JP2023122937A - Liquid discharge device and control method of liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus such as a printer and a control method for the liquid ejection apparatus.

For example, there is a liquid ejecting apparatus, which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. A liquid ejecting apparatus prints on a medium by ejecting liquid supplied from a liquid supply source, which is an example of a liquid containing section, from a nozzle of a liquid ejecting section, which is an example of a liquid ejecting section. A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a supply channel, a return channel that is an example of a branch channel, a circulation pump that is an example of a circulating liquid sending section, and a one-way valve.

A supply channel supplies liquid to the nozzle from a liquid supply source. The return channel is connected at both ends to the supply channel. That is, the return channel has a first end connected to a first position of the supply channel and a second end connected to a second position closer to the nozzle than the first position. The circulation pump draws the liquid from the second position into the return channel and sends the drawn liquid to the first position, thereby circulating the liquid in the flow direction. The one-way valve stabilizes the flow of the liquid by permitting the flow of the liquid circulating in the flow direction and restricting the flow in the reverse direction.

JP 2019-51635 A

The speed of supplying liquid to the liquid ejection section can be increased by increasing the number of flow paths for supplying liquid. However, in Patent Document 1, the one-way valve provided in the return channel restricts the flow of the liquid toward the nozzle, so the return channel cannot be used to supply the liquid.

A liquid ejecting apparatus for solving the above-described problems has an upstream end connected to a liquid ejecting portion capable of ejecting a liquid and a liquid containing portion for containing the liquid, and the liquid discharging portion is connected from the upstream side where the liquid containing portion is provided. a first supply channel capable of supplying the liquid to a downstream side; a first connection part provided in the middle of the first supply channel; and a downstream side of the first supply channel from the first connection part. a second connecting portion provided; a branch channel connected to and forming a circulation channel with the first supply channel; and the liquid containing portion and the first connecting portion in the first supply channel. and an on-off valve provided between and between the on-off valve and the first connecting portion in the first supply flow path, allowing the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side, and the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side a first one-way valve for restricting the flow of the liquid; and a circulation provided in the branch flow path, which circulates the liquid in the circulation flow path during driving and stops with the branch flow path opened when the driving is stopped. one end is connected to either a liquid feeding section, between the circulating liquid feeding section and the second connection section in the branch channel, or downstream from the first connection section in the first supply channel; and a plurality of second supply channels having the other end connected to the liquid ejection part.

A method of controlling a liquid ejection apparatus for solving the above-described problems includes a liquid ejection portion capable of ejecting liquid, an upstream end connected to a liquid containing portion for containing the liquid, and the liquid being discharged from the upstream side where the liquid containing portion is provided. a first supply channel capable of supplying the liquid to a downstream side where a discharge portion is provided; a first connection portion provided in the middle of the first supply channel; and the first connection portion of the first supply channel a second connection portion provided further downstream; a branch channel connected to and forming a circulation channel with the first supply channel; an on-off valve provided between the first connection portion and an on-off valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connection portion in the first supply channel to allow the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side, and the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side; a first one-way valve that restricts the flow of the liquid toward the branch flow path, and is provided in the branch flow path to circulate the liquid in the circulation flow path when driving, and open the branch flow path when driving is stopped. One end is located between the stopped circulating liquid-feeding section and the circulating liquid-feeding section and the second connection section in the branch flow path, or downstream of the first connection section in the first supply flow path. and a plurality of second supply channels connected at the other end to the liquid ejecting part, wherein the liquid is circulated in the circulation channel. and when the circulation is performed by driving the liquid circulation unit while the first supply channel is closed by the on-off valve, and the liquid is supplied to the liquid discharge unit, the liquid circulation unit is driven. is stopped to open the branch flow path and the first supply flow path is opened by the on-off valve, so that the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection portion through the first supply flow path and the branch flow path. supply.

1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a liquid ejection device; FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a liquid ejection device;

[First embodiment]
An embodiment of a liquid ejection device and a method of controlling the liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. A liquid ejection device is an inkjet printer that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto media such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, and metal parts for printing.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid ejection device 11 may include a mounting section 12 , a supply mechanism 13 , a holding section 14 , a liquid ejection section 15 and a control section 16 .
A liquid containing portion 18 containing liquid may be detachably mounted on the mounting portion 12 . If the liquid containing portion 18 can be replenished with liquid, the liquid containing portion 18 may be fixed to the mounting portion 12 .

