Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To suppress solidification of liquid, furthermore to detect a residual amount of the liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection device comprises: a storage chamber storing liquid; a revolving member positioned in the storage chamber and revolving around a shaft portion according to a liquid level of liquid stored in the storage chamber; and a sensor unit detecting the revolution of the revolving member. The revolving member comprises: a float portion having a specific gravity smaller than that of liquid stored in the storage chamber: and a detection object portion positioned above the float portion and detected by the sensor unit, and a liquid holding portion extending from one of a lateral face portion or a bottom face portion included in the float portion to the shaft portion, and capable of holding liquid stored in the storage chamber. When a liquid level of liquid stored in the storage chamber is equal to or less than a prescribed height, the liquid holding portion is brought into contact with a liquid level of liquid stored in the storage chamber, and keeps a liquid level in the vicinity of the shaft portion at a height of a position of the shaft portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in a storage chamber using a rotating member. The liquid ejection device in Patent Document 1 forcibly stops ejecting ink when the height of the liquid surface in the storage chamber falls below the axis that rotates the rotating member.

[0003] This technology allows the shaft to remain immersed in ink until new ink is replenished, reducing the possibility of the rotating member becoming stuck due to ink solidification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-122516 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the liquid ejection device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the height of the liquid surface falls below the axis of the rotating member, the liquid cannot be continuously ejected.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to continue ejecting liquid while suppressing solidification of the liquid even when the remaining amount of liquid is low. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The liquid ejection device according to the present disclosure includes a storage chamber for storing liquid, and a liquid ejection device located in the storage chamber, which performs a liquid ejection operation according to the height of the liquid level stored in the storage chamber. A shaft and an insertion hole into which the shaft is inserted.The device includes a rotating member that rotates around a shaft and a sensor that detects the rotation of the rotating member, the rotating member including a float that has a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the storage chamber, and a detection target that is located above the float and is detected by the sensor. ,before The float part is equipped with bottom surface Department or The liquid stored in the storage chamber is discharged from the storage chamber to the shaft portion. By drawing up liquid through capillary forces a liquid holding portion capable of holding a liquid; and One end of the liquid holding portion contacts the inner surface of the insertion hole, and the other end of the liquid holding portion contacts the bottom surface portion of the float portion, and the liquid holding portion is formed continuously from the bottom surface portion of the float portion to the inner surface of the insertion hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the liquid ejection device according to the present disclosure, even when the remaining amount of liquid is low, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid while suppressing solidification of the liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating ink supply to a tank. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the periphery of a shaft provided on a rotating member. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a rotating member in which a liquid holding portion is formed on the bottom surface of a float portion. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the float section. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the float section. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of the float section. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the technology according to the present disclosure, and the configuration and method may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not change the gist of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0011] First Embodiment <Liquid ejection device> First, a liquid ejection device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In this specification, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to perform recording will be described as an example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a recording unit 3. The recording device 1 in FIG. 1 is an example of a recording device 1 to which this embodiment can be applied, and the recording device 1 to which this embodiment can be applied is not limited to this recording device 1. The recording device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called multifunction peripheral that includes a reading unit 2 that can read an original placed on a platen and a recording unit 3 that records information on a recording medium M based on information read by the reading unit 2 or information input from an external device. The reading unit 2 is located in the upper part of the recording device 1. The recording unit 3 is located in the lower part of the recording device 1. The recording unit 3 includes a storage tray 4 that stores recording media M, a feed roller 5 that feeds the recording media M stored in the storage tray 4, and a guide unit 7 that guides the fed recording media M to a recording position by a recording head 6 (described later). The recording unit 3 also includes a transport roller 8 that transports the recording media M fed via the guide unit 7, a platen 9 that supports the recording media M transported by the transport roller 8, and a recording head 6 that ejects ink onto the recording media M supported by the platen 9. The recording unit 3 also includes a discharge roller 11 that ejects the recorded recording media M onto a discharge tray 10, and an ink storage unit 12 that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 6 via a tube (not shown). The recording head 6 may be capable of ejecting ink of multiple colors or only ink of a single color. The recording head 6 may also be configured to eject treatment liquid for imparting a predetermined effect to a recorded image. When ejecting multiple types of ink (including treatment liquid), multiple ink storage units 12 that store different types of ink are provided. The recording head 6 is mounted on a carriage 13. The carriage 13 is configured to be able to move back and forth in the X direction. The recording medium M stored in the storage tray 4 is transported in the -Y direction (to the left in the drawing) by the feed roller 5, makes a U-turn by the guide unit 7, and is transported in the +Y direction (to the right in the drawing) by the transport roller 8.In the recording device 1, as the recording head 6 moves in the X direction via the carriage 13, ink is ejected onto the recording medium M supported by the platen 9, performing a recording operation to perform one scan of recording on the recording medium M. Next, the recording medium M is transported a predetermined distance in the +Y direction, performing a transport operation to position an area of ​​the recording medium M on which nothing has been recorded to face the recording head 6. After that, the recording operation is performed again. In this way, the recording device 1 records a predetermined image on the recording medium M by repeatedly performing the recording operation and the transport operation. In addition, the display unit 14 displays various information about the recording device 1. The ink storage unit 12 includes an ink container 30 (see FIG. 2) that contains ink, and a tank 20 that stores the ink contained in the ink container 30.

