Liquid supply unit, recording device provided with same, and method for attaching liquid supply unit

Abstract

This liquid supply unit comprises: a supply tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank for storing the liquid to be recovered from the supply destination; and a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably mounted to a device body including the supply destination.

Description

Liquid supply unit, recording apparatus equipped with the same, and method for installing the liquid supply unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid supply unit, a recording apparatus including the same, and a method for installing the liquid supply unit.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-129999 discloses an inkjet recording device that prints on a medium using ink. In this technology, the inkjet recording device includes a supply tank that stores ink, a recording head that ejects ink supplied from the supply tank, and a recovery tank that stores ink recovered from the recording head. The supply tank and the recovery tank are detachably attached to a box-shaped ink tank guide.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-060991

[0004] A liquid supply unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a supply tank that stores liquid to be supplied to a supply destination, a recovery tank that stores the liquid to be recovered from the supply destination, and a support that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is removably attached to an apparatus main body including the supply destination.

[0005] A recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the liquid supply unit described above, and an ejection head that receives the liquid as the supply destination and ejects the liquid onto a recording medium.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for installing a liquid supply unit, the method comprising: attaching a liquid supply unit having a supply tank and a recovery tank, each capable of containing a liquid, to an apparatus body including a supply destination; the method includes: mounting the supply tank and the recovery tank on a support; and mounting the support, with the supply tank and the recovery tank mounted thereon, to the apparatus body so as to supply the liquid from the supply tank to the supply destination and recover the liquid from the supply destination to the recovery tank.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a carriage shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of ink around an ink head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a supply sub-tank and a recovery sub-tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tank unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tank unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, seen from the opposite side of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which multiple tank units are attached to a carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heater of a tank unit according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a heater of a tank unit according to this embodiment.

[0008] A recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an inkjet printer equipped with an ink head that ejects ink for forming an image onto a wide, long recording medium will be exemplified as a specific example of the recording apparatus. Inkjet printers are suitable for digital textile printing, which uses an inkjet method to print images such as letters and patterns onto a recording medium made of fabric such as woven or knitted fabric. Of course, the recording apparatus according to the present disclosure can also be used to print various images on recording media such as paper sheets and resin sheets.

[0009] [Overall Configuration of Inkjet Printer] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an inkjet printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. The inkjet printer 1 is a printer that prints images on a wide and long workpiece W (recording medium, target object) using an inkjet method. As an example, the width of the workpiece W is several meters. The printer 1 includes a device frame 10, and a workpiece transport unit 20 and a carriage 3 (device main body) that are incorporated into this device frame 10. Note that in this embodiment, the left-to-right direction is the main scanning direction S ( FIG. 3 ) when printing on the workpiece W, and the direction from rear to front is the sub-scanning direction (the transport direction F of the workpiece W, which intersects with the main scanning direction S).

[0010] The device frame 10 forms a framework for mounting various components of the inkjet printer 1. The work transport unit 20 is a mechanism that intermittently feeds (transports) the work W so that the work W progresses in a transport direction F from rear to front in a printing area where inkjet printing processing is performed. The carriage 3 is equipped with an ink head 4, a pre-treatment liquid head 5, a post-treatment liquid head 6, and a sub-tank 7, and moves back and forth in a main scanning direction S (left and right direction) that intersects with the transport direction F of the work W during the inkjet printing processing.

[0011] The device frame 10 includes a central frame 111, a right frame 112, and a left frame 113. The central frame 111 forms a framework for mounting various components of the inkjet printer 1, and has a left-to-right width corresponding to the work transport section 20. The right frame 112 and left frame 113 are erected to the right and left of the central frame 111, respectively. Between the right frame 112 and the left frame 113 is the printing area 12 where printing processing is performed on the work W.

[0012] The right frame 112 forms the maintenance area 13. The maintenance area 13 is an area where the carriage 3 is retracted when the printing process is not being performed. In the maintenance area 13, cleaning processes, purging processes, etc. are performed on the nozzles (ejection holes) of the ink heads 4, pre-treatment liquid heads 5, and post-treatment liquid heads 6, and each nozzle is capped. The left frame 113 forms a turn-back area 14 for the carriage 3. The turn-back area 14 is an area where the carriage 3 temporarily enters when it performs a main scan in the opposite direction after performing a main scan in the opposite direction across the printing area 12 from right to left during the printing process.

[0013] A carriage guide 15 for moving the carriage 3 back and forth in the left-right direction is attached to the upper side of the device frame 10. The carriage guide 15 is a flat plate-shaped member that is long in the left-right direction, and is disposed above the work transport unit 20. A timing belt 16 is attached to the carriage guide 15 so as to be able to move in a circular motion in the left-right direction (main scanning direction). The timing belt 16 is an endless belt that is driven to move in a circular motion in the left or right direction.

[0014] The carriage guide 15 is equipped with a pair of upper and lower guide rails 17 that extend parallel to the left and right and that hold the carriage 3 in a state that allows it to move back and forth in the main scanning direction S. The carriage 3 is engaged with the guide rails 17. The carriage 3 is also fixed to a timing belt 16. As the timing belt 16 moves orbitally leftward or rightward, the carriage 3 moves leftward or rightward along the carriage guide 15 while being guided by the guide rails 17.

[0015] Referring primarily to Figure 2, the work transport section 20 includes a feed roller 21 that pays out the work W before printing, and a take-up roller 22 that takes up the work W after printing. The feed roller 21 is located at the rear lower part of the device frame 10, and is a take-up shaft for a feed roll WA that is a roll of the work W before printing. The take-up roller 22 is located at the front lower part of the device frame 10, and is a take-up shaft for a take-up roll WB that is a roll of the work W after the printing process. A first motor M1 is attached to the take-up roller 22, which drives the take-up roller 22 to rotate about its axis and perform the operation of winding up the work W.

[0016] The path between the delivery roller 21 and the take-up roller 22 and passing through the printing area 12 is the transport path for the workpiece W. Arranged on this transport path, in order from upstream, are a first tension roller 23, a work guide 24, a transport roller 25 and a pinch roller 26, a turn-back roller 27, and a second tension roller 28. The first tension roller 23 applies a predetermined tension to the workpiece W on the upstream side of the transport roller 25. The work guide 24 changes the transport direction of the workpiece W from upward to forward, allowing the workpiece W to enter the printing area 12.

[0017] The transport roller 25 is a roller that generates a transport force that intermittently feeds the workpiece W in the printing area 12. The transport roller 25 is driven to rotate around its axis by the second motor M2, and intermittently transports the workpiece W forward (in a predetermined transport direction F) so that the workpiece W passes through the printing area 12 (image forming position) facing the carriage 3. The pinch roller 26 is disposed opposite the transport roller 25 from above, and forms a transport nip portion with the transport roller 25.

[0018] The turn-back roller 27 changes the transport direction of the workpiece W that has passed through the printing area 12 from forward to downward, and guides the workpiece W after printing processing to the take-up roller 22. The second tension roller 28 applies a predetermined tension to the workpiece W downstream of the transport roller 25. A platen 29 is disposed below the transport path of the workpiece W in the printing area 12.

