JP2000334982A - Ink tank, ink jet cartridge, ink supply unit, ink jet recorder and ink supply method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To supply an ink tank with ink through a simple arrangement by stopping suction supply of ink automatically utilizing the function of a gas permeation member. SOLUTION: A negative pressure is brought about in a storage ink tank 20 when it is evacuated by means of a suction pump. Consequently, ink in a supplementary ink tank sucked into the interior 41 of the tank 20 permeates an ink absorber 41a comprising a mass of small interconnecting cells and the liquid level 41b of ink ascends as permeation progresses. Since ascending rate of the liquid level 41b of ink depends on the suction force of the suction pump, an appropriate rate is set depending on the rotational amount of a cam gear. When the liquid level 41b of ink reaches a gas permeation member 48, ink supply is stopped automatically because the gas permeation member 48 does not pass liquid, e.g. ink. The gas permeation member 48 is a thin sheet made of a porous resin material, e.g. tetrafluoroethylene resin.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink tank, an ink jet cartridge, an ink supply device, an ink jet recording device, and an ink supply method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called serial scan type ink jet recording apparatus in which a recording head as a recording unit and an ink tank as an ink container are interchangeably mounted on a carriage movable in a main scanning direction. There is. In this recording method, an image is sequentially recorded on a recording medium by repeating main scanning of a carriage on which a recording head and an ink tank are mounted and sub-scanning of the recording medium.

In such a recording method, an image can be recorded on a large-sized recording medium such as an A1 or A0 size by increasing the moving width of the carriage. However, in order to print an image using a large amount of ink on a large screen, the ink storage capacity of the ink tank must be increased, and accordingly, the entire carriage becomes heavier. The inertia force of the vehicle also increases. To move the carriage at high speed against its inertial force,
As a drive motor for the carriage, it is necessary to provide a drive motor having a high drive power and a high output, which causes a problem that the price of the entire printing apparatus is increased. Also, with the increase in the weight of the entire carriage, when the carriage is reversed at the turn-back position of the reciprocating main scanning, the force for setting the acceleration of the carriage to "0" against the inertial force also increases. There is a problem that the whole recording apparatus vibrates greatly due to the reaction force of the above. Therefore, it has been difficult to increase the moving speed of the carriage.

On the other hand, if the amount of ink stored in the ink tank is reduced in order to reduce the weight of the carriage, the ink tank must be replaced more frequently, and the ink tank must be replaced during the printing operation. I will.

As one of the solutions to the problem relating to the replacement of the ink tank, the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-24698 has been proposed. In the related art, a closed-type ink bag type ink container is connected to a recording head, and if necessary, an auxiliary ink container is connected to the ink container. The ink is supplied to the ink container. The bias bag type ink container has a bag for storing ink, and stores the ink in the bag under a negative pressure enough to suppress the leakage of the ink from the ink discharge port of the recording head.
By using the negative pressure, ink is supplied from the auxiliary ink container to the bias bag type ink container.

[0006] The bag in the biased bag type ink container is crushed and its volume is reduced according to the amount of ink discharged from the recording head, that is, according to the amount of ink used. When the volume of the bag decreases to a predetermined amount or less, the plug of the supply port provided in the bias bag type ink container is opened, and the supply port and the auxiliary ink container are connected. As a result, ink is supplied from the auxiliary ink container into the bag by the negative pressure in the bag of the biased bag type ink container. Then, when the ink storage amount in the bag reaches the maximum, the negative pressure in the bag becomes “0”, and the supply of ink is automatically stopped. Therefore, according to this conventional technique, control using a pressure sensor, a capacity detection sensor, or the like is not required,
The replenishment of the ink can be automatically stopped using the negative pressure.

By the way, the upper limit of the negative pressure in the bias bag type ink container is determined by the balance with the ink ejection force when the recording head ejects ink. This is because, if the negative pressure is too large, the ink discharge force of the recording head decreases due to the negative pressure, and ink cannot be discharged. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the negative pressure within the range of the best ink ejection condition in the print head. Further, the head position of the ink in the auxiliary ink container needs to be set lower than the head position of the ink in the bias bag type ink container. If these head differences are too large, it will not be possible to supply ink even if the negative pressure in the mutated bag type ink container is determined according to the ink discharge conditions of the recording head.

Therefore, in this prior art, a special device is provided to set the vertical height position of the auxiliary ink container with respect to the bias bag type ink container. However, the provision of such an apparatus causes a problem that the size of the recording apparatus main body and the cost are increased. Further, when a situation occurs in which air enters the ink flow path from a part of the ink flow path connecting the auxiliary ink container and the bias bag type ink container at the time of refilling the ink, the air is discharged. Move into the bag of the bias bag type ink container,
The ink storage amount of the bias bag type ink container is greatly reduced. Further, when the amount of air infiltration is large, there is a problem that the inside of the bag in the biased bag type ink container is filled with air, and it becomes impossible to supply ink again. In addition, the biased bag type ink container is configured by using movable parts such as an elastic bag member forming a bag and a spring member for expanding the bag member, and thus there is a limit to miniaturization. There are also problems that the structure becomes complicated, the weight increases, and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to reliably supply ink to an ink tank with a simple structure. An ink tank, an ink jet cartridge, an ink supply device, which can reduce the size and weight of the recording apparatus and improve the reliability of the recording apparatus.
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink supply method.

