Recording device

Abstract

This recording device comprises: a conveyance means that includes a first roller for conveying a recording medium; a drive means that drives the conveyance means; a discharge means that discharges a liquid to the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance means; and a supply means that supplies the liquid to the discharge means. The supply means includes a flow path forming means that forms a part of a flow path of the liquid. The driving means is disposed at one end in the axial direction of the first roller. At least a part of the flow path forming means is disposed to overlap with the driving means in the vertical direction.

Description

Recording device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device.

[0002] In order to obtain stable ejection performance, a recording device that pressurizes and supplies ink to an ejection head has been proposed. In such a recording device, ink is supplied from an ink supply unit to the ejection head through a flow path. Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which a flow path is formed using a flexible tube or the like.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-209948

[0004] Since the flow path needs to be routed while avoiding other mechanisms of the device, the device may become larger due to the routing of the flow path.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique capable of reducing the size of the device in routing the flow path.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a recording device including: conveyance means including a first roller that conveys a recording medium; drive means that drives the conveyance means; ejection means that ejects a liquid onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance means; supply means that supplies the liquid to the ejection means; and flow path forming means that forms a part of a flow path of the liquid between the supply means and the ejection means, wherein the drive means is disposed at one end in the axial direction of the first roller, and at least a part of the flow path forming means is disposed so as to overlap the drive means in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique capable of reducing the size of the device in routing the flow path.

[0008] Diagram illustrating the internal structure of a recording device according to an embodiment. Diagram illustrating the internal structure of the recording device in Figure 1. Diagram illustrating the transport system of the recording device in Figure 1. Diagram illustrating the transport system of the recording device in Figure 1. Diagram showing the storage configuration of the container in the recording device in Figure 1. Diagram showing the connection structure between the container and the supply unit. Perspective view of the supply unit. Perspective view of the passage forming member. Cross-sectional view showing the structure of the valve. Cross-sectional view showing the structure of the valve. Perspective view of another passage forming member. Perspective view of the passage forming member in Figure 9 from a different viewpoint. Side view of a part of the configuration of the recording device in Figure 1. Rear view of a part of the configuration of the recording device in Figure 1. Diagram illustrating the ink supply path from the container to the discharge head. Diagram illustrating the structure of the intermediate tank. Diagram illustrating the operation of the intermediate tank. Diagram illustrating the operation of the intermediate tank. Diagram illustrating the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit. Diagram illustrating the pressure adjustment unit. Diagram illustrating the operation of each control valve of the pressure adjustment unit. Diagram illustrating the interlocking valve.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are necessary, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (Outline of the recording device) Figures 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams of the internal structure of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. The recording device 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet recording device that records by ejecting liquid ink onto a recording medium.

[0011] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is made apparent in a way that humans can perceive visually.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions perpendicular to each other, and arrow Z indicates vertical directions. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (horizontal or width direction) of the recording device 1, the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction (depth direction) of the recording device 1, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction (up-down direction) of the recording device 1.

[0013] The recording device 1 includes a storage cassette 2 that is detachable from the device body in the Y direction. The storage cassette 2 is a loading unit on which a number of sheets SH before recording are loaded. The recording device 1 includes a base member 3 that forms the bottom of the device body. An opening / closing member 5 is attached to the front end of the base member 3 in the Y direction. The opening / closing member 5 is supported by the base member 3 so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis in the X direction, and Figure 1 shows the closed state of the opening / closing member 5 and Figure 2 shows the open state of the opening / closing member 5. When the opening / closing member 5 is opened as shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 4 is exposed.

[0014] The storage unit 4 is positioned lower than the storage cassette 2 and forms a space for storing the container that holds the liquid. The width Wx2 of the storage cassette 2 in the X direction is narrower than the width Wx1 of the storage area (container storage area) of the storage unit 4 in the X direction. The platen 7, recording unit 10, and transport unit 8 (described later) are positioned higher than the storage cassette 2. The sheet SH loaded on the storage cassette 2 is transported toward the platen 7 in the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 2 by a feeding mechanism (not shown). The recording unit 10 records an image by ejecting ink as a liquid onto the sheet SH.

[0015] The recording unit 10 includes an ejection head 11, a carriage 12, and a carriage drive unit 14. The ejection head 11 is a recording head that ejects ink to record an image. The lower surface of the ejection head 11 forms an ejection surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed. The ejection surface faces the platen 7. The ejection head 11 is positioned higher than the transport unit 8, which will be described later. In this embodiment, four types of ink can be ejected from the ejection surface. The ejection head 11 is mounted on the carriage 12. The carriage drive unit 14 includes a support member 13 that extends in the X direction. The support member 13 supports the carriage 12 so that it can move in the X direction and also supports the various components of the carriage drive unit 14.

[0016] The carriage drive unit 14 in this embodiment is a belt drive mechanism driven by a carriage motor 14a. The carriage motor 14a is positioned on the opposite side of the carriage 12 in the front-to-back (Y) direction, with the support member 13 in between. The carriage drive unit 14 includes a drive pulley (located behind the carriage 12) and a driven pulley 14b spaced apart in the X direction, and an endless belt 14c wrapped around these pulleys. The carriage 12 is fixed to the endless belt 14c. When the carriage motor 14a rotates the drive pulley, the endless belt 14c travels and the carriage 12 moves.

[0017] Next, the image recording operation will be explained. Images are recorded by ejecting ink from the ejection head 11 onto the sheet SH on the platen 7 during the reciprocating movement of the carriage 12 in the X-axis direction. This operation is called recording scanning. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating a transport operation, which intermittently transports the sheet SH in the Y direction, and the recording scanning.

[0018] The transport operation of the sheet SH on the platen 7 is performed by the transport unit 8. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the transport unit 8, and Figure 3B is a perspective view of the transport drive unit 9 that drives the transport unit 8.

[0019] The conveying unit 8 includes a conveying roller 81 and a discharge roller 82. In the conveying direction of the sheet SH, the conveying roller 81 (corresponding to the first roller) is positioned upstream of the discharge head 11, and the discharge roller 82 (corresponding to the second roller) is positioned downstream of the discharge head 11. Both the conveying roller 81 and the discharge roller 82 extend in the X direction and have a length greater than or equal to the width of the sheet SH in the X direction. A pinch roller 83 is pressed against the conveying roller 81 by a biasing member (not shown). As the conveying roller 81 rotates with the sheet SH sandwiched between it and the pinch roller 83, the sheet SH is conveyed in the direction of arrow Y1 (see Figure 2).

[0020] The transport drive unit 9 is positioned at one end of the transport roller 81 in the axial direction (X direction) with respect to its position in the X direction. The transport drive unit 9 includes a plate-shaped support member 90. The support member 90 supports components that make up the transport drive unit 9, such as the motor 91 which is the drive source, the tension adjustment mechanism 93, and the gear train 94. The belt 92 is wrapped around a sprocket 91a fixed to the output shaft of the motor 91 and a sprocket (not shown) fixed to the roller shaft 81a of the transport roller 81, and the transport roller 81 rotates when the motor 91 is driven. The tension adjustment mechanism 93 maintains the tension of the belt 92 at an appropriate tension.