[0019] The carriage 3 is cantilevered on the guide rails 17 and moves back and forth in a main scanning direction S (left and right in this embodiment) that intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the transport direction F. The carriage 3 includes a carriage frame 30, and an ink head 4, a pre-treatment liquid head 5, a post-treatment liquid head 6, and a sub-tank 7 ( FIG. 3 ) that are mounted on the carriage frame 30. The carriage frame 30 includes a head support frame 31 and a back frame 32.

[0020] The head support frame 31 is a horizontal plate that holds the heads 4 to 6. The back frame 32 is a vertical plate that extends upward from the rear edge of the head support frame 31. As described above, the timing belt 16 is fixed to the back frame 32. The guide rail 17 is engaged with the back frame 32. That is, in this embodiment, the back frame 32 is an engagement portion that holds the guide rail 17 in a cantilevered state. The head support frame 31 is a horizontal plate whose rear end is supported in a cantilevered state on the guide rail 17 by the engagement portion.

[0021] The cantilevered state refers to a state in which the engagement portion (back frame 32), which is the portion of the carriage 3 that is held by the guide rail 17, which is a holding member, is present only on one side, either upstream or downstream, from the center of the carriage 3 in the transport direction F, and no other engagement portion is present on the opposite side of the side where the engagement portion is present. The engagement portion may also be located outside the range in which the ink head 4 and processing head are arranged in the transport direction F. In other words, the engagement portion may be located only upstream or only downstream of the range in which the ink head 4 and processing head are arranged in the transport direction F.

[0022] [Details of Carriage] The carriage 3 will now be further described. Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the carriage 3 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows the transport direction F (sub-scanning direction) of the workpiece W and the main scanning direction S, which is the direction of movement of the carriage 3. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the carriage 3 is equipped with a plurality of ink heads 4 that eject ink for image formation onto the workpiece W, a pre-treatment liquid head 5 and a post-treatment liquid head 6 that eject non-color-forming treatment liquid, and a plurality of sub-tanks 7 that supply the ink and treatment liquid to these heads 4 to 6.

[0023] Each ink head 4 has a number of nozzles (ink ejection holes) that eject ink droplets using an ejection method such as a piezoelectric method using a piezoelectric element or a thermal method using a heating element, and ink passages that guide the ink to the nozzles. For example, a water-based pigment ink containing a water-based solvent, pigment, and binding resin (binder) can be used as the ink. The multiple ink heads 4 in this embodiment are capable of ejecting eight colors of ink. The ink heads 4 are mounted on the head support frame 31 ( FIG. 2 ) of the carriage 3 so as to be aligned in two rows in the main scanning direction S. Each color ink head 4 has two heads.

[0024] Specifically, the ink heads 4 include a first upstream ink head 41A and a first downstream ink head 41B. These ink heads 4 eject yellow ink. The ink heads 4 also include a second upstream ink head 42A and a second downstream ink head 42B. These ink heads 4 eject magenta ink. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3 , two ink heads 4 ejecting the same color ink are arranged at positions offset from each other in the transport direction F and the main scanning direction S. These two ink heads 4 form a pair, and a total of eight pairs of ink heads 4 (41A to 48A, 41B to 48B) eject inks of different colors (different liquids). Note that in this disclosure, "different liquids" includes not only different types of liquids, but also the same type of liquid whose respective flow paths are independent of each other.

[0025] The pre-treatment liquid head 5 and the post-treatment liquid head 6 are disposed at positions different from the ink heads 4 in the transport direction F. The pre-treatment liquid head 5 is disposed upstream of the ink heads 4 in the transport direction F. FIG. 3 shows an example in which one pre-treatment liquid head 5 is disposed near the left end of the array of ink heads 4. Similarly, the post-treatment liquid head 6 is disposed downstream of the ink heads 4 in the transport direction F. FIG. 3 shows an example in which one post-treatment liquid head 6 is disposed at the right end of the array of ink heads 4. In other embodiments, a plurality of pre-treatment liquid heads 5 or a plurality of post-treatment liquid heads 6 may be disposed. It is desirable that the carriage 3 be equipped with at least one pre-treatment liquid head 5 and at least one post-treatment liquid head 6, but in other embodiments, a pre-treatment liquid head 5 and a post-treatment liquid head 6 may not be disposed.

[0026] A series of heads arranged along the main scanning direction S, which are made up of the ink heads 4, pretreatment liquid heads 5, and posttreatment liquid heads 6, will be referred to as a row of heads, or simply as a row. Also, a series of heads arranged along the transport direction F, which are made up of the ink heads 4, pretreatment liquid heads 5, and posttreatment liquid heads 6, will be referred to as a row of heads, or simply as a row.

[0027] The pretreatment liquid head 5 ejects a pretreatment liquid for performing a predetermined pretreatment on the workpiece W. The pretreatment liquid is ejected from the ink head 4 onto a position on the workpiece W to which ink has not yet been ejected from the ink head 4. The pretreatment liquid is a non-color-forming treatment liquid that does not develop color even when it adheres to the workpiece W, and is a treatment liquid that exhibits functions such as increasing the fixation of ink to the workpiece W or the coagulation of ink pigments. Examples of such pretreatment liquids that can be used include a treatment liquid in which a binder resin is blended into a solvent, or a treatment liquid in which a positively charged cationic resin is blended into a solvent.

[0028] The post-treatment liquid head 6 ejects a post-treatment liquid for performing a predetermined post-treatment on the workpiece W to which ink has adhered. The post-treatment liquid is ejected from the post-treatment liquid head 6 onto a position on the workpiece W after the ink has been ejected from the ink head 4. The post-treatment liquid is a non-color-forming treatment liquid that does not develop color even when it adheres to the workpiece W, and exhibits the function of increasing the fixation and robustness (resistance to rubbing and scraping) of the ink image printed on the workpiece W by the ink head 4. A silicone-based treatment liquid or the like can be used as such a post-treatment liquid. Note that the post-treatment liquid and the pre-treatment liquid are different treatment liquids. Specifically, the post-treatment liquid and the pre-treatment liquid contain different components.

[0029] Here, a non-color-forming treatment liquid refers to a treatment liquid that, when printed alone on a recording medium, is not perceived as having a color by the naked eye. Colors here include colors with a saturation of zero, such as black, white, and gray. A non-color-forming treatment liquid is essentially a transparent liquid; however, when viewed in its liquid state, for example, 1 liter of treatment liquid may not be completely transparent, but may appear slightly white. Such colors are so faint that, when printed alone on a recording medium, they are not perceived as having a color by the naked eye. Note that, depending on the type of treatment liquid, when printed alone on a recording medium, changes such as gloss may appear on the recording medium, but such a state is not considered color-forming.

[0030] In this embodiment, the pre-treatment liquid and the post-treatment liquid may be ejected onto almost the entire surface of the workpiece W, or the pre-treatment liquid and the post-treatment liquid may be ejected selectively in accordance with the image to be printed, similar to ink.

