Method for manufacturing a pressure adjusting mechanism, pressure adjusting mechanism, recording head mechanism, and recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism having a film capable of being more easily molded than conventional techniques.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the pressure of a liquid is provided, the method comprising: a step of preparing a main body in which an elastic body is disposed in a depressed portion, and a film having flexibility to which a plate member is fixed; a welding step of welding the film to the main body in such a manner as to cover the depressed portion while contracting the elastic body by using the plate member; and a molding step of molding the film by moving the plate member in a direction opposite to the depressed portion while sucking a portion to which the plate member is fixed in the film in a state where the film is fixed to the main body in the welding step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism, a pressure adjustment mechanism, a recording head mechanism, and a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A mechanism for adjusting the pressure of a liquid supplied to an inkjet recording head or the like using negative pressure is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid storage container including a concave-shaped frame, a sheet welded to the frame and deformable according to internal pressure, and a spring unit built into the frame, and capable of adjusting the pressure of a liquid. Patent Document 1 also discloses that the spring unit includes a spring and a pressure plate. Hereinafter, each of the "frame", "sheet", "liquid storage portion", "pressure plate", and "liquid storage container" will be referred to as a "main body", "film", "accommodation chamber", "plate member", and "pressure adjustment mechanism", respectively, as appropriate. According to the liquid storage container of Patent Document 1, it is possible to supply a liquid (for example, ink) from the liquid storage portion to an external device (for example, an inkjet recording head) using negative pressure.

[0003] Generally, it is known that a stretched film is already in a stretched state and has greater rigidity than an unstretched film. It is also known that a stretched film is superior to an unstretched film in mechanical properties such as gas permeability, chemical resistance, heat resistance, and tensile strength.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, when forming the film so as to be deformable according to the internal pressure after stretching the film, a large number of jigs (heating devices, suction frames, assist jigs, etc.) are required.

[0006] Further, in the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, when the film is formed into a convex shape, the film is pushed up only by the elastic restoring force of the spring. Therefore, the force for pushing up the film is not sufficient, and it may be difficult to form the film uniformly. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, even when using a film having a higher rigidity than the film disclosed in Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to form the film into a convex shape.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a manufacturing method of a pressure adjustment mechanism having a film that can be formed more simply than the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, the method of the present disclosure is a manufacturing method of a pressure adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the pressure of a liquid, the method including: preparing a main body in which an elastic body is disposed in a concave portion, and a flexible film to which a plate member is fixed; a welding step of welding the film to the main body so as to cover the concave portion while contracting the elastic body by the plate member; and a forming step of forming the film by moving the plate member in a direction opposite to the concave portion while adsorbing a portion of the film to which the plate member is fixed.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the manufacturing method of the pressure adjustment mechanism in the present disclosure, a convex portion can be formed on the film more simply than the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Figure 17

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Not all combinations of the features described in the present disclosure are essential to the solution means of the present disclosure. The relative positions, shapes, etc. of the configurations described in the present disclosure are merely examples, and the applicable range of the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to only those.

[0012] In the present disclosure, "recording" does not only mean forming significant information (for example, characters or figures that can be visually perceived by humans and manifested). "Recording" also means forming unintentional information. In the present disclosure, "recording" also means forming an image, pattern, pattern, structure, or a combination thereof, etc. on a recording medium, or performing processing on the medium.

[0013] <Recording device 100> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording device 100 applicable to this embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 100 includes a tank 101 capable of storing a liquid, a first pump 102 for pressurizing and supplying the liquid, and a connection portion 103 capable of connecting to the tank 101. In this embodiment, a case where the recording device 100 is an inkjet recording device and the liquid is ink will be assumed and described. The recording device 100 includes a flexible tube 104, a guide shaft 105 arranged along the scanning direction (the X direction in the figure), and a recording head mechanism 106 capable of performing recording.

[0015] The recording head mechanism 106 includes a pressure adjustment mechanism 107 capable of adjusting the pressure internally when performing recording, a carriage 108 to which the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 is detachable, and a recording head 109 arranged on the carriage 108.

[0016] The recording apparatus 100 includes a conveyance mechanism (not shown) for intermittently conveying the recording medium 110 in a conveyance direction (Y direction in the figure) that intersects (orthogonal in this example) the scanning direction. In this example, cut paper is used as an example of the recording medium 110. The recording apparatus 100 includes a cap 111 capable of capping the recording head 109, a second pump 112 connected to the cap 111, a discharge pipe 113 capable of discharging unnecessary liquid, and an absorber 114 capable of absorbing unnecessary liquid.

[0017] In this embodiment, the tank 101 is installed at a position away from the recording head mechanism 106. Incidentally, when the volume of the liquid stored in the tank 101 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is possible to replenish the tank 101 with liquid from the outside. According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the volume of the liquid that can be stored compared to a general tank arranged on the carriage.

[0018] In this embodiment, the tank 101 includes a first tank 101Y, a second tank 101M, a third tank 101C, and a fourth tank 101Bk. Different types of liquids can be independently stored in each of the first tank 101Y, the second tank 101M, the third tank 101C, and the fourth tank 101Bk. For example, the first tank 101Y can store a yellow liquid. The second tank 101M can store a magenta liquid. The third tank 101C can store a cyan liquid. The fourth tank 101Bk can store a black liquid.

[0019] Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish each of the first tank 101Y, the second tank 101M, the third tank 101C, and the fourth tank 101Bk, it is simply referred to as "tank 101".

