JP2000198215A - Ink feed structure of image-recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase a substantial effective area of a filter by reducing air- trapping at the filter part when ink passes the filter part set in an ink channel. SOLUTION: An ink introduction pipe 21a over a carriage 4 and an ink introduction pipe 21a at the side of a sub ink tank 4a are connected via a connecting member 30, while an ink discharge pipe 22a and a manifold 27 are connected via a connecting member 35. Filters 32 and 36 are set to the connecting members 30 and 35 for removing a foreign matter in the ink or the like. The ink is adapted to pass from below the filters 32 and 36 to above the filters. The air in the ink is easy to pass the filters 32 and 36 because of a buoyancy and is prevented from remaining at each filter part. A substantial effective area of each filter is increased, so that a flow rate of the ink necessary for printing can be secured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet type image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an ink supply structure for connecting a recording tank for storing ink and a recording head with an ink supply pipe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image recording apparatus, there is an ink supply structure in which an ink storage tank and a recording head are connected by an ink supply pipe. As such a structure, the ink supply pipe is composed of an ink introduction pipe for guiding ink from the ink storage tank to the print head, and an ink discharge pipe for discharging ink from the print head to the ink storage tank, and the storage tank and the storage tank are circulated by the circulation pump. 2. Description of the Related Art There has been known a configuration in which ink is circulated between recording heads. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink supply structure considered by the present inventors. In the image recording apparatus 100, connecting members 40 and 41 are provided in the middle of the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a from the sub-ink tank 4a to the recording head 5a, and the ink introduction tubes 21a and 21a are provided in the connection members 40 and 41. Two flow paths are provided, each communicating with the ink discharge pipe 22a. Each flow path is provided with a filter 42 for removing foreign substances and the like in the ink. In this case, filter 4
The direction of ink flow when passing through the ink inlet tube 2
1a and one of the ink discharge pipes 22a is directed upward,
The other is facing down. Alternatively, both may be in landscape orientation.

[0003]

However, the ink supplied from the sub-ink tank 4a to the recording head 5a contains minute bubbles, and thus the ink supply structure of the conventional image recording apparatus as described above. According to this, the direction of ink flow when passing through the filter 42 toward the recording head may be downward or sideways, so that if bubbles contained in the ink are trapped in the filter portion, the buoyancy of the ink will be reduced. The bubbles try to move upward due to the influence,
It is difficult to pass through the filter 42 located in the downward direction or the lateral direction, and tends to stop at the filter 42 portion. Therefore, the contact area between the ink and the filter 42 is reduced due to the effect of the stopped air bubbles, and the effective area of the filter 42 is reduced. Therefore, the flow rate of the ink required for recording with the ink introduction pipe cannot be secured. Recording failure may occur. Further, the stopped air bubbles may serve as a damper, and the intended ink flow may not be realized when the circulation pump is driven.

In this type of ink supply structure, a detachable connection member is provided on the way of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe regardless of the presence or absence of a filter, and the recording head is mounted on the carriage. At this time, the ink introduction pipe on the recording head side and the ink storage tank side, and the ink discharge pipe on the recording head side and the ink storage tank side are connected. In the configuration of this connection portion, the number of parts is increased, a step or a gap is easily formed in the flow path, and bubbles are easily retained. If these bubbles gradually become larger, the ink flow rate cannot be secured as described above.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-318762 discloses that when a recording head is mounted on a carriage, the positional deviation between the connection member and the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube is reduced by the elasticity of a seal rubber provided on the connection member. Although it has been proposed to solve the problem, there is a limit to the amount of deformation of the seal rubber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to reduce trapping of air in a filter portion when ink passes through a filter portion provided in an ink flow path. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus in which a substantial effective area of a filter is increased.

Further, according to the present invention, in a connecting member for connecting the respective flow paths of the ink introducing pipe and the ink discharging pipe, the components of the connecting member can be shared between the ink introducing pipe side and the ink discharging pipe side. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that can reduce the number of points, reduce the manufacturing cost of a connecting member, and can obtain good recording results without bubbles remaining in the connecting member. And

Further, according to the present invention, the connecting member provided on the ink supply path can be made small, and
An ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus capable of simplifying a process of assembling each member of a connection member, further reducing a possibility that air bubbles stay on a surface to which each member of the connection member is joined, and constantly supplying ink normally. The purpose is to provide.

Further, the present invention provides an image recording apparatus capable of easily aligning the ink supply pipe on the recording head side with the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side when the recording head is mounted on the carriage. It is an object to provide an ink supply structure.

[0010]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, comprising: a storage tank for storing ink; a recording head for ejecting ink; Is an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus connected by an ink supply pipe, wherein a filter for removing foreign matter and the like in the ink is provided in the ink supply pipe, and a part of the ink supply pipe is formed by the ink from below the filter. The filter is configured to flow upward, and a filter is disposed in that portion.

In the above configuration, since the ink passes from below the filter to above, the air bubbles flowing together with the ink from the upstream of the filter in the ink supply pipe easily pass through the filter located above due to its buoyancy. ,
Fewer traps in the filter. This prevents bubbles from remaining in the filter portion, thereby increasing the effective area of the filter.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, wherein an ink supply pipe extends from the storage tank to the recording head. An ink introduction pipe for guiding ink; and an ink discharge pipe for discharging ink from the recording head to the storage tank. Ink is supplied between the storage tank and the recording head by a circulation pump through the ink supply pipe and the ink discharge pipe. It is configured to be circulated.

In the above configuration, it is possible to circulate the ink between the storage tank and the recording head, and to collect the air bubbles that have passed through the filter as described above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein a filter is provided in an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe. A part of the inlet tube and the ink discharge tube is configured so that ink flows upward from below the filter, and the filter is disposed in that portion.

In the above configuration, it is possible to circulate the ink between the storage tank and the recording head. In addition, even in the ink discharge pipe, the retention of air bubbles in the filter portion is prevented, and the filter is substantially removed. Effective area can be increased.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein a filter is provided on the carriage on which the recording head is mounted. This is provided at the inlet tube and the ink discharge tube.

In the above configuration, since the filter is provided in the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the carriage, it is easy to configure the ink supply pipe so that the ink passes through the filter from below to above.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, comprising: an ink supply pipe on a carriage and an ink supply pipe on a storage tank side. The tube, the ink discharge tube on the carriage, and the ink discharge tube on the storage tank side are connected via connecting members provided on the carriage, respectively, and connect one of the filters provided on the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube. It is arranged at a connection member portion, and the other is arranged at a connection portion with a recording head.

In the above configuration, the connection member is provided on the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube, so that the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube on the carriage are separated from the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube on the storage tank side. When the head unit provided with the recording head is detachably attached to the carriage, the ink unit is arranged so as not to hinder the configuration and to pass the filter from below to above. It is easier to configure the inlet tube and the ink discharge tube.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, comprising: an ink supply pipe on a carriage and an ink supply pipe on a storage tank side. The ink discharge pipe on the carriage, the ink discharge pipe on the carriage, and the ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side are connected via a connection member formed with an ink introduction flow path and a discharge flow path, respectively. The side opening is shifted with respect to the storage tank opening of the ink introduction flow path, and the recording head side opening of the ink discharge flow path is shifted with respect to the storage tank opening of the ink discharge flow path. The filter is provided in the connection member so as to cover the ink introduction flow path and the discharge flow path, respectively.

