This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-121987 filed on Jul. 26, 2021. The entire content of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference.
Inkjet printers are required to maintain a meniscus formed at each nozzle of a head thereof, in order to keep a desirable ink ejecting state. As a method for maintaining the meniscus, a method to provide a back pressure control mechanism to a cartridge storing ink has been known.
Further, an inkjet pen has been known that is configured to perform image recording by ejecting, from a nozzle, ink stored in a sub tank. In this inkjet pen, a liquid surface level of the ink stored in an ink cartridge is higher than an opening of the nozzle.
In the known inkjet pen, the cartridge to store ink is provided with, for instance, a foam body or a differential pressure valve as the back pressure control mechanism. However, if a foam body is provided to the cartridge, it may cause problems such as that a volume ratio of the ink storable in the cartridge decreases and that the foam body remains when the cartridge is disposed of. Further, if a differential pressure valve is provided to the cartridge, it may cause problems such as that an ink supply system including the cartridge becomes larger in size. Moreover, if ink is supplied from the cartridge to the head without storing it on the way, air bubbles may enter the head after the ink stored in the cartridge runs out. The above problems may also be caused in printers configured to store ink in a tank removably attached to a sub tank.
Aspects of the present disclosure are advantageous to provide one or more improved techniques that make it possible to reduce in size a liquid supply system including a liquid reservoir such as a cartridge while increasing a volume ratio of liquid storable in the liquid reservoir and to restrict air bubbles from entering a head after the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir runs out.
According to aspects of the present disclosure, a liquid ejecting device is provided, which includes a head having a nozzle configured to eject liquid. The liquid ejecting device further includes a container that is connected with the head and is configured to store the liquid. The liquid ejecting device further includes a communication section configured to communicate an internal space of the container with atmosphere. The liquid ejecting device further includes a liquid reservoir configured to store the liquid and to be removably attached to the container. An internal space of the liquid reservoir is communicated with the internal space of the container through a liquid flow path and a gas flow path in an attached state where the liquid reservoir is attached to the container.
According to aspects of the present disclosure, further provided is a liquid reservoir that includes a first reservoir valve disposed at a liquid flow path in an attached state where the liquid reservoir is removably attached to a container of a liquid ejecting device. The liquid reservoir further includes a second reservoir valve disposed at a gas flow path in the attached state. The liquid flow path and the gas flow path are configured to, in the attached state, communicate an internal space of the container with an internal space of the liquid reservoir. The first reservoir valve and the second reservoir valve are configured to change from a closed state into an open state in response to a transition from a separated state where the liquid reservoir is not attached to the container to the attached state. The first reservoir valve and the second reservoir valve are further configured to change from the open state into the closed state in response to a transition from the attached state to the separated state.
It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on circuits (such as application specific integrated circuits) or in computer software as programs storable on computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs, ROMs, flash memories, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage, hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the like.
Hereinafter, an illustrative embodiment according to aspects of the present disclosure will be described. It is to be understood that the illustrative embodiment described below is only an example according to aspects of the present disclosure, and is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications as needed within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein (i.e., as long as the gist of the inventive concept is not changed). In the following description, a direction from a starting point to an ending point of an arrow may be expressed as a “direction” or an “orientation.” Further, specific directions along a line connecting the starting point and the ending point of the arrow may be simply referred to as a particular “direction.” As shown in
[Overall Configuration of MFP]
As shown in
As shown in
[Feed Tray]
As shown in
The feed tray 20 is formed in a box shape with an upper side opened. The feed tray 20 is configured to accommodate one or more sheets 12 set therein. More specifically, as shown in
[Sheet Feeder]
As shown in
The pick-up roller 25 is configured to rotate by a driving force transmitted from a feed motor 102 (see
[Conveyance Path]
As shown in
The curved section 33 is formed by an outer guide member 18 and an inner guide member 19 that face each other across a particular distance. The outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 extend in the left-right direction 9. The straight section 34 is formed by the recording device 24 and the platen 42 that face each other across a particular distance, in a position where the recording device 24 is located.
A sheet 12 supported on the feed tray 20 is fed by the pick-up roller 25 and conveyed along the curved section 33 to reach the conveyance rollers 59. The sheet 12 held by the conveyance rollers 59 is conveyed forth toward the recording device 24 along the straight section 34. Then, after the sheet 12 has reached directly under the recording device 24, image recording is performed on the sheet 12 by the recording device 24. The sheet 12 with the image recorded is further conveyed forward along the straight section 34 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. Thus, the sheet 12 is conveyed in a conveyance direction 15 which is indicated in
[Conveyance Rollers and Discharge Rollers]
As shown in
The conveyance rollers 59 include a conveying roller 60 and a pinch roller 61. The pinch roller 61 is disposed below and opposed to the conveying roller 60. The pinch roller 61 is pressed against the conveying roller 60 by an elastic member (not shown) such as a coil spring. The conveyance rollers 59 are configured to hold the sheet 12 therebetween.