[0020] The liquid is supplied from the tank 101 to the inside of the connection portion 103. The base end of the tube 104 is connected to the connection portion 103. The tip of the tube 104 is connected to the pressure adjustment mechanism 107.

[0021] In this embodiment, the tube 104 includes a first tube 104Y, a second tube 104M, a third tube 104C, and a fourth tube 104Bk. The first tube 104Y can supply a yellow liquid. The second tube 104M can supply a magenta liquid. The third tube 104C can supply a cyan liquid. The fourth tube 104Bk can supply a black liquid.

[0022] Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish each of the first tube 104Y, the second tube 104M, the third tube 104C, and the fourth tube 104Bk, they are simply referred to as "tube 104".

[0023] When the recording operation by the recording head mechanism 106 is performed, the first pump 102 is driven, and the liquid is pressurized and supplied from the connection portion 103 to the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 via the tube 104 independently for each of the above-described four types. The recording medium 110 is intermittently conveyed by a conveyance mechanism (not shown). In the recording apparatus 100, the conveyance of the recording medium 110 and the recording by the recording head mechanism 106 that discharges the liquid onto the recording medium 110 while moving in the scanning direction are alternately performed.

[0024] The pressure adjustment mechanism 107 can introduce the liquid pressurized and supplied from the tube 104 therein. The liquid introduced into the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 is supplied to the recording head 109 by driving the second pump 112 in a state where the cap 111 is in contact with the discharge port surface. By this suction pump sucking the liquid accommodated inside the pressure adjustment mechanism 107, the inside of the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 becomes a negative pressure.

[0025] In this embodiment, the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 includes a first pressure adjustment mechanism 107Y, a second pressure adjustment mechanism 107M, a third pressure adjustment mechanism 107C, and a fourth pressure adjustment mechanism 107Bk. The first pressure adjustment mechanism 107Y can supply the liquid supplied from the first tube 104Y to the recording head 109. The second pressure adjustment mechanism 107M can supply the liquid supplied from the second tube 104M to the recording head 109. The third pressure adjustment mechanism 107C can supply the liquid supplied from the third tube 104C to the recording head 109. The fourth pressure adjustment mechanism 107Bk can supply the liquid supplied from the fourth tube 104Bk to the recording head 109.

[0026] Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish each of the first pressure adjustment mechanism 107Y, the second pressure adjustment mechanism 107M, the third pressure adjustment mechanism 107C, and the fourth pressure adjustment mechanism 107Bk, it is simply referred to as the "pressure adjustment mechanism 107".

[0027] The pressure adjustment mechanism 107 and the recording head 109 are mounted on a carriage 108 that can reciprocate along the guide shaft 105. The carriage 108 can reciprocate in the scanning direction by the driving force of a driving source (not shown). The recording head 109 includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) capable of discharging liquid. A plurality of nozzles are arranged such that nozzle rows corresponding to various types of liquids among the above-described four types are formed in the conveyance direction. Each nozzle among the plurality of nozzles can discharge liquid using an electrothermal conversion element (heater) or a piezo element or the like. When an electrothermal conversion body is used, the liquid can be foamed by its heat generation, and the foaming energy can be used to discharge the liquid as droplets from the discharge port at the tip of the nozzle.

[0028] While the recording head 109 moves in the scanning direction together with the carriage 108 and discharges liquid from the nozzles, and the operation of conveying the recording medium 110 in the conveying direction are alternately repeated, recording can be performed on the recording medium 110. In this way, the recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment functions as a so-called serial scan type recording apparatus. Therefore, according to the recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the carriage 108 can be reduced in weight and size as compared with the carriage of a general on-carriage type recording apparatus.

[0029] When maintenance of the recording head 109 is required, the carriage 108 moves above the cap 111. The cap 111 can be moved up and down by a drive source (not shown). The cap 111 rises during maintenance and caps the discharge port surface on which the discharge port of the recording head 109 is formed. In a state where the discharge port surface is capped, the second pump 112 can decompress the inside of the cap 111. By decompressing the inside of the cap 111 by the second pump 112, the liquid remaining inside the recording head 109 can be discharged through the discharge pipe 113. The discharged liquid is absorbed by the absorber 114 disposed in the apparatus main body.

[0030] In the present embodiment, prior to the recording operation, initial filling of ink to the recording head is performed. Specifically, pressure supply of ink by the first pump 102 and suction of ink by driving the second pump 112 with the cap 111 in contact with the recording head 109 are performed. As a result, the liquid is also stored in the storage chamber (not shown here) of the pressure adjustment mechanism 107.

[0031] <Pressure adjustment mechanism 107> FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the inside of the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 in the present embodiment. As described above, in the present embodiment, there are four pressure adjustment mechanisms 107. However, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 2, one pressure adjustment mechanism 107 will be described as an example. The configurations of the four pressure adjustment mechanisms 107 used in the present embodiment are all the same except for the type of liquid to be stored.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, one pressure regulating mechanism 107 includes one main body 201. In the main body 201, a valve chamber 203 formed inside the main body 201 and a supply flow path 202 capable of supplying liquid to the valve chamber 203 are formed. Further, in the main body 201, a recess 205, a connection flow path 204 connecting the valve chamber 203 and the recess 205, and a discharge flow path 207 capable of discharging liquid from the recess 205 are formed. An annular (in this example, circular) first groove 206 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 205.