[0031] Next, a case where the pretreatment liquid and the posttreatment liquid are selectively ejected will be described. As described above, the pretreatment liquid, ink, and posttreatment liquid are ejected in this order onto the portion of the workpiece W where a color is to be printed in accordance with the image. In this case, the ink may be of one color or multiple colors. In portions where no color is to be printed, i.e., portions where no ink is ejected, the pretreatment liquid and the posttreatment liquid are basically not ejected either. Note that, in order to adjust the image quality of the image to be printed and the texture of the workpiece W, the selection of ejection of the pretreatment liquid and the posttreatment liquid may be made to differ from the ejection of the ink.

[0032] 3, openings 31H are provided at the positions where the heads are arranged in the head support frame 31. The ink heads 4, the pre-treatment liquid heads 5, and the post-treatment liquid heads 6 are attached to the head support frame 31 so as to be fitted into the respective openings 31H. Nozzles arranged on the lower end surfaces of the heads 4, 5, and 6 are exposed from the respective openings 31H.

[0033] The plurality of sub-tanks 7 are supported by the carriage 3 above the heads 4, 5, and 6 via a frame 70F (FIGS. 6 and 7) described below. The plurality of sub-tanks 7 are provided corresponding to each of the heads 4, 5, and 6. Ink or treatment liquid is supplied to each sub-tank 7 from a main tank 91 and an intermediate tank 94 (described below) that contain ink and treatment liquid, and these are supplied to each of the heads 4, 5, and 6. Each sub-tank 7 and the heads 4, 5, and 6 are connected by pipes not shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] The subtanks 7 include a first supply subtank 71A to an eighth supply subtank 78A, a pre-treatment supply subtank 7FA, and a post-treatment supply subtank 7RA. The subtanks 7 also include a first recovery subtank 71B to an eighth recovery subtank 78B, a pre-treatment recovery subtank 7FB, and a post-treatment recovery subtank 7RB. While the supply subtank and recovery subtank are shown as simple boxes in Figure 3 for ease of explanation, their actual structures and shapes will be described in detail below.

[0035] The first supply subtank 71A (supply tank) and the first recovery subtank 71B (recovery tank) store yellow ink containing a pigment. The first supply subtank 71A stores yellow ink (liquid) to be supplied to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B (both referred to as ejection heads or supply destinations). Meanwhile, the first recovery subtank 71B stores yellow ink recovered from the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B. As described above, some of the yellow ink is ejected toward the workpiece W from the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B. Similarly, the second supply subtank 72A stores magenta ink to be supplied to the second upstream ink head 42A and the second downstream ink head 42B. Meanwhile, the second recovery subtank 72B stores magenta ink recovered from the second upstream ink head 42A and the second downstream ink head 42B. The other sub-tanks, from the third sub-tank to the eighth sub-tank, also have the same structure and function as those described above.

[0036] The pre-treatment supply sub-tank 7FA stores the pre-treatment liquid to be supplied to the pre-treatment liquid head 5, and the pre-treatment recovery sub-tank 7FB stores the pre-treatment liquid recovered from the pre-treatment liquid head 5. The post-treatment supply sub-tank 7RA stores the post-treatment liquid to be supplied to the post-treatment liquid head 6, and the post-treatment recovery sub-tank 7RB stores the post-treatment liquid recovered from the post-treatment liquid head 6.

[0037] As described above, the inkjet printer 1 according to this embodiment is an all-in-one printer in which three types of heads - the ink head 4, the pre-treatment liquid head 5, and the post-treatment liquid head 6 - are mounted on a single carriage 3. With this inkjet printer 1, for example, in the printing process of performing inkjet printing on fabric in digital textile printing, the pre-treatment liquid ejection process and the post-treatment liquid ejection process can be carried out in an integrated manner. This makes it possible to simplify the textile printing process and make the textile printing device more compact. Furthermore, by mounting the sub-tank 7 on the carriage 3, the device can be made even more compact.

[0038] The inkjet printer 1 according to this embodiment uses a serial printing method to print on the workpiece W. Specifically, if the workpiece W is wide, it is not possible to print while continuously feeding the workpiece W. The serial printing method is a printing method that repeats reciprocating movement of a carriage 3 carrying ink heads 4 of each color in the main scanning direction S and intermittent feeding of the workpiece W in the transport direction F.

[0039] Specifically, the band-shaped image is printed while the carriage 3 moves in the forward direction, which is one of the main scanning directions S. During this main scanning in the forward direction, the feeding of the workpiece W is stopped. After the band-shaped image is printed, the workpiece W is sent out in the transport direction F by a predetermined pitch. At this time, the carriage 3 waits in the turn-back area 14 on the left end side. After the workpiece W is sent out, the carriage 3 turns back in the return direction, which is opposite to the forward direction, as the timing belt 16 moves in the reverse direction. The workpiece W is in a stopped state. Then, while moving in the return direction, the carriage 3 prints the next band-shaped image upstream of the previous band-shaped image. Similar operations are repeated thereafter.

[0040] <Circulation Flow Paths for Ink and Treatment Liquid> Next, the flow of ink and treatment liquid in the inkjet printer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that, while the flow of ink will be described in detail below, a similar structure is also provided for each treatment liquid. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of ink around the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the supply sub-tank and the recovery sub-tank according to this embodiment. Note that, in each figure, the lines connecting components indicate conduits (tubes) through which gas or liquid flows.

[0041] In this embodiment, pressure is applied via gas (air) to each of the first supply sub-tank 71A to the post-treatment supply sub-tank 7RA (each also referred to as a supply tank) and the first recovery sub-tank 71B to the post-treatment recovery sub-tank 7RB (each also referred to as a recovery tank), which are mounted on the carriage 3 in Fig. 3. As a result, due to this pressure difference (differential pressure), liquid (ink, pre-treatment liquid, post-treatment liquid) is supplied from each supply sub-tank to the ink head 4, pre-treatment liquid head 5, and post-treatment liquid head 6, and each liquid is recovered from each head to each recovery sub-tank. The liquids recovered in the recovery sub-tanks are supplied to the supply sub-tank. In other words, a circulation path for each liquid is formed.

[0042] 4, a description will be given of a circulation path including a supply and recovery path for yellow ink to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B. Note that a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 4 is also provided for the ink heads of other colors.

[0043] The inkjet printer 1 further includes filters 81, 82, 83, and 84 arranged on the carriage 3, a circulation pump 85 (pump), a filter 86, a degasser 87, a supply solenoid valve 88, and a recovery solenoid valve 89. The inkjet printer 1 also includes a main tank 91 arranged on the device frame 10 ( FIG. 1 ) outside the carriage 3, a main tank solenoid valve 92, a main supply pump 93, an intermediate tank 94, an intermediate tank solenoid valve 95, an intermediate tank pump 96, a sensor 97, and a control unit 100.

[0044] Yellow ink that flows from the first supply sub-tank 71A into the ink supply path QA through the supply electromagnetic valve 88 is divided into a first ink path Q1 that passes through the first upstream ink head 41A and a second ink path Q2 that passes through the first downstream ink head 41B. A first supply pipe 711, a second supply pipe 712, a first recovery pipe 713, and a second recovery pipe 714 are connected to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B, respectively (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0045] Filter 81 is located upstream of the first upstream ink head 41A, and filter 82 is located upstream of the first downstream ink head 41B. Filter 83 is located downstream of the first upstream ink head 41A, and filter 84 is located downstream of the first downstream ink head 41B. These filters function to remove foreign matter, dust, and the like from the ink. After a portion of the yellow ink is ejected onto the workpiece W from the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B, the remaining ink is collected from the ink collection path QB through a collection solenoid valve 89 and into the first collection subtank 71B. The collected yellow ink is then supplied to the first supply subtank 71A by a circulation pump 85 through an ink return path Q3 (return flow path) that runs from the first collection subtank 71B to the first supply subtank 71A.