The discharge rollers 44 include a discharging roller 62 and a spur roller 63. The spur roller 63 is disposed above and opposed to the discharging roller 62. The spur roller 63 is pressed against the discharging roller 62 by an elastic member (not shown) such as a coil spring. The discharge rollers 44 are configured to hold the sheet 12 therebetween.
The conveying roller 60 and the discharging roller 62 are configured to rotate by a driving force from a conveyance motor 101 (see
What is usable for conveying the sheet 12 is not limited to the aforementioned rollers such as the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44. For instance, a conveyance belt may be used instead of the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44.
[Platen]
As shown in
[Recording Device]
As shown in
The carriage 40 is supported by two guide rails 56 and 57 to be movable along the left-right direction 9 orthogonal to the conveyance direction 15. The two guide rails 56 and 57 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction 8. The carriage 40 is movable over a range from rightward of a right end of the media passing area to leftward of a left end of the media passing area in the left-right direction 9. It is noted that the direction along which the carriage 40 is movable is not limited to the left-right direction 9, but may be any direction that intersects the conveyance direction 15.
The guide rail 56 is disposed upstream of the head 38 in the conveyance direction 15. The guide rail 57 is disposed downstream of the head 38 in the conveyance direction 15. The guide rails 56 and 57 are supported by side frames (not shown) which are disposed outside the straight section 3 of the conveyance path 64 in the left-right direction 9. The carriage 40 is configured to move by a driving force from a carriage driving motor 103 (see
The encoder 35 (see
The head 38 is supported by the carriage 40. A lower surface 68 of the head 38 is exposed downward and opposed to the platen 42. The head 38 includes a plurality of nozzles 39, an ink channel 37, and a piezoelectric element 45 (see
The plurality of nozzles 39 have respective openings in the lower surface 68 of the head 38. The ink channel 37 connects the sub tank 210 with the plurality of nozzles 39. The piezoelectric element 45 (see
As shown in
In the illustrative embodiment, the recording device 24 has one sub tank 210. One cartridge 220 is attached to the one sub tank 210. Initially, the cartridge 220 stores therein a particular amount of black ink 90. The sub-tank 210 is configured to store the black ink 90 supplied from the cartridge 220. It is noted that the color of the ink 90 that is stored in the cartridge 220 and is to be later stored in the sub tank 210 is not limited to black. Further, the cartridge 220 may have an identification chip 224 (see
The sub tank 210 is located above the head 38. In the illustrative embodiment, the sub tank 210 is entirely located above the head 38. However, a part of the sub tank 210 may be located higher than the head 38, and the other part of the sub tank 210 may be located equal to or lower than the head 38. A lower wall 210b of the sub tank 210 is provided with an outflow port 215. The outflow port 215 is configured to let the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 flow out therethrough. The outflow port 215 is connected with an end of the ink channel 37. The internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 is communicated, via the ink channel 37, with the plurality of nozzles 39. Thereby, the ink 90 is enabled to be supplied to the nozzles 39 from the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210.
[Ink Supply System]
The cartridge 220 is attached horizontally to the sub tank 210. Hereinafter, a state in which the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210 may be referred to as an “attached state.” Meanwhile, a state in which the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210 may be referred to as a “separated state.”
As shown in
The cartridge 220 has a second base section 227 and a second extending section 228. The second base section 227 has an upper surface positioned relatively high. The second base section 227 is formed in a rectangular shape. The second extending section 228 has an upper surface positioned lower than the upper surface of the second base section 227. The second extending section 228 is formed in a rectangular shape. The second extending section 228 extends from a lower portion of the second base section 227.
The first extending section 218 and the second extending section 228 has substantially the same size in the front-rear direction 8. The sum of the size of the first extending section 218 in the vertical direction 7 and the size of the second extending section 228 is substantially the same as the size of the sub tank 210 in the vertical direction 7 and as the size of the cartridge 220 in the vertical direction 7. In the attached state, the second extending section 228 fits a space below the first extending section 218. Thus, the cartridge 220 has a shape easily attachable to the sub tank 210.
In the example shown in
The sub tank 210 has valves 211 and 212 inside. The cartridge 220 has valves 221 and 222 inside. The valve 211 is disposed in a lower front position in the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210. The valve 212 is disposed in an upper front position in the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210. The valve 221 is disposed in a lower rear position in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. The valve 222 is disposed in an upper rear position in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. The valves 211 and 221 are located at a liquid flow path 201 that is brought in a communicable state in the attached state where the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210. The valves 212 and 222 are located at a gas flow path 202 that is brought in the communicable state in the attached state. In the attached state, the valves 211 and 221 are opposed to each other across the liquid flow path 201. In the attached state, the valves 212 and 222 are opposed to each other across the gas flow path 202. The cartridge 220 does not have a back pressure control mechanism. In addition, the positions of the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are not limited to the aforementioned positions which are merely examples.
In the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all in a closed state. In response to a transition from the separated state to the attached state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all brought from the closed state into an open state. Thereby, the liquid flow path 201, for connecting the sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220 through the valves 211 and 221, and the gas flow path 202, for connecting the sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220 through the valves 212 and 222, are brought into the communicable state. Thus, the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 and the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 are communicated with each other via the liquid flow path 201 and the gas flow path 202. In response to a transition from the attached state to the separated state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are all brought from the open state into the closed state. Thereby, the liquid flow path 201 and the gas flow path 202 are brought into an incommunicable state, in which the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 and the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 are not communicated with each other.
