JP2011051240A - Liquid jetting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus capable of supplying a liquid having a uniform component ratio to liquid ejecting means.
An ink jet printer includes a main tank that stores UV ink supplied from an ink cartridge, a stirring device that stirs UV ink stored in the main tank, and a main tank. And a first liquid supply unit 26 having a second ink supply pipe 27 for supplying UV ink to the recording head 32 side. The main tank 15 is configured such that the UV ink storage capacity is larger than the UV ink storage amount of the ink cartridge 13.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting unit that ejects a liquid such as ink.

  Conventionally, as this type of liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, an ink jet printer described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) has been proposed. The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a recording head as a liquid ejecting unit that ejects ink as a liquid onto a target such as recording paper, and a sub tank that temporarily stores ink to be supplied into the recording head. In the sub tank, ink is supplied from an ink cartridge as a liquid storage means via an ink supply tube.

JP 2000-2111152 A

  By the way, in recent years, UV (Ultra Violet) ink that is cured by irradiation of ultraviolet rays may be used as the ink ejected to the target. In an ink cartridge that stores ink having high viscosity such as UV ink, a part of ink components (for example, pigment components) are likely to settle. Therefore, the component ratio of ink supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head via the sub tank may be slightly different every time the ink supply process is performed from the ink cartridge side. As a result, the component ratio of the ink ejected from the recording head varies, and as a result, it is difficult to keep the quality of the product (that is, the printed target) generated by ejecting ink on the target constant. There was a risk of becoming.

  Further, if the ink is stored in the sub tank for a long period of time, a part of the ink component may settle in the sub tank. Even when ink is supplied from the sub tank to the recording head in this state, there is a possibility that the component ratio of the ink ejected from the recording head may vary.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of supplying a liquid having a uniform component ratio to the liquid ejecting means.

To achieve the above objective,
The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting unit that ejects a liquid, and stores the liquid supplied from the liquid storing unit that stores the liquid, and is stored in the tank. Stirring means for stirring the liquid, and liquid supply means having a liquid supply path for supplying the liquid in the tank to the liquid ejecting means side, and the tank has a liquid storage capacity of the liquid. It is comprised so that it may become more than the storage amount of the liquid of a storage means.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to supply all the liquid in the liquid storage means to the tank. By stirring the liquid supplied into the tank by the stirring means in this way, it is possible to suppress a part of the liquid component from settling in the tank. Then, the stirred liquid is supplied to the liquid ejecting means side. Therefore, a liquid having a uniform component ratio can be supplied to the liquid ejecting means.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a holder portion to which the liquid storage means is attached, a liquid connection path having an upstream end connected to the liquid storage means attached to the holder portion, and at least part of the liquid storage device in the tank. And a guide portion that guides the liquid led out from the downstream end of the liquid connection path in the direction of gravity in the tank.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid led out from the downstream end of the liquid connection path is accommodated in the tank by being guided by the guide portion. For this reason, when the liquid from the liquid storage means lands on the liquid already stored in the tank, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the liquid in the tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bubbles contained in the liquid from being supplied to the liquid ejecting unit side together with the liquid, and thus it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defective liquid ejection by the liquid ejecting unit.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the guide portion may be a side wall of the tank, and a downstream end of the liquid connection path may be disposed to face the side wall of the tank.
According to the above configuration, the liquid led out from the downstream end of the liquid connection path is accommodated in the tank by flowing down along the side wall of the tank. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the entire apparatus as compared with the case where a guide part separate from the side wall of the tank is provided.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the agitation unit includes a blade member that can rotate around a predetermined rotation axis.
According to the above configuration, the liquid in the tank can be agitated by rotating the blade member in the tank.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the rotation axis of the blade member may be an axis extending along the direction of gravity, and the blade member may be formed with a suction pressure region above the rotation member when rotating about the rotation axis. In addition, a discharge pressure region higher than the suction pressure region is formed below the suction pressure region, and an upstream end of the liquid supply path is disposed at a position directly above the blade member.

  In general, some components of the liquid tend to settle below the blade member in the tank. Therefore, when the upstream end of the liquid supply path is disposed below the blade member, there is a possibility that a liquid having a uniform component cannot be supplied to the liquid ejecting means side. In this regard, in the present invention, the upstream end of the liquid supply path is disposed above the blade member. Therefore, compared with the case where the upstream end of the liquid supply path is disposed below the blade member, the component ratio of the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting means via the liquid supply path can be stabilized. .

In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the downstream end of the liquid connection path and the upstream end of the liquid supply path are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotation axis.
Generally, in the vicinity of the liquid from the liquid storage means in the tank, the liquid component ratio may be different from the normal case depending on the situation in the liquid storage means. In this regard, in the present invention, the downstream end of the liquid connection path is disposed at a position separated from the upstream end of the liquid supply path. Therefore, compared with the case where the downstream end of the liquid connection path is disposed near the upstream end of the liquid supply path, the component ratio of the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting means via the liquid supply path is stabilized. It becomes possible.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the upstream end of the blade member and the liquid supply path may be the liquid level of the liquid in the tank when the amount of the liquid in the tank is equal to or greater than a preset lower limit amount. Are arranged below each other.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid in the tank can be agitated by the rotation of the blade member even when the amount of the liquid stored in the tank decreases. Further, the liquid in the tank can be supplied to the liquid ejection stage side.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the tank is disposed below the holder portion in the direction of gravity, and the downstream end of the liquid connection path has an upper limit in which the amount of liquid stored in the tank is set in advance. It is arranged above the liquid level of the liquid in the tank in the case where the amount is in the vicinity.