[0033] The material constituting the main body 201 includes polypropylene (PP). The supply flow path 202 is formed to be capable of supplying the liquid supplied from the tube to the valve chamber 203. A valve mechanism 208 is arranged in the valve chamber 203. The valve mechanism 208 includes a valve 209 capable of opening and closing the connection flow path 204 and a first elastic body 210 (in this example, a coil spring) capable of biasing the valve 209 upward in the figure.

[0034] The base end portion of a second elastic body 211 (in this example, a coil spring) is fitted into the first groove 206. Note that the second elastic body 211 is not fixed to the first groove 206. A rib 214 is formed so as to project annularly (in this example, cylindrically) from the peripheral edge portion 213 of the opening 212 of the recess 205. A flexible film 215 is fixed (in this example, heat welded) to the rib 214.

[0035] In this embodiment, a part of the film 215 can project 0.9 mm or more from the top of the rib 214 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the recess 205 is recessed. The rib 214 is particularly preferably composed of PP. The welding layer (described later) of the film 215 with the rib 214 also preferably contains PP. By configuring the rib 214 and the welding layer of the film 215 using the same material, they can be made compatible at the same heating temperature.

[0036] The plate member 216 is fixed (in this example, by heat welding) to the welding layer of the film 215. An annular second groove 217 into which the tip of the second elastic body 211 can be fitted is formed in the plate member 216. Note that the second elastic body 211 is not fixed to the second groove 217. When the film 215 is fixed to the rib 214 so as to cover the recess 205, a storage chamber 218 capable of storing liquid in a liquid-tight manner is formed.

[0037] A connection flow path 204 is formed so as to connect the storage chamber 218 and the valve chamber 203. The valve 209 includes a sealing member 219 for opening and closing the connection flow path 204 and a pin member 220 protruding from the sealing member 219. The base end portion of the pin member 220 is inserted into and fixed to the insertion portion of the sealing member 219. The valve 209 is disposed in the valve chamber 203 such that the tip of the pin member 220 enters the storage chamber 218 through the connection flow path 204 from the sealing member 219.

[0038] When the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 is manufactured, the plate member 216 does not contact the pin member 220. This is because the second elastic body 211 having a height greater than the height of the pin member 220 biases the recess 205 and the plate member 216 in a direction to separate them (upward in the figure).

[0039] After the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 is mounted on the recording device 100 as shown in FIG. 1, the valve chamber 203 is filled with liquid when the first pump 102 is driven. When the first pump 102 is driven, the valve chamber 203 is pressurized. For this reason, the valve 209 closes the connection flow path 204. Therefore, no liquid flows into the storage chamber 218.

[0040] Next, when the second pump 112 is driven, a negative pressure gradually increases inside the storage chamber 218. When the negative pressure in the storage chamber 218 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the plate member 216 moves downward in the figure against the biasing force of the second elastic body 211 so as to contract the volume of the storage chamber 218. Thereafter, when the plate member 216 contacts the tip of the pin member 220 and the pin member 220 moves downward in the figure, the connection flow path 204 is opened. When the connection flow path 204 is opened, the liquid in the valve chamber 203 flows into the storage chamber 218.

[0041] In this way, as liquid flows into the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 and the recording head 109, the negative pressure in the storage chamber 218 gradually decreases. As the negative pressure in the storage chamber 218 decreases, the plate member 216 gradually moves upward in the figure. Then, the volume of the storage chamber 218 stabilizes when the negative pressure in the storage chamber 218 and the resistance of the second elastic body 211 are balanced.

[0042] In this state, when the recording operation is started, liquid is supplied from the storage chamber 218 to the recording head through the discharge channel 207. As a result, the storage chamber 218 becomes more negative in pressure. Due to the generation of this negative pressure, when the plate member 216 moves downward in the figure and the film 215 further bends, the pin member 220 is pressed by the plate member 216, and the connection channel 204 is opened. When the connection channel 204 is opened, liquid is replenished from the valve chamber 203 to the storage chamber 218.

[0043] When liquid is replenished in the storage chamber 218 and the negative pressure in the storage chamber 218 decreases, the plate member 216 is pushed up by the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body 211. When the plate member 216 is pushed up, the shape of the film 215 also returns to a convex shape. While the plate member 216 is being pushed up, the valve 209 is pushed up by the elastic restoring force of the first elastic body 210. As a result, the connection channel 204 is sealed again by the sealing member 219. At this time, the pin member 220 and the plate member 216 are in contact with each other.

[0044] In this way, in the pressure adjustment mechanism 107, as the ink in the recording head 109 is consumed and ink is supplied from the valve chamber 203, the valve 209 opens and closes the connection channel 204. By such an opening and closing operation of the valve 209, the liquid supplied to the recording head 109 can be stabilized within a predetermined pressure range.

[0045] In addition, the material of the film 215 is required to have durability to withstand repeated deformation accompanying the up and down movement of the plate member 216, gas barrier properties, water vapor barrier properties, and long-term storage properties for storing liquid for a relatively long time.

[0046] <Film 215> FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the film 215 applicable to the present embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the film 215 includes a stretchable welding layer 301 (first layer) and a base film layer 302 (second layer) that is difficult to stretch. Specifically, the welding layer 301 includes PP. The base film layer 302 includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In the present embodiment, the base film layer 302 is laminated on the welding layer 301. More specifically, the welding layer 301 is an unstretched polypropylene film made of unstretched polypropylene (CPP). The base film layer 302 is a stretched polyethylene terephthalate film (stretched PET film) made of stretched PET.