An atmosphere communication hole 213 is formed at an upper wall 210a of the sub tank 210. The atmosphere communication hole 213 has a semipermeable membrane 214 affixed to cover and close the atmosphere communication hole 213. The semipermeable membrane 214 is a porous membrane having minute pores that block the passage of ink and allow the passage of gas. For instance, the semipermeable membrane 214 is made of fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer. Thereby, the ink 90 stored in the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 is blocked by the semipermeable membrane 214 and thereby kept from moving to the outside of the sub tank 210 through the atmosphere communication hole 213. On the other hand, air is allowed to move freely between the internal space 219 and the outside, of the sub tank 210.
Air enters portions where the ink 90 does not exist, of the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 and the internal space 229 of the cartridge 229. The portions in which air has been introduced may be referred to as “gas layers.” The atmosphere communication hole 213 communicates therethrough the internal space 219 (more specifically, the gas layer) of the sub tank 210 with the atmosphere. As shown in
In an initial state, there is no ink 90 stored in the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210. A particular amount of ink 90 is stored in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. In response to the transition from the separated state to the attached state (i.e., in response to the cartridge 220 being attached to the sub tank 210), the liquid flow path 201, for connecting the sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220 through the valves 211 and 221, and the gas flow path 202, for connecting the sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220 through the valves 212 and 222, are brought into the communicable state. Therefore, air moves from the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 to the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 via the gas flow path 202. In addition, the ink 90 stored in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 moves into the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 via the liquid flow path 201. The ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 220 to the sub tank 210 until a liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 becomes as high as a liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220. A state in which the movements of the ink 90 and the air between the sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220 are balanced (i.e., a state in which the movements are substantially stopped) may be referred to as an “equilibrium state.”
At substantially the same time when image recording is performed, and the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 flows out through the outflow port 215, air moves into the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 through the atmosphere communication hole 213 and the semipermeable membrane 214. A part of the air that has moved into the sub tank 210 moves into the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 through the gas flow path 202. Therefore, the ink 90 contained in the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 moves into the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 via the liquid flow path 201. The ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 220 to the sub tank 210 until the equilibrium state is reached. Once the equilibrium state is reached, the movements of the air and the ink 90 stop.
The semipermeable membrane 214 is positioned above the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 after the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 and the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the cartridge 220 have been brought into the equilibrium state. The outflow port 215 is positioned below the liquid flow path 201.
When the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210, the gas flow path 202 may come into the communicable state at the same time as or earlier than the liquid flow path 201. According to this configuration, when the pressure in the cartridge 220 is high, it is possible to suppress the movement of the ink 90 stored in the cartridge 220 into the sub tank 210 and to restrict the ink 90 and air bubbles from moving to the vicinity of the atmosphere communication hole 213. In another instance, when the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210, the gas flow path 202 may come into the communicable state later than the liquid flow path 201. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ink 90 might leak from elements on the liquid flow path 201.
When the cartridge 220 is removed from the sub tank 210, the gas flow path 202 may come into the incommunicable state at the same time as or later than the liquid flow path 201. According to this configuration, it is possible to remove the cartridge 220 from the sub tank 210 after the pressure in the cartridge 220 has been brought to the atmospheric pressure. In another instance, when the cartridge 220 is removed from the sub tank 210, the gas flow path 202 may come into the incommunicable state earlier than the liquid flow path 201. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ink 90 might leak from elements on the liquid flow path 201.
When the cartridge 220 is attached to or removed from the sub tank 210, which of the liquid flow path 201 and the gas flow path 202 is first brought into the communicable state or the incommunicable state may be determined depending on, for instance, detailed configurations of the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222.
[Configurations of Valves]
The valves 211 and 212 have the same configuration. The valves 221 and 222 have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the respective configurations of the valves 211 and 221 will be described with reference to
The front portion and the contact portion of the needle 231 are hollow. In a side surface, near a distal end, of the front portion of the needle 231, a hole 235 is formed that connects with the hollow portion of the needle 231. In a surface 240 that is the closest surface to the end face section 238 among surfaces of the contact portion of the needle 231, a hole 236 is formed that connects with the hollow portion of the needle 231.
The rear portion of the needle 231 is connected with one end of the spring 232. The other end of the spring 232 is connected with the fixed section 233. The position of the fixed section 233 is fixed relative to the housing 237. The packing 234 has a circular ring shape. The packing 234 is attached to an inner surface of the end face section 238 at a location opposed to the hole 236. The spring 232 is configured to urge the needle 231 toward the end face section 238. Therefore, in the separated state, the contact portion of the needle 231 is in contact with the packing 234, and the hole 236 is closed by the packing 234 (see
The valve 221 has a movable section 241, a spring 242, a fixed section 243, and a packing 244. The valve 221 is disposed inside a cylindrical housing 247 that is positioned below the cartridge 220. The spring 242 is stronger than the spring 232 (i.e., the spring 242 has a higher elastic modulus than the spring 232). The housing 247 has a side surface, and an end face section 248 orthogonal to the side surface. The end face section 248 has a hole 249 in which the front portion of the needle 231 is insertable. A receiving section 239 is provided at one end of the housing 237. The receiving section 239 is configured to receive the housing 247 fitted therein. Thereby, the housing 247 is fittable in the housing 237.
