Pumping device, liquid supply device, and liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a pump device, a filter device, a liquid supply device, and a liquid discharge apparatus which may suppress damage to a flow channel or the like when replacing at least one of a pump and a filter.SOLUTION: A pump device comprises: a pump (16) which includes a pump inflow port and a pump outflow port; a pump inflow connection member (62) which communicates to the pump inflow port and is connected to a tank connection member; a pump inflow connection support member which supports the pump inflow connection member; a pump outflow connection member (64) which communicates to the pump outflow port and is connected to a supply target connection member; a pump assembly (60) which includes a pump outflow connection support member that supports the pump outflow connection member; a pump movement mechanism (52) which movably supports the pump assembly; and a pump fixation mechanism which fixes the pump movement mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump device, a filter device, a liquid supply device, and a liquid discharge device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a liquid discharge device such as an inkjet printing device adopts a configuration in which liquid is supplied from a main tank to a discharge head via a sub-tank. When transferring liquid from the main tank to the sub-tank, the pump provided in the flow path connecting the main tank and the sub-tank is operated. The performance of the pump may deteriorate according to the usage time. Therefore, in the liquid discharge device, the pump is a regularly replaceable part, and the pump is replaced at intervals such as every six months or one year.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet recording device in which a recording head and a sub-tank for supplying ink to the recording head are mounted on a carriage, the recording medium is conveyed while the carriage is reciprocated, and ink is discharged from the recording head to form an image on the recording medium.

[0004] The device described in the same document includes an ink supply device provided with an ink supply unit for replenishing ink from the main tank to the sub-tank. The ink supply device is arranged at an ink supply position in the operation path of the carriage.

[0005] The ink supply unit is configured to be movable between a non-supply position where ink is not supplied to the sub-tank and a supply position where ink can be supplied to the sub-tank. The ink supply device slides the ink supply unit with respect to the disconnection of the flow path between the sub-tank and the ink supply unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] However, when replacing a pump, the general procedure involves using a tool such as forceps to grip the tube extending from the pump and then removing the tube from the fitting. The end of the tube removed from the fitting is deformed according to the shape of the fitting, and the deformed end is cut off before use. This necessitates determining the length of the tube in advance, taking into account any excess length.

[0008] Furthermore, if the forceps are used to hold the tube for a relatively long time, the portion of the tube being held by the forceps may be crushed, requiring the entire tube to be replaced. In addition, if the tube cannot be removed from the fitting and the joint between the tube and the fitting is torn, there is a risk of damaging the fitting.

[0009] The issues described above, such as tube deformation when the pump is replaced, are not limited to pumps, but can also be understood as issues such as tube deformation when replacing filters installed in the flow path.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a pump device, a filter device, a liquid supply device, and a liquid discharge device that can suppress damage to the flow path, etc., when replacing at least one of the pump and the filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The pump device according to this disclosure is a pump assembly comprising: a pump having a pump inlet that communicates with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet that communicates with a device to which liquid is supplied; a pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank; a pump inlet connecting support member that supports the pump inlet connecting member; a pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the device to which liquid is supplied; and a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member; a pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move; and a pump fixing mechanism that fixes the pump moving mechanism in a specified position.

[0012] According to the pump device of this disclosure, the pump inlet connecting member and the pump outlet connecting member are movable together with the pump using a pump movement mechanism, and their positions are fixed using a pump fixing mechanism. This makes it possible to connect or disconnect the tank connecting member on the tank side and the pump inlet connecting member, and also to connect or disconnect the supply target connecting member on the supply target device side and the pump outlet connecting member. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the flow path and each connecting member when replacing the pump.

[0013] Communication includes a state in which the components to be communicated are connected to each other via a flow path and other components. Communication may also include a state in which the components to be communicated are directly connected.

[0014] Examples of connecting members include connectors. Other examples of connecting members include joints and fittings.

[0015] The pump outlet may be connected to multiple pump outlet connecting members, each corresponding to a different supply target device.

[0016] In other embodiments of the pump device, the pump inlet connecting member may be a female connector having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with a tank to which a male connector is applied, and the pump outlet connecting member may be a female connector that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with a supply target device to which a male connector is applied.

[0017] In a pump device according to another embodiment, the pump outlet connecting member may include a pump outlet plug that is open when connected to a supply target connecting member communicating with a supply target device, and closed when disconnected from the supply target connecting member.

[0018] According to this embodiment, when the connection between the pump outlet connecting member and the supply target connecting member is released, leakage of liquid from the pump is suppressed.

[0019] In other embodiments of the pump device, the pump inlet connecting member may include a pump inlet plug that is open when connected to a tank connecting member communicating with a tank, and closed when disconnected from the tank connecting member.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the connection between the pump inlet connecting member and the tank connecting member is released, leakage of liquid from the pump is suppressed.

[0021] In other embodiments of the pump device, a pump inlet passage connecting the pump inlet and the pump inlet connecting member may be provided, and a pump outlet passage connecting the pump outlet and the pump outlet connecting member may be provided.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the pump inlet connecting member and the pump outlet connecting member can be freely arranged in the pump assembly.

[0023] In other embodiments of the pump device, the pump assembly may have a structure that allows it to be easily removed from the pump movement mechanism.

[0024] According to such an aspect, the pump assembly can be used as a unit to replace the pump.

[0025] In the pump device according to another aspect, the pump outlet may communicate with the supply target device via a filter assembly provided with a filter.

[0026] According to such an aspect, the pump and the supply target device can be communicated via a filter.

[0027] In the pump device according to another aspect, the filter assembly may include a filter inlet for allowing liquid to flow into the filter, a filter inlet communicating with the pump outlet, a filter outlet for allowing liquid to flow out of the filter, and a filter outlet communicating with the pump outlet connecting support member.

[0028] According to such an aspect, a filter assembly can be built into the pump device.

[0029] In the pump device according to another aspect, it may include a pump inlet channel connecting the pump inlet and the pump inlet connecting member, a pump filter channel connecting the pump outlet and the filter inlet, and a filter outlet channel connecting the filter outlet and a filter outlet connecting member communicating with the filter outlet.

[0030] According to such an aspect, in the pump device with a built-in filter assembly, the pump inlet connecting member and the pump outlet connecting member can be freely arranged.

[0031] The filter device according to this disclosure is a filter assembly comprising: a filter having a filter inlet that communicates with a tank in which liquid is stored and a filter outlet that communicates with a device to which liquid is supplied; a filter inlet connecting member that communicates with the filter inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank; a filter inlet connecting support member that supports the filter inlet connecting member; a filter outlet connecting member that communicates with the filter outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the device to which liquid is supplied; and a filter outlet connecting support member that supports the filter outlet connecting member; a filter moving mechanism that supports the filter assembly so that it can move; and a filter fixing mechanism that fixes the filter moving mechanism in a specified position.

[0032] The filter device relating to this disclosure can be used to obtain the same effects and advantages as the pump device relating to this disclosure.

[0033] In other embodiments of the filter device, the filter inlet connecting member may be a female connector having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with a tank to which a male connector is applied, and the filter outlet connecting member may be a female connector having a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with a supply target device to which a male connector is applied.

[0034] In other embodiments of the filter device, the filter outlet connecting member may include a filter inlet plug that is open when connected to a supply target connecting member communicating with a supply target device, and closed when disconnected from the supply target connecting member.

[0035] According to this embodiment, when the connection between the filter outlet connecting member and the supply target connecting member is released, leakage of liquid from the filter is suppressed.

[0036] In other embodiments of the filter device, the filter inlet connecting member may include a filter inlet plug that is open when connected to a tank connecting member communicating with the tank, and closed when disconnected from the tank connecting member.

[0037] According to this embodiment, when the connection between the filter inlet connecting member and the tank connecting member is released, leakage of liquid from the filter is suppressed.

[0038] In other embodiments of the filter device, the filter assembly may have a structure that allows it to be easily removed from the filter movement mechanism.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the filter can be replaced on a filter assembly basis.

[0040] The liquid supply device according to this disclosure is a liquid supply device comprising a pump assembly comprising: a pump having a pump inlet that communicates with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet that communicates with a device to which liquid is supplied; a pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank; a pump inlet connecting support member that supports the pump inlet connecting member; a pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the device to which liquid is supplied; and a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member; a pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move freely; and a pump fixing mechanism that fixes the pump moving mechanism in a specified position.

[0041] The liquid supply device according to this disclosure makes it possible to obtain the same effects and functions as the pump device according to this disclosure. The constituent elements of the pump device according to other embodiments can be applied to the constituent elements of the liquid supply device according to other embodiments.