In the above configuration, the ink moves between the recording head side opening and the storage tank side opening which are shifted in the connection member. Therefore, since the movement distance of the ink in the connection member becomes long, when the ink passes through the connection member, the contact area between the ink and the filter is widened, and foreign matters and the like can be efficiently removed. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the storage tank is detachably connected to the ink supply pipe. It was done.

In the above configuration, a large amount of air bubbles entering when the storage tank is connected to the ink supply pipe easily passes through the filter from the bottom to the top as described above, so that trapping can be reduced.

In the ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, a storage tank for storing ink and a recording head for ejecting ink are connected by an ink introduction tube and an ink discharge tube. An ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that circulates ink between a storage tank and a print head by a circulation pump using an ink discharge pipe and supplies the ink to the print head, wherein an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe are provided. The connection member on one of the flow paths of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe has an ink flow path having a shape with an open end expanded on the inner surface. An ink flow path having a formed seal member and an open end coupled to the open end of the seal member, and having an open end side expanded on the inner surface of the open end. A filter is provided at both ends of the opening, and the other connecting member has a seal member formed substantially in the same shape as the seal member, and a shape of an ink flow path of the seal member. A corresponding convex shape is formed on the outer surface, fitted into the opening end of the seal member, and a joint member having an ink flow path formed on the inner surface.

In the above configuration, the sealing member of the other connecting member has substantially the same shape as the one sealing member, and a convex shape corresponding to the shape of the ink flow path of the sealing member is formed on the outer surface of the sealing member. And a joint member having an ink flow path formed on the inner surface thereof is fitted, so that in a state where both members are fitted, a step does not occur in the ink flow path in the seal member, and the connection member has Air bubbles contained in the ink are less likely to stay in the ink flow path, and the flow of the ink is not hindered.
Moreover, the same shape of the sealing member can be used on the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, so that these members can be shared, and the number of parts of the connection member can be reduced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein an outer surface on an opening end side is used instead of the other connecting member. Are formed in a convex shape and the ink flow path is formed on the inner surface, and the joint member on one side of the connecting member is formed in substantially the same shape, and the opening end of the seal member is fitted on the inner surface of this shape. A connection member composed of a joint member is used.

In the above construction, the sealing member of the other connecting member is formed such that the outer surface on the opening end side is formed in a convex shape and the ink flow path is formed on the inner surface. Since the joint member having substantially the same shape as the joint member on the connection member side is fitted, both joint members can be shared, and the number of parts can be reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the shape expanding toward the opening end is: The tapered shape is a shape in which the convex shape is in pressure contact with the tapered surface.

In the above configuration, when the seal member and the joint member are fitted, the convex shape presses against the tapered ink flow path, so that both members can be securely fitted.

The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 11 is the ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a joint forming each connection member is provided. The members are integrally formed.

In the above configuration, the joint members can be assembled to the seal members on both the ink supply side and the ink discharge side in one step.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects. A second joint member is connected to the opening end of the seal member opposite to the side to which the joint member is joined.

In the above configuration, the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side are connected to the opening end of the seal member opposite to the side to which the joint member is joined via the second joint member. Accordingly, the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the recording head side and the storage tank side can be connected to each other.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects. It is attached to a head unit on which the head is mounted.

In the above configuration, the connection between the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the recording head side and the storage tank side can be stably held by the head unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus which performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head. The ink supply path includes an ink supply pipe arranged between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and an ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and an ink supply pipe on the recording head side along the flow path of the ink supply pipe. A connection member for connecting the supply tube to the supply pipe, the connection member having a seal member in which an ink flow path having an open end side is formed on an inner surface, and an open end coupled to the open end of the seal member; A joint member in which an ink flow path having a shape in which the opening end side is expanded is formed on the inner surface of the opening end, and a filter is provided at one of the tapered opening ends. A.

In the above configuration, the connecting member provided in the flow path of the ink supply pipe is composed of two members, a seal member and a joint member, and the ink flow having a shape in which the opening end is widened on the inner surface of the seal member. A passage is formed, and a filter is provided at one of the open ends of the seal member and the joint member that are abutted with each other. Therefore, the ink flow path in the seal member has a shape that expands toward the filter, has a function of sealing a connection portion of the ink supply pipe between the recording head side and the ink storage tank side, and serves as an ink introduction path to the filter. Since the function is performed, a separate component is not required for introducing ink to the filter. In addition, since the sealing function is performed at the portions where they are abutted with each other, air bubbles are less likely to stay,
Normal ink supply can be ensured.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, comprising: a head holder for holding a recording head; a joint member; An attachment member for attaching the seal member to the head holder is provided, and the joint state between the joint member and the seal member is maintained by the engagement between the attachment member and the joint member.

In the above configuration, the joint member and the seal member are connected on the head holder by the engagement of the mounting member with the joint member, so that the connected state can be reliably maintained.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, wherein the ink supply pipe is provided with an ink storage tank. It has an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe that are arranged between the recording head and the ink to circulate the ink, and a connection member is arranged on each of the flow paths of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe.

In the above configuration, ink can be circulated between the storage tank and the recording head to fill the recording head with the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, comprising: The seal members forming the connected connection members are integrally formed, and the joint members forming the connection members arranged on the respective flow paths of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe are integrally formed.

In the above configuration, the assembly of the seal member and the joint member can be performed at once on both the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, so that the process of assembling each member can be simplified. , Productivity can be improved.

An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 18 is the ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein a seal member, a joint member, Is formed on one of the end faces to be joined with a ridge for sealing the joined face.

In the above configuration, the joint provided between the seal member and the joint member is sealed by the ridge provided on one of the end faces where the seal member and the joint member are joined. And the distance from the ridge to the ink are short, and a gap is less likely to be formed between the ridge and the filter or the ink, so that the risk of bubbles remaining can be reduced.

The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect is the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side or the ink supply pipe on the recording head side. One of the ink supply tubes has a joint member, and the other has a second joint member connected to the open end of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled.

In the above configuration, the ink supply pipe on the storage tank side is connected to the opening end of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is connected via the second joint member, so that the recording head is connected. And the ink supply pipes on the storage tank side can be connected to each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, comprising: a head holder on which a recording head to which ink is supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path is mounted; and a carriage on which the head holder is mounted. An ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus comprising: an ink supply path, an ink supply pipe disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and an ink storage pipe in the middle of the flow path of the ink supply pipe. An ink supply pipe that is held on the carriage side on the tank side and a connection member that connects the ink supply pipe on the recording head side, and has an attachment member for attaching the connection member to the head holder or the carriage, The connection member is configured to be attached to the head holder or the carriage with some play provided by the attachment member. It is.