The movable section 241 has a disk-shaped contact portion and a rear portion that protrudes backward from the contact portion. The rear portion of the movable section 241 is connected with one end of the spring 242. The other end of the spring 242 is connected with the fixed section 243. The position of the fixed section 243 is fixed relative to the housing 247. The packing 244 has a circular ring shape. The packing 244 is attached around the hole 249, on an inner surface of the end face section 248.
The contact portion of the movable section 241 is sized to close the hole 249. The spring 242 is configured to urge the movable section 241 toward the end face section 248. Therefore, in the separated state, the contact portion of the movable section 241 is in contact with the packing 244, and the hole 249 is closed by the movable section 241 (see
As shown in
As shown in
All the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 are closed in the separated state, and are open in the attached state. In response to the transition from the separated state to the attached state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 change from the closed state into the open state. In response to the transition from the attached state to the separated state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 change from the open state into the closed state. It is noted that the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 may have a configuration other than the configuration shown in
[Rotary Encoder]
The rotary encoder 65 shown in
[Controller and Memory]
Hereinafter, configurations of the controller 130 and the memories 140 will be described with reference to
The ROM 132 stores programs configured to, when executed by the CPU 131, cause the CPU 131 to perform various operations. The RAM 133 is usable as a storage area to temporarily store data and signals used when the CPU 131 executes the programs, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 is configured to store settings and flags to be held even after the MFP 10 is powered off.
The ASIC 135 is connected with the conveyance motor 101, the feed motor 102, and the carriage driving motor 103. The ASIC 135 incorporates drive circuits, each of which is for controlling a corresponding one of the motors 101, 102, and 103. The CPU 131 is configured to output drive signals for rotating each of the motors 101, 102, and 103 to the corresponding drive circuit. Each drive circuit is configured to output, to the corresponding motor, a drive current according to the drive signal obtained from the CPU 131. Thereby, the corresponding motor rotates. Namely, the controller 130 is configured to control the feed motor 102, thereby causing the sheet feeder 16 to feed the sheets 12. Further, the controller 130 is configured to control the conveyance motor 101, thereby causing the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44 to convey the sheets 12. Further, the controller 130 is configured to control the carriage driving motor 103 to move the carriage 40.
Further, the ASIC 135 is connected with the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 65. The controller 130 is configured to calculate the amount of rotation of the conveyance motor 101 based on electrical signals received from the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 65. In addition, the ASIC 135 is connected with the encoder 35. The controller 130 is configured to recognize the position and the movement of the carriage 40 based on the pulse signals received from the encoder 35.
The ASIC 135 is connected with the piezoelectric element 45. The piezoelectric element 45 is operated when supplied with electricity by the controller 130 via a drive circuit (not shown). The controller 130 is configured to control the power supply to the piezoelectric element 45, thereby causing the plurality of nozzles 39 to selectively eject ink droplets therefrom. Further, the ASIC 135 is connected with a status sensor (not shown). The controller 130 is configured to perform after-mentioned image recording process and abnormality process, based on signals received from the status sensor.
The controller 130 is configured to alternately perform a conveyance process and a printing process, to record an image on a sheet 12. The conveyance process is a process of causing the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44 to convey the sheet 12 by a particular line feed amount. The controller 130 controls the conveyance motor 101, thereby causing the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44 to perform the conveyance process. The printing process is a process of controlling the power supply to the piezoelectric element 45 while moving the carriage 40 along the left-right direction 9, thereby causing the head 38 to eject ink droplets from the nozzles 39. During the printing process, the carriage 40 is located in the media passing area (i.e., the area between the left end and the right end of the platen 42), and is opposed to the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7.
The controller 130 stops the sheet 12 for a particular period of time between the last conveyance process and the next conveyance process. Then, the controller 130 performs the printing process during the particular period of time for which the sheet 12 is stopped. Namely, in the printing process, the controller 130 performs a single pass of image recording to cause the head 38 to eject ink droplets from the nozzles 39 while moving the carriage 40 leftward or rightward. Thus, the single pass of image recording is performed on the sheet 12.
The controller 130 is configured to perform image recording over an entire image-recordable area of the sheet 12 by alternately and repeatedly performing the conveyance process and the printing process. Namely, the controller 130 is enabled to perform image recording on a single sheet 12 through a plurality of passes. Thus, in the MFP 10, the carriage 40 is movable along the left-right direction 9 with the head 38, the sub tank 210, and the cartridge 220 attached to the sub tank 210 being mounted on the carriage 40. The head 38 is configured to eject ink droplets from the nozzles 39 when the carriage 40 is moving leftward or rightward along the left-right direction 9.