  According to the above configuration, the amount near the upper limit is set in advance so that when the amount of liquid stored in the tank is equal to or less than the amount near the upper limit, the liquid in the liquid storage means can be stored in the tank. Even when the amount of liquid contained in the tank is relatively large, it is possible to supply all the liquid in the liquid storage means mounted on the holder portion into the tank. Therefore, by stirring the liquid in the tank by the stirring means, it is possible to supply the liquid having a uniform component ratio to the liquid ejecting means.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. (A) (b) is a schematic block diagram which shows a holder part typically. The side sectional view showing typically composition in a main tank. The block diagram which shows an electrical structure. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an ink supply processing routine. The flowchart explaining a sub tank processing routine.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer (hereinafter abbreviated as “printer”) 11 as a liquid ejecting apparatus uses UV (Ultra Violet) ink (ultraviolet curable ink) as an example of a liquid, and is not shown. A printing unit 12 that performs a printing process on a target (a film, a glass plate, or the like) is provided. Further, the printer 11 according to the present embodiment is provided with an irradiation unit (not shown) that irradiates the target that has been printed by the printing unit 12 with ultraviolet rays and cures the UV ink that has landed on the target. The UV ink contains a pigment component having low dispersion stability, and has a property that the pigment component easily settles.

  The printing unit 12 includes a holder unit 14 to which an ink cartridge 13 as a liquid storage unit that stores UV ink is mounted, and a bottomed substantially cylindrical main tank 15 that is disposed below the holder unit 14 in the direction of gravity. I have. The holder portion 14 is provided with a hollow ink supply needle 17 that can be inserted into and removed from the lead-out portion 16 of the ink cartridge 13 disposed at the mounting position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The holder portion 14 is connected to a first ink supply pipe 18 as a liquid connection path whose upstream end 18 a communicates with the inside of the ink supply needle 17, and the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 is It is arranged in the main tank 15. The main tank 15 is configured such that the UV ink storage capacity is sufficiently larger than the UV ink storage amount in the ink cartridge 13. A plurality of (two in this embodiment) main side remaining amount sensors for detecting the remaining amount of UV ink in the main tank 15 on the side wall of the main tank 15 based on the position of the liquid level A1 of the UV ink. 19 and 20 are provided, and the main-side remaining amount sensors 19 and 20 are respectively arranged at different positions in the gravity direction.

  Further, the printing unit 12 is provided with a stirring device 21 as stirring means for stirring the UV ink stored in the main tank 15. The stirring device 21 is provided at a stirring motor 22 serving as a driving source, a shaft member 23 as a rotation axis rotating by driving of the stirring motor 22, and a tip (lower end in FIG. 1) of the shaft member 23. A plurality of blade members 24 (only two are shown in FIG. 1) are provided.

  Further, the printing unit 12 includes a sub tank 25 as another tank having a UV ink storage capacity smaller than that of the main tank 15, and a liquid supply unit for supplying UV ink from the main tank 15 into the sub tank 25. A first liquid supply unit 26 is provided. The first liquid supply unit 26 includes a second ink supply pipe 27 serving as a liquid supply path in which an upstream end 27 a is disposed in the main tank 15 and a downstream end 27 b is connected to the sub tank 25, and a first drive motor 28. And a first pump 29 that sucks the UV ink in the main tank 15 and discharges it to the sub tank 25 side. Further, in the second ink supply pipe 27, on the sub tank 25 side of the first pump 29, a first on-off valve (for example, an electromagnetic valve) that operates to allow or restrict the flow of UV ink between the tanks 15 and 25. 30 is provided.

  The sub tank 25 includes a tank body having a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a cover portion that closes an opening of the tank body. A sub-side remaining amount sensor 31 for detecting the amount of UV ink temporarily stored in the sub tank 25 is provided on the side wall of the sub tank 25. The sub-side remaining amount sensor 31 outputs an “ON” signal when the liquid level A2 of the UV ink in the sub tank 25 is located at the same position as or higher than the installation position of the sub-side remaining amount sensor 31. Is done. The sub tank 25 is provided with a first temperature sensor 32 for detecting the temperature of the UV ink in the sub tank and a sub tank heater 33 for heating the UV ink. The sub tank 25 is connected with a pressure increasing / decreasing device 34 for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the sub tank 25.

  The pressure increasing / decreasing device 34 is configured to pump a gas into the sub tank 25 by a second drive motor 35 and drive the pressurization to pressurize the sub tank 25, and when the second pump 36 is driven. A second opening / closing valve (for example, an electromagnetic valve) 37 is provided which is in an open state and is in a closed state when not driven. Further, the pressure increasing / decreasing device 34 is configured to exhaust a gas from the sub tank 25 by a third drive motor 38 and to drive the sub tank 25 to depressurize, and a pressure for opening the sub tank 25 to the atmosphere. An open valve 40 is provided. Further, the pressure increasing / decreasing device 34 is opened when at least one of the third pump 39 and the pressure release valve 40 is driven, and is closed when both the third pump 39 and the pressure release valve 40 are not driven. A third on-off valve (for example, a solenoid valve) 41 that is in a state is provided.

  The printing unit 12 is provided with an ink ejection unit 42 that ejects UV ink toward the target. The ink ejection unit 42 includes a plurality (four in the present embodiment) of recording heads (liquid ejection means). 43. Each of the recording heads 43 is provided with a pressure adjustment chamber (not shown) therein, and UV ink in each pressure adjustment chamber is supplied to a plurality of nozzles (not shown) by driving piezoelectric elements (not shown). It sprays suitably from each nozzle. Each recording head 43 is provided with a second temperature sensor 44 for detecting the temperature thereof, and a head heater 45 for keeping the temperature of the UV ink in the pressure adjustment chamber.

  Each of the recording heads 43 is supplied with the UV ink in the sub tank 25 via the second liquid supply unit 46. The second liquid supply unit 46 includes a third ink supply pipe 47 whose upstream end 47 a is disposed near the bottom of the sub tank 25. On the downstream side of the third ink supply pipe 47, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of connection pipes 48 corresponding to each recording head 43 are connected. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the third ink supply pipe 47 and the connection pipe 48 constitute another liquid supply path for supplying the UV ink in the sub tank 25 into each recording head 43. The third ink supply pipe 47 is provided with a fourth pump 50 that draws UV ink from the sub tank 25 side and discharges it to the recording head 43 side based on the driving of the fourth drive motor 49. Further, in the third ink supply pipe 47, a fourth on-off valve that operates to allow or restrict the flow of UV ink from the sub tank 25 to each recording head 43 side, closer to each recording head 43 than the fourth pump 50. For example, a solenoid valve) 51 and a damper 52 for attenuating the pulsation of UV ink supplied by the fourth pump 50 are provided.