[0048] In order to further improve the gas barrier property and water vapor barrier property of the base film layer 302, aluminum or silica may be vapor-deposited on the base film layer 302. As long as it has the above-described gas barrier property, water vapor barrier property, durability, and long-term storage property, the film 215 may include a layer containing a material other than the above.

[0049] <Manufacturing Process of Pressure Adjustment Mechanism> With reference to FIGS. 4 to 11, the manufacturing method of the pressure adjustment mechanism of the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 4 to 10 are schematic cross-sectional views of the pressure adjustment mechanism in each step of the manufacturing method of the present embodiment.

[0050] First, prepare a main body 201 including a supply channel 202, a valve chamber 203, a connection channel 204, a first groove 206, a recess 205, a rib 214, a valve mechanism 208, and a second elastic body 211. Further, prepare a film 215 in which a plate member 216 is thermally welded to a welding layer. Next, hold the film 215 above the main body 201 while pulling it left and right with a holding jig 401. Below the holding jig 401, a connecting jig 402 that can be aligned and connected with the holding jig 401 is arranged.

[0051] Next, the contact process is performed. In the contact process, as shown in FIG. 4, the gripping jig 401 is lowered, and the welding layer of the film 215 pulled in the left-right direction in the figure is brought into contact with the top 403 of the rib 214. By pulling the film 215, tension is generated in the film 215. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the film 215 from coming into contact with the main body 201 in a deflected state.

[0052] Specifically, at a position away from the main body 201, the film 215 is gripped while being pulled by the gripping jig 401 so that the welding layer of the film 215 and the top 403 of the rib 214 face each other. Then, while aligning the position of the gripping jig 401 and the position of the connecting jig 402, when the film 215 is brought closer to the main body 201, the tip of the second elastic body 211 fits into the second groove 217. With the tip of the second elastic body 211 fitted into the second groove 217, when the film 215 is further brought closer to the main body 201, the welding layer of the film 215 adheres to the top 403. In this way, in the contact process, using the gripping jig 401 and the connecting jig 402, the film 215 is brought into close contact with the rib 214 so as to cover the recess 205 while contracting the second elastic body 211 by the plate member 216. When the above contact process is completed, next, the adsorption process is performed.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the adsorption process of adsorbing the film 215 in the present embodiment. The adsorption process is performed to prevent the film 215 from shifting.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, in the adsorption step, the adsorption jig 501 adsorbs the welded portion between the film 215 and the plate member 216. The welded portion between the film 215 and the plate member 216 has greater rigidity and is smoother than the portion where the plate member 216 is not welded to the film 215. In this way, by adsorbing the portion with greater rigidity and smoothness, compared with the case of adsorbing the portion with lower rigidity and non-smoothness, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the film 215 while generating sufficient adsorption force. As a result, the frictional force at the contact portion between the adsorption jig 501 and the film 215 is increased, facilitating the performance of operations in the steps subsequent to the adsorption step. The welding step is performed while the welded portion is adsorbed by the adsorption step.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the welding step of welding the main body 201 and the film 215 in the present embodiment.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, in the welding step, the heating jig 601 is used to thermally weld the contact portion between the rib 214 and the film 215. In this way, in the welding step, with the second elastic body 211 contracted by the plate member 216, the welding layer of the film 215 is welded to the rib 214 so as to cover the concave portion 205. Incidentally, also in the welding step, the adsorption jig 501 is in a state of adsorbing the plate member 216 through the film 215.

[0057] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the region surrounded by the circle VII in FIG. 6.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the rib 214 is crushed while being melted through the film 215 by the heating jig 601. The dashed line in FIG. 7 shows the shape of the rib 214 before the rib 214 is crushed by the heating jig 601. In this way, when the heating jig 601 crushes the rib 214 while heating it from above the base film layer 302, the welding layer 301 and the top 403 of the rib 214 are compatible.

[0059] As described above, the material of the main body 201 (especially the rib 214) is PP. That is, the material of the top portion 403 is the same as the material of the welding layer 301. Also, it is publicly known that the melting point of PET is sufficiently higher than that of PP. Therefore, there is a low possibility that the base film layer 302 will melt during the thermal welding of the welding layer 301 and the rib 214. According to such a welding method, since the temperature margin can be sufficiently maintained when thermally welding the welding layer 301 and the top portion 403, good thermal welding can be achieved. After the completion of the thermal welding, the heating jig 601 is retracted. When the welding process as described above is completed, the molding process is then performed.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a molding process for forming a convex portion on the film 215 in the present embodiment.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, in the molding process, with the film 215 adsorbed by the adsorption jig 501, the adsorption jig 501 is raised. In this way, in the molding process, while the film 215 is adsorbed by the adsorption jig 501, the plate member 216 is moved together with the film 215 to form a convex portion that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the concave portion 205 is recessed with respect to the film 215. Specifically, the adsorption jig 501 is raised to a position where the distance from the welded portion of the film 215 with the rib 214 to the welded portion with the plate member 216 becomes a predetermined distance. In the present embodiment, the welded portion of the film 215 with the plate member 216 is moved about 0.9 mm from the top of the rib 214 by the adsorption jig 501.

