Liquid dispensing device, control method for liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device which can supply a liquid to a liquid discharge part at high speed, and a control method of the liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes: a liquid discharge part 15; a first supply passage 24 which has an upstream end connected to a liquid storage part 18, and can supply a liquid to the downstream side from the upstream side; a branched passage 25 constituting a circulation passage 41 between the first supply passage 24 and the branched passage; an opening / closing valve 28 provided between the liquid storage part 18 in the first supply passage 24 and a first connection part 38; a first unidirectional valve 31 provided between the opening / closing valve 28 in the first supply passage 24 and the first connection part 38; a circulation liquid feeding part 33 which is provided on the branched passage 25, circulates a liquid in the circulation passage 41 at the time of driving, and stops the liquid in a state where the branched passage 25 is opened at the time of drive stop; and a plurality of second supply passages 26 which have one ends connected any one of a portion between the circulation liquid feeding part 33 in the branched passage 25 and the second connection part 39, and the downstream of the first connection part 38 in the first supply passage 24, and have the other end connected to the liquid discharge part 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device such as a printer and a control method for the liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a liquid ejection device which is an example of a liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device ejects the liquid supplied from a liquid supply source which is an example of a liquid storage part from nozzles which a liquid ejection part which is an example of a liquid ejection part has, and prints on a medium. The liquid ejection device includes a supply flow path, a feedback flow path which is an example of a branch flow path, a circulation liquid feed part which is an example of a circulation pump, and a one-way valve.

[0003] The supply flow path supplies the liquid from the liquid supply source to the nozzles. Both ends of the feedback flow path are connected to the supply flow path. That is, the first end of the feedback flow path is connected to the first position of the supply flow path, and the second end is connected to the second position closer to the nozzles than the first position. The circulation pump draws the liquid from the second position into the feedback flow path, and circulates the liquid in the flow direction by sending the drawn liquid to the first position. The one-way valve allows the flow of the liquid circulating in the flow direction and restricts the flow in the reverse direction, thereby stabilizing the flow of the liquid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The supply of the liquid to the liquid ejection part can be speeded up by increasing the flow path for supplying the liquid. However, in Patent Document 1, since the one-way valve provided in the feedback flow path restricts the flow of the liquid toward the nozzles, the feedback flow path cannot be used for the supply of the liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing section capable of dispensing liquid, a first supply channel whose upstream end is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid dispensing section is provided, a first connection section provided in the middle of the first supply channel, a second connection section provided downstream of the first connection section in the first supply channel, a branch channel connected to the branch channel which constitutes a circulation channel with respect to the first supply channel, an on / off valve provided between the liquid storage section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, and the first The system includes: a first one-way valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream; a circulating liquid delivery unit provided in the branch channel, which circulates the liquid in the circulating channel when driven and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped; and a plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery unit and the second connection in the branch channel, or to either the first connection downstream in the first supply channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge unit.

[0007] A control method for a liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems includes: a liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid; a first supply channel whose upstream end is connected to a liquid storage unit that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage unit is provided to the downstream side where the liquid dispensing unit is provided; a first connection part provided in the middle of the first supply channel; a second connection part provided downstream of the first connection part in the first supply channel; a branch channel connected to the branch channel, which constitutes a circulation channel with respect to the first supply channel; an on-off valve provided between the liquid storage unit and the first connection part in the first supply channel; a first one-way valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connection part in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side and restricts the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side; and a circulating valve provided in the branch channel, which, when driven, A control method for a liquid discharge device comprising: a circulating liquid delivery unit that circulates the liquid within a circulating channel and stops with the branched channel open when the drive is stopped; and a plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery unit and the second connection in the branched channel, or to either the first connection downstream in the first supply channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge unit, wherein when circulating the liquid within the circulating channel, the circulating liquid delivery unit is driven to circulate the liquid with the first supply channel closed by the on-off valve, and when supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit, the drive of the circulating liquid delivery unit is stopped, the branched channel is opened, and the first supply channel is opened by the on-off valve, thereby supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit via the first supply channel and the branched channel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the liquid dispensing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a liquid dispensing device and a control method for the liquid dispensing device will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device is an inkjet printer that prints by dispensing ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 may include a mounting section 12, a supply mechanism 13, a holding section 14, a liquid dispensing section 15, and a control section 16. The mounting portion 12 may have a liquid storage portion 18 that can be detachably attached to it. If the liquid storage portion 18 can be refilled with liquid, the liquid storage portion 18 may be fixed to the mounting portion 12.