  Each connection pipe 48 is configured such that the passage cross-sectional area thereof is narrower than the passage cross-sectional area of the third ink supply pipe 47. The UV ink flowing in the connection pipes 48 is heated by the supply path heater 54 controlled based on the detection signal from the third temperature sensor 53.

  A plurality (four in this embodiment) of ink circulation pipes 55 corresponding to each recording head 43 is provided between each recording head 43 and the sub tank 25. Each of these ink circulation pipes 55 is configured such that their upstream end 55 a is connected to each recording head 43 and their downstream end 55 b is disposed in the sub tank 25. Each ink circulation pipe 55 is provided with a fifth on-off valve (for example, an electromagnetic valve) 56 that operates to allow or restrict the flow of UV ink from the recording head 43 side to the sub tank 25 side.

  The printing unit 12 is configured to eject a plurality of colors of UV ink onto a target, and includes a printing unit including a holder unit 14, tanks 15 and 25, and an ink ejection unit 42 for each color. However, in the present embodiment, only the printing unit for one color (for example, white) will be described, and the description of the printing unit for other colors will be omitted for the convenience of understanding the description.

Next, the ink cartridge 13 and the holder portion 14 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ink cartridge 13 has an ink storage chamber 60 (indicated by a broken line in FIGS. 2A and 2B) in which UV ink is stored. A rectangular parallelepiped cartridge main body 61 is provided. At the bottom of the cartridge main body 61 (the left bottom in FIGS. 2A and 2B), a lead-out portion 16 for leading the UV ink in the ink storage chamber 60 to the outside is provided. A film is attached to the outlet portion 16 of the unused ink cartridge 13 in order to suppress volatilization of the ink solvent.

  Further, the cartridge body 61 has an IC memory 62 that stores various types of information such as the type (color information, etc.) and amount of UV ink stored, and an electrode terminal 63 that functions as an access terminal of the IC memory 62. Is provided. The IC memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  The holder portion 14 includes a holder main body 64 that opens upward in FIG. 2A, and an accommodation space 65 that can accommodate the ink cartridge 13 is formed in the holder main body 64. A through hole 66 is formed through the bottom 64 a of the holder main body 64 at a position corresponding to the lead-out portion 16 of the ink cartridge 13, and the ink supply needle 17 is fitted into the through hole 66. . A communication hole 17a is formed on the leading end side (the upper end side in FIG. 2A) of the ink supply needle 17 to communicate the inside and the outside. Further, a biasing means (coil spring or the like) (not shown) for biasing the ink cartridge 13 upward is provided at the bottom 64 a of the holder main body 64. The ink cartridge 13 is disposed at a position where the ink supply needle 17 cannot be inserted into the lead-out portion 16 of the ink cartridge 13 by the urging force from the urging means (the position shown in FIG. 2A). The The position of the ink cartridge 13 shown in FIG. 2A is referred to as a “standby position”.

  Further, the holder portion 14 is provided with a pressing device 67 that is disposed above the holder main body 64 in FIG. 2A and is driven based on a control command from a control device 80 described later. The pressing device 67 abuts on the ink cartridge 13 and applies a downward pressing force in FIG. 2A, and moves the pressing member 68 forward and backward in the vertical direction in FIG. And a detachable motor 69 that is driven accordingly. When the ink cartridge 13 disposed at the standby position is pressed downward in FIG. 2A by driving the pressing device 67, the ink cartridge 13 is moved downward against the urging force from the urging means. Move to. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2B, the ink supply needle 17 is inserted into the lead-out portion 16 of the ink cartridge 13, and the UV ink in the ink storage chamber 60 is transferred to the ink supply needle 17 and the first ink. It is led out to the main tank 15 side through the supply pipe 18. The position of the ink cartridge 13 shown in FIG. 2B is referred to as “mounting position”.

  Furthermore, two contact terminals 70a and 70b arranged along the vertical direction in FIGS. 2A and 2B are provided on the side wall of the holder portion 14, and the contact terminals 70a and 70b are described later. The control devices 80 are electrically connected to each other. The first contact terminal 70a located on the upper side of the contact terminals 70a and 70b is disposed at a position where the ink cartridge 13 contacts the electrode terminal 63 of the ink cartridge 13 when the ink cartridge 13 is disposed at the standby position. . On the other hand, the second contact terminal 70b located on the lower side is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the electrode terminal 63 of the ink cartridge 13 when the ink cartridge 13 is disposed at the mounting position. That is, in the present embodiment, whether the ink cartridge 13 is located at the standby position or the attachment position, if the ink cartridge 13 is attached to the holder portion 14, the IC memory Various information stored in 62 can be read by the control device 80.

Next, the configuration in the main tank 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19 located on the upper side in the gravity direction among the main-side remaining amount sensors 19 and 20 provided in the main tank 15 is accommodated in the main tank 15. When the liquid level A1 of the UV ink is located at the same position as the installation position of the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19, all UV ink stored in one ink cartridge 13 can be received in the main tank 15. Placed in position. From the first main side remaining amount sensor 19, when the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is located at the same position as or higher than the installation position of the first main side remaining amount sensor 19, An “ON” signal is output to the controller 80. In the present embodiment, the amount of UV ink stored when the UV ink liquid level A1 is located at the same position as the installation position of the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19 is referred to as an “upper limit vicinity amount”. The liquid level A1 of the UV ink at that time is defined as “upper limit liquid level A1u”.

  Further, the second main side remaining amount sensor 20 located on the lower side in the direction of gravity is when the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is located at the same position as the installation position of the second main side remaining amount sensor 20. In addition, by supplying the UV ink in the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25 side, the sub tank 25 is disposed at a position where it can be filled with the UV ink. From the second main side remaining amount sensor 20, when the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is located at the same position as or higher than the installation position of the second main side remaining amount sensor 20, An “ON” signal is output to the control device 80. In the present embodiment, the amount of UV ink stored when the liquid level A1 of the UV ink is located at the same position as the installation position of the second main-side remaining amount sensor 20 is referred to as “amount near the lower limit”. The liquid level A1 of the UV ink at that time is defined as “near limit lower liquid level A1d”.