The controller 130 is not limited to the one configured as above. For instance, the controller 130 may be configured in such a manner that only the CPU 131 performs the various processes, or that the CPU 131 and the ASIC 135 perform the various processes in cooperation with each other. In another instance, the controller 130 may be configured in such a manner that a single CPU 131 performs the processing solely, or that a plurality of CPUs 131 share the processing. In yet another instance, the controller 130 may be configured in such a manner that a single ASIC 135 performs the processing solely, or that a plurality of ASICs 135 share the processing.
[Image Recording Control by Controller]
With the print engine 11 configured as described above, the controller 130 performs a series of image recording control processes, in which the controller 130 controls the print engine 11 to feed a sheet 12 with the sheet feeder 16 and perform image recording on the sheet 12 with the recording device 24. Hereinafter, the image recording control by the controller 130 will be described with reference to
When the image recording control is not being performed, the carriage 40 is positioned outside of the media passing area in the left-right direction 9, and is not opposed to the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7. Hereinafter, the position of the carriage 40 in this case may be referred to as the “maintenance position.”
A print command is sent to the controller 130 via the operation I/F 17 of the MFP 10 (see
In response to obtaining the print command (S10: Yes), the controller 103 feeds a sheet 12 supported on the feed tray 20 (S20).
In S20, the controller 130 drives the feed motor 102. Thereby, the pick-up roller 25 feeds the sheet 12 supported on the feed tray 20 to the conveyance path 64. Further, the controller 130 drives the conveyance motor 101. Thereby, after a leading end of the sheet 12 fed to the conveyance path 64 by the pick-up roller 25 has reached the conveyance rollers 59, the conveyance rollers 59 convey the sheet 12 in the conveyance direction 15.
Next, the controller 130 drives the carriage driving motor 103 to move the carriage 40 from the maintenance position to a start position. The start position is a position from which the carriage 40 starts moving when the controller 130 starts performing a printing process (see S30). The start position is determined based on the print data. In S20, the feeding operation to feed the sheet 12 and the moving operation to move the carriage 40 are performed in parallel.
Next, controller 130 performs the printing process (S30). In the printing process of S30, the controller 130 performs a single pass of image recording. Specifically, the controller 130 causes the head 38 to eject ink droplets from the nozzles 39 while moving the carriage 40 from the start position. It is noted that the carriage 40, which has started moving from the start position in S20, may continue to move for the printing process without stopping at the start position. Of course, the carriage 40 may stop once at the start position.
Next, the controller 130 determines whether the image recording on the current sheet 12 has been completed, based on the information regarding the size of the sheet 12 and the print data that are contained in the print command (S40).
When determining in S40 that the image recording on the current sheet 12 has not been completed (S40: No), the controller 130 performs a conveyance process (S50). Specifically, in the conveyance process of S50, the controller 130 drives the conveyance motor 101 and causes the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44 to convey the sheet 12 by a particular line feed amount. Thereafter, the controller 130 proceeds to S30.
When determining in S40 that the image recording on the current sheet 12 has been completed (S40: Yes), the controller 130 causes the conveyance rollers 59 and the discharge rollers 44 to convey the sheet 12 in the conveyance direction 15 and discharge the sheet 12 onto the discharge tray 21 (S60).
Subsequently, the controller 130 determines whether the image data contained in the print command includes image data that has not yet been recorded on a sheet 12, that is, whether there is image data of a next page to be image-recorded (S70).
When there is image data of a next page to be image-recorded (S70: Yes), the controller 130 proceeds to S20. In this case, the controller 130 feeds a subsequent sheet 12 from the feed tray 20 to the conveyance path 64 (S20). It is noted that the feeding of the subsequent sheet 12 in S20 may be performed in parallel with the discharge of the preceding sheet 12 in S60. When there is not image data of a next page to be image-recorded (S70: No), the controller 130 terminates the series of image recording control processes.
Hereinabove, an example case has been described in which the controller 130 normally performs image recording control. However, the controller 130 may perform a process (not shown) to detect abnormalities while performing image recording control, and a process (not shown) to be executed when one or more abnormalities have been detected.
[Advantageous Effects of Illustrative Embodiment]
In the MFP 10 of the illustrative embodiment, when the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210, the ink 90 in the cartridge 220 is transferred to and stored in the sub tank 210. Then, the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is supplied to the head 38. Hence, it is possible to restrict air bubbles of the ink 90 from entering the head 38 and to eject the ink 90 stored in the cartridge 220 until a remaining amount of the ink 90 in the cartridge 220 becomes small. In addition, there is no need to provide a back pressure control mechanism to the cartridge 220. Therefore, it is possible to downsize the ink supply system including the cartridge 220 while increasing the volume ratio of the ink 90 storable in the cartridge 220.
Further, in response to the transition from the separated state to the attached state, the valves 211 and 212 in the sub tank 210 change from the closed state into the open state. In response to the transition from the attached state to the separated state, the valves 211 and 212 in the sub tank 210 change from the open state to the closed state. In the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210, the valve 211 is closed to prevent ink leakage from the sub tank 210. Moreover, in the separated state, the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 is not communicated with the atmosphere. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink leakage from the cartridge 220 alone. Further, there is no need to provide a labyrinth structure or a semipermeable membrane to the cartridge 220. Hence, it is possible to simplify the structure of the cartridge 220.