[0042] In another embodiment of the liquid supply device, a filter assembly may be provided, comprising: a filter having a filter inlet communicating with a pump outlet and a filter outlet communicating with a device to be supplied; a filter inlet connecting member communicating with the filter inlet; a filter inlet connecting support member supporting the filter inlet connecting member; a filter outlet connecting member communicating with the filter outlet and having a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member communicating with the device to be supplied; and a filter outlet connecting support member supporting the filter outlet connecting member; a filter moving mechanism that supports the filter assembly so as to be movable; and a filter fixing mechanism that fixes the filter moving mechanism in a specified position.

[0043] According to this embodiment, a filter device having a configuration similar to that of a pump device and a pump device can be integrated into a single unit.

[0044] In another embodiment of the liquid supply device, the pump device is provided with a connecting support member having a first surface on which a filter connecting member connected to a tank connecting member and a pump outlet connecting member is supported, and a second surface on which a supply target connecting member and a pump connecting member are supported. The pump device may be positioned so that the surface on which the pump inlet connecting member and the pump outlet connecting member are supported faces the first surface, and the filter device may be positioned so that the surface on which the filter inlet connecting member and the filter outlet connecting member are supported faces the second surface.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the pump device and the filter device can be arranged along the direction of movement of the pump device and the direction of movement of the filter device.

[0046] The liquid supply device according to this disclosure is a liquid supply device comprising a filter assembly comprising: a filter having a filter inlet that communicates with a tank in which liquid is stored and a filter outlet that communicates with a device to which liquid is supplied; a filter inlet connecting member having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the filter inlet and is connected to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank; a filter inlet connecting support member that supports the filter inlet connecting member; a filter outlet connecting member having a structure that connects to a device to which liquid is supplied and is connected to a device to which liquid is supplied and is connected to a device to which liquid is supplied and is connected to the filter outlet connecting member; a filter outlet connecting support member that supports the filter outlet connecting member; a filter moving mechanism that supports the filter assembly so as to be movable; and a filter fixing mechanism that fixes the filter moving mechanism in a specified position.

[0047] The liquid supply device according to this disclosure makes it possible to obtain the same effects as the filter device according to this disclosure. The constituent elements of a filter device according to other embodiments can be applied to the constituent elements of a liquid supply device according to other embodiments.

[0048] The liquid discharge device according to this disclosure comprises a tank for storing liquid, a sub-tank for storing liquid sent from the tank, a discharge head equipped with a plurality of discharge elements, and a liquid supply device for supplying liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, wherein the liquid supply device comprises a pump assembly comprising a pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, a pump inlet connecting member having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member communicating with the pump inlet, a pump inlet connecting support member that supports the pump inlet connecting member, a pump outlet connecting member having a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member communicating with the sub-tank, and a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, and a pump movement mechanism that movably supports the pump assembly, and a pump fixing mechanism that fixes the pump movement mechanism in a specified position.

[0049] The liquid dispensing device according to this disclosure can achieve the same effects as the pump device according to this disclosure. The constituent elements of the pump device according to other embodiments can be applied to the constituent elements of the liquid dispensing device according to other embodiments.

[0050] In other embodiments of the liquid discharge device, the flow path connecting the tank and the tank connecting member connected to the pump inlet connecting member may be provided with a first control valve.

[0051] According to this embodiment, leakage of liquid from the tank can be suppressed when the connection between the tank and the pump device is disconnected.

[0052] The first control valve may be a control valve whose opening and closing are switched according to the control signal.

[0053] In another embodiment of the liquid discharge device, a pump housing chamber in which a pump assembly is housed, a pump housing chamber door open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided in the pump housing chamber, one or more processors, and one or more memories for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors are provided, and the one or more processors may execute program instructions to close a first control valve when the opening of the door of the pump housing chamber is detected using the pump housing chamber door open / close sensor.

[0054] According to this configuration, leakage of liquid from the tank is automatically suppressed when the pump device is replaced.

[0055] In other embodiments of the liquid discharge device, the flow path connecting the sub-tank and the supply target connecting member connected to the pump outflow connecting member may be equipped with a second control valve.

[0056] According to this configuration, leakage of liquid from the sub-tank can be suppressed when the connection between the pump device and the sub-tank is disconnected.

[0057] In another embodiment of the liquid discharge device, a pump housing chamber in which a pump assembly is housed, a pump housing chamber door open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided in the pump housing chamber, one or more processors, and one or more memories for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors are provided, and the one or more processors may execute program instructions to close a second control valve when the opening of the door of the pump housing chamber is detected using the pump housing chamber door open / close sensor.

[0058] In this configuration, leakage of liquid from the sub-tank is automatically suppressed when the pump device is replaced.

[0059] The liquid discharge device according to this disclosure comprises a tank for storing liquid, a sub-tank for storing liquid sent from the tank, a discharge head equipped with a plurality of discharge elements, and a liquid supply device for supplying liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, wherein the liquid supply device comprises a filter assembly comprising a filter having a filter inlet communicating with the tank and a filter outlet communicating with the discharge head, a filter inlet connecting member having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member communicating with the tank and is a filter inlet connecting member communicating with the filter inlet, a filter inlet connecting support member that supports the filter inlet connecting member, a filter outlet connecting member having a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member communicating with the sub-tank and is a filter outlet connecting member that supports the filter outlet connecting member, a filter outlet connecting member that supports the filter outlet connecting member, a filter moving mechanism that movably supports the filter assembly, and a filter fixing mechanism that fixes the filter moving mechanism in a specified position.

[0060] The liquid dispensing device according to this disclosure can achieve the same effects as the filter device according to this disclosure. The constituent elements of a filter device according to other embodiments can be applied to the constituent elements of a liquid dispensing device according to other embodiments.

[0061] In a liquid discharge device according to another embodiment, the flow path connecting the tank and the tank connecting member connected to the filter inlet connecting member may be provided with a third control valve.

[0062] According to this embodiment, leakage of liquid from the tank can be suppressed when the connection between the tank and the filter device is disconnected.

[0063] In another embodiment of the liquid discharge device, a filter storage chamber in which a filter assembly is housed is provided, a filter storage chamber door open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided in the filter storage chamber, one or more processors, and one or more memories for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors may execute program instructions to close a third control valve when the opening of the door of the filter storage chamber is detected using the filter storage chamber door open / close sensor.

[0064] According to this configuration, leakage of liquid from the tank is automatically suppressed when the filter device is replaced.

[0065] In another embodiment of the liquid discharge device, the flow path connecting the sub-tank and the supply target connecting member connected to the filter outflow connecting member may be provided with a fourth control valve.

[0066] According to this configuration, leakage of liquid from the sub-tank can be suppressed when the communication between the sub-tank and the filter device is disconnected.

[0067] In another embodiment of the liquid discharge device, a filter storage chamber in which a filter assembly is housed is provided, a filter storage chamber door open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided in the filter storage chamber, one or more processors, and one or more memories for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors may execute program instructions to close a fourth control valve when the opening of the door of the filter storage chamber is detected using the filter storage chamber door open / close sensor.

[0068] In this configuration, leakage of liquid from the sub-tank is automatically suppressed when the filter device is replaced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0069] According to the present invention, the pump inlet connecting member and the pump outlet connecting member are movable integrally with the pump using a pump movement mechanism, and their positions are fixed using a pump fixing mechanism. This allows for the connection or disconnection of the tank connecting member on the tank side and the pump inlet connecting member, and also allows for the connection or disconnection of the supply target connecting member on the supply target device side and the pump outlet connecting member. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the flow path and each connecting member when replacing the pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0070] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an ink supply device applied to an inkjet printing machine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a pump unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a pump assembly configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the locking mechanism configuration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connection state of the pump unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the pump unit in a disconnected state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a filter unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a filter assembly configuration. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the pump unit shown in Figure 2 and the filter unit shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a pump unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a moving mechanism applied to the pump unit shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a block diagram of the pump unit and filter unit shown in Figure 9. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example configuration in which the pump unit and filter unit are integrated. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a method to prevent fluid leakage when replacing a pump assembly. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the state of the tube after it has been removed from the fitting. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical configuration shown in Figure 17. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0071] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0072] [Example of an ink supply system configuration] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an ink supply device applied to an inkjet printing apparatus. The ink supply device 10 shown in the figure comprises an ink cartridge 12, a cartridge-side valve 14, an ink supply pump 16, a filter 18, a sub-tank-side valve 20, and a sub-tank 22.

[0073] The ink supply device 10 includes a first ink channel 13, a second ink channel 17, and a third ink channel 21. The first ink channel 13 is a liquid channel connecting the ink outlet 12A of the ink cartridge 12 and the pump inlet of the ink supply pump 16. A cartridge-side valve 14 is attached to the first ink channel 13.