  In the main tank 15, the shaft member 23 of the stirring device 21 is disposed at the same position as the center line 15 a of the main tank 15 (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 3). That is, the shaft member 23 is disposed so as to extend along the direction of gravity, and the tip end (that is, the lower end) of the shaft member 23 is positioned below the installation position of the second main-side remaining amount sensor 20. ing. When each blade member 24 provided at the tip of the shaft member 23 rotates together with the shaft member 23 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3, the UV ink is sucked from above the blade member 24, and It is comprised so that it may discharge toward the downward direction. That is, a suction pressure region Pa (region surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3) that is lower in pressure than the other regions is formed in the main tank 15 immediately above each blade member 24. Further, immediately below each blade member 24, a discharge pressure region Pb (region surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3) having a higher pressure than other regions is formed. As a result, convection of UV ink as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3 occurs in the main tank 15 and the UV ink in the main tank 15 is agitated.

  In FIG. 3, the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 is disposed on the left side of the shaft member 23 and above the installation position of the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19 in the direction of gravity. Moreover, the downstream end 18b of the first ink supply pipe 18 is bent so as to be directed to the side wall (hereinafter referred to as “guide wall portion 71”) located on the left side in FIG. ing. Then, the UV ink led out from the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 is guided downward by the guide wall portion 71 of the main tank 15, and thereby arrives at the UV ink already stored in the main tank 15. Liquid. That is, the UV ink flows down along the guide wall portion 71 of the main tank 15. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the guide wall portion 71 functions as a guide portion that guides the UV ink led out from the downstream end 18b of the first ink supply pipe 18 downward in the gravity direction. The first ink supply pipe 18 is disposed in the main tank 15 when the flow resistance (for example, the cross-sectional area) of the UV ink is deposited on the liquid level A1 through the guide wall 71. The flow path resistance (for example, the cross-sectional area of the passage) is such that bubbles are not mixed into the UV ink.

  In FIG. 3, a second ink supply pipe 27 is disposed on the right side of the shaft member 23. That is, the upstream end 27 a of the second ink supply pipe 27 is disposed on the opposite side of the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 with the shaft member 23 interposed therebetween. The upstream end 27 a of the second ink supply pipe 27 is disposed above each blade member 24 in the gravity direction and below the installation position of the second main side remaining amount sensor 20. Note that the volume corresponding to the installation position of the second main-side remaining amount sensor 20 and the installation position of the upstream end 27a of the second ink supply pipe 27 is the installation position of the bottom portion of the sub tank 25 and the sub-side remaining amount sensor 31. Is set to be slightly larger than the corresponding volume.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the printing unit 12 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, portions necessary for supplying UV ink from the ink cartridge 13 to the sub tank 25 are mainly illustrated, and the other portions are not illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the input / output interface of the control device 80 includes contact terminals 70 a and 70 b, a detachable motor 69, a stirring motor 22, a first drive motor 28, a first on-off valve 30, and a pressure increasing / decreasing device 34. The remaining amount sensors 19, 20, and 31 are electrically connected. The control device 80 is provided with an ink supply control unit 81 that mainly controls ink supply from the ink cartridge 13 to the sub tank 25 and a print control unit 82 that mainly controls printing processing for the target. The control device 80 includes a driver circuit (not shown) for the attaching / detaching motor 69, a driver circuit (not shown) for the stirring motor 22, a driver circuit (not shown) for the first drive motor 28, a first A driver circuit (not shown) for the on-off valve 30 and a driver circuit (not shown) for the pressure increasing / decreasing device 34 are provided.

  The ink supply control unit 81 is constructed from a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like (not shown). The print control unit 82 is constructed from a CPU, ROM, RAM, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like (not shown).

Next, an ink supply processing routine executed by the ink supply control unit 81 of the control device 80 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
Now, the ink supply control unit 81 executes an ink supply processing routine at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 second) set in advance. In this ink supply processing routine, the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the power ON flag FLG1 is “ON” (step S10). The power ON flag FLG1 is a flag that is set to “ON” when the stirring process is performed on the UV ink stored in the main tank 15 after the printer 11 is turned on. If the determination result in step S10 is negative (FLG1 = OFF), the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the UV ink has not been stirred, and sets the power ON flag FLG1 to “ON”. Then (step S11), the process proceeds to step S22 described later.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S10 is affirmative (FLG1 = ON), the ink supply control unit 81 sets an elapsed time threshold value KTk1 in which an elapsed time Tk since the last agitation process described later is executed is preset. It is determined whether it is less than (for example, a value corresponding to one week) (step S12). If the UV ink in the main tank 15 is not stirred for a time corresponding to the elapsed time threshold value KTk1, the pigment component of the UV ink may settle in the main tank 15. Therefore, the elapsed time threshold value KTk1 is set in advance by experiments, simulations, or the like as a reference value for determining whether or not the precipitation of the pigment component of the UV ink has occurred from the elapsed time Tk. If the determination result in step S12 is negative (Tk ≧ KTk1), the ink supply control unit 81 determines that there is a possibility that the pigment component of the UV ink has settled in the main tank 15, and performs the processing. The process proceeds to step S22 described later.

  On the other hand, when the determination result in step S12 is affirmative (Tk <KTk1), the ink supply control unit 81 detects the ink remaining amount IQsub of the UV ink stored in the sub tank 25 (step S13). Specifically, the ink supply control unit 81 detects the supply amount of UV ink from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25 based on the drive speed and drive time of the first pump 29. The print control unit 82 measures the ejection amount of the UV ink when ejecting the UV ink from the nozzles of the recording heads 43. Therefore, the ink supply control unit 81 obtains the ink remaining amount IQsub in the sub tank 25 by subtracting the total amount of ink ejection from each recording head 43 from the total amount of UV ink supplied from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25. . Therefore, in this embodiment, step S13 corresponds to a remaining amount detection step.