The holding portion 14 holds the liquid ejection portion 15 . If the liquid ejection section 15 is of a serial type, the holding section 14 may be a carriage that reciprocates the liquid ejection section 15 across the medium. If the liquid ejection section 15 is of a line type, the holding section 14 may fix and arrange the liquid ejection section 15 along the medium transport path.

The liquid ejection part 15 can eject liquid. The liquid ejection unit 15 ejects liquid from a plurality of nozzles 20 to print on a medium (not shown). The liquid ejection section 15 may have multiple common liquid chambers 21 and multiple cavities 22 . The common liquid chamber 21 temporarily stores the liquid supplied by the supply mechanism 13 . A plurality of cavities 22 are provided so as to individually correspond to a plurality of nozzles 20 . The cavity 22 sends the liquid stored in one common liquid chamber 21 out of the plurality of common liquid chambers 21 to the corresponding nozzle 20 .

<Supply Mechanism>
The supply mechanism 13 supplies the liquid to the liquid ejection section 15 from the liquid storage section 18 attached to the attachment section 12 . The supply mechanism 13 includes a first supply channel 24 , a branch channel 25 and a plurality of second supply channels 26 . The supply mechanism 13 includes an on-off valve 28, a third one-way valve 29, a supply pump 30, a first one-way valve 31, a first storage section 32, a circulating liquid supply section 33, and a second one-way valve. 34 and a second reservoir 35 may be provided. The supply mechanism 13 may comprise multiple pressure regulating valves 36 .

Each channel of the first supply channel 24, the branch channel 25, and the plurality of second supply channels 26 may be configured by a flexible tube. Each channel may comprise a perforated rigid member. Each channel and groove formed in the hard member may be covered with a film or the like. Each channel may be configured by a member different from each other. Each channel may be configured by combining a plurality of members such as a tube and a rigid member.

A first upstream end 24u, which is an example of an upstream end, of the first supply channel 24 is connected to the liquid storage portion 18 . The first upstream end 24u may be, for example, a hollow needle that pierces the liquid containing portion 18 . The first upstream end 24 u may be provided on the mounting portion 12 . A first upstream end 24u of the first supply channel 24 is connected to the liquid containing portion 18 attached to the mounting portion 12, so that the liquid contained in the liquid containing portion 18 can be drawn out. The first supply channel 24 can supply the liquid from the upstream side where the liquid storage section 18 is provided to the downstream side where the liquid ejection section 15 is provided.

In this embodiment, the downstream end of the first supply channel 24 is referred to as a first downstream end 24d. A first connection portion 38 and a second connection portion 39 are provided in the first supply channel 24 . The first connecting portion 38 is provided in the middle of the first supply channel 24 . The first connecting portion 38 is provided in the first supply channel 24 between the first upstream end 24u and the first downstream end 24d. The second connection portion 39 is provided downstream from the first connection portion 38 . The second connection portion 39 of this embodiment is provided between the first connection portion 38 and the first downstream end 24d. That is, the second connecting portion 39 of the present embodiment is provided in the middle of the first supply channel 24 .

Both ends of the branch channel 25 are connected to the first supply channel 24 . The branch channel 25 has a first end 25f connected to the first connection portion 38 and a second end 25s opposite to the first end 25f connected to the second connection portion 39 . The branch channel 25 forms a circulation channel 41 with the first supply channel 24 . Specifically, the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 between the first connection portion 38 and the second connection portion 39 constitute a circulation channel 41 .

The supply mechanism 13 of this embodiment includes two second supply channels 26 . The supply mechanism 13 may have three or more second supply channels 26 . The plurality of second supply channels 26 are located either between the circulating liquid sending part 33 and the second connection part 39 in the branch channel 25 or downstream from the first connection part 38 in the first supply channel 24. Connected. Each second supply channel 26 may be connected to the first downstream end 24d of the first supply channel 24 at a second upstream end 26u, which is an example of one end. A second downstream end 26 d , which is an example of the other end, of each second supply channel 26 is connected to the liquid discharger 15 . The plurality of second supply channels 26 may supply the liquid to different common liquid chambers 21 respectively.