[0011] The holding unit 14 holds the liquid dispensing unit 15. If the liquid dispensing unit 15 is of serial type, the holding unit 14 may be a carriage that reciprocates the liquid dispensing unit 15 across the medium. If the liquid dispensing unit 15 is of line type, the holding unit 14 may be fixed and positioned to hold the liquid dispensing unit 15 along the medium transport path.

[0012] The liquid dispensing unit 15 is capable of dispensing liquid. The liquid dispensing unit 15 dispensing liquid from a plurality of nozzles 20 to print on a medium (not shown). The liquid dispensing unit 15 may have a plurality of common liquid chambers 21 and a plurality of cavities 22. The common liquid chambers 21 temporarily store the liquid supplied by the supply mechanism 13. The plurality of cavities 22 are provided to correspond individually to the plurality of nozzles 20. The cavities 22 send the liquid stored in one of the plurality of common liquid chambers 21 to the corresponding nozzle 20.

[0013] <Supply mechanism> The supply mechanism 13 supplies liquid from the liquid storage section 18 attached to the mounting section 12 to the liquid discharge section 15. The supply mechanism 13 includes a first supply channel 24, a branch channel 25, and a plurality of second supply channels 26. The supply mechanism 13 may also include an on-off valve 28, a third one-way valve 29, a supply pump 30, a first one-way valve 31, a first storage section 32, a circulating liquid delivery section 33, a second one-way valve 34, and a second storage section 35. The supply mechanism 13 may also include a plurality of pressure regulating valves 36.

[0014] Each of the first supply channel 24, the branch channel 25, and the multiple second supply channels 26 may be made of a flexible tube. Each channel may be made of a perforated rigid member. Each channel may be made by covering grooves formed in the rigid member with a film or the like. Each channel may be made of different members. Each channel may be made of a combination of multiple members, such as a tube and a rigid member.

[0015] The first supply channel 24 has a first upstream end 24u, which is an example of an upstream end, connected to the liquid storage section 18. The first upstream end 24u may be, for example, a hollow needle that pierces the liquid storage section 18. The first upstream end 24u may be provided on the mounting section 12. By connecting the first upstream end 24u of the first supply channel 24 to the liquid storage section 18 mounted on the mounting section 12, the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 18 can be discharged. The first supply channel 24 can supply liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section 18 is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section 15 is provided.

[0016] In this embodiment, the downstream end of the first supply channel 24 is referred to as the first downstream end 24d. The first supply channel 24 is provided with a first connection 38 and a second connection 39. The first connection 38 is provided in the middle of the first supply channel 24. The first connection 38 is provided in the first supply channel 24 between the first upstream end 24u and the first downstream end 24d. The second connection 39 is provided downstream of the first connection 38. In this embodiment, the second connection 39 is provided between the first connection 38 and the first downstream end 24d. That is, in this embodiment, the second connection 39 is provided in the middle of the first supply channel 24.

[0017] The branch channel 25 is connected to the first supply channel 24 at both ends. The first end 25f of the branch channel 25 is connected to the first connection part 38, and the second end 25s opposite to the first end 25f is connected to the second connection part 39. The branch channel 25 and the first supply channel 24 constitute a circulation channel 41. Specifically, the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 between the first connection part 38 and the second connection part 39 constitute a circulation channel 41.

[0018] The supply mechanism 13 of this embodiment includes two second supply channels 26. The supply mechanism 13 may include three or more second supply channels 26. Multiple second supply channels 26 are connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section 33 and the second connection section 39 in the branch channel 25, or downstream of the first connection section 38 in the first supply channel 24. One example of one end of each second supply channel 26, a second upstream end 26u, may be connected to the first downstream end 24d of the first supply channel 24. Another example of the other end of each second supply channel 26, a second downstream end 26d, is connected to the liquid discharge section 15. Multiple second supply channels 26 may each supply liquid to different common liquid chambers 21.

[0019] The on-off valve 28 may be provided between the liquid containment section 18 and the first connection section 38 in the first supply passage 24. The on-off valve 28 may be provided between the first upstream end 24u and the first connection section 38. The on-off valve 28 is, for example, a solenoid valve. The on-off valve 28 can switch between closing and opening the first supply passage 24.