[0012] About Tank 20 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the supply of ink to the tank 20. FIG. 2(a) shows the movement of the rotating member 24 when the ink container 30 is attached to the tank 20 and ink is refilled. FIG. 2(b) shows the movement of the rotating member 24 as the amount of ink in the tank 20 decreases due to ink consumption. The ink storage section 12 described above is provided for each type of ink ejected from the recording head 6 described above. Note that the ink storage section 12 has the same configuration regardless of the type of ink. In the ink storage section 12, ink temporarily stored in the storage chamber 21 provided in the tank 20 is supplied to the recording head 6 via a tube. When ink is supplied from the storage chamber 21 to the recording head 6 and the amount of ink in the storage chamber 21 decreases, ink is supplied to the storage chamber 21 from the connected ink container 30. The ink container 30 includes a liquid storage chamber 31 and a lid. Ink is stored inside the liquid storage chamber 31. Furthermore, a supply part 32 is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 31, which is connected to a connecting member 22 (described later) provided on the tank 20 and is capable of supplying ink stored in the liquid storage chamber 31 to the storage chamber 21. That is, in this embodiment, the ink container 30 is configured to be detachable from the tank 20 via the supply part 32. The supply part 32 is equipped with a check valve such as a valve spring structure. A first atmosphere communication port 33 is formed in the lid, which connects the inside and outside of the ink container 30.

[0013] The tank 20 includes a connecting member 22 that connects to the ink accommodating body 30 via a supply unit 32. The connecting member 22 is cylindrical and has an ink flow path formed therein. When the ink accommodating body 30 is connected via the supply unit 32, the connecting member 22 can guide ink flowing in via the supply unit 32 into the storage chamber 21. A rotating member 24 is provided on a bottom surface 23 within the storage chamber 21. The rotating member 24 is rotatably supported by a support member 25 at the bottom surface 23. Therefore, when liquid is supplied to the storage chamber 21, the rotating member 24 becomes immersed in the liquid. In addition, a sensor unit 26 that can detect the rotation of the rotating member 24 is provided above the rotating member 24 within the storage chamber 21. A second atmosphere communication port 29 that communicates the interior and exterior of the storage chamber 21 is formed in the storage chamber 21 at a position not reached by the liquid level of the stored ink. The rotating member 24 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0014] <Regarding the rotating member 24> FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the rotating member 24. The rotating member 24 includes a float portion 241 extending in the Y direction, an arm portion extending upward (approximately in the Z direction) from the float portion 241, and a detectable portion 242 located at the tip of the arm portion. The float portion 241 is formed of a material with a specific gravity lower than that of the ink contained in the ink container 30. The float portion 241 has a rectangular prism shape extending in the Y direction. The rectangular prism shape means that the float portion 241 is substantially rectangular prism-shaped. An insertion hole 28 (see FIG. 4) is formed in the float portion 241 at one side in the Y direction, i.e., at the lower end portion closer to the end face (the face located on the leftmost side in the figure) than the center of gravity of the float portion 241. A hole 25a for inserting the shaft 27 is formed in the upper portion of the support member 25. The shaft 27 is inserted through the insertion hole 28 of the float portion 241 and the hole 25a of the support member 25. In other words, the float portion 241 is rotatably supported by the support member 25 on the shaft 27 extending in the X direction. Therefore, the float portion 241 can rotate with a large stroke around the shaft 27. Note that the rotating member 24 may be supported by a member other than the support member 25 as long as it is rotatable. Hereinafter, the space including the space between the shaft 27 and the support member 25 that supports the shaft 27 will be referred to as the "shaft portion" as appropriate. For example, the "shaft portion" includes the gap between the shaft 27 and the insertion hole 28.