In the above configuration, since the connecting member is attached with a slight play to the head holder or the carriage by the attaching member, the relative position of the connecting member to the head holder or the carriage can be maintained within the play. Can be changed slightly.
Therefore, when attaching the head holder to the carriage,
Even if the position of the ink supply pipe on the head holder side and the position of the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and held on the carriage side are displaced, the connection member is adjusted to the position of the ink supply path. By changing the position, the displacement between the two members can be absorbed, and the two members can be reliably connected.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, wherein the mounting member comprises a head holder or a carriage formed on a carriage. The inner surface of the portion is fitted with a little play in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting member, and at least one of the mounting member and the holding portion has a projection that prevents the mounting member from dropping off in the axial direction. Have

In the above configuration, the projecting portion provided on at least one of the attaching member and the holding portion prevents the attaching portion from dropping in the axial direction of the connecting member, and is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Since the connection member can be moved in the direction, the connection member can be moved in the lateral direction while reliably preventing the connection member from falling off.

The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 22 is the ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the projecting portion fits the mounting member to the holding portion. At this time, it is elastically deformed in a direction allowing the fitting.

In the above configuration, when the mounting member is fitted to the holding portion, the projecting portion elastically deforms in a direction allowing the fitting, so that the mounting member can be easily attached and detached.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of the twentieth to twenty-second aspects, wherein the ink supply path comprises a recording medium. A first joint member connected to the ink supply pipe on the head side, and a second joint member connected to the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side;
Is attached to the mounting member, and the second
Are attached to the carriage.

In the above configuration, the first joint member and the second joint member can easily and reliably connect the ink supply pipe on the recording head side and the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side. Moreover, the head holder and the carriage can be easily configured to be separable.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of the twentieth to twenty-third aspects. It has an ink introduction tube and an ink discharge tube for circulating ink between the storage tank and the recording head, and a connection member is arranged on each of the flow paths of the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube.

In the above configuration, the ink supplied to the recording head by the ink introduction pipe can be returned to the ink storage tank by the ink discharge pipe.

The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the twenty-fifth aspect is the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, wherein the ink supply path is provided by an ink introduction pipe or a recording head side. A first joint member connected to the ink discharge pipe, a second joint member connected to the ink introduction pipe or the ink discharge pipe on the ink storage tank side, and disposed between the two joint members to connect the two joint members. And a sealing member.

In the above configuration, since the first joint member and the second joint member are connected via the seal member, the respective members of the connection member can be reliably connected.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, wherein the first joint member is attached to a head holder, and The second joint member is attached to the carriage, and at least one of the first and second joint members is attached with some play.

In the above configuration, by attaching one of the first and second joint members with some play, the positions of the first and second joint members can be slightly changed from each other. Therefore, even if the first joint member and the second joint member are displaced from each other, the two members can be easily and reliably connected.

[0061]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image recording apparatus 1 includes a head unit 2 for ejecting ink to a recording medium (paper) P to perform recording, and an ink tank 3 filled with ink supplied to the head unit 2.
a to 3d, and sub-ink tanks (storage tanks) 4a to 4d provided in a path for supplying the ink in the ink tanks 3a to 3d to the head unit 2 and temporarily storing the supplied ink. And the ink is circulated between the head unit 2 and the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d.

The head unit 2 has 4
The recording heads 5a to 5d are provided, and the ink tank 3 is provided for each of the recording heads 5a to 5d.
a to 3d and sub ink tanks 4a to 4d. Head unit 2
Is detachably mounted on a carriage 6 configured to be movable in the horizontal and horizontal directions along the recording medium P. The carriage 6 is slidably supported in the horizontal direction by guide bars 8 and guide rails 9 extending in the horizontal direction, and faces the recording medium P using a driving force from the carriage motor 11 transmitted by the timing belt 10 as a driving source. Scanning movement. At a position facing the recording heads 5a to 5d, a paper feed roller 13 for conveying the recording medium P is provided, and the paper feed roller 13 is rotated by a driving mechanism including a paper feed motor (not shown) and the like. The recording medium P is sequentially moved in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage 6.

A purge unit 15 and a wiper 16 are provided on the side of the paper feed roller 13 as a maintenance unit. In the recording heads 5a to 5d, jetting failure may occur due to the generation of air bubbles inside the recording head or the adhesion of ink droplets on the nozzle surface where the jetting nozzle is opened. There is a purge device 15 and a wiper 16 for restoring a good injection state. The purge device 15 has a suction cap 15a that is in close contact with the nozzle surfaces of the recording heads 5a to 5d, and suctions bubbles, defective ink, and the like inside the recording heads 5a to 5d by the negative pressure generated by the pump 15b. The sucked defective ink is sent to the storage unit 15c. The wiper 16 is
This is for wiping off ink residue or the like adhering to the nozzle surfaces of the recording heads 5a to 5d. A capping device 17 is provided beside the purge device 15 to prevent the recording heads 5a to 5d from drying during a pause.

The ink tanks 3a to 3d and the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d are connected to the ink conduits 19a to 19d.
9d, pumps 20a to 20d for supplying ink from ink tanks 3a to 3d are provided in the ink conduits 19a to 19d. The sub ink tanks 4a to 4d and the recording heads 5a to 5d are connected to ink supply pipes, that is, ink introduction pipes 21a to 21d.
1d and ink discharge tubes 22a to 22d. Pumps 23a to 23d for supplying ink from the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d are provided in the ink introduction tubes 21a to 21d. Also, the ink discharge pipe 22a
2 to 22d, each valve can be opened and closed (FIG. 2)
(Represented by 29a). In each of the sub-ink tanks 4a to 4d, a plurality of partition plates are arranged, and the ink flowing from the ink tanks 3a to 3d and the ink discharge pipes 22a to 22d into the sub-ink tank is supplied to the ink introduction pipes 21a to 21d. When the ink flows in a meandering manner between the partition plates before being supplied, the air bubbles contained in the ink are separated by buoyancy and released to the atmosphere.

Next, the ink supply system of the image recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply system for the recording head 5a among the recording heads 5a to 5d. Hereinafter, the ink supply system for the recording head 5a will be described, but the ink supply system for the recording heads 5b to 5d has the same configuration. The recording head 5a includes an actuator 25 in which a plurality of ink chambers are formed, a nozzle plate 26 in which nozzle holes for ejecting ink in the ink chamber are formed, and an ink introduction pipe 2.
It has a manifold 27 for distributing the ink from 1a to each ink chamber in the actuator 25. The ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a are connected to the manifold 27, and the ink introduction tube 21a on the head unit 2 side and the ink introduction tube 21 on the ink tank 3 side.
a, the ink discharge pipe 22a on the head unit 2 side and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the ink tank 3 side are connected via connection members 304 and 314 provided on the carriage 6, respectively.