[0020] The first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 may be provided between the on-off valve 28 and the first connection part 38 in the first supply flow path 24. The first one-way valve 31 is provided downstream of the third one-way valve 29. The first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 allow the flow of liquid downstream in the supply direction Ds and restrict the flow of liquid upstream. The first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 allow the flow of liquid from the liquid container 18 toward the first connection part 38 and restrict the flow of liquid from the first connection part 38 toward the liquid container 18.

[0021] The supply pump 30 may be provided between the first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29. The supply pump 30 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The supply pump 30 pressurizes and supplies the liquid in the supply direction Ds from the liquid storage section 18 toward the liquid discharge section 15.

[0022] The first storage section 32 can store the liquid. The first storage section 32 may be provided in the first supply flow path 24 between the on-off valve 28 and the first connection section 38. The first storage section 32 of the present embodiment is provided between the first one-way valve 31 and the first connection section 38.

[0023] The second storage section 35 can store the liquid. The second storage section 35 may be provided on the downstream side of the circulation liquid feeding section 33 in the circulation direction Dc in which the liquid circulates in the branch flow path 25. The second storage section 35 of the present embodiment is provided in the branch flow path 25 between the circulation liquid feeding section 33 and the second connection section 39.

[0024] The first storage section 32 and the second storage section 35 may each be formed of a flexible member 43 such as a film that can bend and deform a part of the wall surface. By providing the first storage section 32, the pressure of the liquid flowing through the first supply flow path 24 is stabilized. By providing the second storage section 35, the pressure of the liquid flowing through the branch flow path 25 is stabilized. Therefore, the first storage section 32 and the second storage section 35 stabilize the pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge section 15 and the circulated liquid.

[0025] The circulation liquid feeding section 33 is provided in the branch flow path 25. The circulation liquid feeding section 33 is, for example, a tube pump. The circulation liquid feeding section 3 communicates the liquid in the circulation flow path 41 during driving. The circulation liquid feeding section 33 stops with the branch flow path 25 open when the driving is stopped. The circulation liquid feeding section 33 of the present embodiment causes the liquid in the branch flow path 25 to flow from the first connection section 38 side toward the second connection section 39 side. The circulation liquid feeding section 33 causes the liquid in the circulation flow path 41 to flow in the circulation direction Dc.

[0026] The second one-way valve 34 may be provided between the circulating liquid delivery section 33 and the second connection section 39 in the branched flow path 25. The second one-way valve 34 may be provided between the circulating liquid delivery section 33 and the second storage section 35 in the branched flow path 25. The second one-way valve 34 allows the flow of liquid downstream in the circulation direction Dc and restricts the flow of liquid upstream.

[0027] The pressure regulating valve 36 may be provided in the holding section 14. The pressure regulating valve 36 may be provided in each of the multiple second supply passages 26. The pressure regulating valve 36 stabilizes the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzle 20 by adjusting the pressure of the pressurized liquid being supplied. The pressure regulating valve 36 adjusts the pressure of the liquid in the liquid discharge section 15 to a pressure at which a meniscus is formed in the nozzle 20. When liquid is discharged from the nozzle 20, the amount of liquid in the liquid discharge section 15 decreases and the liquid pressure drops. The pressure regulating valve 36 opens the second supply passage 26 when a predetermined negative pressure is reached on the downstream side. That is, when the liquid is consumed and the negative pressure on the downstream side increases, the pressure regulating valve 36 opens the second supply passage 26 and supplies liquid to the liquid discharge section 15.

[0028] The control unit 16 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid dispensing device 11, and also controls the various operations performed by the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 16 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0029] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The control unit 16 may circulate the liquid in the circulation channel 41, for example, when the unit is not printing. The control unit 16 may also circulate the liquid periodically.

[0030] When circulating liquid within the circulation channel 41, the control unit 16 closes the first supply channel 24 using the on-off valve 28. With the first supply channel 24 closed, the control unit 16 drives the circulation fluid delivery unit 33 to perform circulation. The circulation fluid delivery unit 33 causes the liquid in the branch channel 25 to flow in the circulation direction Dc.

[0031] When circulating liquid within the circulation channel 41, the liquid in the first supply channel 24 is drawn into the branch channel 25 from the first connection 38. The first supply channel 24 is closed upstream of the first connection 38 by the on-off valve 28. Therefore, the liquid downstream of the first connection 38 in the first supply channel 24 flows into the branch channel 25 from the first connection 38.