[0021] A code wheel CW is fixed to the roller shaft 81a, and the amount of rotation of the code wheel CW is detected by an encoder sensor SR. The amount of rotation of the transport roller 81 is determined by the detection result of the encoder sensor SR. The gear train 94 consists of multiple gears that transmit driving force from the roller shaft 81a to the roller shaft 82a of the discharge roller 82, and each gear is rotatably supported by a support member 90. By the rotation of the discharge roller 82, the recorded sheet SH is transported to a discharge tray (not shown) located at the top of the recording device 1. In other words, the transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor to each roller includes part of the transport drive unit 9 (belt 92, sprocket 91a, gear train 94, etc.).

[0022] In this embodiment, a so-called serial-type recording device is given as an example, but a recording device using a full-line type ejection head capable of ejecting ink across the entire width direction of the recording medium P may also be used.

[0023] (Liquid supply system) Refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the storage configuration of the container 60 in the recording device 1, and shows the internal structure of the recording device 1 with the storage cassette 2 etc. removed. The opening / closing member 5 is in the open state.

[0024] The ink supplied to the ejection head 11 is contained in a container 60. The ink contained in the container 60 is supplied to the ejection head 11 by a supply unit 20. The container 60 is a bag-type liquid container made of a flexible material, supported by a tray 6 and stored in a storage unit 4. The container 60 may also be a bottle-type liquid container.

[0025] The container 60 has a bag 61 made of a flexible material and a connecting portion 62 provided at the end of the bag 61. The bag 61 is formed into a bag shape by welding together, for example, rectangular sheets that make up the top and bottom surfaces and a sheet that forms the gusset, forming a flexible tank for holding liquid. The connecting portion 62 is connected to the supply unit 20 and forms a flow path that connects the inside of the bag 61 and the supply unit 20. The tray 6 has a bottom on which the container 60 is placed and has a box shape with an open top.

[0026] The storage unit 4 houses multiple sets of containers 60 and trays 6. The storage unit 4 has an opening on the front side of the recording device 1, and the trays 6 on which the containers 60 are mounted can be inserted and removed from the opening in the Y direction. When the ink contained in the containers 60 is consumed, the user can replenish the ink by replacing the containers 60 with new ones.

[0027] The storage unit 4 is a flat, rectangular, hollow body. The internal space of the storage unit 4 is divided into two in the X and Z directions, and it has four storage compartments 4A to 4D, arranged in two rows vertically and two columns horizontally. One set of containers 60 and trays 6 are stored in each storage compartment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the storage unit 4 can store four sets of containers 60 and trays 6. In this embodiment, the storage compartments are arranged in two rows in the Z direction, but there may be three or more rows. Also, although there are two storage compartments per row, there may be one storage compartment per row, or three or more storage compartments, and the number of storage compartments may differ from row to row.

[0028] Refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the rear side of the storage unit 4 and illustrates the connection structure between the container 60 and the supply unit 20. Each storage section 4A to 4D is provided with a connection section 30 at its rear end, which connects to a connection section 62 of the container 60. Figure 5 shows two connection sections 30 corresponding to storage sections 4A and 4B. Although not shown in Figure 5, connection sections 30 corresponding to storage sections 4C and 4D are similarly provided. The connection sections 30 are inserted into the container 60 and form a flow path for ink to flow from the container 60 to the supply unit 20.

[0029] (Supply Unit) The supply unit 20 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the supply unit 20. The supply unit 20 includes flow path forming members 31 to 34 that form the ink flow path, a plurality of intermediate tanks 220, and a pressure adjustment unit 210. There are four intermediate tanks 220, corresponding to the type of ink.

[0030] Refer to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the channel forming member 31. The channel forming member 31 is a rigid resin molded member, typically made of engineering plastic, and is a plate-shaped component that forms the ink channel between the container 60 and the intermediate tank 220, and the ink channel between the intermediate tank 220 and the channel forming member 32. It also forms the gas (air) channel between the channel forming member 32 and the intermediate tank 220. By forming both the ink channel and the gas channel with a single channel forming member 31, the number of parts can be reduced. The channel forming member 31 is provided with connection parts 30. Although two connection parts 30 are shown in Figure 7, four connection parts 30 are provided.

[0031] The flow path forming member 31 has connecting portions 31a that connect the flow path between the four intermediate tanks 220 and the flow path forming member 31, and connecting portions 31b that connect the flow path between the flow path forming member 32 and the flow path forming member 31.

[0032] The flow path forming member 31 is also provided with valves 230. There are four valves 230. Each valve 230 communicates with one of the four connection parts 30. Ink flows from the container 60 to the corresponding intermediate tank 220 via the connection parts 30 and the valves 230.

[0033] Valve 230 is a backflow prevention valve that prevents ink from flowing back from the intermediate tank 220 to the container 60. Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of valve 230. Valve 230 includes a cover 231 fixed to the flow path forming member 31. The space inside the cover 231 houses a diaphragm 232 made of a flexible material and an elastic member (a coil spring in this embodiment) 233 that biases the diaphragm 232 against the sealing surface 31s of the flow path forming member 32. The connection part 30 communicates with the inlet passage 234, and the intermediate tank 220 communicates with the outlet passage 235.

[0034] Valve 230 operates as a so-called differential pressure valve. When the pressure in the inlet passage 234 is equal to the pressure in the outlet passage 235, the diaphragm 232 is pressed against the sealing surface 31s by the elastic member 233, as shown in Figure 8A. The connection between the inlet passage 234 and the outlet passage 235 is blocked, and valve 230 is closed. The same applies when the pressure in the inlet passage 234 is lower than the pressure in the outlet passage 235. When the pressure in the inlet passage 234 is higher than the pressure in the outlet passage 235, the diaphragm 232 is lifted away from the sealing surface 31s near its through-hole 232a. The inlet passage 234 and the outlet passage 235 are connected through the through-hole 232a, and valve 230 is open.

[0035] Refer to Figure 6. The channel forming member 32 relays multiple channels between the channel forming member 31 and the channel forming member 33. There are five channels in total, four of which are for ink and the remaining one is for gas (air). By forming both the ink channel and the gas channel with a single channel forming member 32, the number of parts can be reduced. The channel forming member 32 converts the direction of the channels from the Y direction to the X direction. The channel forming member 32 is a rigid resin molded member, such as engineering plastic, and includes a groove forming member 321, which is a plate-shaped part, and a sealing member 322. The groove forming member 321 has five upward-opening grooves 321a that form five channels. The sealing member 322 is a film that is welded to the groove forming member 321 so as to cover the five grooves 321a. The openings of the grooves 321a are sealed by the sealing member 322, and five channels are formed. Figure 6 shows the groove-forming member 321 and the sealing member 322 separated, while Figure 5 shows the groove-forming member 321 as if it were seen through the sealing member 322, which is indicated by a dashed line.

[0036] By forming the flow path with the groove-forming member 321 and the sealing member 322, the concern of buckling is eliminated and the routing of the flow path becomes easier compared to when it is formed with a flexible tube.

[0037] Refer to Figures 6, 9, and 10. Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of the flow path forming member 33 from different viewpoints. The flow path forming member 33 relays multiple flow paths between the flow path forming member 32 and the flow path forming member 34, and between the flow path forming member 32 and the pressure adjustment unit 210. There are five flow paths in total, four of which are for ink and the remaining one is for gas (air). The flow path forming member 33 relays four flow paths for ink between the flow path forming member 32 and the flow path forming member 34, and relays one flow path for gas between the flow path forming member 32 and the pressure adjustment unit 210.