[0062] Specifically, the surface of the film 215 that faces the direction opposite to the direction in which the surface to which the plate member 216 is fixed faces is adsorbed by the adsorption jig 501. Then, the adsorption jig 501 is gradually raised so as to keep the state where the plate member 216 and the bottom surface of the concave portion 205 are parallel. Then, a convex portion protruding about 0.9 mm from the top of the rib 214 can be formed on the film 215.

[0063] In this embodiment, when forming the convex portion on the film 215, the film 215 is lifted by raising the suction jig 501 instead of pushing up the plate member 216 only by the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body 211. In the forming process, the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body 211 also acts on the film 215 via the plate member 216. Most of the force required to form the convex portion on the film 215 is generated by the raising of the suction jig 501.

[0064] As a result, regardless of the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body 211, the convex portion is formed on the film 215. That is, even when the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body 211 is relatively small, the convex portion can be formed on the film 215. Further, even when the rigidity of the film 215 is relatively large, the convex portion can be formed on the film 215.

[0065] In this embodiment, the plate member 216 is fixed to the film 215 in advance, and the film 215 is lifted by the suction jig 501 together with the plate member 216. As described above, while the film 215 is being lifted, the state where the plate member 216 and the bottom surface of the concave portion 205 are parallel is maintained. Therefore, the convex portion can be formed on the film 215 so that the plate member 216 does not tilt with respect to the bottom surface of the concave portion 205 and wrinkles do not occur in the convex portion of the film 215.

[0066] If the plate member 216 is tilted with respect to the bottom surface of the concave portion 205 or wrinkles occur in the film 215, an extra force is required when elastically deforming the film 215. According to the method for forming the convex portion in this embodiment, the tilt of the plate member 216 and the occurrence of wrinkles in the convex portion of the film 215 are suppressed. Thereby, the film 215 can be elastically deformed smoothly during the recording operation.

[0067] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the circle IX in FIG. 8. The dashed-line area 901 in FIG. 9 indicates the area that was part of the rib 214 before the rib 214 and the film 215 were thermally welded. The melted part of the rib 214 is stretched so as to follow the lifted film 215 by capillary action and the viscosity of the melted PP.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, the film 215 has a fixed part that is fixed and a deformable movable part. The fixed part of the film 215 is the part fixed to the rib 214 by the welding layer 301 (unstretched film) being compatible with the rib 214. The movable part is the part where the film 215 can move in the direction in which the recess 205 (not shown here) is recessed or in the opposite direction to the direction in which the recess 205 is recessed. In this embodiment, the film 215 can protrude about 0.9 mm from the top of the rib 214 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the recess 205 is recessed.

[0069] The welding layer 301 melts by the heating of the heating jig. On the other hand, the base film layer 302 does not melt by the heating of the heating jig. This is because, as described above, the melting point of the base film layer 302 is higher than the melting point of the welding layer 301. The compatible part of the welding layer 301 with the rib 214 is more strongly supported by the melted rib 214 than the part where the melted rib 214 does not adhere.

[0070] In this embodiment, the welding layer 301 is an unstretched polypropylene film, and the base film layer 302 is a stretched PET film. Therefore, since the base film layer 302 is already in a stretched state, it will not become longer than its original length. On the other hand, since the welding layer 301 is in a state where it can be stretched, it becomes longer than its original length by being forcibly lifted by the rising of the adsorption jig.

[0071] In this way, in the forming process, the welding layer 301 is pulled up while being stretched by the rising of the adsorption jig, and the base film layer 302 is pulled up by the adsorption jig together with the welding layer 301 without being stretched. According to such a method of forming the convex portion, even when the film 215 contains a stretched PET film, the convex portion can be formed on the film 215. When the above-mentioned forming process is completed, the cooling process is then performed.

[0072] In the cooling process, while maintaining the convex portion formed in the forming process, the film 215 is held for a certain period of time. Then, heat escapes from the film 215 into the atmosphere. That is, in the cooling process of the present embodiment, the film 215 is naturally cooled. However, in the cooling process, cold air may be blown against the film 215. By blowing cold air, the time required for cooling can be shortened. When the film 215 is cooled and fixed to the rib 214, a removing process for removing unnecessary portions of the film 215 is performed.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 after the removing process in the present embodiment.

[0074] In the removing process, unnecessary portions (portions protruding from the main body 201) of the film 215 are removed (for example, cut) by removing means (for example, a blade or a laser).

[0075] By going through the above-described manufacturing process, the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 can be manufactured. Note that the height of the convex portion in the film 215 does not change from the time when the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 is completed until the inside of the accommodation chamber 218 becomes negative pressure.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the completed pressure adjustment mechanism 107 as viewed from the film 215 side.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, the planar shape of the plate member 216 is circular. That is, the shape of the plate member 216 in the present embodiment is a relatively thin disk shape. The film 215 to which the plate member 216 is heat-welded is formed of a relatively transparent material. Therefore, it is possible to see through the ribs 214 compatible with the welded layer from the surface on which the base film layer is disposed.

[0078] Further, the rib 214 is formed in an annular shape (a circular ring shape in this example) along the periphery of the concave portion 205 (not shown here). The radius of the circle formed by the annularly arranged ribs 214 is larger than the radius of the circular plane of the plate member 216. Further, in the welding process and the molding process, each operation is performed so that the center of the circle (ring) formed by the annularly arranged ribs 214 and the center of the circular plane of the plate member 216 overlap on the same axis. For this reason, the distance in the circumferential direction from the plate member 216 to the rib 214 becomes constant. Therefore, the second elastic body 211 (not shown here) can stably expand and contract and apply an equal tension to the film 215. As a result, in the process of forming convex portions on the film 215, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the film 215.