[0032] A first one-way valve 31 is provided in the first supply channel 24 upstream of the first connection section 38. Therefore, even if pressure fluctuations occur in the first connection section 38, the first one-way valve 31 restricts the flow of liquid from the first connection section 38 to the upstream of the first supply channel 24.

[0033] The liquid flowing from the first connection 38 into the branch channel 25 flows in the circulation direction Dc through the second one-way valve 34 and the second storage section 35. The liquid in the branch channel 25 flows out from the second connection 39 into the first supply channel 24, and also flows through the first supply channel 24 from the second connection 39 towards the first connection 38. The circulation direction Dc in the first supply channel 24 is opposite to the supply direction Ds.

[0034] When supplying liquid to the liquid discharge section 15, the supply mechanism 13 supplies liquid to the liquid discharge section 15 via the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25. Specifically, the control unit 16 stops the operation of the circulating liquid delivery section 33 and opens the first supply channel 24 with the on / off valve 28. The circulating liquid delivery section 33, which has stopped operation, opens the branch channel 25.

[0035] When the supply pump 30 sends liquid in the supply direction Ds, the liquid splits into a first supply channel 24 and a branch channel 25 and flows in the supply direction Ds. The supply direction Ds in the branch channel 25 is the same direction as the circulation direction Dc. The liquid that passes through the first connection part 38 and flows through the first supply channel 24 and the liquid that flows from the first connection part 38 into the branch channel 25 merge at the second connection part 39. The liquid is sent to the liquid discharge part 15 via a plurality of second supply channels 26.

[0036] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The first one-way valve 31 is provided in the first supply channel 24 upstream of the first connection 38. The circulating liquid delivery unit 33 opens the branch channel 25 when the drive is stopped. As a result, the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit 18 flows in two separate channels: the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25. Multiple second supply channels 26 connect the liquid discharge unit 15 to either the section between the circulating liquid delivery unit 33 and the second connection 39 in the branch channel 25, or to either the section downstream of the first connection 38 in the first supply channel 24. Therefore, liquid can be supplied to the liquid discharge unit 15 at a higher speed compared to the case where liquid is supplied to the liquid discharge unit 15 by the first supply channel 24 and one second supply channel 26.

[0037] (2) The circulating liquid delivery unit 33 causes the liquid in the branched channel 25 to flow from the first connection part 38 to the second connection part 39. That is, the circulating liquid delivery unit 33 draws the liquid from the first supply channel 24 from the first connection part 38 into the branched channel 25, and sends the liquid from the second connection part 39 back into the first supply channel 24. Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating liquid delivery unit 33.

[0038] (3) The second one-way valve 34 allows liquid to flow through the branch passage 25 from the first connection 38 to the second connection 39. That is, the second one-way valve 34 allows liquid to flow from the liquid storage section 18 to the liquid discharge section 15. The second one-way valve 34 restricts liquid flow through the branch passage 25 from the second connection 39 to the first connection 38. Therefore, even if pulsation occurs due to the operation of the circulating liquid delivery section 33, for example, the amount of liquid drawn from the second connection 39 into the branch passage 25 can be reduced.

[0039] (5) The first storage section 32 is capable of storing liquid. By providing the first storage section 32 in the first supply channel 24, pressure fluctuations of the liquid within the first supply channel 24 can be reduced.

[0040] (6) The second storage section 35 is capable of storing liquid. By placing the second storage section 35 downstream of the circulation liquid supply section 33 in the circulation direction Dc, pressure fluctuations of the circulating liquid can be reduced.

[0041] (7) The pressure regulating valve 36 opens the second supply passage 26 when a predetermined negative pressure is reached on the downstream side. Therefore, the pressure of the liquid in the liquid discharge section 15 to which the second supply passage 26 is connected can be easily adjusted.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the liquid dispensing device will be described with reference to the figures. Note that the circulation direction in this second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment. Since it is otherwise almost identical to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the circulating liquid delivery unit 33 of this embodiment causes the liquid in the branched channel 25 to flow from the second connection part 39 side to the first connection part 38 side. The circulating liquid delivery unit 33 causes the liquid in the circulating channel 41 to flow in the circulation direction Dc. The circulation direction Dc is the opposite direction to the circulation direction Dc in the first embodiment.