[0015] The detected part 242 is located above the float part 241 via the arm part. Therefore, the detected part 242 is configured to be movable in response to the rotation of the float part 241. The detected part 242 is made of a material that can be detected by the sensor part 26. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the sensor part 26 is an optical sensor part that includes a light-emitting part (not shown) and a light-receiving part (not shown). For this reason, the detected part 242 is made of a material that blocks or attenuates light from the light-emitting part.

[0016] Furthermore, a liquid holding portion 243 that can hold the liquid stored in the storage chamber 21 by using capillary force extends from a side portion of the float portion 241. The liquid holding portion 243 may also extend to a bottom portion of the float portion 241. When ink is consumed until the liquid level L (see FIG. 2(b)) in the storage chamber 21 falls below the axis 27 and the float portion 241 tilts to the right in the figure, the liquid holding portion 243 comes into contact with the liquid surface. Hereinafter, of the ends of the liquid holding portion 243, the end closer to the axis 27 will be referred to as the "one end," and the end farther from the axis 27 will be referred to as the "other end." The liquid holding portion 243 is formed continuously from the bottom portion of the float portion 241 to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. When the other end of the liquid holding portion 243 comes into contact with the liquid surface, a capillary force is generated, which draws up the liquid up to one end of the liquid holding portion 243, thereby maintaining the height L of the liquid surface near the shaft portion at the height where the shaft 27 is located. The shape of the liquid holding portion 243 required to generate the capillary force is at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape. In the example shown in this embodiment, the liquid holding portion 243 is formed by forming fine grooves (i.e., fine recesses) on the side surface of the float portion 241. The other end of the liquid holding portion 243 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the float portion 241.

[0017] As a result, even if the ink in the storage chamber 21 is consumed until the lower end of the float portion 241 contacts the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21, the other end of the liquid holding portion 243 also contacts the bottom surface 23, so that the ink remaining on the bottom surface 23 can be sucked up. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the other end of the liquid holding portion 243 is formed with an expanded diameter portion 243a that is wider than the one end of the liquid holding portion 243. This further increases the force that sucks up the ink (i.e., capillary force). Of course, the shape of the liquid holding portion 243 may be such that the diameter gradually increases from the one end of the liquid holding portion 243 to the other end of the liquid holding portion 243. The configuration around the axis 27 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the shaft 27 and its surroundings provided on the rotating member 24. FIG. 4(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa in FIG. 3. FIG. 4(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in FIG. 4(a). As shown in FIG. 4(a), the shaft 27 is supported in a hole 25a provided in the support member 25. A small gap (play) exists between the shaft 27 and the insertion hole 28. Ink entering this gap acts as a lubricant. This facilitates smooth rotation of the float portion 241. Furthermore, even if there is manufacturing variation in at least one of the shaft 27 or the insertion hole 28, the presence of ink in this gap facilitates smooth rotation of the float portion 241. However, if the ink accumulated in this gap solidifies, the float portion 241 will not be able to rotate smoothly. For example, depending on the user's usage, even after receiving a notification urging them to replace the ink container 30, the ink container 30 may not be replaced with a new one, and the ink level L may remain lower than the axis 27. If the ink level L (see FIG. 2) remains lower than the axis 27, a portion of the axis 27 becomes exposed to the atmosphere. If the ink container 30 is left in this state for a long period of time, at least one of the ink around the axis 27 and the ink around the other end of the float portion 241 will thicken and eventually solidify. This may impede the rotation of the rotating member 24, potentially making it impossible to accurately detect whether the ink level L is above a predetermined level, i.e., whether the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 21 is less than a predetermined amount. Therefore, the liquid holding portion 243 is formed to supply ink to the gap and maintain smooth rotation of the float portion 241 even when the ink level L falls below the axis 27. As shown in FIG. 4(b), as an example of the liquid holding portion 243, a minute recess (groove) is provided on the side surface of the float portion 241. One end of the liquid holding portion 243 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. When the ink in the storage chamber 21 is consumed, the position of the liquid surface height L drops, and one end of the liquid holding portion 243 is exposed to the atmosphere, ink is sucked up by capillary force and supplied to the gap. In other words, the liquid surface height L is maintained at the position of the axis 27. This makes it possible to prevent the ink accumulated in the gap from solidifying.