[0038] The flow path forming member 33 is a rigid resin molded member, typically made of engineering plastic, and includes a groove forming member 331, which is a plate-shaped component, and sealing members 332 and 333. The groove forming member 331 includes an extended portion 3311 extending in the Y direction and an extended portion 3312 extending upward in the Z direction from the front end of the extended portion 311 in the Y direction.

[0039] The extended portion 3311 has five grooves 33a to 33e that open outward in the X direction, forming five flow channels. The sealing member 332 is a film that is welded to the groove-forming member 331 so as to cover the five grooves 33a to 33e. The openings of the grooves 33a to 33e are sealed by the sealing member 332, and five flow channels are formed. Note that Figure 6 shows the groove-forming member 331 and the sealing member 332 separated, and Figure 5 shows the groove-forming member 331 as if the sealing member 332 were transparent, with the sealing member 332 shown by a dashed line. Also, the sealing member 332 is not shown in Figure 9.

[0040] By forming the flow path with the groove-forming member 331 and the sealing member 332, the concern of buckling is eliminated and the routing of the flow path becomes easier compared to when it is formed with a flexible tube.

[0041] The flow paths formed by grooves 33a to 33d are four flow paths for ink, and the flow path formed by groove 33e is one flow path for gas. By forming both the ink flow path and the gas flow path with a single flow path forming member 33, the number of parts can be reduced. These five flow paths extend in the Y direction and are arranged in the Z direction. The extension 3311 has a connecting portion 331a that connects the flow paths between the flow path forming member 33 and the flow path forming member 32. In the extension 3311 of the flow path forming member 33, the direction of the flow path is changed from the X direction to the Y direction. The extension 3311 also has a connecting portion 331c. A tube 212a that is connected to the pressure adjustment unit 210 is connected to the connecting portion 331c. The connecting portion 331c is in communication with the flow path formed by groove 33e, and the pressure adjustment unit 210 and each intermediate tank 220 are in communication via the tube 212a and the flow path forming members 31 to 33.

[0042] The extension 3312 has four grooves 33f to 33i that open inward in the X direction, forming four flow channels for ink. Groove 33f is formed by two separate grooves. The sealing member 333 is a film that is welded to the groove forming member 331 so as to cover the five grooves 33f to 33i. The openings of the grooves 33f to 33i are sealed by the sealing member 333, and four flow channels are formed. Figure 10 shows the groove forming member 331 and the sealing member 333 separated.

[0043] By forming the flow path with the groove-forming member 331 and the sealing member 333, the concern of buckling is eliminated and the routing of the flow path becomes easier compared to when it is formed with a flexible tube.

[0044] Grooves 33f to 33i communicate with grooves 33a to 33d. Grooves 33f to 33i extend in the Z direction. In the extending portion 3312 of the flow path forming member 33, the direction of the flow path is changed from the Y direction to the Z direction. The extending portion 3312 also has a connecting portion 331b. A flow path forming member 34 is connected to the connecting portion 331b. In the case of this embodiment, the flow path forming member 34 is a flexible tube, and four tubes are provided corresponding to the four flow paths for ink. The space between the discharge head 11 and the container 60 communicates via the flow path forming members 31 to 34 and the intermediate tank 220. In the case of this embodiment, the flow path forming member 34 is routed in the X direction from the connecting portion 331b to a position higher than the storage cassette 2 or the platen 7 and is connected to the discharge head 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0045] A valve 240 is provided in the flow path forming member 33. Four valves 240 are provided. Three valves 240 are arranged side by side in the Y direction inside the extending portion 3311 in the X direction. These three valves 240 correspond to any one of the three flow paths formed by the three grooves 33b to 33d and are provided in the middle of the flow path. The remaining one valve 240 is arranged outside in the X direction of the extending portion 3312. The remaining one valve 240 corresponds to the flow path formed by the groove 33f and is provided in the middle of the flow path. In this embodiment, the four valves 240 are arranged separately into one and three, but they may also be arranged separately into two and two. Also, the four valves 240 may be arranged in a row without separation.

[0046] The valve 240 is a choke valve that adjusts the amount of ink supplied from the intermediate tank 220 to the discharge head 11. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the valve 240. The valve 240 includes a cover 241 fixed to the groove forming member 331. In the space inside the cover 241, a pressure plate 245, a diaphragm 244 made of a flexible material, and an elastic member (a coil spring in this embodiment) 243 that biases the diaphragm 244 against the sealing surface 331s via the pressure plate 245 are accommodated. Ink flows into the valve 240 from the inflow path 246 and flows out from the outflow path 247.

[0047] Valve 240 operates as a so-called differential pressure valve. When the pressure in the inflow passage 246 is equal to the pressure in the outflow passage 247, the diaphragm 244 is pressed against the sealing surface 331s via the pressure plate 243 by the elastic member 243 as shown in FIG. 8B. The space between the inflow passage 246 and the outflow passage 247 is blocked, and the valve 240 is in a closed state. The same applies when the pressure in the inflow passage 246 is lower than the pressure in the outflow passage 247. When the pressure in the inflow passage 246 is higher than the pressure in the outflow passage 247, the diaphragm 244 is lifted from the sealing surface 331s, the space between the inflow passage 246 and the outflow passage 247 is communicated, and the valve 240 is in an open state.

[0048] The intermediate tank 220 stores the liquid supplied from the container 60 to the discharge head 11 between the discharge head 11 and the container 60. In the intermediate tank 220, by temporarily storing the ink, the ink can be supplied to the discharge head 11 more stably, and the ink can be supplied to the discharge head 11 even when the container 60 is replaced. That is, the container 60 can be replaced during the recording operation by the discharge head 11. The four intermediate tanks 220 are arranged in a row in the X direction. Details of the intermediate tank 220 will be described later.

[0049] The pressure adjustment unit 210 is a mechanism that performs an operation of introducing ink from the corresponding container 60 into each intermediate tank 220 (introduction operation) and an operation of supplying ink from each intermediate tank 220 to the discharge head 11 (supply operation). The pressure adjustment unit 210 includes an air pump 211 and a valve unit 212, and operates with the motor 211a as a drive source. The air pump 211 generates a negative pressure, and the valve unit 212 switches the pressure applied to each intermediate tank 220. Details of the pressure adjustment unit 210 will be described later.

[0050] (Layout of the supply unit) The layout of the supply unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 11, and 12. FIG. 11 is a side view of a part of the configuration of the recording apparatus 1 and corresponds to a view seen in the direction of arrow X1 in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a rear view of a part of the configuration of the recording apparatus 1 and corresponds to a view seen in the direction of arrow Y2 in FIG. 11.

[0051] The ink flow path from the container 60 to the discharge head 11 must be routed to avoid other mechanisms, which may increase the size of the recording device 1. In this embodiment, the transport drive unit 9 is located at one end of the transport roller 81, creating space above and below the transport drive unit 9. In this embodiment, a portion of the flow path forming member 33 is positioned to overlap with the transport drive unit 9 in the Z direction. More specifically, the extension portion 3311 of the flow path forming member 33 extends in the Y direction below the transport drive unit 9. The space between the transport drive unit 9 and the base member 3 is used as the space for the extension portion 3311. In Figure 12, width W indicates the width of the extension portion 3311 in the Y direction. The support member 90 of the transport drive unit 9, the belt 92, a portion of the gear train 94, etc., are located within width W.