[0044] The second storage section 35 may be provided downstream of the circulating liquid delivery section 33 in the circulation direction Dc of the branched flow path 25. In this embodiment, the second storage section 35 is provided in the branched flow path 25 between the circulating liquid delivery section 33 and the first connection section 38.

[0045] <Operation of the second embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. When circulating liquid within the circulation channel 41, the control unit 16 closes the first supply channel 24 using the on-off valve 28. With the first supply channel 24 closed, the control unit 16 drives the circulation fluid delivery unit 33 to perform circulation. The circulation fluid delivery unit 33 causes the liquid in the branch channel 25 to flow in the circulation direction Dc.

[0046] When circulating liquid within the circulation channel 41, the liquid in the first supply channel 24 is drawn into the branch channel 25 from the second connection 39. The liquid that flows into the branch channel 25 from the second connection 39 flows in the circulation direction Dc through the second storage section 35. The liquid in the branch channel 25 flows out into the first supply channel 24 from the first connection 38.

[0047] The first supply channel 24 is closed upstream of the first connection 38 by an on-off valve 28, and the flow of liquid toward the liquid container 18 is restricted by the first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29. Therefore, the liquid sent from the first connection 38 to the first supply channel 24 flows toward the second connection 39 in the circulation direction Dc. The circulation direction Dc in the first supply channel 24 is the same direction as the supply direction Ds.

[0048] When supplying liquid to the liquid discharge section 15, the supply mechanism 13 supplies liquid to the liquid discharge section 15 via the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25. Specifically, the control unit 16 stops the operation of the circulating liquid delivery section 33 and opens the first supply channel 24 with the on / off valve 28. The circulating liquid delivery section 33, which has stopped operation, opens the branch channel 25.

[0049] When the supply pump 30 sends liquid in the supply direction Ds, the liquid splits into a first supply channel 24 and a branch channel 25 and flows in the supply direction Ds. The supply direction Ds in the branch channel 25 is opposite to the circulation direction Dc. The liquid that passes through the first connection part 38 and flows in the first supply channel 24 and the liquid that flows from the first connection part 38 into the branch channel 25 merge at the second connection part 39. The liquid is sent to the liquid discharge part 15 via a plurality of second supply channels 26.

[0050] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (4) The circulating liquid delivery unit 33 causes the liquid in the branched channel 25 to flow from the second connection part 39 to the first connection part 38. That is, the circulating liquid delivery unit 33 draws the liquid from the first supply channel 24 from the second connection part 39 into the branched channel 25, and also sends the liquid from the first connection part 38 to the first supply channel 24. Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating liquid delivery unit 33.

[0051] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0052] The pressure regulating valve 36 may be provided in the first supply channel 24 between the second connection portion 39 and the first downstream end 24d. For example, the pressure of the liquid in the liquid discharge section 15 may be adjusted by the positional relationship between the liquid storage section 18 and the liquid discharge section 15. In this case, the liquid discharge device 11 may be configured without a pressure regulating valve 36.

[0053] The supply mechanism 13 may supply liquid from the liquid storage section 18 to the liquid discharge section 15, for example, by water head. In this case, the liquid discharge device 11 may be configured without a supply pump 30.

[0054] The supply pump 30 may be, for example, a tube pump. The supply pump 30 may also be an air pump that supplies liquid by sending pressurized gas to the liquid storage section 18. If the supply pump 30 is a tube pump or an air pump, the supply mechanism 13 may be configured without at least one of the first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29.

[0055] At least one of the first storage section 32 and the second storage section 35 may be an open-system tank with its interior open to the atmosphere. The liquid dispensing device 11 may be configured to include either the first storage section 32 or the second storage section 35. The liquid dispensing device 11 may be configured to include three or more storage sections, or it may be configured to have no storage sections. The first storage section 32 may be provided in the first supply channel 24 downstream of the first connection section 38.

[0056] Multiple second supply channels 26 may supply liquid to the same common liquid chamber 21. That is, two or more second supply channels 26 may be connected to a single common liquid chamber 21. The second connection section 39 may be provided at the first downstream end 24d of the first supply channel 24.

[0057] Multiple second supply channels 26 may be connected to each other at different positions in the supply direction Ds. Multiple second supply channels 26 may be connected to the first supply channel 24 between the first connection part 38 and the second connection part 39.