[0019] <<Detecting remaining ink>> Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the recording device 1 will continue. The sensor unit 26 is a detection unit that optically detects the height L of the ink surface stored in the storage chamber 21 by detecting the rotation of the rotating member 24. The sensor unit 26 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. In FIG. 2, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged facing each other with a gap in the X direction. Note that, when the rotating member 24 rotates, the detected portion 242 passes between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. The sensor unit 26 outputs a different detection signal depending on the reception of light output from the light-emitting unit by the light-receiving unit. Specifically, for example, if the light output from the light-emitting unit cannot be received by the light-receiving unit, i.e., if the received light intensity is below a predetermined intensity, the sensor unit 26 outputs a low-level signal indicating that the signal level is below a threshold level. The output low-level signal is received by a control unit (not shown) mounted on a main board (not shown). Upon receiving the low-level signal, the control unit detects that the ink level is above a predetermined level. Meanwhile, when the light-receiving unit of the sensor unit 26 receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit, i.e., when the received light intensity is above a predetermined level, the sensor unit 26 outputs a high-level signal indicating that the signal level is above a threshold level. The output high-level signal is received by the control unit, which detects that the ink level is below a predetermined level. When the ink container 30 is connected to the connecting member 22 of the tank 20 via the supply unit 32 when no ink is stored, the ink in the ink container 30 flows into the storage chamber 21 via the supply unit 32 and the connecting member 22. When a certain amount of ink is stored in the storage chamber 21, the buoyancy of the float portion 241, which has a lower specific gravity than ink, overcomes gravity, causing the rotating member 24 (float portion 241) to rotate leftward in the figure. This rotation of the rotating member 24 leftward in the figure also moves the detected portion 242 in the same direction. Then, when ink further flows in and the ink level L in storage chamber 21 reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, detected portion 242 moves to the left in the drawing and is positioned between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of sensor unit 26. When ink level L in storage chamber 21 reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, this means that a predetermined amount of ink or more is stored in storage chamber 21.Note that while the ink level L is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, the detected portion 242 remains between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion (see FIG. 2(a)). Thus, when the ink level L is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion by the detected portion 242 is not received by the light-receiving portion (or is attenuated before reaching the light-receiving portion), and the sensor portion 26 outputs a low-level signal to the control portion. This allows the control portion to detect that the ink level L is equal to or higher than the predetermined level. Conversely, as ink is supplied from the storage chamber 21 to the recording head 6 (see FIG. 1), the ink in the storage chamber 21 and the ink accommodating body 30 decreases, causing the ink level in the storage chamber 21 to drop. When the amount of ink in the storage chamber 21 decreases and falls below a certain level, gravity becomes stronger than the buoyancy acting on the float portion 241. As a result, the rotating member 24 (float portion 241) rotates to the right in the figure (see FIG. 2(b)). This rotation of the rotating member 24 to the right in the figure also moves the detectable portion 242 in the same direction. When the ink level L in the storage chamber 21 falls below a predetermined level due to further ink supply to the recording head 6, the detectable portion 242 moves to the right in the figure, retracting from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor portion 26. While the ink level L is lower than the predetermined level, the detectable portion 242 is in a position retracted from between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion (see FIG. 2(b)). Thus, when the ink level L is lower than the predetermined level, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion by the detectable portion 242 can be received by the light-receiving portion (or reaches the light-receiving portion without being attenuated), and the sensor portion 26 outputs a high-level signal to the control unit. As a result, the control unit detects that the ink level L is below a predetermined level. When the recording device 1 detects that the ink level L is lower than the predetermined level, a notification is displayed on the display unit 14 (see FIG. 1(a)) provided on the recording device 1, for example, to prompt the user to replace the ink container 30.

[0020] <Summary> According to the liquid ejection device of the present disclosure, even when the remaining amount of liquid is low, it is possible to continue ejecting the liquid while suppressing solidification of the liquid. Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device of the present disclosure, the height L of the liquid surface in the storage chamber is equal to the height of the shaft 27 for rotating the rotating member 24. lower than Even if the ink container 30 becomes low, it is possible to continue detecting the remaining amount of liquid while suppressing solidification of the liquid. As a result, the control unit provided in the recording device 1 can notify the user at an appropriate time that the ink container 30 needs to be replaced. Therefore, the user can check the notification displayed on the display unit 14 at an appropriate time and replace the ink container 30.

[0021] Second Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to perform recording will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0022] An object of this embodiment is to provide a liquid discharge device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a float part 241 according to this embodiment. Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram of a bottom surface 244 of the float part 241 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5(a), a liquid introduction hole 245 is formed in the bottom surface 244 of the float part 241 according to this embodiment, which communicates from the bottom surface 244 to the gap between the shaft 27 and the insertion hole 28.

[0023] According to this configuration, ink can be sucked up from the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241 and supplied to the shaft portion, thereby further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0024] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing a modified example of the liquid introduction hole 245 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the liquid introduction hole 245 may be formed inside the float part 241 and formed so as to penetrate the insertion hole 28. Fig. 5(d) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating member 24 according to Fig. 5(b) taken along line Vd-Vd in Fig. 4.