[0074] The second ink channel 17 is a liquid channel connecting the pump outlet of the ink supply pump 16 and the filter inlet of the filter 18. The third ink channel 21 is a channel connecting the filter outlet of the filter 18 and the ink supply port 22A of the sub-tank 22.

[0075] The first ink channel 13, the second ink channel 17, and the third ink channel 21 may be made of flexible resin tubing that is easily deformable, or they may be made of rigid tubing that is not easily deformed.

[0076] The ink supply device 10 opens the cartridge-side valve 14 and the sub-tank-side valve 20, operates the ink supply pump 16, and supplies the ink contained in the ink cartridge 12 to the sub-tank 22. Note that the cartridge-side valve 14 and sub-tank-side valve 20 described in this embodiment are examples of control valves.

[0077] The ink contained in the sub-tank 22 is supplied to the inkjet head 24 via the head supply channel 26 in accordance with the ink consumption of the inkjet head 24. When the water level in the sub-tank 22 falls below a predetermined lower limit, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 12 to the sub-tank 22. The ink supply device 10 may also detect the water level in the sub-tank 22 based on the output signal of a water level sensor provided in the sub-tank 22. Note that the water level sensor is not shown in Figure 1. The water level sensor is shown as sensor 422 in Figure 17.

[0078] The ink supply device 10 includes a gas flow path 30, a gas flow path valve 32, a pressure gauge 34, and a pressure pump 36. The sub-tank 22 is connected to the gas flow path 30. The gas flow path 30 is equipped with a gas flow path valve 32, a pressure gauge 34, and a pressure pump 36. The gas flow path 30, the gas flow path valve 32, the pressure gauge 34, and the pressure pump 36 function as a pressure regulating device for the inkjet head 24.

[0079] During the operation of the inkjet head 24, such as during printing, the gas flow valve 32 is opened, and the pressure pump 36 is operated to maintain a negative pressure inside the sub-tank 22, thereby maintaining a negative pressure inside the inkjet head 24.

[0080] During maintenance of the inkjet head 24, such as purging, the pressure pump 36 is operated to maintain a positive pressure inside the sub-tank 22, and thus maintain a positive pressure inside the inkjet head 24. The internal pressure of the sub-tank 22 can be detected based on the output signal of the pressure gauge 34. Here, negative pressure is a pressure below atmospheric pressure, and positive pressure is a pressure above atmospheric pressure.

[0081] If an inkjet printing device has multiple inkjet heads, an ink supply device 10 is provided for each of the multiple inkjet heads. If multiple inkjet heads are to which the same type of ink is applied, one ink supply device 10 may be provided for each of the multiple inkjet heads.

[0082] Note that the ink supply device 10 described in the embodiment is an example of a liquid supply device. The ink cartridge 12 described in the embodiment is an example of a tank in which liquid is stored. The inkjet head 24 described in the embodiment is an example of a supply target device and an example of an ejection head.

[0083] [Example of pump unit configuration] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a pump unit according to an embodiment. The pump unit 50 has a configuration that allows the pump assembly 60, which is equipped with a pump inlet connector 62 and a pump outlet connector 64 to which female connectors are applied, to be easily attached to and detached from the main body of the ink supply device 10 in one motion by combining it with a linear slide 52 and a locking mechanism. Note that the locking mechanism is not shown in Figure 2. The locking mechanism is shown in Figure 4 with reference numeral 80.

[0084] The linear slide 52 comprises a slide portion 54, a fixed portion 56, a pump slide guide 58, and a locking mechanism support portion 59, on which the pump assembly 60 is mounted. The slide portion 54 is supported so as to be slidable relative to the fixed portion 56 using the pump slide guide 58 in the direction in which the pump slide guide 58 extends. The arrow line shown in Figure 2 indicates the direction in which the pump slide guide 58 extends, and shows the direction in which the slide portion 54 reciprocates relative to the fixed portion 56.

[0085] The slide portion 54 is used to fix and support the pump assembly 60. The slide portion 54 is equipped with a pump assembly fixing pin 55 for fixing the pump assembly 60. The pump assembly 60 has a pin insertion hole 61 into which the pump assembly fixing pin 55 is inserted.

[0086] The pump assembly 60 is attached to the slide portion 54 using a method that allows for easy removal of the pump assembly 60. Specifically, when the pump assembly 60 is fixed to the slide portion 54, the pump assembly fixing pin 55 of the slide portion 54 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 61 of the pump assembly 60, and a clip is inserted onto the pump assembly fixing pin 55 to prevent it from coming out of the pin insertion hole 61.

[0087] When the pump assembly 60 is removed from the slide portion 54, the clip is removed from the pump assembly fixing pin 55, releasing the retaining mechanism, and the pump assembly 60 is moved, allowing the pump assembly fixing pin 55 to be removed from the pin insertion hole 61. Note that the illustration of the clip is omitted.

[0088] The slide portion 54 has a connector support groove 57 formed on the connector exposed surface 54A where the pump inlet connector 62 and pump outlet connector 64 of the pump assembly 60 are exposed. The connector support groove 57 is a through groove that penetrates the connector exposed surface 54A.

[0089] The connector support groove 57 has a structure that reaches the upper end of the connector exposed surface 54A in Figure 2. The pump inlet connector 62 and the pump outlet connector 64 are inserted into the connector support groove 57 from the upper end of the connector exposed surface 54A.

[0090] The cartridge-side connector 100 is a male connector attached to the end of the first ink flow path 13 shown in Figure 1. The cartridge-side connector 100 has a structure that allows it to be connected to the pump inlet connector 62 provided on the pump assembly 60.

[0091] The filter-side connector 102 is a male connector attached to the end of the second ink flow path 17 shown in Figure 1. The filter-side connector 102 has a structure that allows it to be connected to the pump outlet connector 64 provided on the pump assembly 60.

[0092] The cartridge-side connector 100 and the filter-side connector 102 are fixedly supported using connector support members. Note that the connector support members are not shown in Figure 2. The connector support members are shown in Figure 9, denoted by reference numeral 140.

[0093] The cartridge-side connector 100 is positioned in a location corresponding to the pump inlet connector 62 on the connector support member. The filter-side connector 102 is positioned in a location corresponding to the pump outlet connector 64 on the connector support member.

[0094] The pump unit 50 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump device. The linear slide 52 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump movement mechanism.

[0095] [Example of a pump assembly configuration] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a pump assembly. The figure illustrates a pump assembly 60 that is mounted on the pump unit 50 shown in Figure 2.

[0096] The pump assembly 60 comprises a pump inlet connector 62, a pump inlet tube 68, an ink supply pump 16, a pump outlet tube 70, a pump outlet connector 64, and a frame 66. The pump assembly 60 has a structure in which the ink supply pump 16, the pump inlet connector 62, and the pump outlet connector 64 are supported by the frame 66.

[0097] The ink supply pump 16 is screwed and fixed to the frame 66. In other words, the method of fixing the ink supply pump 16 allows for easy removal from the frame 66, so that the ink supply pump 16 can be replaced as a standalone unit.

[0098] The pump inlet tube 68 has one end 68A connected to the pump inlet connector 62 and the other end 68B connected to the pump inlet 16A of the ink supply pump 16. The pump inlet tube 68 functions as a liquid flow path connecting the pump inlet connector 62 and the pump inlet 16A of the ink supply pump 16.

[0099] The pump outlet tube 70 has one end 70A connected to the pump outlet connector 64 and the other end 70B connected to the pump outlet 16B of the ink supply pump 16. The pump outlet tube 70 functions as a liquid flow path connecting the pump outlet 16B of the ink supply pump 16 and the pump outlet connector 64.

[0100] Female connectors are used for the pump inlet connector 62 and the pump outlet connector 64. The female connectors have a structure that allows them to be connected to the male connectors used for the cartridge-side connector 100 and the filter-side connector 102.

[0101] Furthermore, the pump inlet connector 62 has a stopper structure that opens when connected to the cartridge-side connector 100 and closes when the connection with the cartridge-side connector 100 is released.

[0102] Similarly, the pump outlet connector 64 has a plug structure that opens when connected to the filter-side connector 102 and closes when disconnected from the filter-side connector 102. The combination of the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100, and the combination of the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter-side connector 102 may be replaced with liquid discharge connector units manufactured by Packplus, Inc.

[0103] In other words, the pump inlet connector 62 and the pump outlet connector 64 automatically close when the male connector is unplugged, even when the power supply to the pump assembly 60 is cut off. This suppresses ink leakage when the male connector is unplugged. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to use forceps to clamp the tube applied to the first ink flow path 13 in order to suppress ink leakage.