[0052] In this way, by arranging the flow path forming member 33 in the space around the transport drive unit 9, the space can be effectively utilized to make the recording device 1 more compact. Since the extended portion 3311 passes under the transport drive unit 9, the recording device 1 can be made smaller in the X direction compared to a configuration where it passes outside. Furthermore, since the grooves 33a to 33d of the extended portion 3331 are arranged in the Z direction, the recording device 1 can be made smaller in the X direction compared to when they are arranged in the X direction. Therefore, the recording device 1 can be made more compact when arranging the flow path.

[0053] Furthermore, the extension 3311 allows the flow path formed by grooves 33a to 33d to pass in the Y direction near the X-direction side of the recording device 1, thus avoiding the storage cassette 2 and storage unit 4. If the flow path were routed in the X direction between the storage cassette 2 and storage unit 4, the Z-direction size of the recording device 1 would increase, and if ink leaked from the flow path, the surrounding area would become contaminated. By configuring the flow path to pass in the Y direction near the X-direction side of the recording device 1, as in this embodiment, an increase in the Z-direction size of the recording device 1 can be avoided. Also, even if ink leaks from grooves 33a to 33d, there is no sheet SH in the surrounding area, so the sheet SH will not be contaminated, minimizing any adverse effects.

[0054] Since the flow path forming member 33 is formed in an L-shape by the extended portion 3311 and the extended portion 3312, it can be made smaller in the Y direction. This contributes to the miniaturization of the recording device 1 in the Y direction.

[0055] Space is created around the transport drive unit 9 not only in the Z direction but also in the Y direction. The extension 3312 is positioned so as to overlap with the transport drive unit 9 in the Y direction. This also contributes to the miniaturization of the recording device 1 in the X direction. Similarly, since the pressure adjustment unit 210 is positioned in front of the transport drive unit 9 in the Y direction, this also contributes to the miniaturization of the recording device 1 in the X direction.

[0056] Since a connecting portion 331b is located at the upper end of the extended portion 3312, the distance between the discharge head 11, which is located at a relatively high position within the recording device 1, and the connecting portion 331b can be shortened. This contributes to shortening the overall length of the flow path forming member 34.

[0057] A valve 230 is supported on the flow path forming member 31, and a valve 240 is supported on the flow path forming member 33. Since these valves 230 and 240 can be placed in the middle of the flow path, the configuration of this embodiment allows for a shorter flow path and a smaller recording device 1 compared to a configuration in which the valves 230 and 240 are placed separately from the flow path forming members 31 and 33.

[0058] The pressure adjustment unit 210 is positioned in the X direction to be aligned with the storage cassette 2 and the storage unit 4. In the Z direction, the recording device 1 can be made smaller.

[0059] (Intermediate Tanks and Pressure Adjustment Units, etc.) The intermediate tank 220, the pressure adjustment unit 210, and other configurations related to the ink supply path will be described. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the ink supply path in the recording device 1, showing the supply path for one type of ink. In this embodiment, four types of ink are supplied to the ejection head 11, so there are four supply paths as shown in Figure 13. However, there is only one pressure adjustment unit 210, and the flow path 219e is in communication with each intermediate tank 220. The operation of each intermediate tank 220 is synchronized by the pressure adjustment unit 210.

[0060] "Intermediate Tank" The intermediate tank 220 is connected to the container 60 via a flow path 219a, a valve 230, and a flow path 219b. Flow paths 219a and 219b are flow paths formed by a flow path forming member 31. A negative pressure maintenance unit 250 is provided on the discharge head 11. The negative pressure maintenance unit 250 is connected to the intermediate tank 220 via a flow path 219c, a valve 240, and a flow path 219d. Flow path 219c is formed by flow path forming members 31 to 33, and flow path 219d is formed by flow path forming members 33 and 34.

[0061] The pressure adjustment unit 210 is connected to the intermediate tank 220 via a flow path 219e. The flow path 219e is a flow path for gas (air) for pressure control and is formed by flow path forming members 31 to 33. The flow path 219f forms an atmospheric communication passage that communicates with the atmosphere.

[0062] The ink in container 60 is introduced into the intermediate tank 220 via flow path 219a, valve 230, and flow path 219b. Container 60 is located upstream of the ink introduction direction, while the intermediate tank 220 is located downstream. Valve 230 is located upstream of the intermediate tank 220.

[0063] The ink in the intermediate tank 220 is supplied to the discharge head 11 via the flow path 219c, valve 240, flow path 219d, and negative pressure maintenance unit 250. In the direction of liquid supply, the intermediate tank 220 is upstream and the discharge head 11 is downstream. The valve 240 is located downstream of the intermediate tank 220.

[0064] The configuration of the intermediate tank 220 will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the intermediate tank 220. The intermediate tank 220 performs an introduction operation to introduce ink contained in the container 60 by suction, and a supply operation to send the introduced liquid toward the discharge head 11. The introduction operation can also be called a liquid replenishment operation. In these two operations, the intermediate tank 220 plays the role of a pump.

[0065] The intermediate tank 220 includes a forming unit 221 that forms a liquid chamber 220a and a pressure chamber 220b. The forming unit 221 is a hollow body that forms the outer wall defining the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b. In this embodiment, the forming unit 221 includes a cup-shaped housing 221A and a lid member 221B that closes the opening at the top of the housing 221A.

[0066] The liquid chamber 220a contains the ink L to be supplied to the discharge head 11. Ink L is introduced into the liquid chamber 220a from the container 60. The lid member 221B has an inlet 221a that forms an inlet communicating with the liquid chamber 220a, and an outlet 221b that forms an outlet communicating with the liquid chamber 220a. A flow path 219b is connected to the inlet 221a, and a flow path 219c is connected to the outlet 221b.

[0067] The pressure chamber 220b is formed adjacent to the liquid chamber 220a via a wall 222. The wall 222 separates the liquid chamber 220a from the pressure chamber 220b. The wall 222 can also be described as part of the peripheral wall that defines the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b. The wall 222 is a diaphragm that changes the volume of the liquid chamber 220a by displacing in accordance with the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. In this embodiment, the wall 222 is made of a flexible sheet that elastically deforms in accordance with the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b, and has an annularly formed convex portion at its periphery.

[0068] The wall 222 is airtightly sandwiched between the lid member 221B and the frame 223. The frame 223 is an annular member having an opening 223a in its center. The frame 223 is supported by a plurality of shaft members 228 erected at the bottom of the housing 221A. The periphery of the wall 222 is sandwiched between the lid member 221B and the frame 223, and the central part of the wall 222 is displaceable downwards from the opening 223a.

[0069] The housing 221A has a communication section 221c that forms a communication passage to the pressure adjustment unit 210 and the pressure chamber 220b. A flow path 219e is connected to the communication section 221c. The pressure chamber 220b is provided with a regulating unit 225 that restricts the displacement of the wall 222 according to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The regulating unit 225 restricts the maximum displacement position of the wall 222 in the direction in which the liquid chamber 220a increases.

[0070] The regulating unit 225 includes a stopper 227 and a flexible member 226. The flexible member 226 forms a partition wall of the air chamber 220c in the pressure chamber 220b. In other words, the pressure chamber 220b is partitioned by the flexible member 226 into a portion of the air chamber 220c on the bottom side and a portion on the liquid chamber 220a side. The flexible member 226 is a diaphragm that changes the volume of the air chamber 220c by displacing in response to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The wall 222 in this embodiment is made of a flexible film that elastically deforms in response to the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b, and its periphery is airtightly fixed to the bottom of the housing 221A.