The on-off valve 28 may be provided between the liquid storage portion 18 and the first connection portion 38 in the first supply channel 24 . The on-off valve 28 may be provided between the first upstream end 24 u and the first connecting portion 38 . The on-off valve 28 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve. The on-off valve 28 can switch between closing and opening of the first supply channel 24 .

The first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 may be provided between the on-off valve 28 and the first connecting portion 38 in the first supply channel 24 . The first one-way valve 31 is provided downstream from the third one-way valve 29 . The first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 allow the liquid to flow downstream in the supply direction Ds and restrict the liquid to flow upstream. The first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 allow the flow of liquid from the liquid containing portion 18 to the first connecting portion 38 and prevent the flow of liquid from the first connecting portion 38 to the liquid containing portion 18. Restrict.

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

The first storage section 32 is capable of storing liquid. The first storage portion 32 may be provided between the on-off valve 28 and the first connection portion 38 in the first supply channel 24 . The first storage portion 32 of the present embodiment is provided between the first one-way valve 31 and the first connection portion 38 .

The second storage part 35 can store liquid. The second storage section 35 may be provided downstream of the circulating liquid feeding section 33 in the circulation direction Dc in which the liquid circulates in the branch channel 25 . The second storage section 35 of the present embodiment is provided in the branch channel 25 between the circulating liquid feeding section 33 and the second connection section 39 .

A part of the wall surface of each of the first storage section 32 and the second storage section 35 may be formed of a flexible member 43 such as a film capable of bending deformation. By providing the first reservoir 32, the pressure of the liquid flowing through the first supply channel 24 is stabilized. By providing the second reservoir 35, the pressure of the liquid flowing through the branch flow path 25 is stabilized. Therefore, the first reservoir 32 and the second reservoir 35 stabilize the pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid discharger 15 and the liquid circulated.

The circulating liquid feeding section 33 is provided in the branch flow path 25 . The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 is, for example, a tube pump. The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 circulates the liquid in the circulating flow path 41 during driving. The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 stops with the branch flow path 25 opened when the drive is stopped. The circulating liquid feeding section 33 of the present embodiment causes the liquid in the branch flow path 25 to flow from the first connecting section 38 side to the second connecting section 39 side. The circulation liquid feeding unit 33 causes the liquid in the circulation channel 41 to flow in the circulation direction Dc.

The second one-way valve 34 may be provided between the circulating liquid supply section 33 and the second connection section 39 in the branch flow path 25 . The second one-way valve 34 may be provided between the circulating liquid supply section 33 and the second storage section 35 in the branch flow path 25 . The second one-way valve 34 allows the liquid to flow downstream in the circulation direction Dc and restricts the liquid to flow upstream.

The pressure regulating valve 36 may be provided on the holding portion 14 . A pressure regulating valve 36 may be provided in each of the plurality of second supply channels 26 . The pressure regulating valve 36 stabilizes the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzle 20 by adjusting the pressure of the liquid supplied under pressure. The pressure regulating valve 36 adjusts the pressure of the liquid inside the liquid discharger 15 to a pressure at which a meniscus is formed in the nozzle 20 . When the liquid is ejected from the nozzle 20, the liquid in the liquid ejection section 15 is reduced and the pressure of the liquid is lowered. The pressure regulating valve 36 opens the second supply channel 26 when the downstream side becomes a predetermined negative pressure. That is, when the liquid is consumed and the negative pressure on the downstream side increases, the pressure regulating valve 36 opens the second supply channel 26 to supply the liquid to the liquid discharger 15 .

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

<Action of First Embodiment>
The operation of this embodiment will be described.
The controller 16 may circulate the liquid in the circulation channel 41, for example, during standby when printing is not performed. The controller 16 may periodically circulate the liquid.

When the liquid is circulated in the circulation channel 41 , the controller 16 closes the first supply channel 24 with the open/close valve 28 . The control unit 16 drives the circulating liquid feeding unit 33 to perform circulation while the first supply channel 24 is closed. The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 causes the liquid in the branch flow path 25 to flow in the circulating direction Dc.