The connection member 304 is provided on the ink introduction tube 21a. The connection member 304 includes a first joint member 306 having an inner surface formed with a tapered ink flow path whose opening end side is expanded, and connected to the ink introduction pipe 21a on the head unit 2 side.
6 has an open end connected to the open end of the sub ink tank 4a, and has a tapered ink flow path formed on the inner surface of the open end, the open end of which is widened. And a joint member 305. First
Is provided with a filter 32 for removing foreign matter and the like in the ink. The second joint member 305 is attached to the carriage 6,
The first joint member 306 is attached to a lower part of the head unit 2. As a result, the ink introduction pipe 21a on the sub ink tank 4a side on the upstream side is arranged on the carriage 6, and the ink introduction pipe 21a on the head unit 2 side on the downstream side is arranged from the top of the carriage 6.
The ink is applied to the filter 32 in the first joint member 306.
, The filter 32 moves upward from below.

The connection member 314 provided on the ink discharge tube 22a is connected to the ink discharge tubes 22a on both the sub ink tank 4a side and the head unit 2 side, and is provided on the carriage 6 adjacent to the connection member 304. Have been. Further, the ink discharge pipe 22a and the manifold 27 are connected via a connecting member 35 formed on the inner surface thereof with a tapered ink flow path whose opening end side on the manifold 27 side is expanded. A filter 36 for removing foreign matters and the like in the ink is provided. The manifold 27 has a tapered shape in which the ink flow path of the coupling portion 27a with the connection member 35 is widened on the opening end side. Connection part 2 of manifold 27 with connection member 35
7a is arranged on the upper part of the manifold 27, and its open end is formed upward. The connecting member 35 is mounted on the upper part of the connecting portion. Thus, when the ink flows from the manifold 27 to the ink discharge pipe 22a, the ink moves from below the filter 36 to above.

The flow of ink in the ink circulation system will be described. When the valve 29a is opened and the pump 23a is driven, the ink introduction pipe 21 is moved from the sub ink tank 4a.
The ink is filled into the manifold 27 via the line a. The surplus ink returns to the sub ink tank 4a via the ink discharge pipe 22a. While filling the manifold 27 with ink,
Between the sub-ink tank 4a and the recording head 5a, the ink circulates through the filters 32 and 36. Then, the purge device 15 is brought into contact with the nozzle plate 26 to perform a suction operation, whereby the ink filled in the manifold 27 is filled in each ink chamber of the recording head 5a. Thereafter, the operation of the pump 23a is stopped at a position where the ink introduction tube 21a is not closed, and the valve 29a is closed.
When ink is ejected from the recording head 5a by the recording operation, that is, when the ink is consumed, ink is supplied to the manifold 27 from the sub-ink tank 4a via the ink introduction pipe 21a. In order to prevent bubbles contained in the ink in the circulation path from gradually coalescing and growing and narrowing or closing the flow path, the valve 29a is opened periodically or by manual operation, and the pump is operated. Drive 23a,
The ink is circulated between the sub ink tank 4a and the recording head 5a as described above. Thereby, the air bubbles in the ink introduction pipe 21a, the manifold 27, and the ink discharge pipe 22a are collected in the sub ink tank 4a, and are separated by buoyancy while the ink flows meandering as described above. As a result, the ink with reduced bubbles is supplied to the manifold 27 from the ink introduction tube 21a.

The ink storage amount in the sub ink tank 4a is detected by a liquid level sensor (not shown).
The drive of the pump 20a (see FIG. 1) is controlled based on the detection value of the liquid level sensor so that the ink is supplied from the ink tank 3 to the sub ink tank 4a so that the predetermined storage amount is always maintained.

In the illustrated example, the pump 23a is of a type in which a plurality of rollers are sequentially moved while squeezing the flexible ink introduction tube 21a, but other known types may be used. Can be.

As described above, the image recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
According to the filter 3 provided on the connecting member 304,
2. When the ink passes through the filter 36 provided on the connecting member 35, the ink moves upward from below the filters 32 and 36, so that the bubbles flowing with the ink from the upstream flow upward due to the buoyancy. Filter 3 located
2 and 36, so that it is less likely to be trapped by the filters 32 and 36. This prevents bubbles from remaining in the filters 32 and 36,
A substantial effective area of the filters 32 and 36 is increased, a flow rate of ink required for recording can be secured, and recording failure is less likely to occur. Further, a damper effect does not occur during ink circulation or ink suction by the purge device 15, so that a smooth ink flow can be realized.

The image recording apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the filters 32 and 36 provided in the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a are arranged on the connection member 35 connected to the first joint member 306 and the manifold 27. Joint member 30
a and the coupling portion 27a, or both,
Further, as long as the ink is configured to move from below to above the filter portion and pass through the filter portion, the ink portion may be disposed at another position in the image recording apparatus 1.

Next, a second embodiment of the ink supply structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply system of the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment, and shows an ink supply system for the recording head 5a. In the drawing, the connection member is not connected to the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side. The manifold 27 ′ of the recording head 5 a provided in the image recording apparatus 1 ′ is not configured to be connected to the ink discharge pipe 22 a via the connection member 35 as in the manifold 27 of the above-described embodiment. Are connected directly. The ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side, and the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the head unit 2 side
Is a configuration that is connected via the connection members 40 and 41.

The connection member 40 has an ink flow path for introduction for guiding ink to the recording head 5a and an ink flow path for discharging ink from the recording head 5a. The connection member 41 has an ink introduction channel and a discharge channel formed corresponding to each ink channel in the connection member 40. At a connection portion between the connection member 40 and the connection member 41, a filter 42 having a size set to cover both the ink supply passage and the discharge passage of the connection members 40 and 41 is provided. I have. The connecting members 40 and 41
Accordingly, the ink circulating in the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a is configured to pass through the filter 42 on both the outward path and the return path to the recording head 5a. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a move upward from below the filter 42 and pass through the filter 42 so as to pass through the filter 42.
0,41. Details of the configurations of the connection members 40 and 41 and the filter 42 will be described in detail below.

The connection members 40, 40 in the image recording apparatus 1 '
The configurations of the filter 41 and the filter 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connection member and the filter, FIG. 5 is a side sectional view before the connection member and the filter are incorporated, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the connection member 41. As described above, the ink flow paths for ink supply and ink discharge are formed in the connection members 40 and 41, respectively. When the connection members 40 and 41 are combined, the connection members 40 and 41 are combined.
The positions of the respective ink flow paths formed in 41 are set so as to match.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, a connecting pipe 40a provided at one end of the connecting member 40 (on the left side in FIG. 4) is provided.
The connection member 41 is set to correspond to the connection pipe 41a provided at the other end (the right end in FIG. 4). Connection member 4
0 and the connection member 41, the connection member 4
An ink flow path 44 connecting the connection pipes 40a and 41a is formed in the insides 0 and 41. 5, the ink flowing from the connection pipe 41a of the connection member 41 moves from the right end to the left end through the ink flow path 44, and is connected to the connection pipe 40a of the connection member 40. Spilled out of. The connection pipe 40b of the connection member 40 and the connection pipe 41b of the connection member 41 are connected in the same manner as described above, and the ink flowing from the connection pipe 41b of the connection member 41 is adjacent to the ink flow path 44. The ink flows out of the connection pipe 40b of the connection member 40 through the ink flow path 45 provided.