[0071] The housing 221A has a communication portion 221d at its bottom that forms an atmospheric communication port. The communication portion 221d is always open, and the air chamber 220c is maintained at atmospheric pressure. The stopper 227 has a hole (not shown) through which a shaft member 228 is inserted, and is provided to move up and down in the D1 direction (depth direction of the housing 221A) with the shaft member 228 as a guide axis, and is a lifting member that is displaced by the displacement of the flexible member 226. In this embodiment, the flexible member 226 is positioned between the stopper 227 and the bottom of the housing 221A. When the pressure chamber 220b is in a negative pressure state, the flexible member 226 is displaced upward to increase the volume of the air chamber 220c, thereby causing the stopper 227 to rise to a restricting position that restricts the maximum displacement position. The stopper 227 has a recess 227a into which a contact member 224 enters.

[0072] A contact member 224 is fixed to the lower central part of the wall 222. The contact member 224 moves along with the movement of the wall 222. The contact member 224 has an engagement groove 224a into which the end portion 270a of the detection lever 270 engages. In this embodiment, the movement of the contact member 224 in contact with the stopper 227 restricts the movement range of the wall 222. A configuration in which the movement range of the wall 222 is restricted by directly contacting the wall 222 and the flexible member 226 is also possible. However, by interposing the contact member 224 and the stopper 227, deterioration of the wall 222 and the flexible member 226 can be prevented, and the movement range can be restricted more accurately.

[0073] Multiple elastic members 229 are provided between the contact member 224 and the stopper 227. In this embodiment, the elastic members 229 are coil springs through which the shaft member 228 is inserted, and they bias the contact member 224 and the stopper 227 in a direction that separates them. In the state shown in Figure 14, the contact member 224 and the stopper 227 are separated, and the displacement range of the wall 222 is not restricted.

[0074] The detection lever 270 is a movable member for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a. The detection lever 270 has an intermediate portion 270b that passes through the shaft hole 221e and is rotatably supported in the shaft hole 221e. The contact member 224 is displaced in the D1 direction according to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a. The detection lever 270 rotates in the D2 direction due to the displacement of the contact member 224. The amount of rotation of the detection lever 270 is detected by a remaining amount detection sensor 271 located inside the housing 221A. The remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a can be estimated based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 271. The detection lever 270 is constantly biased in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 14 by an elastic member (not shown). Alternatively, the detection lever 270 may have an intermediate portion 270b that extends outside the housing 221A through the shaft hole 221e formed in the housing 221A. In that case, the configuration may be such that it is rotatably supported in an airtightly sealed shaft hole 221e.

[0075] The operation of the intermediate tank 220 will be explained with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figures 15 and 16 show the operation of each part of the intermediate tank 220, along with the internal pressure state.

[0076] State ST51 in Figure 15 shows that the ink L in the liquid chamber 220a has been almost completely depleted by the supply operation, and the volume of the liquid chamber 220a is at its minimum. The pressure adjustment unit 210 maintains a positive pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The air chamber 220c has almost no volume, and the stopper 227 is located at the bottom of the housing 221A. Conversely, the contact member 224 is located at the liquid chamber 220a side. The replenishment operation is performed from this point. Note that it is not necessary to wait until the amount of ink remaining in the liquid chamber 220a has decreased to the state ST51 before performing the replenishment operation; for example, the replenishment operation may be performed when the remaining amount is around 50%.

[0077] State ST52 in Figure 15 indicates the stage when the replenishment operation has started and the pressure chamber 220b has been put into a negative pressure state by the pressure adjustment unit 210. By putting the pressure chamber 220b into a negative pressure state, the wall 222 and the contact member 224 are displaced toward the bottom side of the housing 221A. The volume of the liquid chamber 220a increases, and ink L is drawn into the liquid chamber 220a from the container 60. In state ST52, approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of the liquid chamber 220a has been introduced into the liquid chamber 220a.

[0078] In state ST52 of Figure 15, the flexible member 226 and the stopper 227 are displaced in the opposite direction to the wall 222 (towards the lid member 221B), and air is drawn into the air chamber 220c, increasing its volume. In this embodiment, when the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure, the flexible member 226 is configured to displace before the wall 222. A viscous liquid flows into the liquid chamber 220a. On the other hand, air, which has less flow resistance than liquid, flows into the air chamber 220c. Furthermore, the inner diameter and length of the communication portion 221d can be designed to have almost no flow resistance. In this way, the flexible member 226 can be deformed quickly. This allows the flexible member 226 to displace before the wall 222, that is, the displacement range of the wall 222 can be restricted.

[0079] The stopper 227 moves parallel to the liquid chamber 220a guided by the multiple shaft members 228. The stopper 227 moves against the biasing force of the elastic member 229. The stopper 227 moves until it contacts a projection (not shown) formed on the shaft member 228. This position becomes a restricting position that restricts the displacement range of the wall 222. Note that the stopper 227 may not be configured to stop moving at a predetermined part on the shaft member 228.

[0080] State ST53 in Figure 15 indicates the stage where ink L has flowed further into the liquid chamber 220a. The pressure chamber 220b remains under negative pressure, and the wall 222 is displaced in a direction that increases the volume of the liquid chamber 220a, deforming to bulge. The contact member 224 contacts the stopper 227, restricting the displacement of the wall 222.

[0081] State ST61 in Figure 16 shows the state in which negative pressure continues to act on the wall 222 from the state ST53 in Figure 15. Due to the restriction of the stopper 227, the contact member 224 cannot move further toward the stopper 227, so further elastic deformation occurs in a part of the wall 222 (a thin-walled section like part A in the same figure). The deformation stops when the force due to the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 220b and the elastic deformation force of part A of the wall 222 are balanced. A slightly larger amount of ink L flows into the liquid chamber 220a by the amount of deformation in part A. In other words, the volume of the liquid chamber 220a at the stage of state ST61 is the maximum volume during the replenishment operation, and this maximum volume is limited by the regulating unit 225.

[0082] State ST62 in Figure 16 indicates the state where the replenishment operation has ended and the supply operation has started. The pressure adjustment unit 210 releases the negative pressure state in the pressure chamber 220b, and it is brought to a positive pressure state via atmospheric pressure. Air is exhausted from the air chamber 220c via the communication section 221d, and the flexible member 226 is displaced toward the communication section 221d as it collapses. As the flexible member 226 is displaced, the stopper 227 is also displaced toward the communication section 221d by the biasing force of the elastic member 229, and the restriction on the displacement range of the wall 222 is released.

[0083] When the restriction on the displacement range of the wall 222 is released, the constraint on part A of the wall 222, as shown in state ST61, is released, and it attempts to return to its original shape. Since a slightly excess amount of ink L corresponding to the deformation of part A has already flowed into the liquid chamber 220a, the contact member 224 is displaced toward the stopper 227 by that amount. As a result, the pressure in the liquid chamber 220a becomes approximately equal to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b, and when the ink L from the liquid chamber 220a is pressurized and supplied to the discharge head 11, no elastic deformation force corresponding to the deformation of part A of the wall 222 acts.