[0104] In other words, by simultaneously plugging and unplugging two sets of connectors—the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100, and the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter-side connector 102—the ink supply pump 16 can be easily replaced without damaging the first ink flow path 13, the second ink flow path 17, etc.

[0105] The plug structure provided in the pump inlet connector 62 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump inlet plug. The plug structure provided in the pump outlet connector 64 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump outlet plug.

[0106] The frame 66 includes a pump fixing section 66A to which the ink supply pump 16 is fixed. The pump fixing section 66A has screw holes for screwing the ink supply pump 16 in place. Note that the screw holes are not shown in the illustration.

[0107] The frame 66 includes a connector fixing portion 66B to which the pump inlet connector 62 and the pump outlet connector 64 are fixed. The connector fixing portion 66B has an inlet connector insertion hole 66C into which the pump inlet connector 62 is inserted. The inlet connector insertion hole 66C is a through hole that penetrates the surface to which the pump inlet connector 62 is attached, and has a structure that reaches one side of the surface to which the pump inlet connector 62 is attached.

[0108] Furthermore, the connector fixing portion 66B has an outlet connector insertion hole 66D into which the pump outlet connector 64 is inserted. The outlet connector insertion hole 66D is a through hole that penetrates the surface to which the pump outlet connector 64 is attached, and has a structure that reaches one side of the surface to which the pump outlet connector 64 is attached.

[0109] The pump inlet connector 62 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump inlet connecting member. The pump inlet connector 62 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump outlet connecting member. The connector fixing part 66B described in the embodiment is an example of a pump inlet connecting support member and a pump outlet connecting support member.

[0110] The pump inlet tube 68 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump inlet passage. The pump outlet tube 70 described in the embodiment is an example of a pump outlet passage. The cartridge-side connector 100 described in the embodiment is an example of a tank connecting member. The filter-side connector 102 described in the embodiment is an example of a supply target connecting member and is an example of a pump connecting member.

[0111] [Example of a locking mechanism configuration] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the locking mechanism. The figure illustrates the state in which the locking mechanism 80 is attached to the pump unit 50. The locking mechanism 80 shown in the figure comprises a first arm 82, a second arm 84, an arm connecting member 86, and a rotating shaft member 88.

[0112] The first arm 82 and the second arm 84 are connected at one end using an arm connecting member 86. The other end of the first arm 82 and the other end of the second arm 84 are rotatably supported using a rotating shaft member 88.

[0113] The first arm 82 has a locking mechanism support hole 82A formed therein. The locking mechanism support hole 82A is an elongated hole along the longitudinal direction of the first arm 82 and is a through hole that penetrates the first arm 82 in the thickness direction. The locking mechanism support part 59, which is provided on the sliding part 54 of the linear slide 52, is inserted into the locking mechanism support hole 82A and attached to the linear slide 52.

[0114] The second arm 84 has the same structure as the first arm 82. The lock mechanism support part opposite to the lock mechanism support part 59 inserted into the lock mechanism support hole 82A is inserted into the lock mechanism support hole of the second arm 84. Note that the illustration of the lock mechanism support hole of the second arm 84 and the lock mechanism support part inserted into the lock mechanism support hole of the second arm 84 is omitted. Note that the curve with an arrow indicates the rotation direction of the lock mechanism 80.

[0115] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the connected state of the pump unit. Figure 5 is a side view of the pump unit 50 as seen from the side of the first arm 82. Figure 5 shows the state in which the ink supply pump 16 is connected to the ink cartridge 12 and sub-tank 22 shown in Figure 1.

[0116] In the state shown in Figure 5, the locking mechanism 80 is fixed in place, the pump inlet connector 62 of the pump assembly 60 is connected to the cartridge-side connector 100, and the pump outlet connector 64 of the pump assembly 60 is connected to the filter-side connector 102.

[0117] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the pump unit in a disconnected state. Similar to Figure 5, Figure 6 is a side view of the pump unit 50 as seen from the side of the first arm 82. Figure 6 shows the state in which the ink supply pump 16 is disconnected from the ink cartridge 12 and sub-tank 22 shown in Figure 1.

[0118] In other words, when the locking mechanism 80 in the connected state shown in Figure 5 is rotated, it moves to the opposite side from the cartridge-side connector 100 and the filter-side connector 102, as shown in Figure 6, in accordance with the rotation of the locking mechanism 80.

[0119] As the sliding portion 54 moves to the opposite side of the cartridge-side connector 100, the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released, and the connection between the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter-side connector 102 is released. The locking mechanism 80 may be fixed in a predetermined release position in the release state shown in Figure 6. Note that the locking mechanism 80 described in this embodiment is an example of a pump fixing mechanism.

[0120] [Example of filter unit configuration] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a filter unit according to the embodiment. The filter unit 150 shown in the figure, similar to the pump unit 50 shown in Figure 2, has a configuration that allows it to be easily attached to and detached from the main body of the ink supply device 10 in one motion by combining a filter assembly 160, which includes a filter inlet connector 162 to which a female connector is applied, a filter outlet connector 164, and a filter 18, with a linear slide 152 and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be configured in the same way as the locking mechanism 80 shown in Figure 4.

[0121] The linear slide 152 provided in the filter unit 150 can be configured in the same way as the linear slide 52 provided in the pump unit 50. That is, the linear slide 152 comprises a sliding portion 154, a fixed portion 156, a guide 158, and a locking mechanism support portion 159, and the filter assembly 160 is mounted on it.

[0122] The pump-side connector 120 is connected to the filter inlet connector 162 provided on the filter assembly 160. The sub-tank-side connector 122 is connected to the filter outlet connector 164.

[0123] Note that the filter unit 150 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter device. The linear slide 152 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter movement mechanism. The pump-side connector 120 described in the embodiment is an example of a tank connecting member and an example of a filter connecting member. The sub-tank-side connector 122 described in the embodiment is an example of a supply target connecting member.

[0124] [Example of filter assembly configuration] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a filter assembly. The filter assembly 160 shown in the figure has a structure in which the ink supply pump 16 of the pump assembly 60 shown in Figure 3 is replaced with a filter 18.

[0125] In other words, the filter assembly 160 comprises a filter inlet connector 162, a filter inlet tube 168, a filter 18, a filter outlet tube 170, a filter outlet connector 164, and a frame 166.

[0126] The filter inlet tube 168 has one end 168A connected to the filter inlet connector 162 and the other end 168B connected to the filter inlet 18A of the filter 18. The filter outlet tube 170 has one end 170A connected to the filter outlet connector 164 and the other end 170B connected to the filter outlet 18B of the filter 18.

[0127] The filter inlet connector 162 and the filter outlet connector 164 are fitted with female connectors, similar to the pump inlet connector 62 and the pump outlet connector 64. Furthermore, the filter inlet connector 162 and the filter outlet connector 164 have a plug structure similar to that of the pump inlet connector 62, etc.

[0128] The frame 166 has an inlet connector support hole 166A that supports the filter inlet connector 162 and an outlet connector support groove 166B that supports the filter outlet connector 164.

[0129] The filter inlet connector 162 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter inlet connecting member. The filter outlet connector 164 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter outlet connecting member. The frame 166 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter inlet connecting support member and a filter outlet connecting support member.

[0130] The filter inlet tube 168 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter inlet channel. The filter outlet tube 170 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter outlet channel. The plug structure of the filter inlet connector 162 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter inlet plug. The plug structure of the filter outlet connector 164 described in the embodiment is an example of a filter outlet plug.

[0131] [Example of arrangement of pump unit and filter unit] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the pump unit shown in Figure 3 and the filter unit shown in Figure 8. Figure 9 shows a configuration in which the pump unit 50 and the filter unit 150 are arranged facing each other.

[0132] In other words, the surface of the pump unit 50 on which the pump inlet connector 62 and pump outlet connector 64 are located faces the surface of the filter unit 150 on which the filter inlet connector 162 and filter outlet connector 164 are located.

[0133] A connector support member 140 is positioned between the pump unit 50 and the filter unit 150. The first surface 140A of the connector support member 140, facing the pump unit 50, has the cartridge-side connector 100 and the filter-side connector 102 positioned on it. The second surface 140B of the connector support member 140, facing the filter unit 150, has the pump-side connector 120 and the sub-tank-side connector 122 positioned on it.

[0134] When the pump unit 50 is positioned in the connection location, the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 are connected, and the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter-side connector 102 are connected.

[0135] Furthermore, when the filter unit 150 is positioned in the connection location, the filter inlet connector 162 and the pump-side connector 120 are connected, and the filter outlet connector 164 and the sub-tank-side connector 122 are connected.