On the surface where the connecting member 40 is connected to the connecting member 41, there is provided a convex portion 40c for mutually aligning the ink flow paths 44 and 45 formed in the two connecting members 40 and 41, respectively. The surface of the connecting member 41 connected to the connecting member 40 is provided with a concave portion 41c having a shape corresponding to the convex portion 40c. Filter 42 into recess 41c
By fitting over the inside of the ink passages 44 and 45 to cover the entirety of the ink flow paths 44 and 45 and incorporating the convex portion 40c into the concave portion 41c, positioning of the three members can be performed simply and reliably. After assembling, the ink flow paths 44 and 45 are securely sealed by welding or bonding the connecting members 40 and 41 with the filter 42 therebetween using means such as heat or ultrasonic waves. it can.

In the connecting members 40 and 41 configured as described above, the connecting tubes 40a and 41a of the ink flow path 44 and the connecting tubes 40b and 40
1b are located at both ends of the ink flow paths 44 and 45, that is, are shifted from each other, so that when the ink moves in the connection members 40 and 41, the ink flow paths 44 and 4
5 will pass through a relatively long area of each of the filters 42 corresponding to 5. Therefore, the ink and the filter 42
Since the area of contact with the ink increases, foreign substances and the like generated in the ink can be efficiently removed.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an exploded sectional view of a head unit provided in the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment, FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a process of mounting an ink cartridge on the head unit, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where an ink cartridge is mounted on the unit. The ink supply structure of this image recording apparatus is configured such that ink is supplied to the recording head 5a from an ink cartridge (reservoir tank) 50 which is removably mounted on the head unit 2, and the recording head 5a is a side surface of the head holder 2a. Is mounted via a manifold 51. An ink supply port 50a is provided at an upper part of the ink cartridge 50, and an ink flow path 51a in the manifold 51 is opened downward at an open end thereof.
It is formed to extend upward from below and bend toward the recording head 5a in the middle of the flow path. The opening end of the ink flow path 51a is communicated with the ink supply port 50a through a seal rubber 52, and a filter 53 is provided on an end face of the seal rubber 52 that abuts with the ink flow path 51a. These manifolds 5
1 and the seal rubber 52 function as an ink introduction path. Manifold 51 is manifold holder 5
4 fixes the mounting posture to the head holder 2a.

The head holder 2 of the ink cartridge 50
The ink cartridge 50 is inserted into the head holder 2a such that the ink supply port 50a of the ink cartridge 50 faces the lower part of the seal rubber 52 and the filter 53. 50b is a fixed claw 2b provided on the head holder 2a.
This is done by hooking it on. With this configuration, when ink is sucked from the ink ejection side of the nozzle provided on the print head 5a by the purge device 15 (FIG. 1) at the start of printing, the ink flows out of the ink supply port 50a of the ink cartridge 50. The ink passes through the seal rubber 52 and the filter 53 located above the ink, and is introduced into the recording head 5a through the ink flow path 51a. Also,
The ink is replenished from the ink cartridge 50 due to the pressure drop generated during the ink ejection. Therefore, when the ink passes through the filter 53, the ink moves upward from below the filter 53, so that the bubbles flowing with the ink easily pass through the filter 53 located above due to its buoyancy, and are trapped by the filter 53. Is less likely to be done. In particular, when the ink cartridge 50 is loaded,
A large amount of air bubbles sandwiched between the ink supply port 50a and the filter 53 are also less likely to be trapped.

FIGS. 10 to 13 for the fourth embodiment
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply system as in FIG. 2, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connection members 30 and 31, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of each member of the connection members 30, 31, the joint holder, and the head holder.

In this embodiment, the connection members 30, 31 in the first embodiment are particularly changed.
The connection member 30 provided in the ink introduction tube 21a is
It comprises a cylindrical seal rubber (seal member) 30a made of an elastic material such as a rubber material, and a first joint member 30b connected to the seal rubber 30a. The seal rubber 30a has a tapered ink flow path 30a-1 that is expanded toward the opening end side at an end on the side to be connected to the first joint member 30b, and further has the tapered ink flow path. It has a cylindrical portion 30a-2 outside of 30a-1. The first joint member 30b has an open end,
It has a tapered ink flow path 30b-1 that expands toward the seal rubber 30a, and the tapered ink flow path 3
Oa-1 and 30b-1 are detachably fitted to the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 30a-2 with the largest diameter portions facing each other. The sealing state between the two is ensured by the outer periphery of the largest diameter portion that abuts on each other and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 30a-2. In the maximum diameter portion of the tapered ink flow paths 30a-1 and 30b-1,
A filter 32 for removing foreign matters and the like in the ink is provided. The filter 32 includes the first joint member 30
b or the seal rubber 30a, or may be sandwiched between them. Since the diameter of the ink flow path provided in the seal rubber 30a and the first joint member 30b is the largest at the portion where the filter 32 is provided, the contact area between the ink and the filter 32 is increased, and the ink is efficiently discharged. It is possible to remove foreign substances and the like inside. The other end portion 30a-3 of the seal rubber 30a is also formed in a tapered shape expanding toward the opening end side, and the second joint member 30c is detachably fitted to the inner periphery through the tapered portion in a sealed state. Are combined. First joint member 3
Reference numeral 0b is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the head unit 2 side, and the second joint member 30c is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the sub ink tank 4a side.

The connection member 31 provided in the ink discharge pipe 22a includes a seal rubber 31a equivalent to the seal rubber of the connection member 30, and a first joint member 31b connected to the seal rubber 31a. The first joint member 31b has a tapered ink flow path 3 of the seal rubber 31a on the outer periphery of the end joined to the seal rubber 31a.
A corresponding tapered convex shape 31b-1 is formed so as to be inserted into 1a-1, and is detachably fitted to the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 31a-2 of the seal rubber 31a. The seal between the first joint member 31b and the seal rubber 31a is formed by a tapered ink passage 31a-1 and a cylindrical portion 31a.
-2, or both. Connection member 3
Similarly to the case of 0, the second joint member 31c is detachably fitted to the inner periphery of the seal rubber 31a in a sealed state through the tapered portion 31a-3 of the seal rubber 31a. On the inner surface of the first joint member 31b, a straight ink flow path having substantially the same diameter as the inner surface of the intermediate portion of the seal rubber 31a is formed, and when the first joint member 31b is fitted to the seal rubber 31a, the inner surface of the intermediate portion of the seal rubber 31a is formed. It is designed not to make large steps. The inner diameter of the second joint member 31c is also formed close to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion of the seal rubber 31a, and a substantially straight ink flow path is formed in the connecting member 31. The first joint member 31b is connected to the ink inlet tube 22a on the head unit 2 side, and the second joint member 31c is connected to the ink inlet tube 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side.