[0079] As described above, in the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, when forming convex portions on the film 215, the film 215 is lifted using a suction jig without relying only on the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body 211.

[0080] Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, a pressure adjusting mechanism having a film that can be formed more simply than in the prior art can be manufactured. Further, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, even when a spring having an elastic restoring force smaller than the elastic restoring force of the spring of the prior art is used, a smooth convex portion can be formed on the film regardless of the elastic restoring force of the spring. Further, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, it is also possible to cope with a film having a rigidity greater than the rigidity of the film of the prior art. Further, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, compared with the manufacturing method of the prior art, convex portions can be accurately formed on the film while suppressing the generation of wrinkles.

[0081] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17. The difference between the manufacturing method in the first embodiment and the manufacturing method in the present embodiment is the presence or absence of a pushing step of pushing the film.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the height of the convex portion is larger than that in the first embodiment by the amount that the film is pushed into the inside of the concave portion and stretched. As a result, the height of the accommodation chamber is also higher than that in the first embodiment. By the amount that the height of the accommodation chamber increases, a longer elastic member is used in the present embodiment than in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be given to the same or corresponding configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the description will be centered on the differences.

[0083] In the preparation step, a main body 201 including a supply passage 202, a valve chamber 203, a connection passage 204, a first groove 206, a concave portion 205, a rib 214, a valve mechanism 208, and a third spring 1201 (see FIG. 12) is prepared. In the present embodiment, the length of the third spring 1201 is larger than the length of the second elastic body 211 (see FIGS. 2 and the like). The base end portion of the third spring 1201 is disposed in the first groove 206.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a contact step of bringing the film 215 in the present embodiment into contact with the main body 201.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 12, in the abutting step, while holding the film 215 by the holding jig 401 and pulling it to the outside of the main body 201, the welding layer of the film 215 is abutted against the top portion 403 of the rib 214.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the adsorption step of adsorbing the film 215 in the present embodiment.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, in the adsorption step, the adsorption jig 501 adsorbs the welded portion of the film 215 and the plate member 216. In the present embodiment, after the adsorption step, a pushing-in step of pushing the film 215 in the direction of the concave portion is performed.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the pushing-in step in the present embodiment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 14, in the pushing-in step, the pushing-in jig 1401 is used to push the film 215 toward the bottom surface of the concave portion 205. The amount of pushing in the film 215 can be set as appropriate.

[0090] In the pushing-in step, the pushing-in jig 1401 is used to push in the region between the rib 214 and the adsorption jig 501 in the film 215 to stretch the film 215. The height of the convex portion in the film 215 can be made larger than the height of the convex portion in the first embodiment by the amount of pushing in the film 215.

[0091] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the welding step of welding the main body 201 and the film 215 in the present embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, in the welding process, the contact portion between the rib 214 and the film 215 is heat-welded by the heating jig 601. Still, in this process as well, the adsorption jig 501 is in a state of adsorbing the film 215. The pushing jig 1401 is in a state of pushing in the film 215. When the welding process is completed, the heating jig 601 and the pushing jig 1401 are retracted from the main body.

[0093] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a forming process for forming convex portions on the film 215 in the present embodiment.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16, in the forming process, with the film 215 adsorbed, the adsorption jig 501 is raised to a desired height.

[0095] The film 215 in the present embodiment is pushed in by a pushing jig and has a pressed portion 1601 that is stretched. In this way, an annular bending portion surrounding the plate member 216 is formed on the film 215 inside the welded portion where the film 215 and the rib 214 are welded and outside the plate member 216. Thereby, the height of the convex portion in the film 215 can be made higher than that in the first embodiment. That is, the volume of the accommodation chamber 1602 can be made larger than that in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is possible to move the welded portion between the film 215 and the plate member 216 about 1.8 mm from the top of the rib 214.

[0096] As described above, in the present embodiment, a third spring 1201 having a length greater than that of the second elastic body used in the first embodiment is used. Thereby, in this process, it is possible to make the height of the accommodation chamber 1602 larger than the accommodation chamber in the first embodiment.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the pressure adjustment mechanism 107 after the removal process for removing unnecessary portions of the film 215 in the present embodiment has been performed.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 17, unnecessary portions (not shown) in the film 215 are cut and removed by a laser or the like.

[0099] By going through the manufacturing process described above, the pressure adjustment mechanism 1700 in the present embodiment can be manufactured.

[0100] As described above, according to the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the film is pushed in by the pushing jig. As a result, the film is stretched more than in the first embodiment, and the area of the deformable portion in the film increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when forming the convex portion on the film, the height of the convex portion can be made larger than in the first embodiment. As a result, the amount of deformation of the film when the volume of the storage chamber in the present embodiment decreases is also increased compared to the amount of deformation of the film when the volume of the storage chamber in the first embodiment decreases.

[0101] As described above, while a predetermined negative pressure is maintained, the connection flow path is blocked by the valve. When a predetermined amount or more of ink is consumed by the recording operation or the suction operation by the second pump is performed, the valve can open and close the connection flow path with good responsiveness to the increase in negative pressure.