  Subsequently, the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the ink remaining amount IQsub detected in step S13 is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount threshold value KIQsub (step S14). The remaining amount threshold value KIQsub is a reference value that is set so that the liquid level A2 of the UV ink is not located below the upstream end 47a of the third ink supply pipe 47 in the sub tank 25. Is set. If the determination result in step S14 is negative (IQsub> KIQsub), the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the amount of UV ink contained in the sub tank 25 is sufficient, and the process proceeds to step S18 described later. To do.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S14 is affirmative (IQsub ≦ KIQsub), the ink supply control unit 81 has an elapsed time Tk after the last agitation process is equal to or greater than a preset regulation time threshold value KTk2. It is determined whether or not there is (step S15). When the UV ink in the main tank 15 is stirred by the stirring device 21, bubbles may be mixed into the UV ink. When UV ink is supplied from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25 in this state, there is a possibility that UV ink containing bubbles is supplied into the sub tank 25. When such bubbled UV ink is supplied from the sub tank 25 to the recording heads 43, there is a risk of causing defective ejection of the UV ink. Therefore, after performing the stirring process, it is better to wait until bubbles mixed in the UV ink are released to the outside. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the regulation time threshold value KTk2 is set in advance as a value corresponding to the waiting time after the stirring process.

  When the determination result in step S15 is negative (Tk <KTk2), the ink supply control unit 81 determines that there is a possibility that bubbles are still mixed in the UV ink in the main tank 15, and in step S15. The determination process of step S15 is repeatedly executed until the determination result is affirmative. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S15 is affirmative (Tk ≧ KTk2), the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the supply stop flag FLG2 is “OFF” (step S16). The supply stop flag FLG2 is determined that it is difficult to supply UV ink to the sub tank 25 because the remaining amount of ink in the main tank 15 is too small, that is, the amount of UV ink contained is sufficiently smaller than the amount near the lower limit. This flag is set to “ON” when If the determination result in step S16 is negative (FLG2 = ON), the ink supply control unit 81 restricts the supply of UV ink to the sub tank 25, and the process proceeds to step S19 described later. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S16 is affirmative (FLG2 = OFF), the ink supply control unit 81 performs a sub tank supply process (described in detail in FIG. 6) for supplying UV ink into the sub tank 25. The process is executed (step S17), and the process proceeds to the next step S18. Therefore, in this embodiment, step S17 corresponds to a second supply step.

  In step S <b> 18, the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the detection signal from the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19 is an “OFF” signal. That is, in step S18, it is determined whether or not the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is located at the same position as or higher than the installation position of the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19. In other words, in step S18, it can be said that the amount of UV ink contained in the main tank 15 is detected based on the detection signal from the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19. Therefore, in the present embodiment, step S18 corresponds to the accommodation amount detection step.

  If the determination result in step S18 is negative, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the amount of UV ink contained in the main tank 15 is greater than or equal to the upper limit and supplies ink to the main tank 15. Instead, the ink supply processing routine is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S18 is affirmative, the ink supply control unit 81 proceeds to the next step S19.

  In step S <b> 19, the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 13 in which the UV ink is stored is mounted on the holder unit 14. Specifically, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that it is attached when information can be acquired from the IC memory 62 of the ink cartridge 13 via the contact terminal 70a. At this time, the ink supply control unit 81 detects information indicating that the amount of UV ink stored in the ink cartridge 13 from the IC memory 62 is a value close to “0 (zero)” or “0 (zero)”. Then, it is determined that the ink cartridge 13 is not attached to the holder portion 14. If the determination result in step S19 is negative, the ink supply control unit 81 performs notification processing for notifying that the ink cartridge 13 is to be mounted on the holder unit 14 (step S20), and then temporarily executes the ink supply processing routine. finish. When such a notification process is executed, for example, a display screen of a computer (not shown) connected to the printer 11 displays that the ink cartridge 13 is to be mounted on the holder unit 14.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S19 is affirmative, the ink supply control unit 81 executes a main tank supply process for supplying UV ink to the main tank 15 (step S21). That is, the ink supply control unit 81 controls the drive of the attachment / detachment motor 69 to move the press member 68 downward, and moves the ink cartridge 13 located at the standby position to the attachment position. Subsequently, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that all UV ink in the ink cartridge 13 has been supplied into the main tank 15 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the ink cartridge 13 was placed in the mounting position. To do. Then, the ink supply control unit 81 controls the drive of the attachment / detachment motor 69 to move the press member 68 upward to move the ink cartridge 13 from the mounting position to the standby position, and then the processing is performed in the next step S21. -1. Therefore, in this embodiment, a 1st supply step is comprised by step S19-S21.

In step S21-1, the ink supply control unit 81 sets the supply stop flag FLG2 to “OFF”, and then proceeds to the next step S22.
In step S <b> 22, the ink supply control unit 81 executes a stirring process for stirring the UV ink in the main tank 15. Specifically, the ink supply control unit 81 controls the drive of the agitation motor 22 to rotate each blade member 24. Then, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the UV ink in the main tank 15 has been sufficiently stirred when the elapsed time since the rotation of each blade member 24 has exceeded a predetermined rotation time threshold, The stirring motor 22 is stopped. Therefore, in this embodiment, step S22 corresponds to a stirring step.

  Subsequently, the ink supply control unit 81 resets the elapsed time Tk after the end of the last stirring process to “0 (zero)” (step S23). Thereafter, the ink supply control unit 81 once ends the ink supply processing routine.

Next, the sub tank supply process (sub tank supply process routine) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In the subtank supply processing routine, the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the detection signal of the second main-side remaining amount sensor 20 is an “OFF” signal (step S30). If the determination result is affirmative, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the amount of UV ink stored in the main tank 15 is equal to or less than the lower limit amount, and sets the supply stop flag FLG2 to “ON” ( In step S31), the process proceeds to step S33 described later. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S30 is negative, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the amount of UV ink contained in the main tank 15 is greater than the lower limit vicinity amount, and sets the supply stop flag FLG2 to “OFF”. (Step S32), and the process proceeds to the next step S33.