Seal rubber 30 of connection members 30 and 31
a, 31a and first joint members 30b, 31b
Are attached to a head holder 2c, which is an outer case of the head unit 2, by a joint holder (attachment member) 38. The joint holder 38 has a convex portion 38b that fits into a concave groove on the outer periphery of the seal rubbers 30a, 31a so as to hold the two seal rubbers 30a, 31a in parallel. Further, the joint holder 38 is provided with a convex portion 38c protruding inward at the end on the first joint member 30b, 31b side, and the first joint member 30b, 31b fitted to the seal rubber 30a, 31a. The protrusion 38c is engaged with the outer peripheral step portion of
Of the joint members 30b and 31b.
The convex portion 38c is provided so as to have an elastic force so as to be deformable in the outward direction so as to allow the first joint members 30b and 31b to be fitted to the seal rubbers 30a and 31a.

A locking portion 38a projecting outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint holder 38, and a locking portion (holding portion) 2a surrounding the two openings 2b, 2b is provided on the upper surface of the head holder 2c. The joint holder 38 is mounted on the head holder 2c by locking the locking portion 38a with the locking portion (holding portion) 2a. The locking portion 38a and the locking portion 2a are provided so as to have an elastic force so as to be deformable in a direction in which locking is permitted, that is, inward and outward directions of the joint holder 38 at the time of locking. The joint holder 38 is attached to the head holder 2c by fitting the joint holder 38 into the locking portion 2a of the head holder 2c from above.

As shown in FIG. 11, the joint holder 3
8 is attached to the head holder 2c,
The locking portion 38a of the joint holder 38 is the head holder 2
The locking portion 2a of FIG. The joint holder 38 includes a locking portion 38a.
The movement of the connecting members 30, 31 in the axial direction is restricted by the locking between the locking member 2a and the locking portion 2a. However, due to the play, the head holder 2c is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. A slight horizontal movement in the upper direction is allowed.

A positioning pin 2 d for positioning the head unit 2 with respect to the carriage 6 is provided below the head holder 2 c which is an outer case of the head unit 2. The carriage 6 is provided with a concave portion 6a having a size corresponding to the positioning pin 2d, and a second joint member 30c to which the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side are connected. , 31c are integrally formed or fixed.

When the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6, the positioning pins 2d are fitted into the recesses 6a, so that when the head holder 2 is positioned with respect to the carriage 6, the second joint members 30c, 31c
Are openings 2b, 2 formed in the lower part of the head holder 2c.
b through the tapered openings at the lower ends of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a, respectively.
And is connected to the seal rubbers 30a and 31a (see FIG. 12). At this time, since the seal rubbers 30a and 31a held by the joint holder 38 can move in the horizontal and horizontal directions within the range of the above-mentioned play, the second position
It is possible to correct even if there is a displacement s between the joint members 30c and 31c. Further, since the lower ends of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a are tapered, the second joint members 30c and 31c are further formed.
31c is easy to fit into the seal rubbers 30a, 31a. By connecting these two members, the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the head unit 2 side communicate with the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side via the connection members 30 and 31. Will be done. When detaching the head unit 2 from the carriage 6, the ink introduction pipe 21 a and the ink discharge pipe 22 a are connected to the head unit 2 side and the sub ink tank 4.
It can be easily divided into the a side.

As described above, according to the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment, the connection members 30 and 31 move from the bottom to the top in the ink introduction tube 21a,
It is arranged in the vertical direction so that the ink flows from top to bottom at a. As a result, in the connection member 30 on the side of the ink introduction tube 21a, the ink and the bubbles flowing from the bottom to the top pass through the filter 32 by buoyancy. Ink discharge pipe 2
In the connection member 31 on the 2a side, since the first joint member 31b does not form a large step with respect to the inner surface of the seal rubber 31a as described above, bubbles in the ink are less likely to stay there. The bubbles flowing in the flow path pass through the connecting member 31 smoothly. Therefore, a wide ink flow path is always ensured, and good recording results can be obtained.

The connecting member 31 connected to the ink discharge pipe 22a and the connecting member 30 on the ink introduction pipe 21a can be used in common because the seal rubber 30a has the same shape. Can be reduced in number of parts, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly. Further, since the connection members 30 and 31 are attached to the head holder 2 c with a slight play r by the joint holder 38, the second joint member 30 is mounted when the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6.
Even if there is a positional shift s between the opening ends of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a, the positions of the connecting members 30 and 31 can be changed within the range of the play r. Accordingly, when the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6, even if there is a displacement s between the second joint members 30c, 31c and the opening ends of the seal rubbers 30a, 31a, the two members can be easily connected. be able to.

In addition, in the connecting member 30 provided on the way of the flow path of the ink introduction pipe 21a, a tapered ink flow path whose opening end side is widened is formed on the inner surfaces of the seal member 30a and the first joint member 30b. Since the flow path has a shape that expands toward the filter 32, the ink can be appropriately introduced into the filter 32, and a separate component is not required for introducing the ink into the filter 32. Thus, the number of components of the connection member 30 is reduced, so that the process of assembling the components of the connection member 30 can be simplified, and the size of the connection member 30 can be reduced. Further, as will be apparent from a tenth embodiment described later, also in this embodiment, since the joint member and the seal member are in contact at the open end, it is difficult to form a region where air bubbles stay.
Bubbles also less hinder ink flow.

Next, a connecting member according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connection member, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the connection member. In this embodiment, the same connection member as the connection member 30 of the fourth embodiment is used as the connection member on the ink introduction tube 21a side. The first joint member 31 is used as the connection member 31 'on the ink discharge pipe 22a side.
As b ′, the same one as the first joint member 30b of the connection member 30 is used, and as a seal rubber, an outer surface of an end portion on a side coupled to the first joint member 31b ′ is
A seal rubber 31a 'having a convex shape 31a'-4 inserted into a tapered ink flow path 31b'-1 formed on the inner surface of the end of the first joint member 31b' is used. The convex shape 31a'- of this seal rubber 31a'-
Reference numeral 4 denotes a tapered shape which is fitted and pressed against the tapered surface of the first joint member 31b ', and has a straight ink flow path formed on its inner surface. Other components are the same as those of the connection members 30 and 31 in the fourth embodiment. Also in this case, the first joint member 31
No step is formed between b ′ and the seal rubber 31a ′ such that bubbles stay.

Next, a connecting member according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connection member. In this embodiment, as the first joint members on the ink introduction tube 21a side and the ink discharge tube 22a side, the connection members 30, 3 in the fourth embodiment are used.
A first joint member 39 in which the first joint members 30b and 31b according to No. 1 are integrally formed via an arm portion 39a is used. Another member configuration is the connection member 3 described above.
It is equivalent to the case of 0,31. This can be similarly applied to the fifth embodiment. By thus integrally configuring the first joint member 39, the number of steps for attaching the connection member to the joint holder 38 can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved.