Further, the semipermeable membrane 214 is positioned above the liquid surface level of the ink 9 stored in the sub tank 210 in the equilibrium state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions of the semipermeable membrane 214. In addition, the sub tank 210 has the first base section 217 and the first extending section 218 that extends from the upper portion of the first base section 217. The cartridge 220 has the second base section 227 and the second extending section 228 that extends from the lower portion of the second base section 227. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a volume of the gas layer in the cartridge 220 and increase an amount of liquid storable in the cartridge 220. Moreover, the outflow port 215 is positioned below the liquid flow path 201. Therefore, it is possible to reduce an amount of ink 90 left in the cartridge 220.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with various example structures outlined above and illustrated in the figures, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example embodiment(s) according to aspects of the disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative of the invention, and not limiting the invention. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. Some specific examples of potential alternatives, modifications, or variations according to aspects of the disclosure are provided below.
[First Modifications]
Various modifications may be applied to the MFP 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure. An MFP in each first modification according to aspects of the present disclosure may include a valve that is disposed at the atmosphere communication hole 213 of the sub tank 210 and is configured to be closed in the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210. Examples of the valve configured to be closed in the separated state will be described below with reference to
In an example shown in
In response to receiving a command to replace the cartridge 220, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to a cartridge replacement position. The cartridge replacement position is, for instance, a rightmost position in the left-right direction 9 within a range over which the carriage 40 is movable. When the carriage 40 is in a position other than the cartridge replacement position, the movable section 252 is positioned away from the packing 254. Therefore, in this case, the valve 251 is open.
A frame 255 disposed near the cartridge replacement position has a protrusion 256 that protrudes in the left-right direction 9. The protrusion 256 is positioned contactable with the movable section 252 in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8. When the carriage 40 is in the cartridge replacement position, the protrusion 256 is in contact with the movable section 252. At this time, the spring 253 contracts until the movable section 252 comes into contact with the packing 254, and the valve 251 is closed.
Replacement of the cartridge 220 is always performed in a state where the carriage 40 is in the cartridge replacement position. The valve 251 is closed when the carriage 40 is in the cartridge replacement position. Therefore, the valve 251 is closed in the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210.
In an example shown in
The solenoid 263 is supplied with electric current by means not shown. The controller 130 controls whether to apply electric current to the solenoid 263. When no electric current is applied to the solenoid 263, the movable section 262 is in a position (indicated by a dashed line) away from the packing 264 by the action of the solenoid 263. At this time, the valve 261 is open. When an electric current is applied to the solenoid 263, the movable section 262 is positioned in contact with the packing 264 by the action of the solenoid 263. At this time, the valve 261 is closed.
In response to receiving a command to replace the cartridge 220, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position and takes control to apply electric current to the solenoid 263. At this time, the valve 261 is closed. Thus, the valve 261 is closed in the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210.
In an example shown in
A cover 275 is configured to cover a front surface and an upper surface of the cartridge 220. The cover 275 is rotatable around a shaft 276, between a first position shown in
The movable section 272 is rotatable together with the cover 275 around the shaft 276. When the cover 275 is in the first position, the movable section 272 is not in contact with the atmosphere communication path 274. Therefore, the atmosphere communication path 274 is in a communicable state. In this state, a communication section, including the atmosphere communication hole 213 and the atmosphere communication path 274, is open. When the cover 275 is in the second position, the movable section 272 is in contact with the atmosphere communication path 274. In this case, the movable section 272 is closer to the fixed section 273 than when the cover 275 is in the first position. Therefore, the atmosphere communication path 274 is deformed by being pinched between the movable section 272 and the fixed section 273 and comes into an incommunicable state. In this state, the communication section is closed.
In response to receiving a command to replace the cartridge 220, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position. When the carriage 40 is in the cartridge replacement position, the cover 275 is movable between the first position and the second position. As the cover 275 moves from the first position to the second position, the valve 271 is brought from the open state into the closed state. As the cover 275 moves from the second position to the first position, the valve 271 is brought from the closed state into the open state.
Replacement of the cartridge 220 is performed when the carriage 40 is in the cartridge replacement position, and the cover 275 is in the second position. When the cover 275 is in the second position, the valve 271 is closed. Therefore, the valve 271 is closed in the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210. A labyrinth structure or a semipermeable membrane may be provided near an atmosphere communication opening of the atmosphere communication path 274.
In an example shown in
The spring 283 is configured to urge the movable section 282 toward the front wall 210d. Therefore, in the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210, the contact portion of the movable section 282 is in contact with the packing 285, and the atmosphere communication hole 213 is closed by the movable section 282 (see
In the attached state where the cartridge 220 is attached to the sub tank 210, the front portion of the movable section 282 is in contact with the housing of the cartridge 220. Therefore, the movable section 282 moves backward against a restoring force of the spring 283. Thereby, the contact portion of the movable section 282 is separated from the packing 285. At this time, a space is formed between the movable section 282 and the packing 285. Through the atmosphere communication hole 213 and this space, air flows into the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210. Accordingly, the valve 281 is open in the attached state.