  In step S <b> 33, the ink supply control unit 81 operates the third on-off valve 41 and the pressure release valve 40 to open the sub tank 25 to the atmosphere. Subsequently, the ink supply control unit 81 operates to open the first on-off valve 30 (step S34), and then controls the first drive motor 28 to drive the first pump 29 (step S35). . Then, the ink supply control unit 81 determines whether or not the detection signal from the sub-side remaining amount sensor 31 is an “ON” signal (step S36). If this determination result is a negative determination, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the liquid level A2 of the UV ink is located below the installation position of the sub-side remaining amount sensor 31 in the sub tank 25, and the determination in step S36 The determination process of step S36 is repeatedly executed until the result is affirmative.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S36 is affirmative, the ink supply control unit 81 determines that the ink level A2 of the UV ink in the sub tank 25 is the same position as or higher than the installation position of the sub-side remaining amount sensor 31. The first drive motor 28 is stopped and the first pump 29 is stopped (step S37). Subsequently, the ink supply control unit 81 operates to close the pressure release valve 40 and the third opening / closing valve 41 of the pressure increasing / decreasing device 34, and operates the first opening / closing valve 30 to close (step). S38). Thereafter, the ink supply control unit 81 ends the sub tank supply processing routine.

Next, a method for supplying UV ink in the printer 11 of this embodiment will be described.
When the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is located at the same position as or below the installation position of the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19 in the direction of gravity, the liquid ink enters the main tank 15. Supply of UV ink is started. That is, the ink cartridge 13 installed in the holder unit 14 is moved from the standby position (see FIG. 2A) to the mounting position (see FIG. 2B) by driving the pressing device 67. Then, the ink supply needle 17 is inserted into the lead-out portion 16 of the ink cartridge 13, and the UV ink in the ink storage chamber 60 of the ink cartridge 13 is led out via the ink supply needle 17 and the first ink supply pipe 18. . At this time, the UV ink led out from the downstream end 18b of the first ink supply pipe 18 is guided downward along the guide wall portion 71 facing the downstream end 18b. As a result, when UV ink supplied from the ink cartridge 13 lands on the liquid level A1 of the UV ink already supplied to the main tank 15, bubbles are prevented from being mixed into the UV ink in the main tank 15. Is done.

  When all the UV ink in the ink cartridge 13 is supplied into the main tank 15, the ink cartridge 13 installed at the mounting position moves to the standby position, and the supply of the UV ink into the main tank 15 ends. . Then, in the main tank 15, a stirring process is performed on the UV ink stored in the main tank 15. That is, each blade member 24 rotates along the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 by driving the stirring motor 22. Then, the suction pressure region Pa is formed in the upper region of each blade member 24, and the discharge pressure region Pb is formed in the lower region of each blade member 24. As a result, convection as shown by an arrow in FIG. 3 occurs in the main tank 15, and the UV ink is stirred. Therefore, even if the pigment component has settled near the bottom of the main tank 15, the component ratio of the UV ink in the main tank 15 can be stabilized by the stirring process using the stirring device 21. Here, “stable component ratio” means that the UV ink component ratios at different positions in the main tank 15 are substantially the same.

  When the stirring process is completed, there is a possibility that bubbles are mixed in the UV ink in the main tank 15 by stirring. Therefore, the supply of UV ink from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25 is restricted until the time corresponding to the restriction time threshold value KTk2 elapses after the stirring process is completed.

  Thereafter, when the liquid level A2 of the UV ink in the sub tank 25 is substantially at the same position as the upstream end 47a of the second liquid supply unit 46 in the gravity direction, the UV ink is supplied from the main tank 15 into the sub tank 25. At this time, the inside of the sub tank 25 is opened to the atmosphere by the operation of the pressure release valve 40 and the third opening / closing valve 41 of the pressure increasing / decreasing device 34. In this state, when the first on-off valve 30 is opened and the first pump 29 is driven, the UV ink in the main tank 15 is supplied into the sub tank 25 via the second ink supply pipe 27. Then, the liquid level A2 of the UV ink in the sub tank 25 gradually rises. When the liquid level A2 of the UV ink in the sub tank 25 is located at the same position as or higher than the installation position of the sub-side remaining amount sensor 31, the supply of UV ink into the sub tank 25 is stopped. The That is, both the pressure release valve 40 and the third opening / closing valve 41 of the pressure increasing / decreasing device 34 are closed, the driving of the first pump 29 is stopped, and the first opening / closing valve 30 is closed.

  In addition, when the supply start timing of the UV ink into the sub tank 25 and the supply start timing of the UV ink into the main tank 15 overlap, the supply of the UV ink into the sub tank 25 is preferentially executed. The That is, the UV ink is supplied into the main tank 15 after the supply of the UV ink to the sub tank 25 is completed. In addition, when the ink cartridge 13 is not attached to the holder unit 14 at the timing of starting the supply of UV ink to the main tank 15, the user is notified that the user is prompted to attach the ink cartridge 13.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) It is possible to supply all the UV ink in the ink cartridge 13 into the main tank 15. By stirring the UV ink supplied into the main tank 15 in this way, it is possible to suppress the precipitation of a part of the UV ink component (in this case, the pigment component) in the main tank 15. That is, UV ink having a uniform component ratio can be supplied to the recording head 43. Therefore, UV ink with a uniform component ratio can always be ejected toward the target, and as a result, the quality of the product printed by the printer 11 (that is, the printed target) can be contributed.

  (2) The UV ink in the ink cartridge 13 is supplied into the main tank 15 via the first ink supply pipe 18 and the guide wall 71. At this time, since the UV ink is guided downward by the guide wall portion 71, when the UV ink is deposited on the liquid surface A1 of the UV ink already stored in the main tank 15, bubbles are introduced into the main tank 15. It can be suppressed from being generated in the UV ink. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the bubbles mixed in the UV ink from being supplied to the recording head 43 side together with the UV ink, and thus to suppress the occurrence of defective ejection of the UV ink by the recording head 43.