When the liquid is circulated in the circulation channel 41 , the liquid in the first supply channel 24 is drawn into the branch channel 25 from the first connecting portion 38 . The first supply channel 24 is closed upstream from the first connecting portion 38 by an on-off valve 28 . Therefore, in the liquid in the first supply channel 24 , the liquid downstream of the first connecting portion 38 flows into the branch channel 25 from the first connecting portion 38 .

A first one-way valve 31 is provided in the first supply channel 24 upstream of the first connecting portion 38 . Therefore, for example, even if the pressure fluctuates in the first connecting portion 38 , the first one-way valve 31 restricts the flow of liquid from the first connecting portion 38 to the upstream of the first supply channel 24 .

The liquid that has flowed into the branch channel 25 from the first connecting portion 38 flows through the second one-way valve 34 and the second storage portion 35 in the circulation direction Dc. The liquid in the branch channel 25 flows out from the second connection portion 39 to the first supply channel 24 and flows through the first supply channel 24 from the second connection portion 39 toward the first connection portion 38 . The circulation direction Dc in the first supply channel 24 is opposite to the supply direction Ds.

When supplying the liquid to the liquid ejection section 15 , the supply mechanism 13 supplies the liquid to the liquid ejection section 15 via the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 . Specifically, the control unit 16 stops driving the circulating liquid feeding unit 33 and opens the first supply channel 24 by the on-off valve 28 . The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 that has stopped driving opens the branch channel 25 .

When the supply pump 30 sends the liquid in the supply direction Ds, the liquid is divided into the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 and flows in the supply direction Ds. The supply direction Ds in the branch channel 25 is the same direction as the circulation direction Dc. The liquid that has passed through the first connection portion 38 and flows through the first supply channel 24 and the liquid that has flowed into the branch channel 25 from the first connection portion 38 join together at the second connection portion 39 . The liquid is sent to the liquid ejection section 15 via the plurality of second supply channels 26 .

<Effects of the first embodiment>
Effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) The first one-way valve 31 is provided in the first supply flow path 24 upstream of the first connecting portion 38 . The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 opens the branch flow path 25 when the drive is stopped. Therefore, the liquid supplied from the liquid storage section 18 flows through the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 . The plurality of second supply channels 26 are either between the circulating liquid sending part 33 and the second connection part 39 in the branch channel 25 or downstream from the first connection part 38 in the first supply channel 24, and the liquid and the discharge part 15 are connected. Therefore, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection section 15 at a higher speed than when the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection section 15 through the first supply flow path 24 and one second supply flow path 26 .

(2) The circulating liquid feeding section 33 causes the liquid in the branch channel 25 to flow from the first connecting section 38 side to the second connecting section 39 side. That is, the circulating liquid feeding section 33 draws the liquid in the first supply channel 24 from the first connecting section 38 into the branched channel 25 and also feeds the liquid from the second connecting section 39 to the first supply channel 24 . Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating liquid feeding section 33 .

(3) The second one-way valve 34 allows the liquid to flow from the first connecting portion 38 side to the second connecting portion 39 side in the branch flow path 25 . That is, the second one-way valve 34 allows the liquid to flow from the liquid storage section 18 toward the liquid discharge section 15 . The second one-way valve 34 restricts the flow of liquid from the second connecting portion 39 side to the first connecting portion 38 side in the branch flow path 25 . Therefore, for example, even if pulsation occurs due to the driving of the circulating liquid feeding section 33 , it is possible to reduce the liquid being drawn into the branch flow path 25 from the second connecting section 39 .

(5) The first storage section 32 is capable of storing liquid. By providing the first reservoir 32 in the first supply channel 24, the pressure fluctuation of the liquid in the first supply channel 24 can be reduced.

(6) The second storage part 35 can store liquid. By providing the second storage section 35 downstream of the circulating liquid feeding section 33 in the circulation direction Dc, it is possible to reduce the pressure fluctuation of the circulating liquid.