[0025] With this configuration, ink taken in from outside the float portion 241 can be supplied to the stem portion via the liquid introduction hole 245. This makes it possible to further suppress solidification of the liquid. In the illustrated example, for ease of understanding, the liquid introduction hole 245 is also formed in the stem 27, but the stem 27 does not necessarily have to be provided with the liquid introduction hole 245.

[0026] Fig. 5(c) is a schematic side view of the float part 241 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5(c), the liquid holding part 243 according to this embodiment is formed from the side part of the float part 241 along the outer periphery of the insertion hole 28. With this configuration, ink supplied from the side part of the float part 241 can also be collected around the periphery of the insertion hole 28. Furthermore, the ink collected around the periphery of the insertion hole 28 can be more easily supplied to the shaft part.

[0027] This makes it possible to further suppress solidification of the liquid. The liquid holding portion 243 according to this embodiment is also formed on the periphery of the insertion hole 28. Furthermore, a liquid introduction hole 245 that communicates with the shaft portion from the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241 may be formed. Therefore, according to the liquid ejection device according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of liquid while further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0028] <Third embodiment> Next, a liquid ejection device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0029] The present embodiment aims to provide a liquid ejection device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a float member 241 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the bottom surface 244 of the float member 241 is curved. Hereinafter, the curved portion of the bottom surface 244 will be referred to as the curved portion 246. In the present embodiment, as the ink in the storage chamber 21 shown in FIG. 2 is consumed, the curved portion 246 comes into contact with the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21. When the curved portion 246 comes into contact with the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21, a meniscus is formed in the first gap 246a and the second gap 246b. In other words, when the curved portion 246 comes into contact with the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21, ink accumulates in the first gap 246a and the second gap 246b. As shown in FIG. 6(c), a liquid holding portion 243 is formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float member 241 according to the present embodiment. Although not visible in FIG. 6(c), the liquid holding portion 243 according to this embodiment may also extend to the bottom surface 244 on the second gap 246b side. When the liquid holding portion 243 is formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241, less of the liquid holding portion 243 is exposed to the atmosphere. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 243 from evaporating. Furthermore, a liquid introduction hole 245 (see FIG. 5(a)) is formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241, and one end of the liquid holding portion 243 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28.

[0030] According to this configuration, the ink accumulated in the first gap 246a and the second gap 246b can be sucked up into the shaft portion via the liquid holding portion 243. As a result, according to the liquid ejection device according to this embodiment, the remaining amount of liquid can be detected while further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0031] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6(b), it is preferable that the distance from the bent portion 246 to the insertion hole 28 is short. When the distance from the bent portion 246 to the insertion hole 28 is short, liquid can be easily supplied between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. Furthermore, when the distance from the bent portion 246 to the insertion hole 28 is short, the first gap 246a (see FIG. 6(b)) becomes narrower, and ink is more likely to accumulate therein than when the first gap 246a is formed wider (see FIG. 6(a)). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(d), it is preferable that the bent portion 246 has an expanded diameter portion 243a. When the expanded diameter portion 243a is formed in the bent portion 246, the width of the liquid holding portion 243 near the bent portion 246 is wider than that of one end side. Therefore, the amount of ink that can be accumulated is greater than when the expanded diameter portion 243a is not formed. Therefore, if the bent portion 246 is provided with an expanded diameter portion 243a, the amount of liquid that can be supplied to the shaft portion can be increased.

[0032] With this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid can be detected while further suppressing solidification of the liquid. Note that in this embodiment as well, the liquid holding portion 243 may be formed on the side portion of the float portion 241. In this case, the liquid is also sucked up from the side surface of the float portion 241, so the remaining amount of liquid can be detected while further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0033] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a liquid ejection device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0034] As described above, as the liquid in the storage chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) is consumed, ink remains scattered on the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21. Therefore, the object of this embodiment is to provide a liquid ejection device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid by sucking up the liquid scattered on the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a float portion 241 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7(a), at least one protrusion 250 is formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, when a liquid holding portion 243 is formed on the surface of the protrusion 250, ink scattered on the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21 can be sucked up by capillary force via the liquid holding portion 243 extending from the surface of the protrusion 250. The ink sucked up by the liquid holding portion 243 formed on the surface of the protrusion 250 is supplied to the stem portion via the liquid holding portion 243 formed on the side surface of the float portion 241. Furthermore, by forming more liquid holding portions 243 on the surface of the protrusion 250, more ink can be supplied to the stem portion. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), it is also preferable to form an expanded diameter portion 243a in this embodiment. This generates a stronger capillary force, enabling ink to be sucked up.