[0058] Multiple second supply channels 26 may be connected to branch channels 25 between the circulating fluid delivery section 33 and the second connection section 39. Some of the multiple second supply channels 26 may be connected between the circulating fluid delivery section 33 and the second connection section 39 in the branch channel 25, while the other second supply channels 26 may be connected downstream of the first connection section 38 in the first supply channel 24.

[0059] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a plurality of supply mechanisms 13. Each of the plurality of supply mechanisms 13 may supply different types of liquid. Different types of liquids are, for example, inks of different colors. The liquid dispensing unit 15 may perform color printing on a medium by dispensing multiple types of liquid. In addition to the supply mechanism 13 having a circulation channel 41 and a plurality of second supply channels 26, the liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a supply mechanism having one first supply channel 24 and one second supply channel 26.

[0060] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a liquid dispensing device that sprays or dispenses liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid dispensing devices include devices that dispense liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or dissolution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense bio-organic substances used in biochip manufacturing, devices that dispense liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense lubricating oil to precision machinery such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, or devices that dispense transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc. used in optical communication elements. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0061] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0062] (A) The liquid dispensing device includes a liquid dispensing section capable of dispensing liquid, a first supply channel whose upstream end is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid dispensing section is provided, a first connection section provided in the middle of the first supply channel, a second connection section provided downstream of the first connection section in the first supply channel, and a branch channel that is connected to the first supply channel and which constitutes a circulation channel with respect to the first supply channel, an on / off valve provided between the liquid storage section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, and the first supply channel The system includes: a first one-way valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream; a circulating liquid supply unit provided in the branch channel, which circulates the liquid in the circulating channel when driven and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped; and a plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid supply unit and the second connection in the branch channel, or to either the first connection downstream in the first supply channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section.

[0063] In this configuration, the first one-way valve is installed in the first supply channel upstream of the first connection. The circulating liquid delivery unit opens the branch channel when the drive is stopped. As a result, the liquid supplied from the liquid container flows in both the first supply channel and the branch channel. Multiple second supply channels connect the circulating liquid delivery unit and the second connection in the branch channel, and either downstream of the first connection in the first supply channel, to the liquid discharge section. Therefore, compared to supplying liquid to the liquid discharge section via the first supply channel and one second supply channel, liquid can be supplied to the liquid discharge section at a higher speed.

[0064] (B) In the liquid discharge device, the circulating liquid supply unit may cause the liquid in the branched flow path to flow from the first connection side to the second connection side. In this configuration, the circulating fluid delivery unit causes the liquid in the branched channel to flow from the first connection side to the second connection side. That is, the circulating fluid delivery unit draws the liquid from the first supply channel from the first connection side into the branched channel, and also sends the liquid from the second connection side back into the first supply channel. Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating fluid delivery unit.

[0065] (C) The liquid discharge device may further include a second one-way valve provided between the circulating liquid supply section and the second connection section in the branched flow path, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream.

[0066] In this configuration, the second one-way valve allows liquid to flow through the branched passage from the first connection side to the second connection side. That is, the second one-way valve allows liquid to flow from the liquid containment section to the liquid discharge section. The second one-way valve restricts liquid flow through the branched passage from the second connection side to the first connection side. Therefore, even if pulsation occurs due to the operation of the circulating liquid delivery section, for example, the drawing of liquid from the second connection section into the branched passage can be reduced.

[0067] (D) In ​​the liquid discharge device, the circulating liquid delivery unit may cause the liquid in the branched flow path to flow from the second connection side to the first connection side. In this configuration, the circulating fluid delivery unit causes the liquid in the branched channel to flow from the second connection side to the first connection side. That is, the circulating fluid delivery unit draws the liquid from the first supply channel from the second connection side into the branched channel, and also delivers the liquid from the first connection side to the first supply channel. Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating fluid delivery unit.

[0068] (E) The liquid dispensing device may further include a first storage section provided between the on-off valve and the first connection section in the first supply channel, and capable of storing the liquid. With this configuration, the first storage section is capable of storing liquid. By providing the first storage section in the first supply channel, pressure fluctuations of the liquid within the first supply channel can be reduced.

[0069] (F) The liquid discharge device may further include a second storage section in the branched flow path, located downstream of the circulating liquid supply section in the circulation direction of the liquid, and capable of storing the liquid.

[0070] In this configuration, the second storage unit is capable of storing liquid. By placing the second storage unit downstream of the circulating liquid supply unit in the circulation direction, pressure fluctuations of the circulating liquid can be reduced.