Thus, in response to the transition from the attached state to the separated state, the valve 281 changes from the open state into the closed state. In response to the transition from the separated state to the attached state, the valve 281 changes from the closed state into the open state. A labyrinth structure or a semipermeable membrane may be provided between the internal space 219 of the sub tank 210 and the atmosphere communication hole 213.
Each of the above four types of valves 251, 261, 271, and 281 is closed in the separated state. Among them, the valve 271 changes its state according to whether the cover 275 is open or closed. The valve 281 changes its state according to whether the cartridge 220 is attached to or removed from the sub tank 210. The controller 130 does not control the states of the valves 271 and 281.
On the other hand, since the valve 261 is a solenoid valve, the controller 130 is allowed to control the state of the valve 261 at any timing by controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid 263. In response to receiving a cartridge replacement command, the controller 130 changes the state of the valve 261 from the open state to the closed state. If the valve 261 is in the closed state when the controller 130 has received the cartridge replacement command, the controller 130 will maintain the valve 261 to be closed. At other times, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to be open or to be closed.
For instance, the controller 130 may control valve 261 to be open during the image recording. In this case, in response to receiving the cartridge replacement command, the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position, and controls the valve 261 from the open state to the closed state. In another instance, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to be closed in principle during the image recording, and may control the valve 261 to be open in response to determining that there is a need to open the valve 261 to supply the ink 90. In this case, the cartridge replacement position may be different from a position where the valve 261 is controlled to be open. In yet another instance, the controller 130 may control the valve 261 to be open in a standby state in which the MFP 10 is not performing image recording. In this case, the cartridge replacement position may be different from a standby position where the MFP 10 is in the standby state.
The valve 251 changes its state depending on whether the carriage 40 is in the cartridge replacement position, under control by the controller 130. Therefore, the controller 130 is allowed to control the state of the valve 251 at an arbitrary timing by moving the carriage 40 to the cartridge replacement position.
In the MFP according to each first modification, the valve is disposed at the atmosphere communication hole 213, and is closed in the separated state where the cartridge 220 is not attached to the sub tank 210. Therefore, in the separated state, the internal space 229 of the cartridge 220 is not communicated with the atmosphere, and therefore, it is possible to prevent ink leakage from the cartridge 220. In addition, by controlling the valve to be closed during the image recording, it is possible to generate a negative pressure in the sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220.
[Other Modifications]
An MFP in each second modification according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a detector configured to detect a liquid surface of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210. A part of the detector may be positioned in the sub tank 210. As shown in
When the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is lower than a position of the detector 291 in the vertical direction, light emitted by the light emitting element 293 is reflected by the prism 292 and incident onto the light receiving element 294. At this time, the detector 291 outputs, for instance, a high-level signal to the controller 130. When the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is higher than the position of the detector 291 in the vertical direction, the light emitted by the light emitting element 293 is scattered by the ink 90. Therefore, in this case, a level of light detectable by the light receiving element 294 becomes low. At this time, the detector 291 outputs, for instance, a low-level signal to the controller 130.
Accordingly, the controller 130 is enabled to detect the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210, based on the output signal from the detector 291. Moreover, since a part of the detector 291 is disposed in the sub tank 210, the cartridge 220 needs not have a function to detect the liquid surface level of the ink 90. Therefore, it is possible to downsize the cartridge 220.
The MFP may include a detector other than the aforementioned detector 291. In an example shown in
When the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is higher than a particular position, the actuator 301 becomes upright. At this time, the transmission-type sensor receives emitted light and outputs, for instance, a high-level signal to the controller 130. When the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is lower than the particular position, the actuator 301 rotates around the shaft 302, and the head of the actuator 301 enter the protrusion 210f. At this time, the emitted light from the transmission-type sensor is blocked by the head of the actuator 301, and the transmission-type sensor outputs, for instance, a low-level signal. Thus, using the actuator 301 and the transmission-type sensor, it is possible to detect the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210.
In an example shown in
When the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is lower than a particular position, the transmission-type sensor receives emitted light and outputs, for instance, a high-level signal to the controller 130. When the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210 is higher than the particular position, the emitted light from the transmission-type sensor is scattered by the ink 90. Therefore, in this case, a level of light detectable by the transmission-type sensor becomes low. At this time, the transmission-type sensor outputs, for instance, a low-level signal. Thus, using the transmission-type sensor, it is possible to detect the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 210.