[0036] The shape of the convex portion 250 is not limited as long as it can absorb ink. For example, as shown in FIG. 7( c), the liquid holding portion 243 may be formed so that the convex portion 250 is "H-shaped" when viewed from the bottom. In the illustrated example, the liquid holding portion 243 is formed in the vertical direction of the drawing, but the liquid holding portion 243 may also be formed in the horizontal direction of the drawing. As another example, as shown in FIG. 7( d), the liquid holding portion 243 may be formed so that the convex portion 250 is "cross-shaped" when viewed from the bottom. As another example, as shown in FIG. 7( e), the liquid holding portion 243 may be formed so that each face of the convex portion 250 is a polygonal prism (a quadrangular prism in the illustrated example) has a protruding portion. As another example, as shown in FIG. 7( f), the liquid holding portion 243 may be formed so that the convex portion 250 is "jagged" when viewed from the bottom. As another example, as shown in FIG. 7( g), the liquid holding portion 243 may be formed on the surface of a cylindrical convex portion 250.

[0037] According to the liquid ejection device of this embodiment, by sucking up the liquid scattered on the bottom surface 23 inside the storage chamber 21, it is possible to detect the remaining amount of liquid while further suppressing the solidification of the liquid.

[0038] Fifth Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0039] The present embodiment aims to provide a liquid discharge device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a float member 241 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8(a) is a schematic side view of the float member 241 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8(b) is a schematic bottom view of the float member 241 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8(c) is a schematic bottom view of a modified example of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the bottom surface 244 of the float member 241 according to the present embodiment is curved. The bottom surface 244 of the float member 241 includes a ground surface 260 that contacts the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) and a non-ground surface that does not contact the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 8(b), the ground surface 260 has an uneven portion 261. For example, the uneven portion 261 has a plurality of slits formed therein. Inside the float portion 241, a liquid holding portion 243 is formed that communicates from the uneven portion 261 toward the shaft portion.

[0040] According to this configuration, the liquid can be supplied from the uneven portion 261 formed on the contact surface 260 to between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. This makes it possible to further suppress solidification of the liquid.

[0041] Furthermore, the liquid held in the uneven portion 261 forms a meniscus between the uneven portion 261 and the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21, and the rotation of the float portion 241 is fixed, thereby suppressing false detection of the remaining amount of liquid.

[0042] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the uneven portion 261 may include one recess and multiple protrusions scattered within the recess. With this configuration, liquid can be supplied from the uneven portion 261 formed on the contact surface 260 to between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. This further suppresses solidification of the liquid. Note that a concave liquid holding portion 243 may be formed on at least one of the side surface and non-contact surface of the float portion 241 according to this embodiment. With this configuration, more liquid can be held, thereby further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0043] Sixth Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be described as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0044] The present embodiment aims to provide a liquid ejection device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a rotating member 24 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9(a) is a schematic side view of the rotating member 24 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9(b) is a schematic side view of the shaft portion and its vicinity according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the liquid holding portion 243 is formed by minute protrusions 270 provided on the side surface of the float portion 241. With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, liquid can be supplied between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 27 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 28 via the liquid holding portion 243 (minute protrusions 270).

[0045] 9(c) to 9(f) are cross-sectional views taken along line Xc-Xc in FIG. 9(a). The shape of the micro-protrusions 270 is not limited as long as they can absorb ink by capillary force. For example, the micro-protrusions 270 may have a shape in which their width does not change in the direction away from the float portion 241, as shown in FIG. 9(c). As another example, the micro-protrusions 270 may have a shape in which their diameter decreases in the direction away from the float portion 241, as shown in FIG. 9(d). As another example, the micro-protrusions 270 may have a shape in which their diameter increases in the direction away from the float portion 241, as shown in FIG. 9(e). As another example, the micro-protrusions 270 may be formed in a concave liquid holding portion 243, as shown in FIG. 9(f). In particular, the shape shown in FIG. 9(f) can further enhance the liquid holding force. The liquid ejection device according to this embodiment can detect the remaining amount of liquid while further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0046] Seventh Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0047] The present embodiment aims to provide a liquid ejection device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a rotating member 24 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10(a) is a schematic side view of the rotating member 24 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a float portion 241 and a shaft 27 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in this embodiment, minute protrusions 270 are formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241. That is, liquid accumulates on both sides of the minute protrusions 270, and therefore both sides of the minute protrusions 270 become liquid holding portions 243. As shown in FIG. 10(b), a liquid introduction hole 245 is formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241 to introduce liquid between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28.