[0071] (G) The liquid discharge device may further include pressure regulating valves provided in each of the multiple second supply channels, which open the second supply channels when a predetermined negative pressure is created on the downstream side. In this configuration, the pressure regulating valve opens the second supply passage when a predetermined negative pressure is reached on the downstream side. Therefore, the pressure of the liquid in the liquid discharge section to which the second supply passage is connected can be easily adjusted.

[0072] (H) A control method for a liquid dispensing device includes: a liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid; a first supply channel whose upstream end is connected to a liquid storage unit that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage unit is provided to the downstream side where the liquid dispensing unit is provided; a first connection part provided in the middle of the first supply channel; a second connection part provided downstream of the first connection part in the first supply channel; a branch channel connected to the branch channel, which constitutes a circulation channel with respect to the first supply channel; an on-off valve provided between the liquid storage unit and the first connection part in the first supply channel; a first one-way valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connection part in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side and restricts the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side; and a branch channel provided in the branch channel, which, when driven, constitutes a circulation channel A control method for a liquid discharge device comprising: a circulating liquid supply unit that circulates the liquid within and stops with the branched flow path open when the drive is stopped; and a plurality of second supply flow paths, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid supply unit and the second connection part in the branched flow path, or to either the first connection part downstream of the first connection part in the first supply flow path, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge unit, wherein when circulating the liquid within the circulating flow path, the circulating liquid supply unit is driven to circulate the liquid with the first supply flow path closed by the on-off valve, and when supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit, the drive of the circulating liquid supply unit is stopped and the branched flow path is opened, and the first supply flow path is opened by the on-off valve, thereby supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit via the first supply flow path and the branched flow path.

[0073] This method can achieve the same effect as the liquid dispensing device described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 11…Liquid dispensing device, 12…Mounting section, 13…Supply mechanism, 14…Holding section, 15…Liquid dispensing section, 16…Control section, 18…Liquid storage section, 20…Nozzle, 21…Common liquid chamber, 22…Cavity, 24…First supply channel, 24d…First downstream end, 24u…First upstream end, 25…Branching channel, 25f…First end, 25s…Second end, 26…Second supply channel, 26d ...Second downstream end, 26u...Second upstream end, 28...On / off valve, 29...Third one-way valve, 30...Supply pump, 31...First one-way valve, 32...First storage section, 33...Circulation and liquid delivery section, 34...Second one-way valve, 35...Second storage section, 36...Pressure regulating valve, 38...First connection section, 39...Second connection section, 41...Circulation flow path, 43...Flexible member, Dc...Circulation direction, Ds...Supply direction.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid, A first supply channel is provided, the upstream end of which is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section is provided. A branch channel is connected to a first connection point provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection point provided downstream of the first connection point in the first supply channel, and the branch channel is connected to the first supply channel and constitutes a circulating channel, An on / off valve is provided between the liquid containment section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, A first one-way valve is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream, A circulating liquid supply unit is provided in the aforementioned branch channel, which circulates the liquid within the circulation channel when the drive is in operation, and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped. A plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section in the first supply channel, Equipped with, The liquid discharge device is characterized in that the circulating liquid delivery unit causes the liquid in the branched flow path to flow from the first connection side to the second connection side.

2. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising a second one-way valve provided between the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched flow path, which allows the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side and restricts the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side.

3. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid, A first supply channel is provided, the upstream end of which is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section is provided. A branch channel is connected to a first connection point provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection point provided downstream of the first connection point in the first supply channel, and the branch channel is connected to the first supply channel and constitutes a circulating channel, An on / off valve is provided between the liquid containment section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, A first one-way valve is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream, A circulating liquid supply unit is provided in the aforementioned branch channel, which circulates the liquid within the circulation channel when the drive is in operation, and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped. A plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section in the first supply channel, In the first supply channel, a first storage section is provided between the on / off valve and the first connection section, and capable of storing the liquid, A liquid dispensing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

4. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid, A first supply channel is provided, the upstream end of which is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section is provided. A branch channel is connected to a first connection point provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection point provided downstream of the first connection point in the first supply channel, and the branch channel is connected to the first supply channel and constitutes a circulating channel, An on / off valve is provided between the liquid containment section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, A first one-way valve is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream, A circulating liquid supply unit is provided in the aforementioned branch channel, which circulates the liquid within the circulation channel when the drive is in operation, and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped. A plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section in the first supply channel, In the branched channel, a second storage section is provided downstream of the circulating liquid supply section in the circulation direction of the liquid, and capable of storing the liquid, A liquid dispensing device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

5. The liquid discharge device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the circulating liquid delivery unit causes the liquid in the branched flow path to flow from the first connection side to the second connection side.