(7) The pressure regulating valve 36 opens the second supply channel 26 when the downstream side becomes a predetermined negative pressure. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the pressure of the liquid in the liquid ejection section 15 to which the second supply channel 26 is connected.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the direction of circulation. Since other points are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the circulating liquid feeding section 33 of the present embodiment causes the liquid in the branch channel 25 to flow from the second connecting section 39 side to the first connecting section 38 side. The circulation liquid feeding unit 33 causes the liquid in the circulation channel 41 to flow in the circulation direction Dc. The circulation direction Dc is opposite to the circulation direction Dc in the first embodiment.

The second storage section 35 may be provided downstream of the circulating liquid feeding section 33 in the circulation direction Dc in which the liquid circulates in the branch channel 25 . The second storage section 35 of the present embodiment is provided in the branch channel 25 between the circulating liquid feeding section 33 and the first connection section 38 .

<Action of Second Embodiment>
The operation of this embodiment will be described.
When the liquid is circulated in the circulation channel 41 , the controller 16 closes the first supply channel 24 with the open/close valve 28 . The control unit 16 drives the circulating liquid feeding unit 33 to perform circulation while the first supply channel 24 is closed. The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 causes the liquid in the branch flow path 25 to flow in the circulating direction Dc.

When the liquid is circulated in the circulation channel 41 , the liquid in the first supply channel 24 is drawn into the branch channel 25 from the second connection portion 39 . The liquid that has flowed into the branch channel 25 from the second connection portion 39 flows through the second storage portion 35 in the circulation direction Dc. The liquid in the branch channel 25 flows out from the first connection portion 38 to the first supply channel 24 .

The first supply channel 24 is closed upstream from the first connecting portion 38 by the on-off valve 28 , and the first one-way valve 31 and the third one-way valve 29 prevent the liquid from flowing toward the liquid storage portion 18 . Limited. Therefore, the liquid sent from the first connection portion 38 to the first supply channel 24 flows toward the second connection portion 39 in the circulation direction Dc. The circulation direction Dc in the first supply channel 24 is the same as the supply direction Ds.

When supplying the liquid to the liquid ejection section 15 , the supply mechanism 13 supplies the liquid to the liquid ejection section 15 via the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 . Specifically, the control unit 16 stops driving the circulating liquid feeding unit 33 and opens the first supply channel 24 by the on-off valve 28 . The circulating liquid feeding unit 33 that has stopped driving opens the branch channel 25 .

When the supply pump 30 sends the liquid in the supply direction Ds, the liquid is divided into the first supply channel 24 and the branch channel 25 and flows in the supply direction Ds. The supply direction Ds in the branch channel 25 is opposite to the circulation direction Dc. The liquid that has passed through the first connection portion 38 and flows through the first supply channel 24 and the liquid that has flowed into the branch channel 25 from the first connection portion 38 join together at the second connection portion 39 . The liquid is sent to the liquid ejection section 15 via the plurality of second supply channels 26 .

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
Effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(4) The circulating liquid feeding section 33 causes the liquid in the branch channel 25 to flow from the second connecting section 39 side to the first connecting section 38 side. That is, the circulating liquid feeding section 33 draws the liquid in the first supply channel 24 from the second connection section 39 into the branched channel 25 and also feeds the liquid from the first connection section 38 to the first supply channel 24 . Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating liquid feeding section 33 .

[Change example]
This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- The pressure regulating valve 36 may be provided in the first supply flow path 24 between the second connection portion 39 and the first downstream end 24d.
- For example, the pressure of the liquid in the liquid discharger 15 may be adjusted according to the positional relationship between the liquid container 18 and the liquid discharger 15 . In this case, the liquid ejection device 11 may be configured without the pressure regulating valve 36 .

- The supply mechanism 13 may supply the liquid from the liquid storage section 18 to the liquid ejection section 15 by, for example, a hydraulic head. In this case, the liquid ejection device 11 may be configured without the supply pump 30 .

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

- At least one of the first storage section 32 and the second storage section 35 may be an open tank whose inside is open to the atmosphere.
- The liquid ejection device 11 may be configured to include either one of the first reservoir 32 and the second reservoir 35 . The liquid ejection device 11 may be configured with three or more reservoirs, or may be configured with no reservoirs. The first storage portion 32 may be provided in the first supply channel 24 downstream from the first connection portion 38 .