[0048] With this configuration, the liquid sucked up via the minute protrusions 270 can be supplied to the shaft portion from the liquid introduction holes 245. Of course, one end of the minute protrusions 270 may be routed around the outer periphery of the insertion hole 28 and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. With this configuration, it is easier to supply liquid between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28 than when the liquid holding portion 243 is formed on the side surface of the float portion 241.

[0049] 10(c) to 10(e) are cross-sectional views taken along line XIc-XIc in FIG. 10(a). The shape of the microprotrusions 270 is not particularly limited as long as they can suck up liquid by capillary force. For example, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the microprotrusions 270 may have a shape whose width does not change downward from the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241. As another example, as shown in FIG. 10(d), the microprotrusions 270 may have a shape whose width decreases downward from the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241. As another example, as shown in FIG. 10(e), the microprotrusions 270 may have a shape whose width increases downward from the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241. The liquid ejection device according to this embodiment can detect the remaining amount of liquid while further suppressing solidification of the liquid. Note that the microprotrusions 270 may be formed on the side surface of the float portion 241 according to this embodiment. According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid can be detected while further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0050] Eighth Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device 1 according to the third embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0051] The object of this embodiment is to provide a liquid discharge device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a float part 241 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a bent part 246 is provided on the bottom surface 244 of the float part 241. In this embodiment, a minute protrusion 270 is formed from the bent part 246 toward the insertion hole 28. Furthermore, a liquid introduction hole 245 (see Figure 10(b)) is formed on the bottom surface 244 of the float part 241.

[0052] According to this configuration, liquid can be supplied to the shaft portion even when the liquid holding portion 243 is only formed from the bent portion 246 to the insertion hole 28. In this embodiment, the liquid introduction hole 245 may not be formed, and the minute protrusions 270 may be made to run along the periphery (i.e., the side surface of the float portion 241) so that the minute protrusions 270 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. Of course, additional minute protrusions 270 may be formed on the side surface of the float portion 241.

[0053] Ninth Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be used as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0054] As described above, as the liquid in the storage chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) is consumed, ink remains scattered on the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21. Therefore, the present embodiment aims to provide a liquid ejection device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid by sucking up the liquid scattered on the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a float member 241 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, at least one protrusion 250 is provided on the bottom surface 244 of the float member 241. A groove 251 extending in the vertical direction is formed on the surface of the protrusion 250. Furthermore, minute protrusions 270 extend on the side surface of the float member 241 so as to intersect with the groove 251. As shown in the figure, one end of the minute protrusion 270 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28. In other words, the liquid holding member 243 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which the groove 251 and the minute protrusion 270 are formed continuously.

[0055] According to this configuration, the liquid scattered on the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21 can be sucked up using the grooves 251, and the liquid can be supplied to the shaft portion via the minute protrusions 270. According to the liquid ejection device of this embodiment, the remaining amount of liquid can be detected while further suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0056] Tenth Embodiment Next, a liquid ejection device according to a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, a recording device 1 that ejects ink onto a recording medium M to record will be described as an example. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0057] The present embodiment aims to provide a liquid discharge device that can further suppress solidification of the liquid. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of a float portion 241 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241 according to the present embodiment is curved. The bottom surface 244 of the float portion 241 includes a ground surface 260 that contacts the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) and a non-ground surface that does not contact the bottom surface 23 of the storage chamber 21 (see FIG. 2). An uneven portion 261 (see FIG. 8(b) or FIG. 8(c)) is formed on the ground surface 260. A liquid holding portion 243 that communicates from the uneven portion 261 toward the shaft portion is formed inside the float portion 241. Furthermore, minute protrusions 270 are formed on the non-ground surface of the bottom surface 244.

[0058] According to this configuration, liquid can be supplied between the outer circumferential surface of shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of insertion hole 28 via uneven portion 261 formed on ground contact surface 260 and minute protrusions 270 formed on the non-ground contact surface. This makes it possible to further suppress solidification of the liquid. Note that at least one of concave liquid holding portion 243 and minute protrusions 270 may be formed on the side surface of float portion 241 according to this embodiment.

[0059] Summary of the First to Tenth Embodiments As described above, the shape of the liquid holding portion 243 is at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape. By making the shape of the liquid holding portion 243 at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape, even if ink is consumed until the liquid level height L (see FIG. 2(b)) becomes lower than the shaft 27, liquid can be supplied between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 27 and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 28 by capillary force. Therefore, with any of the configurations of the first to tenth embodiments, the rotating member 24 remains able to rotate smoothly around the shaft 27.