[0102] When forming the convex portion in a state where the amount of deflection of the film is relatively small, not only the lower surface of the plate member but also the inclined surface portion of the film from the end of the plate to the rib is affected by the negative pressure. For this reason, the internal pressure of the storage chamber tends to vary, and the opening and closing operation of the valve also becomes unstable. As in the present embodiment, when the film is deflected to the extent that it can be folded back inside the film, the influence of the negative pressure received by the entire film can be concentrated on the lower surface of the plate member (the surface facing the concave portion). Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately perform the opening and closing operation of the valve accompanying the change in the internal pressure of the storage chamber.

[0103] Also, by making the amount of deflection of the film larger than in the first embodiment, the volume of the storage chamber can be made larger than in the first embodiment. When the volume of the storage chamber increases, the volume capable of trapping the bubbles generated by the recording head during the recording operation increases. As a result, the time during which continuous printing can be performed can be increased compared to the first embodiment.

[0104] Also, originally, the storage chamber functions as a buffer chamber when the film bends under the influence of the atmosphere. By increasing the volume of the storage chamber compared to the first embodiment, the function of the storage chamber as a buffer chamber can also be enhanced compared to the first embodiment.

[0105] Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the pressure adjustment mechanism in the present embodiment, a convex portion larger than that in the first embodiment can be formed on the film. Furthermore, according to the pressure adjustment mechanism in the present embodiment, the reliability of pressure adjustment during the recording operation can also be improved compared to the prior art.

[0106] [Other Embodiments] In the first and second embodiments, ink was cited as an example of the liquid. Other examples of liquids to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied include various recording liquids including treatment liquids used for the purpose of improving the fixability of ink on a recording medium, reducing gloss unevenness, or improving abrasion resistance.

[0107] In the first and second embodiments, four-color ink was used. However, in the technology of the present disclosure, the types of liquids that can be used are not limited to the above-mentioned four-color ink. Three or fewer or five or more colors of ink including colors other than the above-mentioned four colors may be used.

[0108] In the first and second embodiments, cut paper was cited as an example of the recording medium. Other examples of the recording medium include recording media of various materials and forms such as roll paper, cloth, the label surface of an optical disc, a plastic sheet, an OHP sheet, and an envelope.

[0109] In the first and second embodiments, a so-called serial scan type recording apparatus has been exemplified in which recording is performed by reciprocating a recording head mechanism and intermittently conveying a recording medium. However, the recording apparatus to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied is not limited to this example. The technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a so-called full line type recording apparatus that performs recording on a continuously conveyed recording medium using a long recording head provided with discharge ports in a region corresponding to the width of the recording medium.

[0110] In the first and second embodiments, it was possible to replenish the liquid to the tank from the outside. However, examples of the tank to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied are not limited to this. The technology of the present disclosure can be applied even when a tank of a type in which the cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge storing the liquid when the liquid in the cartridge is used up is used.

[0111] In the first and second embodiments, a so-called off-carriage type recording apparatus in which the tank is installed at a position away from the recording head mechanism has been exemplified. The technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a so-called on-carriage type recording apparatus in which a cartridge storing the liquid is mounted on the carriage.

[0112] In the first and second embodiments, the pressure adjustment mechanism is configured to be mounted on the carriage and move together with the recording head. However, the form to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied is not limited to such a form. The pressure adjustment mechanism may be fixed inside the main body of the recording apparatus separately from the carriage and the recording head.

[0113] In the first and second embodiments, a stretched PET film having higher rigidity than the sheet of the prior art has been used as the material of the base film layer. As another example of the material constituting the base film layer, a film having lower rigidity than the stretched PET film may be used. The technology of the present disclosure can be applied even when a film that is relatively easy to stretch is used.

[0114] The present disclosure includes the following methods and configurations.

[0115] [Method 1] A method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the pressure of a liquid, a step of preparing a main body in which an elastic body is disposed in a recess, and a flexible film to which a plate member is fixed; a welding step of welding the film to the main body so as to cover the recess while contracting the elastic body by the plate member; a forming step of forming the film by moving the plate member in a direction opposite to the recess while adsorbing a portion of the film to which the plate member is fixed in a state where the film is welded to the main body; A method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism, characterized by the above.

[0116] [Method 2] further including a removing step of removing unnecessary portions in the film after the forming step, The manufacturing method according to Method 1.

[0117] [Method 3] The film includes a welding layer and a base film layer having different melting points from each other, in the welding step, the welding layer and a rib formed at a peripheral edge of an opening of the recess are heated and made compatible with each other; The manufacturing method according to Method 1 or 2.

[0118] [Method 4] the rib is formed in an annular shape at a periphery of the recess, the plate member is in a disc shape, in the welding step and the forming step, a center of a ring formed by the annularly arranged ribs and a center of the plate member overlap on the same axis; The manufacturing method according to any one of Methods 1 to 3.

[0119] [Method 5] the welding layer and the rib contain polypropylene, The manufacturing method described in Method 3 or 4.

[0120] [Method 6] The base film layer is laminated on the welding layer, The welding layer includes an unstretched polypropylene film, The base film layer includes a stretched polyethylene terephthalate film. The manufacturing method according to any one of Methods 3 to 5.

[0121] [Method 7] The base film layer further includes aluminum or silica vapor-deposited on the stretched polyethylene terephthalate film. The manufacturing method described in Method 6.

[0122] [Method 8] In the forming step, a part of the film moves 0.9 mm in a direction opposite to the concave portion from the welded portion between the film and the main body. The manufacturing method according to any one of Methods 1 to 7.