[0084] Let's explain this point in more detail. Suppose that the regulating unit 225 is not provided, and during the replenishment operation, the wall 222 comes into contact with a part where the displacement restriction cannot be released (for example, the inner wall of the pressure chamber 220b), and a part of the wall 222 undergoes further elastic deformation, as shown in section A. In this state, if the pressure chamber 220b is changed from a negative pressure state to a positive pressure state, the restoring force of the part of the wall 222 that has undergone elastic deformation, as shown in section A, will cause the pressure of the ink L in the liquid chamber 220a to rise. As a result, the ink L will be supplied with a stronger force than the pressure assumed by the control of the pressure adjustment unit 210, and the flow of ink L on the discharge head 11 side may become unstable.

[0085] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure, the regulating unit 225 restricts the displacement of the wall 222. When the negative pressure state is released, the restriction on the displacement of the wall 222 is also released, and the partial elastic deformation of the wall 222 is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure of the ink L in the liquid chamber 220a from rising due to the partial elastic deformation of the wall 222. As a result, the supply pressure of the ink L supplied from the liquid chamber 220a to the recording head can be controlled more accurately by the pressure adjustment unit 210, and variations in supply pressure can be reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, if the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 220b is released before a portion of the wall 222 undergoes excessive elastic deformation, it is possible to prevent excess ink L from flowing into the liquid chamber 220a. However, detecting the stage immediately before a portion of the wall 222 undergoes excessive elastic deformation is not easy and would require additional sensors. In contrast, this embodiment offers advantages in terms of cost and equipment layout.

[0087] At stage ST62, the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b becomes positive, and the pressure of the ink L in the liquid chamber 220a becomes approximately equal to the air pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. Stage ST63 in Figure 16 shows that the volume of the liquid chamber 220a has decreased, and ink L is being supplied from the liquid chamber 220a to the ejection head 11. Stage ST63 indicates that about 50% of the maximum capacity of the liquid chamber 220a has been supplied to the ejection head 11. Whether or not liquid is actually supplied depends on the state of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250, which will be discussed later. As the supply of ink L progresses, the state becomes ST51 in Figure 15, and the same operation is repeated.

[0088] "Negative Pressure Maintenance Unit" The structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250 will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250. State ST101 indicates a state where the amount of ink L stored is large, and state ST102 indicates a state where the amount of ink L stored is small.

[0089] The negative pressure maintenance unit 250 comprises a housing 251 on which the discharge head 11 is provided, and constitutes a discharge head module. The housing 251 has an inlet 251a that forms an inlet into which ink L supplied from the intermediate tank 220 flows, and a flow path 251b that communicates with the inlet 251a. A flow path 219d is connected to the inlet 251a. A filter 253 is provided in the flow path 251b, and unwanted contaminants are removed as the ink L that flows into the flow path 251b passes through the filter 253.

[0090] The housing 251 also has flow paths 251c and 251e and a storage section 250a. Part of the peripheral wall of the storage section 250a is formed by a diaphragm 252. The storage section 250a is provided between the liquid chamber 220a of the intermediate tank 220 and the recording head, and communicates with the discharge head 11 via the flow path 251e. The storage section 250a is a liquid chamber that temporarily stores the ink L supplied from the liquid chamber 220a at a predetermined negative pressure before reaching the discharge head 11, thereby preventing the ink L from leaking out of the discharge head 11.

[0091] The diaphragm 252 is a deformable sheet member made of a flexible material that partitions the storage section 250a. The movable plate 256 is in close contact with the diaphragm 252. The diaphragm 252 and the movable plate 256 are constantly biased by an elastic member 257 in a direction that increases the volume of the storage section 250a. The elastic member 257 is a coil spring installed between the housing 251 and the movable plate 256, and the biasing force of the elastic member 257 maintains the storage section 250a in a negative pressure state.

[0092] The flow path 251c is provided with a limiting valve 254 that restricts the supply of ink L from the flow path 251c to the storage section 250a. The limiting valve 254 is a valve that opens and closes the communication passage 251d between the flow path 251c and the storage section 250a. The limiting valve 254 comprises a valve body 254a and an elastic member 254b, and the valve body 254a is constantly biased in the closing direction by the elastic member 254b. The valve body 254a has a shaft portion that passes through the communication passage 251d and enters the storage section 250a.

[0093] The operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250 will now be explained. In state ST101, the limiting valve 254 is closed, in other words, the reservoir 250a is sufficiently filled with ink L. The valve body 254a adheres tightly to the surrounding wall of the communication passage 251d, thereby restricting the inflow of ink L from the flow path 251c to the reservoir 250a. In this state, a force is applied to the diaphragm 252 via the movable plate 256 from the elastic member 257 in a direction that expands the reservoir 250a. Also, since the limiting valve 254 is closed, the liquid inside the reservoir 250a is under negative pressure. This allows the meniscus generated in the nozzle to be in a desirable state (moderately concave) when ink L is discharged from the nozzle of the discharge head 11. Note that in state ST101 in Figure 17, the bulge of the diaphragm 252 is slightly exaggerated.

[0094] State ST102 indicates that the limiting valve 254 is open. In other words, when the limiting valve 254 is open, the amount remaining in the storage section 250a is insufficient, and the system is waiting for liquid supply from the intermediate tank 220. As the amount of ink L in the storage section 250a decreases due to the discharge of ink L from the discharge head 11, the diaphragm 252 is displaced toward the limiting valve 254 against the elastic member 257. The movable plate 256 presses against the valve body 254a of the limiting valve 254, and the valve body 254a moves away from the surrounding wall of the communication passage 251d, allowing ink L to flow from the flow path 251c to the storage section 250a via the communication passage 251d. The ink L that enters from the inlet 251a is pressurized, so it passes through the filter 253 and flows into the storage section 250a through the communication passage 251d.

[0095] As the liquid volume in the reservoir 250a increases, the diaphragm 252 gradually expands, and in parallel, the movable plate 256 also moves away from the valve body 254a. As a result, the limiting valve 254 becomes closed, as in state ST101.

[0096] In this way, ink L is supplied under pressure from the intermediate tank 220 to the storage section 250a while maintaining a negative pressure in the storage section 250a. In Figure 17, the displacement of the diaphragm 252 is exaggerated, but in reality, it repeatedly switches between closed and open states with minute amounts of movement, allowing the inside of the storage section 250a to be maintained at a nearly constant negative pressure.

[0097] "Pressure Adjustment Unit" The configuration of the pressure adjustment unit 210 will now be described. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the pressure adjustment unit 210. The pressure adjustment unit 210 includes an air pump 211 and a valve unit 212. The valve unit 212 includes a plurality of control valves 213A to 213D. The air pump 211 is an electric pump driven by a motor 211a. The plurality of control valves 213A to 213D are electric valves that switch the communication state between the air pump 211 and the pressure chamber 220b and the flow path 219f that forms the atmospheric communication passage.

[0098] In this embodiment, a pressure sensor 273 and a constant pressure valve 263 are provided in the flow path 219e. The pressure sensor 273 detects the pressure of the gas in the flow path 219e, i.e., the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The constant pressure valve 263 is a valve that maintains the pressure chamber 220b below the upper limit pressure when pressurizing the pressure chamber 220b. When the pressure in the flow path 219e reaches the upper limit pressure, the constant pressure valve 263 opens, connecting the flow path 219e to the atmosphere. This maintains the pressure chamber 220b below the upper limit pressure.