[0060] That is, with any of the configurations of the first to tenth embodiments, even when the remaining amount of liquid is low, it is possible to continue detecting the remaining amount of liquid while suppressing solidification of the liquid. As a result, the control unit provided in the recording device 1 can notify the user at an appropriate time that the ink container 30 needs to be replaced. Therefore, the user can check the notification displayed on the display unit 14 at an appropriate time and replace the ink container 30.

[0061] <Other embodiments> The configuration of the liquid holding portion 243 is not limited to the exemplified configuration, and may be any configuration as long as it is possible to suck up ink by capillary force and supply liquid to the shaft portion.

[0062] The liquid stored in the storage chamber 21 according to the present disclosure is not limited to ink. For example, the remaining amount of a pretreatment liquid or the like that is ejected onto the recording medium M prior to the ink during recording may be detected based on the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0063] First embodiment In the previous example, the shaft 27 and the float portion 241 were separate members, but the shaft 27 and the float portion 241 may be integrally molded. In this case, the liquid holding portion 243 is formed continuously from the float portion 241 to the surface of the shaft 27, and liquid is supplied to the gap between the shaft 27 and the hole 25a of the support member 25. This makes it possible to detect the remaining amount of liquid while suppressing solidification of the liquid.

[0064] First embodiment In the float portion 241, body However, even if a material with a higher specific gravity than the liquid is used for the float part 241, it is sufficient if the float part 241 has a hollow structure so that the float part 241 as a whole has a lower specific gravity than the liquid. In other words, the shape of the float part 241 may be like a bladder.

[0065] It is preferable to form multiple liquid holding portions 243. Forming multiple liquid holding portions 243 can further increase the capillary force. For example, if multiple liquid holding portions 243 are formed on the side of the float portion 241, even if the ink surface is foamy, it becomes easier to break up the ink bubbles. This allows the float portion 241 to rotate smoothly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 24 Rotating member 27 axes 28 Insertion hole 241 Float section 242 Detected part 243 Liquid holding part

Claims

1. a reservoir chamber for storing a liquid; a rotating member that is located in the storage chamber and rotates around a shaft portion that includes a shaft and an insertion hole into which the shaft is inserted according to the height of the liquid level stored in the storage chamber; a sensor unit that detects the rotation of the rotating member; Equipped with The rotating member is a float portion having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the storage chamber; a detection target portion located above the float portion and detected by the sensor portion; a liquid holding portion that extends from a bottom surface portion of the float portion to the stem portion and that is capable of holding the liquid stored in the storage chamber by sucking up the liquid by capillary force; and one end of the liquid holding portion contacts an inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole, the other end of the liquid holding portion is in contact with the bottom surface portion of the float portion, the liquid holding portion is formed continuously from the bottom surface of the float portion to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole; Liquid discharge device.

2. the liquid holding portion comes into contact with the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber when the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is located at a position lower than the axis portion; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. The float portion is formed with a liquid introduction hole that communicates from the bottom surface portion to a gap between the shaft and the insertion hole and that introduces liquid into the shaft portion. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

4. The liquid holding portion has a portion extending to a side portion of the float portion. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

5. The liquid holding portion is a groove extending from the one end to the other end, the other end of the liquid holding portion is wider than the one end of the liquid holding portion; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

6. The shape of the liquid holding portion is at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

7. the rotating member has a plurality of the liquid holding portions; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating member is provided on a bottom surface of the storage chamber.

9. When the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is equal to or lower than a predetermined height, the bottom surface of the float portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the storage chamber. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8 .

10. The rotating member is provided on the bottom surface of the storage chamber, When the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is equal to or lower than a predetermined height, the bottom surface of the float portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the storage chamber, The bottom surface of the float portion has a bent portion bent so as to protrude relative to the bottom surface of the storage chamber, When the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is equal to or lower than a predetermined height, the bent portion is in contact with the bottom surface of the storage chamber. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

11. The liquid holding portion is At least one protrusion formed on the bottom surface of the float portion; a recess formed on a surface of the protrusion, When the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber is equal to or lower than a predetermined height, the convex portion comes into contact with the bottom surface of the storage chamber and sucks up the liquid through the concave portion. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10.

12. The bottom surface of the float portion has an uneven surface formed on the contact surface that contacts the bottom surface of the storage chamber, the liquid holding portion is formed so as to communicate from the concave-convex portion toward the shaft portion, The liquid ejection device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. A liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid is provided, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage chamber supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head.

Images