- The plurality of second supply channels 26 may supply liquid to the same common liquid chamber 21 . That is, two or more second supply channels 26 may be connected to one common liquid chamber 21 .
- The second connecting portion 39 may be provided at the first downstream end 24 d of the first supply channel 24 .

- The plurality of second supply channels 26 may be connected to different positions in the supply direction Ds.
- The plurality of second supply channels 26 may be connected to the first supply channel 24 between the first connection portion 38 and the second connection portion 39 .

- The plurality of second supply flow paths 26 may be connected to the branch flow path 25 between the circulating liquid feeding section 33 and the second connection section 39 .
Some of the second supply channels 26 among the plurality of second supply channels 26 are connected between the circulating liquid feeding unit 33 and the second connection part 39 in the branch channel 25, and the other second supply channels 26 are connected to each other. The channel 26 may be connected downstream from the first connector 38 in the first supply channel 24 .

- The liquid ejection device 11 may include a plurality of supply mechanisms 13 . The plurality of supply mechanisms 13 may supply different types of liquid. Liquids of different types are, for example, inks of different colors. The liquid ejection section 15 may perform color printing on the medium by ejecting a plurality of types of liquid. The liquid ejection device 11 has a supply mechanism having one first supply channel 24 and one second supply channel 26 separately from the supply mechanism 13 having the circulation channel 41 and a plurality of second supply channels 26 . may be provided.

- The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or ejects a liquid other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus in the form of minute droplets includes granular, tear-like, and thread-like trailing liquids. The liquid referred to here may be any material as long as it can be ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, the liquid may be in a state when the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a high or low viscosity liquid, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, It is intended to include fluids such as metal melts. The term "liquid" includes not only a liquid as one state of a substance, but also a solution, dispersion, or mixture of particles of a functional material made of a solid substance such as a pigment or metal particles dissolved in a solvent. Typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, hot-melt inks, and various other liquid compositions. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, a liquid containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and coloring materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescence displays, surface emitting displays, color filters, etc., is ejected. I have a device. The liquid ejecting apparatus may be an apparatus for ejecting a bioorganic material used for biochip manufacturing, an apparatus for ejecting a sample liquid used as a precision pipette, a printing apparatus, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device is a device that ejects lubricating oil to precision machines such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, and transparent resin such as ultraviolet curable resin is used to form micro hemispherical lenses and optical lenses used in optical communication devices and the like. It may be a device that discharges a liquid onto a substrate. The liquid ejecting apparatus may be an apparatus that ejects an etchant such as acid or alkali for etching a substrate or the like.

[Appendix]
The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below.

(A) A liquid ejection device has an upstream end connected to a liquid ejection portion capable of ejecting a liquid and a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid, and the liquid ejection portion is provided from the upstream side where the liquid storage portion is provided. a first supply channel capable of supplying the liquid to a downstream side; a first connection portion provided in the middle of the first supply channel; and a first connection portion provided downstream of the first supply channel. a second connection portion connected to a branch channel forming a circulation channel between the first supply channel and the liquid storage portion and the first connection portion in the first supply channel; an on-off valve provided in between; and an on-off valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connecting portion in the first supply flow path to allow the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side and the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side. a first one-way valve that restricts the flow; and a circulating liquid feed that is provided in the branch flow path, circulates the liquid in the circulation flow path when driving, and stops with the branch flow path open when driving is stopped. and one end is connected to either between the circulating liquid-feeding portion and the second connection portion in the branch channel, or downstream from the first connection portion in the first supply channel, and the liquid and a plurality of second supply channels, the other ends of which are connected to the discharge part.

According to this configuration, the first one-way valve is provided in the first supply channel upstream of the first connecting portion. The circulating liquid feeding section opens the branch flow path when the drive is stopped. As a result, the liquid supplied from the liquid storage section is divided into the first supply flow path and the branch flow path. The plurality of second supply channels connect either between the circulating liquid sending part and the second connection part in the branch channel, or downstream from the first connection part in the first supply channel, and the liquid ejection part. do. Therefore, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection section at a higher speed than when the liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection section through the first supply channel and one second supply channel.