[0046] 4, the circulation pump 85 constitutes part of the circulation flow path Q for yellow ink that flows from the first supply sub-tank 71A via the first upstream ink head 41A, the first downstream ink head 41B, and the first recovery sub-tank 71B and returns to the first supply sub-tank 71A. In this embodiment, the circulation pump 85 is disposed in the ink return path Q3 in order to eject yellow ink from the first recovery sub-tank 71B to the first supply sub-tank 71A.

[0047] The filter 86 is disposed in the ink return path Q3 and collects and removes foreign matter from the ink supplied from the first recovery sub-tank 71B to the first supply sub-tank 71A. The degasser 87 has the function of degassing (removing air bubbles) the ink flowing through the ink return path Q3.

[0048] The heater 70H heats the ink flowing through the ink return path Q3 before it is supplied to the first supply sub-tank 71A. The detailed structure of the heater 70H will be described later. By maintaining the temperature of the ink supplied to the first supply sub-tank 71A at a predetermined temperature or higher, the temperature and viscosity of the ink flowing into the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B are maintained, and the ink ejection performance of each head can be stably maintained.

[0049] During normal printing operations, the supply electromagnetic valve 88 and the recovery electromagnetic valve 89 are opened to open the ink supply path QA and the ink recovery path QB, respectively.

[0050] The main tank 91 is mounted on the device frame 10 of the inkjet printer 1 and stores yellow ink. Similar main tanks 91 are provided for the other colors. The main tank solenoid valve 92 opens to switch between opening and closing the flow path from the main tank 91 to the intermediate tank 94. The main supply pump 93 operates to supply ink from the main tank 91 to the intermediate tank 94.

[0051] The intermediate tank 94 stores yellow ink supplied from the main tank 91. The intermediate tank solenoid valve 95 opens to switch between open and closed states of an ink refill path Q4 that joins the intermediate tank 94 with the ink return path Q3. The intermediate tank pump 96 operates to supply ink from the intermediate tank 94 toward the first supply sub-tank 71A. A sensor 97 detects the remaining amount of yellow ink in the intermediate tank 94. When the amount of ink in the intermediate tank 94 falls below a predetermined threshold according to the detection result of the sensor 97, the main supply pump 93 operates to supply ink from the main tank 91 to the intermediate tank 94. Meanwhile, the intermediate tank pump 96 supplies ink from the intermediate tank 94 toward the first supply sub-tank 71A according to the detection results of capacitance sensors 71A1 and 71B1 (described below).

[0052] The control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the inkjet printer 1, and electrically controls each of the components shown in FIG.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5 , for example, the first supply sub-tank 71A has a box-shaped tank body 710A. When yellow ink (liquid) is stored therein, a supply tank gas area SA and a supply tank ink area SB are formed. The supply tank gas area SA is a space above the liquid level L1 of the yellow ink in the first supply sub-tank 71A, and the supply tank ink area SB is an area formed by the yellow ink. The supply tank gas area SA is connected to a supply-side pressure supply path P11. The supply-side pressure supply path P11 is connected to a first pressure source P1 and adjusts and maintains the supply tank gas area SA of the first supply sub-tank 71A at a predetermined pressure. A supply air pressure connection coupling 751, described below, is disposed in the supply-side pressure supply path P11. The supply tank ink region SB is also connected to the ink supply path QA (first ink path Q1, second ink path Q2), the ink return path Q3, and the ink refill path Q4.

[0054] The first supply sub-tank 71A also has a capacitance sensor 71A1 that can detect the liquid level (ink amount) of yellow ink in the first supply sub-tank 71A.

[0055] Similarly, the first recovery sub-tank 71B has a box-shaped tank body 710B. When yellow ink is stored therein, a recovery tank gas region SC and a recovery tank ink region SD are formed. The recovery tank gas region SC is a space above the liquid level L2 of the yellow ink in the first recovery sub-tank 71B, and the recovery tank ink region SD is a region formed by the yellow ink. The recovery tank gas region SC is connected to a recovery-side pressure supply path P12. The recovery-side pressure supply path P12 is connected to a second pressure source P2 and adjusts and maintains the recovery tank gas region SC of the first recovery sub-tank 71B at a predetermined pressure. A recovery air pressure connection coupling 752, described below, is disposed in the recovery-side pressure supply path P12. The recovery tank ink region SD is also connected to the ink recovery path QB (first ink path Q1, second ink path Q2) and the ink return path Q3.

[0056] The first collection sub-tank 71B also has a capacitance sensor 71B1 that can detect the yellow ink in the first collection sub-tank 71B, and a capacitance sensor 71B2 that can detect bubbles in the ink above the liquid level L2 of the yellow ink. Here, the ink bubbles correspond to foam or multiple bubbles. In reality, what the capacitance sensor 71B2 detects by capacitance is not the gas in the bubbles, but the minute amount of ink (liquid) that makes up the film of multiple bubbles.

[0057] In this embodiment, the supply tank gas area SA of the first supply sub-tank 71A is maintained at, for example, +2 kPa, and the recovery tank gas area SC of the first recovery sub-tank 71B is maintained at, for example, -15 kPa. In this case, the tank body 710B of the first recovery sub-tank 71B is set to a negative pressure relative to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B.

[0058] As a result, a flow of yellow ink is formed from the first supply sub-tank 71A in FIG. 4 through the ink supply path QA (first ink path Q1, second ink path Q2), each ink head, and the ink recovery path QB (first ink path Q1, second ink path Q2) to the first recovery sub-tank 71B. Both the supply tank gas area SA and the recovery tank gas area SC may be held at a positive pressure greater than 0 kPa. Also, both the supply tank gas area SA and the recovery tank gas area SC may be held at a negative pressure less than 0 kPa. The pressure difference between the supply tank gas area SA and the recovery tank gas area SC needs only to be 5 to 20 kPa. In either case, the first recovery sub-tank 71B needs only to be at a more negative pressure than each ink head.

[0059] When the capacitance sensor 71B1 (FIG. 5) detects the ink level L2 in the first collection sub-tank 71B, the control unit 100 operates the circulation pump 85. As a result, a portion of the yellow ink in the first collection sub-tank 71B is supplied to the first supply sub-tank 71A through the ink return path Q3. The circulation pump 85 operates whether the inkjet printer 1 is in the middle of a printing operation or is stopped.

[0060] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 determines, based on the detection results of the capacitance sensors 71A1 and 71B1, that the amount of yellow ink in both the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 100 opens the intermediate tank solenoid valve 95 and operates the intermediate tank pump 96 to replenish yellow ink from the intermediate tank 94 to the first supply subtank 71A through the ink refill path Q4 and the ink return path Q3. At this time, the intermediate tank solenoid valve 95 opens to adjust the maximum replenishment amount (replenishment rate) for the first supply subtank 71A. Furthermore, when the sensor 97 detects that the remaining amount of yellow ink in the intermediate tank 94 is low, the control unit 100 opens the main tank solenoid valve 92 and operates the main supply pump 93 to replenish yellow ink from the main tank 91 to the intermediate tank 94.