Note that the above embodiments can be variously modified. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the seal rubbers 30a, 31a, the first joint members 30b, 31
The shape of the ink flow path formed on the inner surface of b is tapered so as to expand toward the opening end, but is not limited to this shape, and any other shape can be used as long as it can guide ink smoothly. It does not matter. Filter 3
2 may be provided on the connection member 31 side on the ink discharge tube 22a side, and the flow path on the ink introduction tube 21a side may be formed in a straight shape.

Next, a connecting member according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the connection member 310 on the ink discharge tube 22a side has a seal rubber 310a in which a straight ink flow path is formed and a first joint member 310b. The configuration of the other members is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.
In this case, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the seal rubber or the first joint member cannot be used in common on the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, but the connection member 30 on the ink introduction tube 21a side. At the point where, together with the ink flowing from the bottom to the top, the bubbles also pass through the filter 32 by buoyancy, the first joint member 310b forms a large step with respect to the inner surface of the seal rubber 310a in the connection member 310 on the ink discharge pipe 22a side. This is equivalent to the fourth and fifth embodiments in that air bubbles in the ink are less likely to stay there.

Next, a connecting member according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the connection member on the ink discharge tube 22a side uses the seal rubber 30a on the ink introduction tube side in common, but the first joint member 310b has the same internal rubber as the sixth embodiment. Has a straight ink flow path. The configuration of the other members is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. In this case, the seal rubber can be used in common on the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, but in the connection member on the ink discharge tube 22a side, the first joint member 310b is larger than the inner surface of the seal rubber 310a. A step is formed, and in this regard, the fourth and fifth embodiments are more preferable.

FIG. 21 shows a connection member 300 on the ink supply tube side according to the ninth embodiment. The connection member 300 is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the recording head side, and
2, a joint member 302 coupled to the joint member 301, and a seal rubber 303 coupled to the joint member 302. Each of the joint members 301 and 302 has a tapered ink flow path in which the opening end side is expanded. A second joint member connected to the ink introduction pipe on the sub ink tank side is fitted to the lower end of the seal rubber 303 as in the above-described embodiment. The joint member 302 serves to guide the ink flowing from the sub ink tank side to the filter 32 of the joint member 301. In this case, in the connection member 300,
Bubbles are used to filter air bubbles along with ink flowing from bottom to top.
2 is the same as in each of the embodiments, except that the joint member 302 is one extra component, so that there is a disadvantage in that the connection member 300 becomes larger and the number of assembling steps increases as compared with the other embodiments. .

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a connecting member 30 'according to the tenth embodiment. The connection member 30 ′
Ink inlet tube 21 on the head unit side (upper side in the figure)
First joint members 30b 'and 31b' connected to each of a and the ink discharge pipe 22a are integrally formed, and a first composite joint member 39 provided with a filter 32 on each end surface is used. As a seal rubber to be connected to the first composite joint member 39, a composite seal member 140 in which seal rubbers 30a 'and 31a' connected to the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a are integrally formed. Is used. The composite seal member 140 is held by the holding member 141 and the holding member 1
Reference numeral 41 is attached to a carriage (not shown).
The first composite joint member 39 has a locking claw portion 39a.
Is formed on the holding member 141, and a locking claw 141a that engages with the locking claw 39a is formed. Further, on the end face of the first composite joint member 39 joined to the end face of the composite seal member 140, a ridge 39b for locally deforming the member 140 to enhance the sealing effect is formed. Sub ink tank side (lower side in illustration)
The ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a are directly connected to the composite seal member 140.

The first composite joint member 39 and the composite seal member 140 having the above-described structures are joined with the ends of the respective members abutting against each other. Claw portion 39a,
The holding member 141 is held by engagement with the locking claw 141a. In a state where the two members are joined, the composite seal member 140 is deformed corresponding to the shape of the ridge 39b provided on the end face of the first composite joint member 39, whereby the ink provided on the inner surfaces of both members is formed. Since the sealing effect is strengthened very close to the flow path and the filter 32,
A gap is not easily formed between the ridge 39b and the ink flow path or the filter 32, and the retention of bubbles is reduced. Therefore, the possibility that these bubbles grow with the passage of time and narrow the ink flow path is reduced. Further, since the composite seal member 140 is directly connected to the ink introduction tube 21a and the discharge tube 22a, the number of components is reduced.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show a connection member on the ink introduction tube 21a side according to the eleventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the seal rubber 400 and the first joint member 30b are directly fixed to the cylindrical grip 2a 'provided on the head holder 2c'. Then, a second joint member 130c as the connection member 130 is attached to the carriage 6 with a slight play r in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the second joint member 130c. Specifically, at the lower part of the carriage 6,
An engaging portion (holding portion) 6b for holding the second joint member 130c is provided, and the engaging portion 6b is provided on the outer periphery of the second joint member 130c so as to protrude like a flange. 130d is included, and a protruding portion 6b-1 protruding from the inner periphery of the distal end of the engaging portion 6b prevents the second joint member 130c from falling off in the axial direction. The protruding portion 6b-1 is elastically deformable in a direction that allows the second joint member 130c to be detachably fitted to the engaging portion 6b. Convex part 130d
Is engaged with the engaging portion 6b with a slight play r in the horizontal and horizontal directions. With such a configuration, when the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6, even if there is a displacement s between the opening end of the seal rubber 400 and the second joint member 130c, the second Joint member 1
30c can freely move in the horizontal and horizontal directions within the range of the play, so that the seal rubber 400 and the second
With the joint member 130c.

As described above, the second joint member 130
c is attached to the carriage 6 with a slight play r, so that when the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6, the space between the second joint member 30 c and the opening end of the seal rubber 40 is provided. Even if there is a displacement s, the position of the second joint member 130c can be changed within the range of the play. Thereby, when attaching the head unit 2 to the carriage 6, the second joint member 1
Even if there is a displacement between 30c and the opening end of the seal rubber 40, both members can be easily connected. In the second embodiment, the second joint member 1
Although 30c is movable, the first joint member 130b may be movable in a similar configuration. Also,
The configuration of the attachment member and the holding portion in the first embodiment can be applied to the second joint member side.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified. For example, the connection members 30 and 130 of the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22
The connection members 31a may be configured to be attached independently or only one of them to the head holder 2c or the carriage 6 with some play.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure for one recording head of the image recording apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure for one recording head in an image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connection member and a filter according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a connection member and a filter according to a second embodiment before being assembled.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a connection member according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a head unit provided in an image recording apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of mounting an ink cartridge on the head unit.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where an ink cartridge is mounted on the head unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure for one recording head in an image recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection member provided in an ink supply structure according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connection state of a connection member according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of members of a connection member, a joint holder, and a head holder according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection member according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connection state of a connection member according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of a connection member according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection member according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of a connection member according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection member according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of a connection member according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connection state of a connection member according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection member according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of a connection member according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection member according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of a connection member according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus considered earlier by the inventor.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 Image recording device 4 Sub ink tank (storage tank) 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Recording head 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Ink introduction pipe 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d Ink discharge pipe 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d Pump ( Circulation pump) 30, 31, 35, 40, 41, 130, 304 Connecting member 32, 36, 42, 53 Filter 27 Manifold 30a Seal rubber

Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 9-360696 (32) Priority date December 26, 1997 (December 26, 1997) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 10-312060 (32) Priority date November 2, 1998 (November 12, 1998) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP)

Claims (26)

[Claims] In an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus in which a storage tank for storing ink and a recording head for ejecting ink are connected by an ink supply pipe, a filter for removing foreign matter and the like in the ink is provided. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, wherein an ink supply pipe is provided, and a part of the ink supply pipe is configured so that ink flows upward from below the filter, and the filter is disposed in that part. . 2. The ink supply pipe according to claim 1, wherein the ink supply pipe includes an ink introduction pipe that guides ink from the storage tank to the recording head, and an ink discharge pipe that discharges ink from the recording head to the storage tank. 2. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ink is circulated between said storage tank and said recording head by a circulation pump through an ink discharge pipe. 3. A filter is provided on the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube, and a part of the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube is configured so that ink flows upward from below the filter. 3. The ink supply structure according to claim 2, further comprising a filter. 4. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said filter is provided in said ink introduction tube and ink discharge tube portion on a carriage on which said recording head is mounted. 5. The ink supply pipe on the carriage and the ink introduction pipe on the storage tank side, and the ink discharge pipe on the carriage and the ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side are respectively mounted on the carriage. One of the filters connected to the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe, which is connected via the provided connection member, is disposed on the connection member portion, and the other is disposed on the connection portion with the recording head. The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 6. An ink introduction pipe on the carriage and an ink introduction pipe on the storage tank side, and an ink discharge pipe on the carriage and an ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side, respectively, for an ink introduction flow path and an ink introduction path. The recording head side opening of the ink introduction passage is connected to a storage tank side opening of the ink introduction passage, and the ink discharge passage is connected through a connection member having a passage formed therein. The recording head-side opening is located at a position shifted from the storage tank-side opening of the ink discharge flow path, and the filter covers the ink introduction flow path and the discharge flow path, respectively. The ink supply structure according to claim 5, wherein the ink supply structure is provided in the connection member. 7. The ink supply structure according to claim 1, wherein the storage tank is configured to be detachably connected to the ink supply pipe. 8. A storage tank for storing ink and a recording head for ejecting ink are connected by an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe, and the storage tank is connected to the storage tank by a circulation pump using the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe. In an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that circulates ink between a recording head and supplies the ink to the recording head, the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe are connected to each other via a connection member in a flow path. A connection member in the middle of one of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe is provided with a seal member having an ink flow path having a shape whose opening end side is widened on an inner surface, and an opening of the seal member. A joint member having an open end coupled to the end and an ink flow path having a shape in which the open end side is expanded on the inner surface of the open end, A filter is provided at both ends of the opening, and the other connecting member is formed on the outer surface with a sealing member formed substantially in the same shape as the sealing member and a convex shape corresponding to the shape of the ink flow path of the sealing member. And a joint member fitted into the opening end of the seal member and having an ink flow path formed on an inner surface thereof. 9. A seal member in which an outer surface on an open end side is formed in a convex shape and an ink flow path is formed on an inner surface in place of the other connecting member, and is substantially the same as a joint member on the one connecting member side. 9. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a connection member formed into a shape and comprising a joint member into which an opening end of said seal member is fitted is used on an inner surface of said shape. . 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the shape expanding toward the opening end is a tapered shape, and the convex shape is a shape pressed against a surface of the tapered shape. The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus of FIG. 11. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein joint members forming said connection members are integrally formed. 12. The connection member, wherein a second joint member is connected to an opening end of the seal member opposite to a side to which the joint member is connected. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 11. 13. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of said connection members is attached to a head unit on which said recording head is mounted. 14. An ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus for performing recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head,
An ink supply pipe disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head; an ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side along a flow path of the ink supply pipe; A connection member for connecting the ink supply pipe to the ink supply pipe, wherein the connection member includes a seal member having an ink flow path formed on an inner surface having an open end side expanded, and an opening coupled to the open end of the seal member. A joint member having an end and an ink flow path having a shape in which the opening end side is widened on the inner surface of the opening end, and a filter is provided at one of the opening ends of the two shapes. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus. 15. A head holder for holding the recording head, and a mounting member for mounting the joint member and the seal member to the head holder, wherein the mounting member and the joint member are engaged. The ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connection state between the joint member and the seal member is maintained. 16. The ink supply pipe, which is disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, has an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe for circulating ink, and the ink supply pipe and the ink discharge pipe. 16. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connection member is disposed on each of the flow paths. 17. A seal member, which is a connecting member disposed in the middle of each flow path of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe, is integrally formed, and each flow path of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe is formed. 17. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein joint members forming connection members arranged on the way are integrally formed. 18. A ridge for forming a seal on the joint surface at one of end surfaces where the seal member and the joint member are joined.
An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 17. 19. An ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side or an ink supply pipe on the recording head side, wherein the joint member is provided, and the other is provided on the opposite side to the side to which the joint member is coupled. 15. The ink supply structure according to claim 14, further comprising a second joint member connected to an opening end of the seal member. 20. An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus comprising: a head holder on which a recording head to which ink is supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path is mounted; and a carriage on which the head holder is mounted. An ink supply path is provided between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and an ink supply pipe, and in the middle of the flow path of the ink supply pipe, the ink supply pipe is held on the ink storage tank side and the carriage side. And a connecting member for connecting the ink supply tube on the recording head side to the ink supply tube on the recording head side, and a mounting member for mounting the connecting member on the head holder or the carriage. That the member is attached to the head holder or the carriage with some play. Characteristic ink supply structure of image recording apparatus. 21. The mounting member is fitted to an inner surface of a holding portion formed on the head holder or the carriage with a certain amount of play in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the connection member. 3. The projection according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the holding portions has a protrusion for preventing the attachment member from falling off in the axial direction.
0. The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to 0. 22. The ink for an image recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein when the mounting member is fitted to the holding portion, the projecting portion elastically deforms in a direction allowing the fitting. Supply structure. 23. A first joint member connected to an ink supply pipe on the recording head side, wherein the ink supply path includes:
A second ink supply pipe connected to the ink storage tank side;
The joint member according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the first joint member is attached to the attachment member, and the second joint member is attached to the carriage. The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus of FIG. 24. The ink supply pipe has an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe for circulating ink between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and each of the ink supply pipe and the ink discharge pipe has The said connection member is arrange | positioned on the road way, The Claims 20 thru | or 23 characterized by the above-mentioned.
An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to any one of the above. 25. A first joint member connected to an ink introduction tube or an ink discharge tube on the recording head side, and a second joint member connected to an ink introduction tube or an ink discharge tube on the ink storage tank side. 25. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 24, comprising: two joint members; and a seal member disposed between the two joint members and connecting the two joint members. 26. The first joint member is attached to the head holder, the second joint member is attached to the carriage, and at least one of the first or second joint members has some play. 26. The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the ink supply structure is mounted so as to be attached.