(B) In the liquid ejection device, the circulating liquid feeding section may cause the liquid in the branch flow path to flow from the first connecting section side to the second connecting section side.
According to this configuration, the circulating liquid feeding section causes the liquid in the branch channel to flow from the first connecting section side to the second connecting section side. That is, the circulating liquid feeding section draws the liquid in the first supply channel from the first connecting section into the branched channel, and also feeds the liquid from the second connecting section to the first supply channel. Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating liquid feeding section.

(C) A liquid ejection device is provided between the circulating liquid feeding section and the second connection section in the branch channel, allows the liquid to flow downstream, and allows the liquid to flow upstream. A second one-way valve that restricts flow may also be included.

According to this configuration, the second one-way valve allows the liquid to flow through the branch flow path from the first connecting portion side toward the second connecting portion side. That is, the second one-way valve allows the liquid to flow from the liquid storage section toward the liquid discharge section. The second one-way valve restricts the flow of liquid from the second connecting portion side to the first connecting portion side in the branch flow path. Therefore, for example, even if pulsation occurs due to the driving of the circulating liquid feeding section, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid that is drawn into the branch flow path from the second connection section.

(D) In the liquid ejection device, the circulating liquid feeding section may cause the liquid in the branch flow path to flow from the second connecting section side to the first connecting section side.
According to this configuration, the circulating liquid feeding section causes the liquid in the branch channel to flow from the second connecting section side to the first connecting section side. That is, the circulating liquid feeding section draws the liquid in the first supply channel from the second connecting section into the branched channel, and also feeds the liquid from the first connecting section to the first supply channel. Therefore, the liquid can be circulated by driving the circulating liquid feeding section.

(E) The liquid ejection device may further include a first storage section that is provided between the on-off valve and the first connection section in the first supply flow path and that is capable of storing the liquid.
According to this configuration, the first reservoir can store the liquid. By providing the first reservoir in the first supply channel, it is possible to reduce the pressure fluctuation of the liquid in the first supply channel.

(F) The liquid ejection device may further include a second reservoir that is provided in the branch flow path downstream of the circulatory liquid feeder in the circulation direction in which the liquid circulates, and that is capable of storing the liquid. good.

According to this configuration, the second storage section can store the liquid. By providing the second storage section downstream in the circulation direction from the circulating liquid feeding section, pressure fluctuations of the circulating liquid can be reduced.

(G) The liquid ejection device may further include a pressure regulating valve provided in each of the plurality of second supply channels and opening the second supply channels when a downstream side becomes a predetermined negative pressure.
According to this configuration, the pressure regulating valve opens the second supply channel when the downstream side becomes a predetermined negative pressure. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the pressure of the liquid in the liquid ejection section to which the second supply channel is connected.

(H) A method of controlling a liquid ejection device includes: a liquid ejection portion capable of ejecting liquid; a first supply channel capable of supplying the liquid to a downstream side provided with, a first connection portion provided in the middle of the first supply channel, and a downstream side of the first supply channel from the first connection portion a second connection portion provided in a branch channel that is connected to and forms a circulation channel with the first supply channel; and the first connection between the liquid containing portion and the first supply channel and an on-off valve provided between the part and the on-off valve provided between the on-off valve and the first connection part in the first supply channel to allow the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side and toward the upstream side a first one-way valve for restricting the flow of the liquid; and a first one-way valve provided in the branch flow path, which circulates the liquid in the circulation flow path during driving, and stops with the branch flow path opened when driving is stopped. One end is connected to either a circulating liquid-feeding section, between the circulating liquid-feeding section and the second connection section in the branch flow path, or downstream of the first connection section in the first supply flow path. , and a plurality of second supply channels having the other end connected to the liquid ejection part, wherein the liquid is circulated in the circulation channel, wherein the When the circulating liquid feeding unit is driven to circulate with the first supply channel closed by an on-off valve and the liquid is supplied to the liquid discharging unit, the driving of the circulating liquid feeding unit is stopped. to open the branch flow path and open the first supply flow path by the on-off valve, thereby supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge section through the first supply flow path and the branch flow path. .