[0061] <Structure of Tank Unit> Next, the structure of each sub-tank shown in Figures 3 to 5 will be described in more detail. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tank unit 70 (liquid supply unit) according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tank unit 70, seen from the opposite side to that of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which multiple tank units 70 are attached to a carriage 3 according to this embodiment. Note that the heads are not shown in Figure 8.

[0062] The tank unit 70 includes a first supply sub-tank 71A and a first recovery sub-tank 71B, and is a unit that is detachable from the carriage 3 of the inkjet printer 1. A tank unit 70 is provided for each color of ink, pre-treatment liquid, and post-treatment liquid. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the tank unit 70 includes a first supply sub-tank 71A, a first recovery sub-tank 71B, a frame 70F (support) that supports these components, the heater 70H described above, a circulation pump 85, a filter 86, a degasser 87, a supply solenoid valve 88, and a recovery solenoid valve 89. Note that the tank unit 70 does not necessarily have to include all of these components.

[0063] The frame 70F supports the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B, and is detachably mounted on the carriage 3 (apparatus main body) including the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B.

[0064] Specifically, the frame 70F has a frame horizontal portion 70F1 (first support portion) and a frame back portion 70F2 (second support portion). The frame horizontal portion 70F1 is a plate-shaped portion that has a predetermined width in the left-right direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction). The frame horizontal portion 70F1 supports the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B. Specifically, the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B are supported by the frame 70F so as to be suspended (hanging down) from the frame horizontal portion 70F1 of the frame 70F.

[0065] The frame back portion 70F2 is a support portion different from the frame horizontal portion 70F1, and is fixed to the back frame 32 of the carriage 3. The frame back portion 70F2 is disposed so as to extend upward (vertically) from the rear end portion of the frame horizontal portion 70F1.

[0066] The structure of the tank unit 70 according to this embodiment allows the support structures for the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B to be located above each sub-tank, thereby ensuring sufficient space below the tank unit 70 and allowing for flexible placement of the first supply pipe 711 and the second supply pipe 712 (supply pipes) and the first recovery pipe 713 and the second recovery pipe 714 (recovery pipes) for supplying and recovering ink to each ink head.

[0067] According to the structure of the tank unit 70 as described above, ink can be stably supplied to and collected from each head located below each sub-tank within the carriage 3, and the space within the carriage 3 can be effectively utilized, making the size of the carriage 3 compact.

[0068] Additionally, above the frame horizontal portion 70F1 of the frame 70F, a connector 750, a supply air pressure connection coupling 751, a recovery air pressure connection coupling 752, a degasser vacuum pressure connection coupling 753, and an ink connection coupling 754 are arranged (FIGS. 6 and 7). The connector 750 is provided for supplying power to the tank unit 70 and inputting and outputting various signals. The supply air pressure connection coupling 751 is connected to a first pressure source P1 to set a predetermined pressure in the supply tank gas area SA (FIG. 5) of the first supply sub-tank 71A. Similarly, the recovery air pressure connection coupling 752 is connected to a second pressure source P2 to set a predetermined pressure in the recovery tank gas area SC (FIG. 5) of the first recovery sub-tank 71B. The first pressure source P1 and the second pressure source P2 may share the same pressure source, and the respective pressure supply paths may be switched by an on-off valve or the like.

[0069] The degasser vacuum pressure connection coupling 753 is connected to a pressure path for drawing a vacuum in the degasser 87. The ink connection coupling 754 is connected to the ink refill path Q4 in FIG.

[0070] 5, communication holes P1H and P2H are formed in the upper surfaces of the tank bodies 710A and 710B, respectively. In other words, the communication holes P1H and P2H are located above the liquid levels of the ink in the tank bodies 710A and 710B. The communication holes P1H and P2H are connected to a supply air pressure connection coupling 751 and a recovery air pressure connection coupling 752, respectively, via tubes (not shown). In other words, the interiors of the tank bodies 710A and 710B are connected to the first pressure source P1 and the second pressure source P2 (FIG. 5), respectively, via the communication holes P1H and P2H, the supply air pressure connection coupling 751, and the recovery air pressure connection coupling 752.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame 70F that supports the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B is cantilevered on the back frame 32 (FIG. 2) of the carriage 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the frame back portion 70F2 of the frame 70F has a plurality of screw holes 70F3 and 70F4 (fixing portions) that are used to fix the frame 70F to the back frame 32.

[0072] 8, a pair of screws 32H1 are attached to the back frame 32 of the carriage 3 in correspondence with each tank unit 70, and a pair of screws 32H2 ​​are attached to both outer sides of the screws 32H1. Each screw is well known and includes a threaded portion and a head portion, and when the tank unit 70 is attached to the carriage 3, at least the head portion of the screw 32H2 ​​is attached to the back frame 32 in a state where it is separated from (floating from) the wall surface of the back frame 32 (wall portion).

[0073] 6, each screw hole (fitting hole) formed in the frame back portion 70F2 of the frame 70F has a keyhole shape with a narrow upper side. Specifically, each screw hole includes a small diameter portion having an inner diameter corresponding to the threaded portion of the screw, and a large diameter portion located below the small diameter portion and having an inner diameter corresponding to the head of the screw.

[0074] When attaching the tank unit 70 to the back frame 32, the worker first moves the tank unit 70 closer to the back frame 32 along the attachment direction DS as shown by the arrow in Figure 8. The tank unit 70 is then positioned so that the head of the tank unit 70 enters the large-diameter portion of the fitting hole. The worker then moves the tank unit 70 downward so that the small-diameter portion of the fitting hole in the back frame 32 fits into the threaded portion of the screw. Thereafter, the worker tightens the pair of screws 32H2 ​​to secure the tank unit 70 to the back frame 32. The pair of screws 32H1 are intended to prevent the tank unit 70 from falling off during attachment, and therefore do not necessarily need to be tightened tightly.

[0075] The frame back 70F2 has a protrusion 70F5 (rotation restricting portion) disposed below the screw hole at a distance (FIG. 6). This protrusion 70F5 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the back frame 32 of the carriage 3 when the tank unit 70 is attached. As a result, even if an impact acts on the carriage 3 when the carriage 3 reverses in the main scanning direction S, rotation of the frame 70F relative to the carriage 3 is restricted. Furthermore, because the frame back 70F2 is fixed by a pair of left and right screws 32H2, the rotation is further restricted.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, the frame 70F of the tank unit 70 supports the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B, and is detachably attached to the carriage 3.

[0077] With this configuration, the tank unit 70 that can supply ink to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B and collect ink from these heads can be easily attached to the carriage 3.

[0078] 6 and 7 communicate with the first supply sub-tank 71A to allow ink to flow, and are connectable to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B when the frame 70F is attached to the carriage 3. Similarly, the first recovery pipe 713 and the second recovery pipe 714 communicate with the first recovery sub-tank 71B to allow ink to flow, and are connectable to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B when the frame 70F is attached to the carriage 3.