[0136] When the locking mechanism 80 of the pump unit 50 is operated and the pump unit 50 is moved away from the connector support member 140, the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released, and the connection between the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter-side connector 102 is also released.

[0137] Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 180 of the filter unit 150 is operated and the filter unit 150 is moved away from the connector support member 140, the connection between the filter inlet connector 162 and the pump-side connector 120 is released, and the connection between the filter outlet connector 164 and the sub-tank-side connector 122 is also released. Note that the locking mechanism 180 described in this embodiment is just one example of a filter fixing mechanism.

[0138] [Other forms of pump units] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a pump unit according to another embodiment. In the pump unit 200 shown in this figure, the pump assembly 60 shown in Figure 3 is housed inside a box-shaped cover 202. The pump inlet connector 262 and the pump outlet connector 264 are exposed on the connector arrangement surface 204 of the cover 202. Note that the ink supply pump 16 and other components are not shown in Figure 10.

[0139] In the pump unit 200 shown in Figure 10, the filter assembly 160 shown in Figure 6 may be housed inside the box-shaped cover 202 instead of the pump assembly 60, thus forming a filter unit according to other embodiments.

[0140] [Examples of configurations for mobile mechanisms applied to pump units in other embodiments] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a moving mechanism applied to the pump unit shown in Figure 10. The moving mechanism 220 shown in Figure 11 also functions as a locking mechanism. The moving mechanism 220 includes a pump unit insertion section 222. The pump unit insertion section 222 is provided by a square hole formed in the main frame 224.

[0141] Inside the rectangular hole that functions as the pump unit insertion section 222, a cartridge-side connector to which a male connector connected to the pump inlet connector 262 is applied, and a filter-side connector to which a male connector connected to the pump outlet connector 264 is applied are arranged.

[0142] The pump unit 200 shown in Figure 10 is inserted into the pump unit insertion section 222 of the moving mechanism 220 shown in Figure 11, along the rectangular hole that functions as the pump unit insertion section 222. Inside the pump unit insertion section 222, the pump inlet connector 262 shown in Figure 10 is connected to the cartridge-side connector, and the pump outlet connector 264 is connected to the filter-side connector. This fixes the position of the pump unit 200.

[0143] The moving mechanism 220 shown in Figure 11 is equipped with multiple pump unit insertion sections 222, and is configured to allow the insertion of multiple pump units 200. The moving mechanism 220 may also be equipped with male connectors inside the pump unit insertion sections 222 that correspond to the pump-side connector 120 and sub-tank-side connector 122 shown in Figure 7, and may function as a filter unit moving mechanism and a locking mechanism.

[0144] For example, a pump unit 200 may be inserted into each of the upper pump unit insertion sections 222, and a filter unit having the same structure as the pump unit 200 may be inserted into each of the square holes that make up the lower pump unit insertion section 222.

[0145] Figure 12 is a block diagram of the pump unit and filter unit shown in Figure 9. Figure 12 shows the flow path structure from the ink cartridge 12 to the sub-tank 22 when the pump unit 50 and the filter unit 150 are mechanically separated.

[0146] The arrow line attached to the first ink channel 13 indicates the direction in which the ink flows through the first ink channel 13. Similarly, the arrow line attached to the third ink channel 21 indicates the direction in which the ink flows through the third ink channel 21.

[0147] The pump inlet connector 62 has a plug structure that closes when the connection with the cartridge-side connector 100 is released, thus suppressing ink leakage from the ink supply pump 16 when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released.

[0148] On the other hand, since the cartridge-side connector 100 does not have a plug structure similar to that of the pump inlet connector 62, ink leakage from the ink cartridge 12 may occur when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released.

[0149] Therefore, the first ink channel 13 is equipped with a cartridge-side valve 14, and the first ink channel 13 is closed using the cartridge-side valve 14 to suppress ink leakage from the ink cartridge 12.

[0150] The same applies to the filter outlet connector 164 and the sub-tank side connector 122; the sub-tank side valve 20 is used to close the third ink flow path 21, thereby suppressing ink leakage from the sub-tank 22.

[0151] On the other hand, since the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter inlet connector 162 are automatically closed, no ink leakage occurs from the ink supply pump 16 and the filter 18, so the second ink flow path 17 does not need to be equipped with a valve.

[0152] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example configuration in which the pump unit and filter unit are integrated. The pump unit 50A shown in Figure 13 comprises a pump assembly 60A and a filter assembly 160A, and shows an example in which the pump assembly 60A and the filter assembly 160A are connected in series using a second ink flow path 17A without using a connector.

[0153] The pump assembly 60A does not have the pump outlet connector 64 shown in Figure 3, and the pump outlet tube 70 is extended. The filter assembly 160A does not have the filter inlet connector 162 shown in Figure 7, and the pump outlet tube 70 extending from the pump assembly 60A is connected to the filter 18. The pump outlet tube 70 connecting the ink supply pump 16 and the filter 18 functions as the second ink flow path 17A shown in Figure 13.

[0154] The second ink channel 17A described in the embodiment is an example of a pump filter channel that connects the pump outlet and the filter inlet.

[0155] When the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released, the cartridge-side valve 14 is closed to suppress ink leakage from the ink cartridge 12. The pump inlet connector 62 has a plug structure that closes when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released, thus suppressing ink leakage from the ink supply pump 16 when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released.

[0156] Furthermore, when the connection between the pump outlet connector 64 and the sub-tank side connector 122 is released, the sub-tank side valve 20 is closed to suppress ink leakage from the sub-tank 22. The pump outlet connector 64 has a plug structure that closes when the connection between the pump outlet connector 64 and the sub-tank side connector 122 is released, thus suppressing ink leakage from the filter 18 when the connection between the pump outlet connector 64 and the sub-tank side connector 122 is released.

[0157] [Effects and Effects of the Pump Unit According to the Embodiment] The pump unit 50, filter unit 150, and ink supply device 10 according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0158] [1] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a method to prevent liquid leakage when replacing a pump. Figure 14 illustrates a tube 3 to which fitting 1 is attached at one end and fitting 2 is attached at the other end.

[0159] For example, if fitting 1 shown in Figure 14 is connected to a pump, the general procedure for replacing the pump is to use forceps 4 to grasp the tube 3 and remove the tube 3 from fitting 1. Since the tube 3 is deformed when grasped with forceps 4, the deformed portion of the tube 3 is cut when the tube 3 is used. The length of the tube 3 is determined by calculating the amount that will be cut.

[0160] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the state of the tube after it has been removed from the fitting. The tip 3A of the tube 3, after being removed from fitting 1, is spread open according to the shape of the tube connection part 1A of fitting 1. Furthermore, if the tube 3 cannot be removed from fitting 1, it may be cut using a cutter or the like. This could damage the tube 3.

[0161] Meanwhile, the pump unit 50 includes a pump inlet connector 62 and a pump outlet connector 64. The pump inlet connector 62 has a structure that connects to a cartridge-side connector 100 attached to the end of a first ink flow path 13 that is connected to an ink cartridge 12. The pump outlet connector 64 has a structure that connects to a filter-side connector 102 attached to the end of a third ink flow path 21 that is connected to a filter unit 150.

[0162] The pump unit 50 is mounted on a linear slide 52 and is configured to slide freely with respect to a connector support member 140 that supports the cartridge-side connector 100 and the filter-side connector 102. The linear slide 52 is equipped with a locking mechanism that locks its position in the connection position between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100, and in the disconnection position between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100.

[0163] When replacing the pump unit 50, the linear slide 52 is slid between the connected position and the disconnected position to connect and disconnect the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100.

[0164] This is expected to improve work efficiency when replacing the ink supply pump 16. In addition, damage to the tubes and joints connected to the ink supply pump 16 will be suppressed when replacing the ink supply pump 16.

[0165] [2] The pump inlet connector 62 is fitted with a female connector and has a plug structure that opens when connected to the cartridge-side connector 100 and closes when the connection with the cartridge-side connector 100 is disconnected.

[0166] This prevents ink leakage from the pump inlet connector 62 when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released.

[0167] [3] The pump outlet connector 64 has a female connector and a plug structure that opens when connected to the filter-side connector 102 and closes when the connection to the filter-side connector 102 is disconnected.

[0168] This suppresses ink leakage from the pump outlet connector 64 when the connection between the pump outlet connector 64 and the filter-side connector 102 is released.

[0169] [4] The first ink channel 13 to which the cartridge-side connector 100 is attached is equipped with a cartridge-side valve 14. This ensures that the cartridge-side valve 14 closes when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released. This prevents ink leakage from the cartridge-side connector 100 when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is released.