According to this method, the same effects as those of the liquid ejecting apparatus can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11... Liquid ejection apparatus 12... Mounting part 13... Supply mechanism 14... Holding part 15... Liquid ejection part 16... Control part 18... Liquid storage part 20... Nozzle 21... Common liquid chamber 22... Cavity 24 First supply channel 24d First downstream end 24u First upstream end 25 Branched channel 25f First end 25s Second end 26 Second supply channel , 26d... Second downstream end 26u... Second upstream end 28... On-off valve 29... Third one-way valve 30... Supply pump 31... First one-way valve 32... First reservoir 33... Circulation liquid supply unit 34 Second one-way valve 35 Second reservoir 36 Pressure regulating valve 38 First connection portion 39 Second connection portion 41 Circulation flow path 43 Flexible Members, Dc... circulation direction, Ds... supply direction.

Claims (8)

a liquid ejection unit capable of ejecting liquid;
a first supply channel having an upstream end connected to a liquid storage section that stores the liquid and capable of supplying the liquid from an upstream side where the liquid storage section is provided to a downstream side where the liquid ejection section is provided;
connected to a first connection part provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection part provided downstream of the first connection part of the first supply channel, A branched flow path that constitutes a circulation flow path between
an on-off valve provided between the liquid containing portion and the first connecting portion in the first supply channel;
A first one-direction provided between the on-off valve and the first connecting portion in the first supply channel to allow the flow of the liquid toward the downstream side and restrict the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side a valve;
a circulating liquid feeding unit provided in the branch flow path, circulating the liquid in the circulation flow path during driving, and stopping with the branch flow path open when driving is stopped;
One end is connected between the circulating liquid feeding section and the second connection section in the branch flow path, or downstream from the first connection section in the first supply flow path, and the liquid discharge section is connected to the a plurality of second supply channels to which the other ends are connected;
A liquid ejection device comprising: 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulating liquid feeding section causes the liquid in the branch flow path to flow from the first connecting section side to the second connecting section side. A second one-direction provided between the circulating liquid-feeding portion and the second connecting portion in the branch flow channel to allow the liquid to flow downstream and restrict the liquid to flow upstream. 3. The liquid ejector of claim 2, further comprising a valve. 2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulating liquid feeding section causes the liquid in the branch flow path to flow from the second connecting section side to the first connecting section side. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first storage portion provided between the on-off valve and the first connection portion in the first supply flow path and capable of storing the liquid. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of the items. In the branch flow path, a second storage section is provided downstream of the circulating liquid feeding section in a circulation direction in which the liquid circulates, and is capable of storing the liquid. Item 6. The liquid ejection device according to any one of Item 5. Claims 1 to 6, characterized by further comprising a pressure regulating valve provided in each of the plurality of second supply channels and opening the second supply channels when the downstream side becomes a predetermined negative pressure. The liquid ejection device according to any one of the above. a liquid ejection unit capable of ejecting liquid;
a first supply channel having an upstream end connected to a liquid containing portion that contains the liquid and capable of supplying the liquid from an upstream side where the liquid containing portion is provided to a downstream side where the liquid discharge portion is provided;
connected to a first connection part provided in the middle of the first supply channel and a second connection part provided downstream of the first connection part of the first supply channel, A branched flow path that constitutes a circulation flow path between
an on-off valve provided between the liquid containing portion and the first connecting portion in the first supply channel;
A first one-direction provided between the on-off valve and the first connecting portion in the first supply channel, allowing the liquid to flow toward the downstream side and restricting the flow of the liquid toward the upstream side. a valve;
a circulating liquid feeding unit provided in the branch flow path, circulating the liquid in the circulation flow path during driving, and stopping with the branch flow path open when driving is stopped;
One end is connected between the circulating liquid feeding section and the second connection section in the branch flow path, or downstream from the first connection section in the first supply flow path, and the liquid discharge section is connected to the a plurality of second supply channels to which the other ends are connected;
A control method for a liquid ejection device comprising
When circulating the liquid in the circulation channel,
circulating by driving the circulating liquid feeding unit in a state in which the first supply channel is closed by the on-off valve;
When supplying the liquid to the liquid ejection part,
By stopping the driving of the circulating liquid feeding unit to open the branch flow path and opening the first supply flow path by the on-off valve, the A method of controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising supplying the liquid to a liquid ejecting portion.

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