  (3) In this embodiment, a part of the side wall of the main tank 15 (that is, the guide wall portion 71) functions as a guide portion. Therefore, the entire apparatus can be simplified as compared with the case where a guide part separate from the side wall is provided in the main tank 15.

  (4) Generally, the pigment component of the UV ink tends to settle below the blade member 24 in the main tank 15. Therefore, when the upstream end 27a of the second ink supply pipe 27 is disposed below the blade member 24, the pigment component settles, and there is a possibility that UV ink different from the normal component ratio is supplied to the recording head 43 side. is there. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the upstream end 27 a of the second ink supply pipe 27 is disposed above the blade member 24. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the supply of UV ink different from the normal component ratio to the recording head 43 side.

  (5) Moreover, in this embodiment, when the blade | wing member 24 rotates, a convection as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3 generate | occur | produces. Therefore, even if the pigment component has settled in the main tank 15, the sedimentation can be preferably eliminated.

  (6) In the vicinity of the UV ink coming from the ink cartridge 13 in the main tank 15, the component ratio of the UV ink may be different from the normal case depending on the situation in the ink cartridge 13. For this reason, by disposing the downstream end 18b of the first ink supply pipe 18 at a position separated from the upstream end 27a of the second ink supply pipe 27, UV ink having a component ratio different from the normal ratio is brought to the recording head 43 side. Supplying can be suppressed.

  (7) In the present embodiment, even if the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is the same position as the installation position of the second main-side remaining amount sensor 20, the rotation of the blade member 24 causes the UV ink can be stirred. Further, the UV ink in the main tank 15 can be supplied to the recording head 43 side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the UV ink jetting from being stopped on the target.

  (8) When the liquid level A1 of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is located at the same position or above the position where the first main-side remaining amount sensor 19 is installed, all the ink cartridges 13 in the main tank 15 There is no space to accept UV ink. Therefore, the supply of UV ink to the main tank 15 is restricted. That is, it is possible to prevent the UV ink in the ink cartridge 13 from being supplied little by little into the main tank 15, and as a result, UV ink having a uniform component ratio can be supplied to the recording head 43 side.

  (9) When it is determined that the amount of UV ink stored in the sub tank 25 has decreased, the UV ink in the main tank 15 is supplied to the sub tank 25, and the UV ink is supplied from the sub tank 25 to the recording head 43. The That is, when ink supply into the sub tank 25 is necessary, it is possible to supply UV ink from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25.

  (10) Immediately after the UV ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 13 into the main tank 15, there is a possibility that bubbles are mixed in the UV ink accommodated in the main tank 15. Therefore, when the timing of ink supply into the main tank 15 and the timing of ink supply into the sub tank 25 overlap, the ink supply to the sub tank 25 is given priority. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bubbled UV ink from being supplied from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25 side.

  (11) The stirring of the UV ink in the main tank 15 is periodically executed. Therefore, even if UV ink is stored in the main tank 15 for a long period of time and sedimentation of the pigment component occurs, the sedimentation can be periodically eliminated.

  (12) In this embodiment, the stirring process is executed when the printer 11 is turned on. For this reason, even if the pigment component has settled in the main tank 15 while the power of the printer 11 is OFF, the pigment in the main tank 15 is obtained by the stirring process performed immediately after the printer 11 is turned on. The sedimentation of components can be eliminated.

  (13) Further, when UV ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 13 into the main tank 15, there is a possibility that the component ratio of the UV ink is different at each position in the main tank 15. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stirring process is executed when the UV ink is supplied to the main tank 15. Therefore, the UV ink having a uniform component ratio can be supplied to the recording head 43 side.

  (14) In this embodiment, the UV ink is temporarily stored in the sub tank 25 from the main tank 15 and then supplied to the recording head 43. For this reason, even if bubbles are mixed in the UV ink supplied from the main tank 15, the bubbles are released to the outside of the UV ink while the UV ink is temporarily stored in the sub tank 25. Therefore, supply of bubbled UV ink to the recording head 43 can be suppressed, and as a result, occurrence of defective ejection of UV ink can be suppressed.

The above embodiment may be changed to another embodiment as described below.
In the embodiment, the notification process may be a notification by voice.
In the embodiment, the printing unit 12 may include a plurality of sub tanks 25 that individually correspond to the recording heads 43. In this case, the first liquid supply unit 26 may be provided for each sub tank 25.

  In the embodiment, the printing unit 12 may have a configuration in which the sub tank 25 is omitted. In this case, each recording head 43 is directly supplied with UV ink from the main tank 15.

  In the embodiment, a float sensor may be provided in the main tank 15 as a sensor for detecting the amount of UV ink to be stored. If comprised in this way, the accommodation amount of UV ink in the main tank 15 can be detected appropriately.

  In the embodiment, the main tank 15 may be provided with an arbitrary number of three or more remaining amount sensors. In this case, the remaining amount sensors may be arranged at different positions in the gravity direction.

  In the embodiment, the sub tank 25 may be provided with two or more arbitrary numbers (for example, two) of remaining amount sensors. In this case, it is desirable to arrange the remaining amount sensors at different positions in the direction of gravity.

  In the embodiment, the upstream end 27 a of the second ink supply pipe 27 may be disposed at a position close to the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18. Even with this configuration, the UV ink sufficiently stirred in the main tank 15 is supplied to the sub tank 25 via the second ink supply pipe 27, so that the UV ink having a uniform component is supplied to the recording head 43 side. Can be supplied to.

In the embodiment, the blade member 24 may be configured to generate the suction pressure region Pa below and the discharge pressure region Pb upward by rotating.
In the embodiment, the stirring device 21 may have any configuration as long as the UV ink in the main tank 15 can be stirred. For example, the stirring device 21 may include a rotor arranged in the main tank 15 and a drive source that rotates the rotor inside the main tank 15 by generating a magnetic field outside the main tank 15. Further, the stirring device 21 may stir the UV ink in the main tank 15 by transmitting vibrations to the main tank 15 ultrasonically or mechanically. Further, the stirring device 21 may include a pump that forcibly flows the UV ink in the main tank 15.