[0170] [5] The third ink channel 21, to which the filter-side connector 102 is attached, is equipped with a sub-tank-side valve 20. This suppresses ink leakage from the filter-side connector 102 when the connection between the pump inlet connector 62 and the cartridge-side connector 100 is disconnected.

[0171] [6] The pump unit 50 and the filter unit 150 are arranged so that the connector fixing portion 66B, where the pump inlet connector 62 and the pump outlet connector 64 are located, faces the outlet connector support groove 166B, where the filter inlet connector 162 and the filter outlet connector 164 are located.

[0172] A connector support member 140 is positioned between the pump unit 50 and the filter unit 150, on which the cartridge-side connector 100, filter-side connector 102, pump-side connector 120, and sub-tank-side connector 122 are arranged.

[0173] This enables space saving and consolidation in the arrangement of the pump unit 50 and the filter unit 150.

[0174] The ink supply device 10 and the filter unit 150, etc., can obtain the same effects and benefits as those of the pump unit 50 described above.

[0175] [Examples of application to inkjet printing equipment] Figure 16 is a configuration diagram of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment. The inkjet printing apparatus 300 shown in the figure is an example of a liquid ejection device, and the ink supply device 10 shown in Figure 1 is applied.

[0176] The inkjet printer 300 is a wide-format printer that prints color images onto a recording medium 312. Wide-format printers are suitable for printing large images on a wide area, such as large posters and commercial wall advertisements. An example of a wide format is a recording medium 312 with a size of A3+ or larger.

[0177] The inkjet printer 300 is a drop-on-demand type printer that ejects ink from an inkjet head 324 to form a color image on a recording medium 312. The inkjet printer 300 is equipped with an inkjet head 324 that ejects cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.

[0178] The inkjet printing apparatus 300 employs a roll-to-roll method for transporting the recording medium 312, which involves pulling the recording medium 312 from a supply roll 342 on which the recording medium 312 is wound, transporting the recording medium 312 along a predetermined transport path, and winding the printed recording medium 312 onto a take-up roll 344.

[0179] The transport path for the recording medium 312 is provided by a pair of nip rollers 340, a platen 326, and a transport guide 346. The nip rollers 340, platen 326, and transport guide 346 are arranged in the order of nip roller 340, platen 326, and transport guide 346 from the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium 312. In Figure 16, the transport direction of the recording medium 312 is indicated by an arrow line labeled with the symbol X.

[0180] The nip roller 340 applies a specified nip pressure and supports the recording medium 312 by clamping it. The platen 326 supports the back surface of the printed surface of the recording medium 312. The recording medium support surface of the platen 326 on which the recording medium 312 is supported is a flat surface.

[0181] The platen 326 is equipped with a drying device 350, a pre-drying device 352, and an after-drying device 354. The drying device 350, pre-drying device 352, and after-drying device 354 are arranged in the order of pre-drying device 352, drying device 350, and after-drying device 354, starting from the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium 312.

[0182] The drying device 350, pre-drying device 352, and after-drying device 354 adjust the temperature of the recording medium 312 during, before, and after printing, respectively. This adjusts the viscosity and surface tension of the ink droplets adhering to the recording medium 312, thereby achieving a desirable dot size and shape.

[0183] Furthermore, depending on printing conditions such as the type of recording medium 312 and the type of ink, at least one of the pre-drying device 352 and the after-drying device 354 may be stopped. Printing conditions may include the ambient temperature of the inkjet head 324.

[0184] The transport guide 346 is positioned along the transport path of the recording medium 312 and downstream of the inkjet head 324 in the transport direction of the recording medium 312. The transport guide 346 supports the printed recording medium 312.

[0185] The inkjet head 324 is used for serial printing. In serial printing, the inkjet head 324 is scanned along the main scanning direction, ink is ejected from the inkjet head 324 along the width direction of the recording medium 312, and the recording medium 312 is transported along the transport direction of the recording medium 312. This procedure is repeated to print a color image across the entire surface of the recording medium 312.

[0186] The inkjet head 324 may employ a piezoelectric method that utilizes the deflection deformation of a piezoelectric element as a method for applying ejection pressure to the ink. The inkjet head 324 may also employ a thermal method that uses a heater to heat the ink contained in the liquid chamber and utilizes the film boiling phenomenon of the ink.

[0187] The inkjet head 324 includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets. The plurality of nozzles may be arranged in a single row along the sub-scanning direction, in a zigzag arrangement of two rows, or in a two-dimensional arrangement. Note that the plurality of nozzles described in the embodiment are just one example of a plurality of ejection elements.

[0188] Each inkjet head 324, corresponding to a specific ink color, is supplied with ink using the ink supply device 10 shown in Figure 1. The inkjet head 24 shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the inkjet heads 324 corresponding to each ink color shown in Figure 16.

[0189] The inkjet printing apparatus 300 may use active light-curing ink. Active light-curing ink is an ink that has the property of increasing viscosity when irradiated with active light such as ultraviolet light.

[0190] When an active light-curing ink is applied to the inkjet printing apparatus 300, it is equipped with an active light source, such as an ultraviolet light source. The active light source may include a pre-curing light source and a main curing light source.

[0191] The recording medium 312 can be made of various materials such as paper, nonwoven fabric, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic chemical fibers, polyethylene, polyester, and tarpaulin. The recording medium 312 may be made of a permeable medium in which ink penetrates into the interior, or it may be made of an impermeable medium in which ink does not easily penetrate into the interior.

[0192] [Electrical configuration of an inkjet printer] Figure 17 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the inkjet printing apparatus shown in Figure 16. The inkjet printing apparatus 300 includes a control device 360. The control device 360 ​​is a computer equipped with a processor.

[0193] The control device 360 ​​executes various programs to control the operation of each part of the inkjet printing device 300. The control device 360 ​​includes a transport control unit 362, a main scanning control unit 364, an image processing unit 366, and an ejection control unit 368.

[0194] The transport control unit 362 controls the operation of the transport device 400 that transports the recording medium 312 shown in Figure 16. The transport device 400 includes a motor and the like that are connected to at least one of the supply roll 342 and the winding roll 344 shown in Figure 16.

[0195] The main scanning control unit 364 controls the operation of the main scanning device 402, which moves the inkjet head 324 in the main scanning direction. The main scanning device 402 includes a carriage on which the inkjet head 324 is mounted, a carriage guide that extends in the main scanning direction and guides the carriage in the main scanning direction, a main scanning movement mechanism that moves the carriage in the main scanning direction, and a motor that serves as the drive source for the main scanning movement mechanism.

[0196] The main scanning control unit 364 acquires the encoder signal output from the encoder 404 attached to the rotation shaft of the motor that is the drive source for the main scanning movement mechanism, and uses the encoder signal to provide feedback control over the movement of the carriage.

[0197] The image processing unit 366 performs image processing to generate dot data for printing from the original image data. The image processing unit 366 applies color separation, color conversion, halftone processing, and various correction processes to the original image data.

[0198] The ejection control unit 368 generates an ejection control signal that defines the ejection timing for each nozzle from the dot data generated by the image processing unit 366. The ejection control unit 368 also generates a drive waveform signal that is applied to the drive voltage using pre-generated and stored drive waveform data. The ejection control unit 368 transmits the ejection control signal and the drive waveform signal to the head drive circuit 406.

[0199] The head drive circuit 406 generates a drive voltage supplied to each piezoelectric element in the inkjet head 324 using a drive waveform signal. The head drive circuit 406 generates an ejection timing signal that controls the on / off state of each piezoelectric element in the nozzle. The head drive circuit 406 supplies a drive voltage to each of the piezoelectric elements in the nozzle at a predetermined ejection timing.

[0200] Furthermore, the control device 360 ​​includes a pump control unit 370 and a valve control unit 372. The pump control unit 370 controls the operation of the pump 408. The pump 408 shown in Figure 17 represents various pumps provided in the inkjet printing device 300. The pump 408 includes the ink supply pump 16 shown in Figure 1.

[0201] The valve control unit 372 controls the operation of the valve 410. The valve 410 shown in Figure 17 represents various valves provided in the inkjet printing device 300. The valve 410 includes the cartridge-side valve 14 and the sub-tank-side valve 20 shown in Figure 1.

[0202] The inkjet printer 300 is equipped with a memory 420. The memory 420 functions as a storage area for various types of data, a storage area for various types of programs, and a processing area for the processor. The control device 360 ​​functions as a memory controller that controls the storage of data into the memory 420 and the reading of data from the memory 420.