6. The liquid discharge device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the circulating liquid delivery unit causes the liquid in the branched flow path to flow from the second connection side to the first connection side.

7. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a pressure regulating valve provided in each of the multiple second supply passages, which opens the second supply passage when a predetermined negative pressure is created on the downstream side.

8. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid, A first supply channel is provided, the upstream end of which is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section is provided. A branch channel is connected to a first connection point provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection point provided downstream of the first connection point in the first supply channel, and the branch channel is connected to the first supply channel and constitutes a circulating channel, An on / off valve is provided between the liquid containment section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, A first one-way valve is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream, A circulating liquid supply unit is provided in the aforementioned branch channel, which circulates the liquid within the circulation channel when the drive is in operation, and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped. A plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section in the first supply channel, Equipped with, The circulating liquid delivery unit is a control method for a liquid discharge device that causes the liquid in the branched flow path to flow from the first connection side to the second connection side, When circulating the liquid within the aforementioned circulation channel, With the first supply passage closed by the aforementioned on-off valve, the circulation fluid delivery unit is driven to perform circulation. When supplying the liquid to the liquid dispensing unit, A control method for a liquid discharge device, characterized by stopping the drive of the circulating liquid delivery unit, opening the branched flow path, and opening the first supply flow path with the on / off valve, thereby supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit via the first supply flow path and the branched flow path.

9. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid, A first supply channel is provided, the upstream end of which is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section is provided. A branch channel is connected to a first connection point provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection point provided downstream of the first connection point in the first supply channel, and the branch channel is connected to the first supply channel and constitutes a circulating channel, An on / off valve is provided between the liquid containment section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, A first one-way valve is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream, A circulating liquid supply unit is provided in the aforementioned branch channel, which circulates the liquid within the circulation channel when the drive is in operation, and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped. A plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section in the first supply channel, In the first supply channel, a first storage section is provided between the on / off valve and the first connection section, and capable of storing the liquid, A control method for a liquid dispensing device comprising: When circulating the liquid within the aforementioned circulation channel, With the first supply passage closed by the aforementioned on-off valve, the circulation fluid delivery unit is driven to perform circulation. When supplying the liquid to the liquid dispensing unit, A control method for a liquid discharge device, characterized by stopping the drive of the circulating liquid delivery unit, opening the branched flow path, and opening the first supply flow path with the on / off valve, thereby supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit via the first supply flow path and the branched flow path.

10. A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing liquid, A first supply channel is provided, the upstream end of which is connected to a liquid storage section that contains the liquid, and which is capable of supplying the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to the downstream side where the liquid discharge section is provided. A branch channel is connected to a first connection point provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection point provided downstream of the first connection point in the first supply channel, and the branch channel is connected to the first supply channel and constitutes a circulating channel, An on / off valve is provided between the liquid containment section and the first connection section in the first supply channel, A first one-way valve is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection in the first supply channel, which allows the flow of the liquid downstream and restricts the flow of the liquid upstream, A circulating liquid supply unit is provided in the aforementioned branch channel, which circulates the liquid within the circulation channel when the drive is in operation, and stops with the branch channel open when the drive is stopped. A plurality of second supply channels, one end of which is connected to either the circulating liquid delivery section and the second connection section in the branched channel, and the other end of which is connected to the liquid discharge section in the first supply channel, In the branched channel, a second storage section is provided downstream of the circulating liquid supply section in the circulation direction of the liquid, and capable of storing the liquid, A control method for a liquid dispensing device comprising: When circulating the liquid within the aforementioned circulation channel, With the first supply passage closed by the aforementioned on-off valve, the circulation fluid delivery unit is driven to perform circulation. When supplying the liquid to the liquid dispensing unit, A control method for a liquid discharge device, characterized by stopping the drive of the circulating liquid delivery unit, opening the branched flow path, and opening the first supply flow path with the on / off valve, thereby supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge unit via the first supply flow path and the branched flow path.

Images