  In the embodiment, the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 may not be opposed to the side wall of the main tank 15. In this case, in the main tank 15, guidance for guiding the UV ink led out from the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 to land on the liquid level A 1 of the UV ink already stored in the main tank 15. It is desirable to provide a part. When providing such a guide portion, the downstream end 18 b of the first ink supply pipe 18 may be disposed outside the main tank 15.

  In the embodiment, the UV ink led out from the downstream end 18b of the first ink supply pipe 18 may be supplied into the main tank 15 without passing through the guide portion. In this case, when UV ink is supplied into the main tank 15, bubbles may be mixed into the UV ink. However, after the subsequent agitation processing, a UV ink supply restriction period to the sub tank 25 is provided. . Therefore, even with such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the supply of UV ink containing bubbles to the sub tank 25 side.

  In the embodiment, the holder portion 14 may be configured such that the ink supply needle 17 is inserted into the lead-out portion 16 of the ink cartridge 13 attached to the holder portion 14. In this case, an opening / closing valve that opens and closes based on a control command from the control device 80 may be provided in the middle of the flow path of the first ink supply pipe 18. In this case, when the UV ink is supplied into the main tank 15, the opening / closing valve is opened.

  In the embodiment, the main tank 15 may be disposed above the ink cartridge 13 attached to the holder unit 14 in the gravity direction. In this case, a pump that is driven when UV ink is supplied into the main tank 15 may be provided in the middle of the flow path of the first ink supply pipe 18.

  In the embodiment, the ink cartridge 13 disposed at the standby position may be manually disposed at the mounting position. In this case, at the start timing of the first supply step, it is desirable to notify the user that the ink cartridge 13 is to be placed at the mounting position.

  In the embodiment, when printing on the target is not performed, the UV ink may be supplied from the main tank 15 to the sub tank 25 regardless of the elapsed time from the end of the stirring process. In this case, even if the UV ink containing bubbles is supplied to the sub tank 25, the bubbles contained in the UV ink can be naturally released to the outside while being temporarily stored in the sub tank 25.

In the embodiment, the stirring step may be started during the execution of the first supply step.
In the embodiment, if the elapsed time Tk after the stirring process can be measured even while the printer 11 is turned off, the stirring process does not necessarily have to be performed when the printer 11 is turned on. That is, when the printer 11 is turned on and the elapsed time Tk is less than the elapsed time threshold value KTk1, the stirring process does not have to be executed. In this case, the printing process to the target can be started promptly.

  In the embodiment, the sub tank 25 may be provided with an arbitrary number (for example, two) of remaining amount sensors of two or more. In this case, the second supply step may be executed when the liquid level A2 of the UV ink is located below the installation position of the remaining amount sensor disposed on the lower side.

In the embodiment, the liquid storage unit that stores the UV ink may have a drum-like configuration or a bag shape.
In the above-described embodiment, the invention is embodied in the printer 11 using UV ink. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the invention may be implemented in a printer using other pigment ink. That is, it may be embodied in a printer that uses an ink in which a part of the components settles when stored for a long period of time.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the ink jet printer 11. However, the liquid ejecting apparatus is not limited to this, and other liquids (liquids or gels in which functional material particles are dispersed or mixed in the liquid) It is also possible to embody the present invention in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges a fluid (including such a fluid). For example, a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that is dispersed or dissolved in materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample may be used. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid such as a gel (for example, a physical gel) It may be. The present invention can be applied to any one of these liquid ejecting apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Inkjet printer as a liquid ejecting apparatus, 13 ... Ink cartridge as a liquid storage means, 14 ... Holder part, 15 ... Main tank, 18 ... 1st ink supply pipe as a liquid connection path, 18a ... Upstream end, 18b ... downstream end, 21 ... stirring device as stirring means, 23 ... shaft member as rotation axis, 24 ... blade member, 25 ... sub tank as other tank, 26 ... first liquid supply section as liquid supply means, 27 A second ink supply pipe as a liquid supply path, 43 a recording head as a liquid ejecting means, 47 a third ink supply pipe as another liquid supply path, 71 a guide section, a guide wall section as a side wall, A1, A2 ... Liquid level, KTk1 ... Elapsed time threshold, KTk2 ... Restriction time threshold, Pa ... Suction pressure region, Pb ... Discharge pressure region, Tk ... Elapsed time.

Claims (8)

A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a liquid ejecting means for ejecting liquid,
A tank for storing the liquid supplied from the liquid storage means for storing the liquid;
Stirring means for stirring the liquid stored in the tank;
A liquid supply means having a liquid supply path for supplying the liquid in the tank to the liquid ejecting means side,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tank is configured such that a liquid storage capacity is larger than a liquid storage amount of the liquid storage unit. A holder part to which the liquid storage means is attached;
A liquid connection path whose upstream end is connected to the liquid storage means mounted on the holder part;
2. A guide part, wherein at least a part is disposed in the tank and guides the liquid led out from the downstream end of the liquid connection path downward in the gravity direction in the tank. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to 1. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the guide portion is a side wall of the tank, and a downstream end of the liquid connection path is disposed to face the side wall of the tank. 4. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the agitation unit includes a blade member that is rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis. 5. The rotation axis of the blade member is an axis extending along the direction of gravity, and the blade member has a suction pressure region formed on the upper side and a lower side of the suction pressure region during rotation about the rotation axis. It is configured to form a discharge pressure region that is higher than the suction pressure region,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an upstream end of the liquid supply path is disposed at a position immediately above the blade member. 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a downstream end of the liquid connection path and an upstream end of the liquid supply path are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotation axis. The upstream ends of the blade member and the liquid supply path are respectively disposed below the liquid level of the liquid in the tank when the amount of liquid stored in the tank is equal to or greater than a preset lower limit amount. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus. The tank is disposed below the holder part in the direction of gravity,
The downstream end of the liquid connection path is disposed above the liquid level of the liquid in the tank when the amount of liquid stored in the tank is equal to or greater than a preset upper limit amount. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

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