[0099] State ST131 in Figure 19 is the valve state for pressurization operation to bring the pressure chamber 220b to a positive pressure state. Control valve 213A is open, control valve 213B is closed, control valve 213C is open, and control valve 213D is closed. By driving the air pump 211 in each of these valve states, air is drawn in from the side of the flow path 219f and pressurized air is sent to the flow path 219e. When the pressure is adjusted by this pressurization operation, the pressure chamber 220b gradually goes from atmospheric pressure to positive pressure. After a predetermined time, when the pressure in the flow path 219f exceeds the upper limit pressure, the constant pressure valve 263 is activated and the pressure chamber 220b becomes constant.

[0100] State ST132 is the valve state for sealing operation to maintain the pressure in the pressurized pressure chamber 220b during the pressurization operation. Control valve 213A is closed, control valve 213B is open, control valve 213C is open, and control valve 213D is closed. In each of these valve states, the side of the flow path 219e (pressure chamber 220b) is disconnected from the air pump 211 and sealed. When the air pump 211 is running, air circulates between control valves 213B and 213C and the air pump 211. Therefore, whether the air pump 211 is running or stopped, no air flows to the side of the flow path 219f.

[0101] State ST133 is an atmospheric release operation that occurs on the way to the next depressurization operation. This operation is performed to quickly reduce the pressure chamber 220b from a positive pressure state to a negative pressure state by connecting the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere and returning it from a positive pressure state to near atmospheric pressure. In the atmospheric release operation, control valve 213A is closed, control valve 213B is open, control valve 213C is open, and control valve 213D is open. In this case, air enters from the side of the flow path 219e and exits into the flow path 219f via control valve 213D and control valve 213C without passing through the air pump 211.

[0102] State ST134 is the valve state for the depressurization operation to create a negative pressure state in the pressure chamber 220b. Control valve 213A is closed, control valve 213B is open, control valve 213C is closed, and control valve 213D is open. By driving the air pump 211 in each of these valve states, air is drawn in from the side of the flow path 219e and discharged to the side of the flow path 219f. When the pressure chamber 220b is in an atmospheric pressure state and the pressure is adjusted by this depressurization operation, the pressure chamber 220b gradually becomes negative pressure. After a predetermined time, the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b becomes constant at a predetermined negative pressure according to the capacity of the air pump 211. In this embodiment, a constant pressure valve on the negative pressure side is not provided, but if it is desired to limit the negative pressure to a predetermined level, a constant pressure valve on the negative pressure side may be provided in parallel with the constant pressure valve 263.

[0103] State ST135 is an atmospheric release operation that occurs on the way to the next pressurization operation (state ST131). This operation is performed to quickly bring the inside of the pressure chamber 220b, which is in a negative pressure state, into a positive pressure state by connecting the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere and returning it from negative pressure to near atmospheric pressure. In this atmospheric release operation, control valve 213A opens, control valve 213B opens, control valve 213C opens, and control valve 213D opens. In this case, air enters from the side of the flow path 219f, and enters the flow path 219e via control valve 213B and control valve 213A, without passing through the air pump 211.

[0104] Refer to Figure 18 for the "atmospheric release unit". The atmospheric release unit 21 is a mechanism that releases the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere in response to operations related to the replacement of the container 60 (hereinafter referred to as replacement-related operations). In this embodiment, the replacement-related operation is the operation of opening the opening / closing member 5. When the opening / closing member 5 is opened, the container 60 may be replaced by the user.

[0105] The container 60 can be replaced by the user at any time. If the container 60 corresponding to the intermediate tank 220 in the pressure chamber 220b is replaced while the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure, such as during a replenishment operation, air bubbles may be drawn into the ink L flow path from the flow path 219a. If air bubbles are drawn into the flow path, it can cause problems such as poor liquid discharge by the discharge head 11. The atmospheric release unit 21 releases the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere in such cases to eliminate the negative pressure and prevent air bubbles from being drawn into the ink L flow path from the flow path 219a.

[0106] On the other hand, even if the container 60 corresponding to the intermediate tank 220 of the pressure chamber 220b is replaced when the pressure chamber 220b is in a positive pressure state, such as during supply operation, the possibility of air bubbles being drawn into the ink L flow path from the flow path 219a is low. Opening the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere may require interrupting the recording operation, which reduces productivity. Therefore, the atmospheric release unit 21 of this embodiment opens the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere according to the replacement-related operations and the operating state of the pressure adjustment unit 210.

[0107] The atmospheric release unit 21 includes a differential pressure valve 215 and an interlocking valve 216 that are in communication via a flow path 22. The differential pressure valve 215 opens and closes depending on the pressure difference between the pressure in the flow path 219e and the pressure in the flow path 22. It remains closed when the pressure in the flow path 22 is lower than or equal to the pressure in the flow path 219e. On the other hand, it opens when the pressure in the flow path 22 becomes higher than the pressure in the flow path 219e. This creates communication between the flow path 22 and the flow path 219e. In this embodiment, the differential pressure valve 215 is a valve that opens when the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b is lower than atmospheric pressure, and closes otherwise.

[0108] The interlocking valve 216 is a valve that opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing member 5. When the opening and closing member 5 is opened, the interlocking valve 216 opens, connecting the flow path 23, which is open to the atmosphere, with the flow path 22.

[0109] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of the interlocking valve 216. State ST201 shows the case where the opening / closing member 5 is closed and the interlocking valve 216 is in the closed state, and state ST202 shows the case where the opening / closing member 5 is open and the interlocking valve 216 is in the open state.

[0110] The interlocking valve 216 includes a valve rubber 27 and a sealing member 26. The tube 28 forms a flow path 22. As shown in state ST201, when the valve rubber 27 and the sealing member 26 are in close contact, the interlocking valve 216 is in a closed state, blocking the tube 28 from the atmosphere. As shown in state ST202, when the valve rubber 27 and the sealing member 26 are separated, the interlocking valve 216 is in an open state, opening the tube 28 to the atmosphere.

[0111] The interlocking valve 216 includes a movable member 24. The movable member 24 is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis 24a in the X direction. The movable member 24 includes a follower portion 24b and a lever portion 24c. An elastic member 25 is locked to the lever portion 24c. The elastic member 25 biases the movable member 24 clockwise in the figure. The sealing member 26 is supported by the movable member 24.

[0112] As shown in state ST201, when the opening / closing member 5 is in the closed state, the follower portion 24b abuts against the back surface of the opening / closing member 5, the elastic member 25 is in a state of accumulating elastic force, and the valve rubber 27 and the sealing member 26 are in close contact. As shown in state ST202, when the opening / closing member 5 is opened, the opening / closing member 5 separates from the follower portion 24b, causing the movable member 24 to rotate clockwise due to the elastic force of the elastic member 25, and the valve rubber 27 and the sealing member 26 separate. The interlocking valve 216 opens, and the flow path 22 formed by the tube 28 is opened to the atmosphere. Closing the opening / closing member 5 from state ST201 returns to state ST201.

[0113] In this embodiment, a sensor 29 is provided to detect the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 5. The sensor 29 detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing member 5 by detecting the position of the movable member 24.

[0114] The operation of the atmospheric release unit 21 will now be explained. Assume that the pressure chamber 220b is in a positive pressure state and the opening / closing member 5 is closed. This state is when the pressure adjustment unit 210 is performing the supply operation. In this state, since the interlocking valve 216 is closed, there is no pressure fluctuation in the flow path 22, and the flow path 219e is subjected to a positive pressure equivalent to that of the pressure chamber 220b. Therefore, the differential pressure valve 215 is also closed. In other words, in this state, the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b is not affected by the differential pressure valve 215 and the interlocking valve 216.