[0079] For example, in a configuration comparable to the configuration of the present embodiment, the supply tank and recovery tank are detachable from the device main body, but ink flow paths are formed in the ink tank guide, and ink is supplied and recovered between the supply tank and recovery tank and the recording head via these ink flow paths. In this configuration, there is a problem of poor maintainability of the components constituting the ink supply and recovery paths. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the components constituting the circulation paths, including the ink supply and recovery paths for each head, are concentrated solely in the tank unit 70, thereby improving the maintainability of these paths. For example, if any of the paths in the tank unit 70 become clogged or damaged, the installed tank unit 70 can be removed and maintenance can be easily performed outside the carriage 3. Furthermore, by attaching a spare tank unit 70 to the carriage 3, downtime of the inkjet printer 1 can be reduced.

[0080] In particular, in this embodiment, independent tank units 70 can be attached to and detached from the carriage 3 in correspondence with the heads of each color mounted on the carriage 3, so that if a problem occurs in the ink supply path or recovery path of a specific color, maintenance can be performed easily and quickly by attaching and detaching only the tank unit 70 corresponding to that color. The same applies to the tank units 70 for the pre-treatment liquid and the post-treatment liquid.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B are supported by the frame 70F so as to hang down from the frame 70F, thereby making effective use of the space below each sub-tank. Also, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, the portions of the back frame 32 where the screw holes are formed are exposed on the near side when the tank unit 70 is viewed from the front. Therefore, when attaching the tank unit 70 to the back frame 32, the sub-tanks do not block the areas around the screws 32H1 and 32H2, making the attachment process easy.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the frame 70F is attached to the carriage 3, the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B are positioned above the ink heads at a distance. The first supply pipe 711, the second supply pipe 712, the first recovery pipe 713, and the second recovery pipe 714 are positioned below the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B in the tank unit 70 so that the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B can be connected to the corresponding heads in the vertical direction. This improves the ease of arranging the flow paths after attaching the tank unit 70 to the carriage 3. In particular, as described above, because the support structures for the subtanks relative to the frame 70F are positioned above the subtanks, there is little interference between the first supply pipe 711 to the second recovery pipe 714 and the support structures, facilitating the connection of the flow paths.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame 70F has a frame horizontal portion 70F1 and a frame back portion 70F2, and the frame horizontal portion 70F1 is capable of supporting the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B, and the frame back portion 70F2 is attached to the back frame 32 of the carriage 3. In this way, in the frame 70F, the portions that support the sub-tanks are different from the portions that are attached to the back frame 32, so that the installation work of the tank unit 70 can be carried out easily.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame horizontal portion 70F1 extends horizontally, and the frame back portion 70F2 extends vertically, which allows the frame horizontal portion 70F1 to stably support each sub-tank, and also makes it easy to attach the frame back portion 70F2 to the back frame 32.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame back 70F2 has screw holes 70F4 (fixing portions, openings) that are fixed to the back frame 32 of the carriage 3, and protrusions 70F5 that restrict rotation of the frame 70F relative to the carriage 3. Therefore, when the carriage 3 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent the tank unit 70 from rotating due to acceleration (inertial force) acting on the tank unit 70.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tank unit 70 can be temporarily secured by engaging the screws 32H1, 32H2 ​​provided on the back frame 32 with the screw holes 70F3, 70F4 formed in the frame back portion 70F2. Furthermore, the tank unit 70 can be permanently secured to the carriage 3 by tightening the screw 32H2. This prevents the tank unit 70 from falling off during work.

[0087] In this embodiment, the tank unit 70 includes a filter 86, which is located at the rear end (front side) of the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B in the mounting direction DS ( FIG. 8 ) in which the frame 70F is mounted to the carriage 3 ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). This allows the filter 86 to be easily replaced and the fill status of the filter to be easily visually confirmed, even when the tank unit 70 remains mounted to the carriage 3. Furthermore, if air, ink, or foreign matter accumulates in the filter 86 during use of the inkjet printer 1, this can be easily removed. An ink outlet (not shown) is provided on the underside of the filter 86, and removing a cap (not shown) allows ink to be discharged from the filter 86 by its own weight.

[0088] In this embodiment, the tank unit 70 includes a heater 70H, which is located at the leading edge (rearward) of the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B in the mounting direction DS. This allows for easier observation of the ink in each subtank from the front of the carriage 3, compared to when the heater 70H is located in front of the first supply subtank 71A and the first recovery subtank 71B. When the tank unit 70 is mounted on the carriage 3, the heater 70H faces and is close to the back frame 32. Therefore, even if the heat insulating performance of the heater 70H deteriorates, the heat from the heater 70H can be dissipated from the back frame 32. Even if the heater 70H is damaged, leaked ink is less likely to reach the heads below, ensuring the safety of the carriage 3 even if the heater 70H is damaged. For this reason, the heater 70H is located further rearward than the heads in a plan view.

[0089] In this embodiment, the tank unit 70 includes a circulation pump 85, which is supported by the heater 70H. Therefore, the circulation pump 85, which is relatively heavy within the tank unit 70, can be located in the lower portion of the tank unit 70, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the tank unit 70 and improving the stability of the tank unit 70 within the carriage 3. Furthermore, compared to when the circulation pump 85 is supported by the first supply subtank 71A or the first recovery subtank 71B or when it is supported by the frame 70F, vibrations from the circulation pump 85 are less likely to be transmitted to the subtanks, allowing for stable ink detection by the capacitance sensors. Furthermore, when the heater 70H is in close contact with the back frame 32, vibrations from the circulation pump 85 can be dissipated toward the back frame 32.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tank unit 70 has a degasser 87, which is disposed rearward (toward the front) of the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B in the installation direction DS. This prevents the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B from getting in the way, facilitating maintenance of the degasser 87. In particular, when performing a vacuum pumping operation on the degasser 87, it is easy to check for water vapor generated inside. Furthermore, if bubbles or water accumulate inside the degasser 87 during use of the inkjet printer 1, this can be easily removed.

[0091] In this embodiment, the circulation pump 85 is disposed at a lower position than the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B. Therefore, as described above, the center of gravity of the tank unit 70 can be lowered, thereby improving the stability of the tank unit 70 within the carriage 3.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tank unit 70 has a handle 70G (grip portion) (FIGS. 6 and 7). The handle 70G is located above the frame 70F and can be grasped by an operator when attaching the frame 70F to the carriage 3. This reduces the chance that an operator will directly touch the functional components that make up the tank unit 70, allowing the tank unit 70 to be attached to and detached from the carriage 3 safely.

[0093] In this embodiment, the heater 70H is disposed upstream of the first supply sub-tank 71A in the ink flow in the tank unit 70 (FIG. 4). This allows warmed ink to be supplied to the first supply sub-tank 71A, making it possible to supply ink at a desired temperature to each head, adjusting the viscosity of the ink and maintaining stable ink ejection performance.