[0203] The inkjet printer 300 is equipped with a sensor 422. The sensor 422 shown in Figure 17 may include various sensors provided in the inkjet printer 300. Examples of various sensors provided in the inkjet printer 300 include the pressure gauge 34 shown in Figure 1, a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the sub-tank 22, and a remaining ink sensor for detecting the remaining ink in the ink cartridge 12. The sensor 422 may also include an open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door to the storage compartment where the ink supply pump 16 and filter 18 are housed.

[0204] The storage chamber in which the ink supply pump 16 and filter 18 described in the embodiment are housed is an example of a pump storage chamber and an example of a filter storage chamber. The opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the storage chamber door described in the embodiment is an example of a pump storage chamber door opening / closing sensor and an example of a filter storage chamber door opening / closing sensor.

[0205] The control device 360 ​​acquires sensor signals transmitted from the sensor 422 and controls each part of the device based on the detection results represented by the sensor signals. For example, if the opening of the door to the storage chamber where the ink supply pump 16 and filter 18 are housed is detected, it may be determined that replacement work on at least one of the ink supply pump 16 and filter 18 is to be performed, and the process of closing the cartridge-side valve 14 and the sub-tank-side valve 20 shown in Figure 1 may be performed.

[0206] The cartridge-side valve 14 described in the embodiment is an example of a first control valve and an example of a third control valve. Furthermore, the sub-tank-side valve 20 described in the embodiment is an example of a second control valve and an example of a fourth control valve.

[0207] The inkjet printing apparatus 300 includes a power supply unit 424. The power supply unit 424 supplies power to various devices equipped in the inkjet printing apparatus 300. The power supply unit 424 may include multiple types of power supply units corresponding to the power supply voltage values ​​applied to the various devices.

[0208] The power supply unit 424 controls the supply of power to various devices and the stopping of power supply based on command signals transmitted from the control device 360. The power supply unit 424 is switched on and off using the main power switch provided in the inkjet printer 300. Note that the main power switch provided in the inkjet printer 300 is not shown in the illustration.

[0209] The control device for the ink supply device 10 shown in Figure 1 can be configured using components related to the ink supply device 10, such as the control device 360 ​​which includes the pump control unit 370 and the valve control unit 372, from the electrical configuration of the inkjet printing device 300 shown in Figure 17.

[0210] [Example hardware configuration for a control device applied to an inkjet printing device] Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical configuration shown in Figure 17. The control device 360 ​​provided in the inkjet printing apparatus 300 includes a processor 502, a computer-readable medium 504 which is a non-temporary tangible object, a communication interface 506, and an input / output interface 508.

[0211] The control device 360 ​​is a computer. The computer may be a server, a personal computer, a workstation, or a tablet device.

[0212] The processor 502 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 502 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 502 is connected to a computer-readable medium 504, a communication interface 506, and an input / output interface 508 via a bus 510. The input device 522 and the display device 524 are connected to the bus 510 via the input / output interface 508.

[0213] The computer-readable medium 504 includes a memory 512 which is the main memory and a storage 514 which is the auxiliary memory. The computer-readable medium 504 may include semiconductor memory, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc. The computer-readable medium 504 may include any combination of multiple devices.

[0214] Furthermore, hard disk drives can be referred to as HDDs, which are abbreviations for Hard Disk Drives. Solid state drives can be referred to as SSDs, which are abbreviations for Solid State Drives.

[0215] The control device 360 ​​is connected to a network via a communication interface 506 and is capable of communicating with external devices. The network can be a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Note that the network diagram is omitted.

[0216] The computer-readable medium 504 stores the main scanning control program 530, the transport control program 532, the printing control program 534, and the ink supply control program 536. The ink supply control program 536 stores the pump control program 540 and the valve control program 542.

[0217] The main scanning control program 530 is applied to the main scanning control unit 364 shown in Figure 17, and realizes the scanning function of the inkjet head 324 in the main scanning direction. The transport control program 532 is applied to the transport control unit 362, and realizes the transport function of the recording medium 312.

[0218] The print control program 534 is applied to the image processing unit 366 and the ejection control unit 368, and enables the function of printing to the recording medium 312 by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 324.

[0219] The ink supply control program 536 is applied to the pump control unit 370 and the valve control unit 372 to control the operation of the pump 408 and the valve 410.

[0220] The various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 504 include one or more instructions. The computer-readable medium 504 stores various data and various parameters, etc. Note that the memory 420 shown in Figure 17 may be included in the computer-readable medium 504 shown in Figure 18.

[0221] The inkjet printer 300 implements various functions by having the processor 502 execute various programs stored in the computer-readable medium 504. The term "program" is synonymous with the term "software."

[0222] The control device 360 ​​performs data communication with an external device via the communication interface 506. The communication interface 506 can utilize various standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication mode of the communication interface 506 may be either wired communication or wireless communication.

[0223] The control device 360 ​​is connected to an input device 522 and a display device 524 via an input / output interface 508. Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse are used for the input device 522. The display device 524 displays various information applicable to the control device 360.

[0224] The display device 524 may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a projector. The display device 524 may be any combination of multiple devices. Note that EL in organic EL display is an abbreviation for Electro-Luminescence.

[0225] Here, examples of the hardware structure of processor 502 include CPU, GPU, PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes programs and acts as various functional units. A GPU is a processor specialized for image processing.

[0226] A PLD is a processor whose electrical circuit configuration can be changed after the device has been manufactured. An example of a PLD is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). An ASIC is a processor that has dedicated electrical circuits designed specifically to perform a particular task.

[0227] A single processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or it may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different types. Examples of various processor combinations include a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more CPUs, and a combination of one or more FPGAs and one or more GPUs. Another example of various processor combinations is a combination of one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs.

[0228] A single processor can be used to configure multiple functional units. An example of configuring multiple functional units using a single processor is to configure a single processor by applying a combination of one or more CPUs and software, such as a System on a Chip (SoC) represented by a computer such as a client or server, and then having this processor function as multiple functional units.

[0229] Another example of using a single processor to configure multiple functional units is the use of a single IC chip to implement the functions of an entire system, including multiple functional units. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.

[0230] Thus, each functional unit is configured using one or more of the aforementioned processors as its hardware structure. More specifically, the hardware structure of these processors is an electrical circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0231] The computer-readable medium 504 may include semiconductor elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive). The computer-readable medium 504 may include magnetic storage media such as hard disks. The computer-readable medium 504 may comprise multiple types of storage media.

[0232] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be modified, added to, or deleted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0233] 1. Fitting 1A Tube connection 2 joints 3 tubes 3A tip 4 forceps 10. Ink supply device 12 ink cartridges 12A Ink Outlet 13. First ink channel 14. Cartridge-side valve 16. Ink supply pump 16A Pump Inlet 16B Pump Outlet 17. Second ink channel 17A Second ink channel 18 filters 18A Filter Inlet 18B Filter Outlet 20 Sub-tank side valve 21 Third Ink Channel 22 Sub-tanks 22A Ink supply port 24 inkjet heads 26 Head supply channel 30 Gas flow path 32 Gas flow valve 34 Pressure gauge 36 Pressure pumps 50 Pump Units 50A Pump Unit 52 Linear Slides 54 Slide section 54A Connector exposed side 55 Pump assembly fixing pin 56 Fixed part 57 Connector support groove 58 Pump slide guide 59 Locking mechanism support part 60 Pump Assembly 60A Pump Assembly 61 Pin insertion holes 62 Pump Inlet Connector 64 Pump Outlet Connector 66 frames 66A Pump mounting section 66B Connector fixing part 66C Inlet Connector Insertion Hole 66D Outlet Connector Insertion Hole 68 Pump inlet tube 68A One end of the pump inlet tube 68B The other end of the pump inlet tube 70 Pump Outlet Tube One end of the 70A pump outlet tube 7 70B Pump Outlet Tube 7, other end 80 Locking mechanism 82 First Arm 82A Locking mechanism support hole 84. Second Arm 86 Arm connecting member 88 Rotating shaft member 100 Cartridge-side connector 102 Filter-side connector 120 Pump-side connector 122 Sub-tank side connector 140 Connector support member 140A 1st page 140B 2nd side 150 filter units 152 Linear Slide 154 Slide section 156 Fixed part 158 Guide 159 Locking mechanism support part 160 filter assembly 160A Filter Assembly 162 Filter Inlet Connector 164 Filter Outlet Connector 166 frames 166A Inlet connector support hole 166B Outlet connector support groove 168 Filter inlet tube 168A Filter inlet tube, one end 168B The other end of the filter inlet tube 170 Filter Outlet Tube One end of the 170A filter outlet tube 170B filter outflow tube, other end 180 Locking mechanism 200 Pump Units 202 Cover 204 Connector placement side 220 Moving mechanism 222 Pump unit insertion section 262 Pump Inlet Connector 264 Pump Outlet Connector 300 inkjet printers 312 Recording media 324 inkjet heads 326 Platen 340 Nipple Roller 342 supply rolls 344 Take-up roll 346 Conveyor guide 350 Drying device 352 Pre-drying device 354 After-drying device 360 Control device 362 Conveyor control section 364 Main scanning control section 366 Image processing section 368 Discharge control section 370 Pump control section 372 Valve control section 400 Conveyor device 402 Main scanning device 404 Encoder 406 Head drive circuit 408 Pump 410 Valve 420 Memory 422 Sensor 424 Power supply device 502 Processor 504 Computer-readable medium 506 Communication interface 508 Input / output interface 510 Bus 512 Memory 514 Storage 522 Input device 524 Display device 530 Main scanning control program 532 Conveyor control program 534 Printing control program 536 Ink supply control program 540 Pump control program 542 Valve control program

Claims

1. A pump having a pump inlet that communicates with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet that communicates with a device to which the liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump inlet connecting member is fitted with a female connector having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank to which a male connector is applied. The pump outlet connecting member is a pump device to which a female connector is applied, which is connected to a supply-target connecting member that communicates with the supply-target device to which a male connector is applied.

2. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein the pump outlet connecting member comprises a pump outlet plug that is opened when connected to a supply target connecting member communicating with the supply target device, and closed when disconnected from the supply target connecting member.

3. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump outlet connecting member comprises a pump outlet plug which is opened when connected to a supply target connecting member communicating with the supply target device, and closed when disconnected from the supply target connecting member.

4. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein the pump inlet connecting member comprises a pump inlet plug that is opened when connected to a tank connecting member communicating with the tank, and closed when disconnected from the tank connecting member.

5. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump inlet connecting member comprises a pump inlet plug which is opened when connected to a tank connecting member communicating with the tank, and closed when disconnected from the tank connecting member.

6. A pump inlet passage connecting the pump inlet and the pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow channel connecting the pump outlet and the pump outflow connecting member, A pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

7. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump assembly has a structure that allows it to be easily removed from the pump moving mechanism.

8. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump assembly is a pump device having a structure that allows it to be easily removed from the pump moving mechanism.

9. The pump device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump outlet is in communication with the supply device via a filter assembly that includes a filter.

10. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump outlet is connected to the supply target device via a filter assembly equipped with a filter.

11. The aforementioned filter assembly is A filter inlet for introducing liquid into the aforementioned filter, comprising a filter inlet that communicates with the pump outlet, A filter outlet for discharging liquid from the aforementioned filter, A filter outlet connecting member that communicates with the filter outlet, The pump device according to claim 10, comprising:

12. A pump inlet passage connecting the pump inlet and the pump inlet connecting member, A pump filter flow path connecting the pump outlet and the filter inlet, A filter outflow channel connecting the filter outlet and the filter outflow connecting member, The pump device according to claim 11, comprising:

13. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, The pump fixing mechanism includes a pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump moving mechanism in a specified position, The pump inlet connecting member is fitted with a female connector having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank to which a male connector is applied. The pump outlet connecting member comprises a pump device to which a female connector is applied, which is connected to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device to which a male connector is applied.

14. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, The pump fixing mechanism includes a pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump moving mechanism in a specified position, A liquid supply device comprising a pump device having a pump outlet plug which is opened when the pump outlet connecting member is connected to a supply target connecting member communicating with the supply target device, and closed when the pump outlet connecting member is disconnected from the supply target connecting member.

15. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, The pump fixing mechanism includes a pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump moving mechanism in a specified position, A liquid supply device comprising a pump device having a pump inlet plug which is opened when the pump inlet connecting member is connected to a tank connecting member communicating with the tank, and closed when the pump inlet connecting member is disconnected from the tank connecting member.

16. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, The pump fixing mechanism includes a pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump moving mechanism in a specified position, The pump assembly is a liquid supply device comprising a pump device having a structure that allows it to be easily removed from the pump relocation mechanism.

17. A pump comprising a pump inlet communicating with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet communicating with a device to which liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, The pump fixing mechanism includes a pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump moving mechanism in a specified position, The pump outlet is a liquid supply device comprising a pump device that communicates with the supply target device via a filter assembly equipped with a filter.

18. A pump having a pump inlet that communicates with a tank in which liquid is stored and a pump outlet that communicates with a device to which the liquid is supplied, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outlet connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump device comprising: a pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump moving mechanism in a specified position; A filter comprising a filter inlet communicating with the pump outlet and a filter outlet communicating with the supply target device, A filter inlet connecting member communicating with the filter inlet, A filter inlet connecting support member that supports the filter inlet connecting member, A filter outlet connecting member that communicates with the filter outlet, and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the supply target device, A filter assembly comprising a filter outlet connecting support member that supports the filter outlet connecting member, A filter moving mechanism that movably supports the aforementioned filter assembly, A filter device comprising: a filter fixing mechanism for fixing the filter moving mechanism in a specified position; A liquid supply device equipped with the following features.

19. The connecting support member comprises a first surface on which a filter connecting member connected to the tank connecting member and the pump outflow connecting member is supported, and a second surface on which the supply target connecting member and the pump connecting member are supported, The pump device is positioned such that the surfaces supporting the pump inlet connecting member and the pump outlet connecting member face the first surface. The liquid supply device according to claim 18, wherein the filter device is positioned such that the surfaces supporting the filter inlet connecting member and the filter outlet connecting member face the second surface.

20. A tank in which a liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump inlet connecting member is fitted with a female connector having a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank to which a male connector is applied. The pump discharge connecting member is a liquid discharge device comprising a pump device to which a female connector is applied, which is connected to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the discharge head to which a male connector is applied.

21. A tank in which a liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, A liquid discharge device comprising a pump device, wherein the pump discharge connecting member is equipped with a pump discharge plug that is opened when connected to a supply target connecting member communicating with the discharge head, and closed when disconnected from the supply target connecting member.

22. A tank in which liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with a sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, A liquid discharge device comprising a pump device, wherein the pump inlet connecting member has a pump inlet plug that is opened when connected to a tank connecting member communicating with the tank, and closed when disconnected from the tank connecting member.

23. A tank in which liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, The pump assembly is a liquid dispensing device equipped with a pump device, having a structure that allows it to be easily removed from the pump moving mechanism.

24. A tank in which a liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, Equipped with, A liquid discharge device comprising a pump, wherein the pump outlet is in communication with the discharge head via a filter assembly that includes a filter.

25. A tank in which liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, A pumping device equipped with the following features: The flow path connecting the tank and the tank connecting member connected to the pump inlet connecting member is a liquid discharge device equipped with a first control valve.

26. A pump storage chamber in which the aforementioned pump assembly is housed, A pump storage room door open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door provided in the pump storage room, One or more processors, One or more memory locations in which programs to be executed by the one or more processors are stored, Equipped with, The one or more processors execute the instructions of the program, The liquid discharge device according to claim 25, wherein the first control valve is closed when the opening of the pump storage room door is detected using the pump storage room door opening / closing sensor.

27. The liquid discharge device according to claim 25, wherein the flow path connecting the sub-tank and the supply target connecting member connected to the pump outflow connecting member is equipped with a second control valve.

28. A tank in which a liquid is stored, A sub-tank for storing the liquid sent from the aforementioned tank, A discharge head equipped with multiple discharge elements, A liquid supply device that supplies liquid from the tank to the discharge head via the sub-tank, Equipped with, The liquid supply device is A pump having a pump inlet communicating with the tank and a pump outlet communicating with the discharge head, A pump inlet connecting member that communicates with the pump inlet and has a structure that connects to a tank connecting member that communicates with the tank, A pump inlet connecting support member that supports the aforementioned pump inlet connecting member, A pump outflow connecting member that communicates with the pump outlet and has a structure that connects to a supply target connecting member that communicates with the sub-tank, A pump assembly comprising a pump outlet connecting support member that supports the pump outlet connecting member, A pump moving mechanism that supports the pump assembly so that it can move, A pump fixing mechanism for fixing the pump relocation mechanism in a specified position, A pumping device equipped with the following features: The flow path connecting the sub-tank and the supply target connecting member connected to the pump outflow connecting member is a liquid discharge device equipped with a second control valve.

29. A pump storage chamber in which the aforementioned pump assembly is housed, A pump storage room door open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door provided in the pump storage room, One or more processors, One or more memory locations in which programs to be executed by the one or more processors are stored, Equipped with, The one or more processors execute the instructions of the program, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 28, wherein the second control valve is closed when the opening of the door of the pump storage chamber is detected using the pump storage chamber door opening / closing sensor.

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