[0115] Next, let's consider the state where the pressure chamber 220b is in a positive pressure state and the opening / closing member 5 is open. In this embodiment, the recording device 1 maintains a positive pressure in the pressure chamber 220b even when it is in a standby state where it is not performing recording operations, or when the power to the recording device 1 is turned off. This is to ensure that it is on standby so that it can immediately perform a supply operation when it receives an instruction for the next recording operation. Also, since the flow path from the intermediate tank 220 to the limiting valve 254 downstream remains pressurized, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon of air entering the flow path. Therefore, this state corresponds to the state when the opening / closing member 5 is opened during a supply operation in the recording operation of the recording device 1, in a standby state for the next recording operation, or when the power is off. In this case, the interlocking valve 216 is in the open state, so the flow path 22 is open to the atmosphere. Since a positive pressure equivalent to that in the pressure chamber 220b is applied in the flow path 219e, the differential pressure valve 215 remains in the closed state. In other words, in this state, due to the action of the differential pressure valve 215 and the interlocking valve 216, the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b does not fluctuate due to the opening of the opening / closing member 5.

[0116] Next, let's consider the case where the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure and the opening / closing member 5 is closed. This state corresponds to the state when a replenishment operation is being performed. In this case, the interlocking valve 216 is closed, so there is no pressure fluctuation in the flow path 22, and the flow path 219e is under negative pressure equivalent to that of the pressure chamber 220b. In this state, the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b is not affected by the differential pressure valve 215 and the interlocking valve 216.

[0117] Next, let's consider the case where the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure and the opening / closing member 5 is open. This corresponds to the state where the opening / closing member 5 is opened for some reason while a replenishment operation is being performed. The replenishment operation is performed at any time during the period when no recording operation is being performed. If the system is designed to operate without the user being aware of the timing of the operation, it is possible that the user might accidentally open the opening / closing member 5 while trying to replace the container 60 during a replenishment operation.

[0118] There is no particular problem if the opening / closing member 5 is simply opened, but a problem arises if the container 60 is removed from the storage unit 4 during the replenishment operation. The problem is that air enters through the connection part 30 that connects the container 60 and the flow path 219a. If air enters the flow path and reaches the discharge head 11, it may cause malfunctions in the discharge operation.

[0119] The reason air enters through the connection point 30 is that the flow path from the container 60 to the intermediate tank 220 is under negative pressure. This is because the pressure chamber 220b is depressurized to a negative pressure state for the replenishment operation. Therefore, when the user opens the opening / closing member 5 during the replenishment operation, the pressure chamber 220b is quickly returned from a negative pressure state to an atmospheric pressure state to suppress the entry of air into the flow path.

[0120] In other words, the interlocking valve 216 is in the open state, so the flow path 22 is opened to the atmosphere. Since a negative pressure equivalent to that in the pressure chamber 220b is applied in the flow path 219e, the differential pressure valve 215 is in the open state. When the differential pressure valve 215 is open, air flows rapidly into the pressure chamber 220b, and the pressure chamber 220b becomes atmospheric pressure in a short time. In other words, in this state, due to the action of the differential pressure valve 215 and the interlocking valve 216, the opening of the opening / closing member 5 causes the inside of the pressure chamber 220b to change rapidly from a negative pressure state to an atmospheric pressure state. Therefore, even if the user removes the container 60 from the storage unit 4, the entry of air into the flow path is suppressed.

[0121] Furthermore, when the opening of the opening / closing member 5 is detected by the sensor 29, the state of the control valves 213A to 213D may be controlled to state ST133 (atmospheric release operation) as shown in Figure 9. Since there are two atmospheric release paths to the pressure chamber 220b, a further reduction in atmospheric release time can be expected.

[0122] <Other Embodiments> A partition wall may be provided between at least a portion of the ink flow path from the container 60 to the discharge head 11 and the transport unit 8. For example, a partition wall may be provided between the flow path forming member 34 and the transport unit 8 in the Z direction. If ink leaks from the flow path forming member 34, the partition wall can prevent the sheet SH from being contaminated with ink.

[0123] Furthermore, a bucket member may be provided at the bottom of at least a portion of the ink flow path from the container 60 to the discharge head 11 to capture ink that has leaked from the flow path, and a guide member may be provided to guide the ink accumulated in the bucket member to a destination. A sensor for detecting ink may be provided at the destination.

[0124] Furthermore, a recovery unit may be provided to restore the discharge performance of the discharge head 11. The recovery unit may be located in the axial direction of the conveying roller 81, on the side opposite to the conveying drive unit 9.

[0125] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0126] The technical ideas derived from this disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed, but are intended to encompass various modifications of the exemplary embodiments, or substitutions with equivalent structures or functions. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest way to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0127] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-026026, filed on February 20, 2025, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0128] 1 Recording device, 8 Conveying unit, 9 Conveying drive unit, 11 Discharge head, 20 Supply unit, 31-34 Flow path forming member, 81 Conveying roller

Claims

1. A recording device comprising: a conveying means including a first roller for conveying a recording medium; a driving means for driving the conveying means; a dispensing means for dispensing liquid onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; and a supplying means for supplying the liquid to the dispensing means, wherein the supplying means includes a flow path forming means that forms a part of the flow path of the liquid; the driving means is arranged at one end of the first roller in the axial direction; and at least a part of the flow path forming means is arranged to overlap the driving means in the vertical direction.

2. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path forming means comprises a member having a groove that forms a part of the flow path, and a film that seals the groove.

3. A recording device according to claim 1, comprising: a storage means for storing a container for containing the liquid; and a loading means for loading the recording medium, wherein, in the vertical direction, the loading means is positioned higher than the storage means and lower than the transport means, and the dispensing means is positioned higher than the transport means.

4. A recording device according to claim 3, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of containers for storing different types of liquids, and the width of the loading means in the axial direction is narrower than the width of the container storage area of ​​the storage means in the axial direction.

5. A recording device according to claim 3, wherein the supply means comprises an intermediate tank into which the liquid is introduced from the container, and a pressure adjusting means, the intermediate tank having a liquid chamber for containing the liquid, a pressure chamber adjacent to the liquid chamber, and a wall that separates the liquid chamber and the pressure chamber and changes the volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in accordance with the pressure of the pressure chamber, the pressure adjusting means adjusts the pressure of the pressure chamber, and the pressure adjusting means is located in front of the drive means in the depth direction of the recording device.

6. A recording device according to claim 5, wherein the flow path forming means forms a part of the gas flow path between the pressure adjusting means and the pressure chamber.

7. A recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow path forming means is located below the driving means.

8. A recording device according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the depth direction of the recording device, the intermediate tank is located further back than the storage means.

9. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path forming means forms a plurality of flow paths extending in the depth direction of the recording device, and the plurality of flow paths are arranged in the vertical direction.

10. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the driving means includes a motor which is a driving source, a transmission mechanism which transmits the driving force of the motor to the first roller, and a support member which supports the motor and the transmission mechanism.

11. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the transport means includes a second roller disposed downstream of the first roller in the transport direction of the recording medium, and the drive means includes a motor which is a drive source, a first transmission mechanism which transmits the driving force of the motor to the first roller, a second transmission mechanism which transmits the driving force of the motor to the second roller, and a support member which supports the motor, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism.

12. A recording device according to claim 3, wherein the container is a flexible bag-shaped container.

13. A recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that a valve for opening and closing the flow path is supported on the member.

Images