[0094] In other embodiments, the heater 70H may be disposed upstream of the filter 86. More specifically, in Fig. 4, the heater 70H may be disposed between the circulation pump 85 and the filter 86. In this case, even if the ink heated by the heater 70H aggregates, the aggregates can be collected by the filter 86, and therefore, the aggregates can be prevented from flowing into the first supply sub-tank 71A or each head downstream.

[0095] In another embodiment, the heater 70H may be disposed upstream of the degasser 87. More specifically, in FIG. 4, the heater 70H may be disposed between the filter 86 and the degasser 87. In this case, bubbles tend to move upward in the ink heated by the heater 70H, and the bubbles can be efficiently removed by the degasser 87.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter 86 is disposed upstream of the degasser 87. Therefore, aggregates and the like in the ink can be collected before the degassing process in the degasser 87, making it difficult for the aggregates and the like to flow into the degasser 87, and the performance of the degasser 87 can be stably maintained.

[0097] <Regarding the Structure of the Heater> Next, the structure of the heater 70H provided in the tank unit 70 will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the heater 70H according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the heater 70H. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the heater 70H is formed by seven plate-like members forming a layered structure.

[0098] Specifically, the heater 70H has a front cover 701, a rear cover 702, a flow path substrate 703, a front heater substrate 704, a rear heater substrate 705, a front heat insulator 706, and a rear heat insulator 707.

[0099] The front cover 701 and rear cover 702 are members that form the exterior of the heater 70H and protect the other plate-like members from the front and back. The flow path substrate 703 is a member that forms the ink flow path, and has a spiral flow path formed therein, as shown in Fig. 10. In addition, an ink inlet and outlet are arranged at the bottom end of the flow path substrate 703, and are exposed to the outside of the heater 70H, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0100] The front heater substrate 704 and the rear heater substrate 705 are arranged to sandwich the flow path substrate 703 from the front and rear, define a portion of the flow path, and heat the ink in the flow path. As shown in Figure 10, four polyimide heaters 704A are arranged on the front heater substrate 704. Similar polyimide heaters are also arranged on the rear heater substrate 705. The front heater substrate 704 and the rear heater substrate 705 are welded to the flow path substrate 703 at multiple spot welds 704B. The outer peripheries of each substrate are joined by fiber welding.

[0101] The front and rear heat insulating materials 706 and 707 are arranged to cover the front and rear heater substrates 704 and 705 from the outside, respectively, to prevent the heaters from emitting heat. As a result, the thermal efficiency of the heater 70H is maintained at a high level.

[0102] 4 into the heater 70H flows through the flow path of the flow path substrate 703 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 10, is heated by the front heater substrate 704 and the rear heater substrate 705, and is then supplied to the first supply sub-tank 71A (FIG. 4). At this time, in the flow path substrate 703, the cold ink that has flowed in flows inside the spiral, and the warmed ink flows outside and is discharged from the flow path substrate 703. Therefore, heat exchange also occurs between the inner and outer circumferential sides, further increasing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the heater 70H includes a flow path substrate 703 having an ink flow path, and a pair of heater substrates 704 and 705 that are disposed on either side of the flow path substrate 703 and heat the ink flowing through the flow path. This allows the ink flowing through the circulation path of the tank unit 70 to be efficiently heated and supplied to each head.

[0104] <Method of Mounting Tank Unit 70> The above-described manner of mounting the tank unit 70 to the carriage 3 includes the following method of mounting the tank unit 70. That is, this mounting method is a method of mounting the tank unit 70, which mounts the tank unit 70, which has a first supply sub-tank 71A that stores liquid to be supplied to the head and a first recovery sub-tank 71B that stores the liquid to be recovered from the head, to the carriage 3 that includes the head.

[0105] The installation method includes mounting a first supply sub-tank 71A and a first recovery sub-tank 71B on a frame 70F, and attaching the frame 70F on which the first supply sub-tank 71A and the first recovery sub-tank 71B are mounted to a carriage 3 so that the liquid can be supplied from the first supply sub-tank 71A to the head and the liquid can be recovered from the head to the first recovery sub-tank 71B.

[0106] According to this method, the tank unit 70 that can supply ink to the first upstream ink head 41A and the first downstream ink head 41B and collect ink from these heads can be easily attached to the carriage 3.

[0107] In addition, the installation method further includes connecting a first supply pipe 711 and a second supply pipe 712 extending from the first supply sub-tank 71A to each head, respectively, and connecting a first recovery pipe 713 and a second recovery pipe 714 extending from the first recovery sub-tank 71B to each head, respectively.

[0108] According to this method, the tank unit 70 can be easily attached to the carriage 3, and then the ink circulation paths can be easily formed by connecting the supply pipes and recovery pipes to the heads.

[0109] The mounting method also includes: attaching a screw 32H2, which includes a threaded portion and a head, to a back frame 32 arranged on the carriage 3 with the head spaced forward from the back frame 32; positioning the tank unit 70 so that the head of the screw 32H2 ​​enters the large diameter portion of a threaded hole 70F4 (engagement hole) formed in the frame back 70F2 of the frame 70F, the large diameter portion of the threaded hole 70F4 including a small diameter portion having an inner diameter corresponding to the threaded portion of the screw 32H2 ​​and a large diameter portion arranged below the small diameter portion and having an inner diameter corresponding to the head; moving the tank unit 70 downward so that the small diameter portion of the threaded hole 70F4 engages with the threaded portion of the screw 32H2; and tightening the screw 32H2 ​​to fix the tank unit 70 to the back frame 32.

[0110] This mounting method allows the tank unit 70 to be easily mounted to the carriage 3. In particular, the tank unit 70 can be temporarily secured by engaging the screw 32H2 ​​disposed on the back frame 32 with the threaded hole 70F4 formed in the frame back portion 70F2. Furthermore, the tank unit 70 can be permanently secured to the carriage 3 by tightening the screw 32H2. This prevents the tank unit 70 from falling off during work. As described above, the tank unit 70 may be more stably supported and secured using the screw 32H1 and the threaded hole 70F3.

[0111] To remove the tank unit 70 from the carriage 3, simply follow the steps above in reverse. That is, loosen the screws, lift the tank unit 70 slightly, and then pull it toward you to remove the tank unit 70.

[0112] Here, the mounting method may further include preventing rotation of the tank unit 70 by inserting a protrusion 70F5 formed on one of the frame 70F and the back frame 32 into a hole (not shown) formed on the other.

[0113] According to this mounting method, it is possible to prevent the tank unit 70 from rotating due to acceleration (inertial force) acting on the tank unit 70 when the carriage 3 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0114] The structure of the tank unit 70 described above further characterizes the above mounting method.

[0115] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may take the following forms.

[0116] (1) The ink heads 4 are not limited to being arranged in two rows on the carriage 3. The ink heads 4 may be arranged in one row, or in three or more rows. Furthermore, the inkjet printer 1 is not limited to being configured to be able to eject ink of multiple colors onto the workpiece W, and may be one that ejects ink of a single color. Furthermore, the inkjet printer 1 may be configured such that the workpiece W is supported at a predetermined printing position, and multiple heads held by the carriage 3 eject liquid while moving in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, the number of heads that receive the supply of and collection of ink from each sub-tank may be one, or three or more.

