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that the amount by which the pressing member presses the housing in the stirring operation is smaller than the amount by which the pressing member presses the housing in the supply operation.

10. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing member is made of rubber or plastic.

11. A liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A transport unit that transports the recording medium, A liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid supplied from the liquid supply device toward a recording medium being transported by the transport unit, A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising the following features.

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