An MFP in each third modification according to aspects of the present disclosure has a sub tank and a cartridge having different shapes from those of the MFP 10 in the aforementioned illustrative embodiment. As shown in
The sub tank may not have a first extending section. The cartridge may not have a second extending section. In an example shown in
In an MFP of each fourth modification according to aspects of the present disclosure, a cartridge may be attached to a sub tank vertically or obliquely. In an example shown in
A cartridge may be obliquely attached to a sub tank. In an example shown in
In an MFP in a fifth modification according to aspects of the present disclosure, an atmosphere communication hole is disposed not at a sub tank but at a cartridge. As shown in
As shown in
In response to the transition from the separated state to the attached state, the valves 211, 212, 221, and 222 change from the closed state into the open state. In this case, the internal space 359 of the sub tank 350 and the internal space 369 of the cartridge 360 are communicated with each other via the liquid flow path 201 through the valves 211 and 221 and via the gas flow path 202 through the valves 212 and 222. The cartridge 360 has the atmosphere communication hole 363. Therefore, the internal space 359 of the sub tank 350 is communicated with the atmosphere through the gas flow path 202 and the atmosphere communication hole 363. Accordingly, the ink 90 stored in the cartridge 360 is transferred into the internal space 359 of the sub tank 350 through the liquid flow path 201.
An MFP in a sixth modification according to aspects of the present disclosure is configured to supply ink in a so-called chicken feed system. As shown in
When image recording is performed, and the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 370 flows out from the outflow port 215, the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 370 becomes lower. When the liquid surface level becomes lower than the position of the lower end of the second flow path 372, air moves into the second flow path 372. The moved air moves, through the gas flow path 202, to the internal space 389 of the cartridge 380. Therefore, the ink 90 stored in the internal space 389 of the cartridge 380 moves into the internal space 379 of the sub tank 370 through the liquid flow path 201. Thereby, the ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 380 to the sub tank 370.
When the ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 380 to the sub tank 370, the liquid surface level of the ink 90 stored in the sub tank 370 becomes higher. When the liquid surface level becomes higher than the lower end of the first flow path 371, the movement of the ink 90 through the liquid flow path 201 stops. Thus, an appropriate amount of ink 90 is supplied from the cartridge 380 to the sub tank 370.
In an MFP of a seventh modification according to aspects of the present disclosure, as shown in
The sub tank 210 and the cartridge 220 are disposed in respective particular positions not on the carriage. As shown in
An MFP of an eighth modification according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a plurality of sub tanks. For instance, as shown in
The sub tank 210M is configured to have a cartridge 220M removably attached in which magenta ink (not shown) is stored. The sub tank 210C is configured to have a cartridge 220C removably attached in which cyan ink (not shown) is stored. The sub tank 210Y is configured to have a cartridge 220Y removably attached in which yellow ink (not shown) is stored. The sub tank 210B is configured to have a cartridge 220B removably attached thereto in which black ink (not shown) is stored.
It is noted that the arrangement order in which the sub tanks 210M, 210C, 210Y, and 210B are arranged is not limited to the order shown in
Hereinabove, as examples of the liquid reservoir, the ink cartridges have been described that are removable by the user when the stored ink runs out. However, the liquid reservoir may be a tank that is unremovable by the user when the stored ink runs out. A liquid ejecting device with a tank may be configured to continuously perform printing with ink refilled by the user from an inlet provided at the tank. The liquid ejecting device having such a tank may have a sub tank between the tank and a head. In this case, the tank may be configured to be removably attached to the sub tank. Thereby, a manufacturer may provide a product lineup of a plurality of types of liquid ejecting devices by replacing different types of tanks having different shapes and/or volumes. Moreover, by modularizing components included in each liquid ejecting device and increasing the number of removably-attachable parts, it is possible to more easily provide liquid ejecting devices that are usable for a long period of time by replacing damaged parts with new ones. Further, by making each type of tank removable from the sub tank, it is possible to provide liquid ejecting devices that are usable for a long period of time by replacing damaged tanks with new ones. It is noted that an MFP without a liquid reservoir (a cartridge or a tank) attached may be an example of the liquid ejecting device according to aspects of the present disclosure. An MFP with a liquid reservoir attached may be an example of the liquid ejecting device according to aspects of the present disclosure.
The following shows examples of associations between elements exemplified in the aforementioned illustrative embodiment and modifications, and elements according to aspects of the present disclosure. For instance, the MFP 10 may be an example of a “liquid ejecting device” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The head 38 may be an example of a “head” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The sub tank 210 may be an example of a “container” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The atmosphere communication holes 213 and 363 may be included in examples of a “communication section” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The atmosphere communication path 274 may be included in the “communication section” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The cartridge 220 may be an example of a “liquid reservoir” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The ink 90 may be an example of “liquid” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve 211 may be an example of a “first valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve 212 may be an example of a “second valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve 221 may be an example of a “third valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure, or may be an example of a “first reservoir valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valve 222 may be an example of a “fourth valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure, or may be an example of a “second reservoir valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The valves 251, 261, 271, and 281 may be included in examples of a “communication valve” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The detector 291 may be an example of a “detector” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The prism 292 may be an example of a “part of the detector” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The carriage 40 may be an example of a “carriage” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The controller 130 may be an example of a “controller” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The cover 275 may be an example of a “cover” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The semipermeable membrane 214 may be an example of a “semipermeable membrane” according to aspects of the present disclosure. The outflow port 215 may be an example of an “outflow port” according to aspects of the present disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2021-121987 | Jul 2021 | JP | national |