[0117] (2) In the above embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 may not have the pretreatment liquid head 5 that ejects the pretreatment liquid, the posttreatment liquid head 6 that ejects the posttreatment liquid, or any of the components associated therewith.

[0118] (3) The multiple configurations disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with each other to form a single invention.

[0119] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Inkjet printer (recording device) 3 Carriage 4 Ink head (ejection head, supply destination) 41A First upstream ink head 41B First downstream ink head 5 Pre-treatment liquid head 6 Post-treatment liquid head 7 Sub-tank 70 Tank unit (liquid supply unit) 70F Frame 70F1 Frame horizontal section 70F2 Frame back section 70H Heater 710A, 710B Tank body 71A First supply sub-tank (supply tank) 71A1, 71B1 Capacitance sensor 71B First recovery sub-tank (recovery tank) Q Circulation flow path Q1 First ink path Q2 Second ink path Q3 Ink return path (return flow path) Q4 Ink refill path

Claims

1. a supply tank containing a liquid to be supplied to a destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body having a first support part that detachably supports each of the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a second support part that is fixed to the first support part and can be detachably attached to an apparatus main body including the supply destination in a state in which both the supply tank and the recovery tank are supported by the first support part; A liquid supply unit comprising:

2. a supply pipe that communicates with the supply tank and is connectable to the supply destination in a state where the support body is attached to the apparatus body; a recovery pipe that is in communication with the recovery tank and can be connected to the supply destination in a state where the support body is attached to the apparatus body; The liquid supply unit of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. 2. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the supply tank and the recovery tank are supported by the support so as to hang down from the support.

4. When the support is attached to the device body, the supply tank and the recovery tank are disposed above the supply destination at a distance from each other, The liquid supply unit according to claim 2 , wherein the supply pipe and the recovery pipe are arranged below the supply tank and the recovery tank so as to be able to vertically connect the supply tank and the recovery tank to the supply destination.

5. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first support portion extends in a horizontal direction, and the second support portion extends in a vertical direction.

6. The second support portion is a fixed portion fixed to a carriage included in the apparatus body and movable in a main scanning direction; a rotation restricting portion that is disposed at an interval from the fixed portion and restricts rotation of the support body relative to the carriage; 6. A liquid supply unit according to claim 5, comprising:

7. The liquid supply unit according to claim 6 , wherein the fixing portion includes an opening that is engageable with a screw disposed on the carriage and is fixed to the carriage by the screw.

8. A supply tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a filter disposed in the return flow path and configured to collect foreign matter in the liquid; Equipped with The liquid supply unit, wherein the filter is disposed on the rear end side of the supply tank and the recovery tank in an attachment direction in which the support body is attached to the apparatus body.

9. A supply tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a heater that heats the liquid flowing through the return flow path; Equipped with The heater is disposed on the tip side of the supply tank and the recovery tank in a mounting direction in which the support is mounted to the apparatus body.

10. a pump disposed in the return flow path and configured to discharge the liquid toward the supply tank; 10. A liquid supply unit according to claim 9, wherein the pump is supported by the heater.

11. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a degasser that degasses the liquid flowing through the return flow path; Equipped with The degasser is disposed on the rear end side of the supply tank and the recovery tank in a mounting direction in which the support body is mounted to the apparatus body.

12. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a pump disposed in the return flow path and configured to discharge the liquid toward the supply tank; Equipped with The liquid supply unit, wherein the pump is positioned lower than the supply tank and the recovery tank.

13. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a gripping portion that is disposed above the support and that can be gripped when the support is attached to the apparatus main body.

14. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a heater that heats the liquid flowing through the return flow path; Equipped with A liquid supply unit, wherein the heater is positioned upstream of the supply tank in the flow of the liquid.

15. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a heater that heats the liquid flowing through the return flow path; a filter disposed in the return flow path and configured to collect foreign matter in the liquid; Equipped with A liquid supply unit, wherein the heater is disposed upstream of the filter in the flow of the liquid.

16. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a heater that heats the liquid flowing through the return flow path; a degasser that degasses the liquid flowing through the return flow path; Equipped with A liquid supply unit, wherein the heater is disposed upstream of the degasser in the liquid flow.

17. a filter disposed in the return flow path and configured to collect foreign matter in the liquid; 17. A liquid supply unit according to claim 16, wherein the filter is arranged in the liquid flow upstream of the degasser.

18. A supply tank for containing a liquid to be supplied to a supply destination; a recovery tank that stores the liquid recovered from the supply destination; a support body that supports the supply tank and the recovery tank and is detachably attached to an apparatus body including the supply destination; a return flow path extending from the recovery tank to the supply tank through which the liquid flows; a heater that heats the liquid flowing through the return flow path; Equipped with The heater is a liquid supply unit having a flow path substrate having a flow path for the liquid, and a pair of heater substrates arranged to sandwich the flow path substrate and heat the liquid flowing through the flow path.

19. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1 ; at least one ejection head that receives the liquid as the supply destination and ejects the liquid onto a recording medium; A recording device comprising:

20. the at least one ejection head includes a plurality of ejection heads that eject different liquids; a plurality of the liquid supply units capable of supplying the different liquids to the plurality of ejection heads, respectively; 20. The recording device of claim 19, comprising:

21. A method for attaching a liquid supply unit having a supply tank and a recovery tank, each capable of containing a liquid, to an apparatus main body including a supply destination, comprising: providing a support having a first support portion and a second support portion fixed to the first support portion; mounting the supply tank and the recovery tank on the first support portion of the support; attaching the second support part of the support body, with both the supply tank and the recovery tank attached to the first support part, to the apparatus body so that the liquid can be supplied from the supply tank to the supply destination and the liquid can be recovered from the supply destination to the recovery tank; A method for mounting a liquid supply unit, comprising:

22. 22. The method for installing a liquid supply unit according to claim 21, further comprising connecting a supply pipe extending from the supply tank and a recovery pipe extending from the recovery tank to the supply destination, respectively.

23. A method for attaching a liquid supply unit having a supply tank and a recovery tank each capable of containing a liquid, to an apparatus main body including a supply destination, comprising: mounting the supply tank and the recovery tank on a support; attaching the support body, to which the supply tank and the recovery tank are attached, to the apparatus body so that the liquid can be supplied from the supply tank to the supply destination and the liquid can be recovered from the supply destination to the recovery tank; Equipped with Attaching the support to the device body includes: Attaching a screw including a threaded portion and a head to a wall portion disposed on the device body in a state where the head is spaced apart from the wall portion; a fitting hole formed in the support body, the fitting hole including a small diameter portion having an inner diameter corresponding to the threaded portion and a large diameter portion disposed below the small diameter portion and having an inner diameter corresponding to the head, and the liquid supply unit is disposed so that the head enters the large diameter portion of the fitting hole; moving the liquid supply unit downward so that the small diameter portion of the fitting hole of the support body fits into the threaded portion of the screw; tightening the screws to fix the liquid supply unit to the wall portion; A method for mounting a liquid supply unit, comprising:

24. 24. The method for mounting a liquid supply unit according to claim 23, further comprising: preventing rotation of the liquid supply unit by inserting a protrusion formed on one of the support body and the wall portion into a hole formed on the other.