[0123] [Method 9] Between the welding step and the forming step, it further includes a pressing step of pressing the region between the welded portion of the film with the main body and the plate member in the direction of the concave portion. The manufacturing method according to any one of Methods 1 to 8.

[0124] [Method 10] In the forming step, a part of the film moves 1.8 mm in a direction opposite to the concave portion from the welded portion between the film and the main body. The manufacturing method described in Method 9.

[0125] [Method 11] The elastic body is a spring that biases the concave portion and the plate member in a separating direction. The manufacturing method according to any one of Methods 1 to 10.

[0126] [Method 12] The pressure adjustment mechanism is arranged in an inkjet recording apparatus to adjust the pressure of ink supplied to a recording head. The manufacturing method according to any one of Methods 1 to 11.

[0127] [Method 13] The main body A valve chamber formed inside the main body, A supply flow path capable of supplying liquid to the valve chamber, A connection flow path connecting the valve chamber and the recess, A valve mechanism arranged in the valve chamber and capable of opening and closing the connection flow path, A discharge flow path capable of discharging liquid from the recess, and includes The manufacturing method according to Method 12.

[0128] [Configuration 1] A pressure adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressure of a liquid, comprising A main body having a recess capable of accommodating the liquid and a rib protruding from a peripheral edge of the recess, A flexible film including a first layer that can be stretched and a second layer that is difficult to stretch, and the second layer is welded to the rib so as to close the recess, An elastic body arranged in the recess and biasing a plate member fixed to the film in a direction away from the recess, and is provided with The film has a bent portion surrounding the plate member between a welded portion where the second layer and the rib are welded and the plate member. A pressure adjustment mechanism characterized by this.

[0129] [Configuration 2] The pressure adjustment mechanism according to Configuration 1, and A recording head capable of discharging the liquid whose pressure is adjusted by the pressure adjustment mechanism onto a recording medium, and is provided with A recording head mechanism characterized by this.

[0130] [Configuration 3] The recording head mechanism according to Configuration 2, a tank capable of storing a liquid for supplying to the pressure adjustment mechanism, comprising a recording apparatus characterized by this.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the pressure of a liquid, comprising: preparing a main body in which an elastic body is disposed in a concave portion, and a flexible film to which a plate member is fixed; a welding step of welding the film to the main body so as to cover the concave portion while contracting the elastic body by the plate member; a molding step of molding the film by moving the plate member in a direction opposite to the concave portion while adsorbing a portion of the film to which the plate member is fixed in a state where the film is welded to the main body; A method for manufacturing a pressure adjustment mechanism, characterized by including the above steps.

2. Further including a removing step of removing unnecessary portions of the film after the molding step, The manufacturing method according to claim 1.

3. The film includes a welding layer and a base film layer having different melting points from each other, In the welding step, the welding layer and a rib formed at a peripheral edge of an opening of the concave portion are heated and made compatible with each other. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The rib is formed in an annular shape at a periphery of the concave portion, The plate member is disc-shaped, In the welding step and the molding step, the center of a ring formed by the annularly arranged ribs and the center of the plate member overlap on the same axis. The manufacturing method according to claim 3.

5. The welding layer and the rib contain polypropylene. The manufacturing method according to claim 3.

6. The base film layer is laminated on the welding layer, The welding layer includes a non-stretched polypropylene film. The base film layer includes a stretched polyethylene terephthalate film. The manufacturing method according to claim 3.

7. The base film layer further includes aluminum or silica vapor-deposited on the stretched polyethylene terephthalate film. The manufacturing method according to claim 6.

8. In the forming step, a part of the film moves 0.9 mm in a direction opposite to the concave portion from the welded portion between the film and the main body. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Between the welding step and the forming step, it further includes a pushing step of pushing the region between the welded portion of the film with the main body and the plate member in the direction of the concave portion. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2.

10. In the forming step, a part of the film moves 1.8 mm in a direction opposite to the concave portion from the welded portion between the film and the main body. The manufacturing method according to claim 9.

11. The elastic body is a spring that biases the concave portion and the plate member in a separating direction. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The pressure adjustment mechanism is arranged in an inkjet recording apparatus to adjust the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The main body A valve chamber formed inside the main body, A supply flow path capable of supplying liquid to the valve chamber, A connection flow path connecting the valve chamber and the concave portion, A valve mechanism arranged in the valve chamber and capable of opening and closing the connection flow path, A discharge channel capable of discharging liquid from the concave portion, The manufacturing method according to claim 12.

14. A pressure adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressure of a liquid, A main body having a concave portion capable of accommodating a liquid and a rib protruding from a peripheral portion of the concave portion, A flexible film including a first layer that can be stretched and a second layer that is difficult to stretch, and the second layer is welded to the rib so as to close the concave portion, An elastic body disposed in the concave portion and urging a plate member fixed to the film in a direction away from the concave portion, Comprising, The film has a bent portion surrounding the plate member between a welded portion where the second layer and the rib are welded and the plate member, A pressure adjustment mechanism characterized by this.

15. The pressure adjustment mechanism according to claim 14, A recording head capable of discharging the liquid whose pressure is adjusted by the pressure adjustment mechanism onto a recording medium, Comprising, A recording head mechanism characterized by this.

16. The recording head mechanism according to claim 15, A tank capable of storing a liquid to be supplied to the pressure adjustment mechanism, Comprising, A recording device characterized by this.

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