[0010]

An ink tank according to the present invention is an ink tank capable of taking ink inside from an intake port by a negative pressure introduced into the inside from a suction port. Gas-liquid separation means for passing gas without passing gas is provided.

[0011] The ink jet cartridge of the present invention comprises:
It is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned ink tank and an ink jet recording head capable of introducing and discharging ink in the ink tank.

[0012] The ink supply means of the present invention is an ink supply device for supplying ink to the above-mentioned ink tank or the ink tank of the above-mentioned ink jet cartridge. An ink introduction unit capable of introducing ink contained in the main ink tank; and a negative pressure introduction unit capable of introducing a negative pressure generated by a suction pump from the suction port to the inside of the ink tank. It is characterized by the following.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a mounting section capable of mounting the above-mentioned ink tank and mounting an ink jet recording head capable of introducing and discharging ink in the ink tank, and the ink jet recording head. And moving means for relatively moving the recording medium.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a mounting portion to which the above ink jet cartridge can be mounted;
A moving means for relatively moving the inkjet cartridge and the recording medium is provided.

An ink supply method according to the present invention is an ink supply method for supplying ink to the ink tank or the ink tank in the ink jet cartridge, wherein the ink is supplied from the suction port through the gas-liquid separation means. By introducing a negative pressure into the inside of the ink tank, ink is supplied from the supply port to the inside of the ink tank, and the gas-liquid separation unit is brought into contact with the ink to contact the ink from the suction port. The introduction of negative pressure into the tank is stopped.

In the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, an ink tank capable of taking ink into the inside from the intake port can be mounted by the negative pressure introduced into the inside from the suction port, and the ink in the ink tank is introduced. A mounting portion capable of mounting an ink jet recording head capable of being ejected from an ink ejection port, moving means for relatively moving the ink jet recording head and a recording medium, and the ink jet recording head before supplying ink to the ink tank. Means for forming a meniscus of the ink in the ink ejection port by a recovery process of sucking and discharging the ink from the ink ejection port.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 are explanatory views of the entire ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. The ink jet recording apparatus of this example is an example of application as a serial scan system in which a recording head moves in a main scanning direction.

In FIG. 1, a recording apparatus main body includes a feeding apparatus section 1 for feeding a recording medium S, a recording apparatus section 2 for performing a recording operation, an ink replenishing apparatus section 3 for replenishing ink, and a cap device. It comprises a unit 30 (see FIG. 6) and the like. Hereinafter, the configurations of the device units 1, 2, and 3 will be described separately.

A [Configuration of Feeding Unit 1] In the feeding unit 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a cover provided outside the apparatus main body, and reference numeral 5 denotes an installation table on which a plurality of recording media S are loaded. The recording medium S is inserted from an insertion port 4a provided in the cover 4, and is discharged from a discharge port 4b. Inside the side plate 6 provided in the cover 4, a mounting table 8, a feeding roller 9, and a guide member 11 are provided.
The mounting table 8 constitutes a unit for mounting the recording medium S, and is urged by a spring 7 toward the upper feeding roller 9. The feeding roller 9 constitutes feeding means, and comes into contact with the uppermost one of the plurality of recording media S on the mounting table 8. The guide member 11 is connected to the separating unit 10.
Is guided in the direction of the recording device unit 2.

B [Configuration of Recording Apparatus Section 2] In the recording apparatus section 2, reference numeral 12 denotes a photosensor for detecting a recording medium S passing downstream of the guide member 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a pair of conveyance rollers for conveying the fed recording medium S at a constant speed, and reference numeral 14 denotes a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the non-recording medium S after image recording. Reference numeral 19 denotes a carriage, which is movably guided by the guide members 15 and 16 in the main scanning direction (the width direction of the recording medium S) indicated by arrows 28 and 35 in FIG. The carriage 19 is moved in the main scanning direction by a driving force transmitted from a carriage motor 70 via a belt 18 stretched between the pulleys 17 and 17. 20 is a carriage 19
This is a storage ink tank that is mounted in a replaceable manner. 20
Reference numeral a denotes a recording head as an image forming unit, which discharges ink in the stored ink tank 20 based on image information. In the case of this example, the storage ink tank 20 and the recording head 2
Numeral 0a constitutes an ink jet cartridge integrally connected. The ink tank 20 and the recording head 20a may be individually configured and detachably coupled, or may be separately mounted on the carriage 19.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stored ink tank 20 of this embodiment has an ink tank 20Y for yellow ink and an ink tank 2 for magenta ink for each color of ink to be stored.
0M, an ink tank 20C for cyan ink, and an ink tank 20B for black ink.
Each of the ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20
B has an ink inlet 20b for taking ink.
Is provided. The ink inlet 20b is formed by a flexible valve member such as rubber.

Reference numeral 48 denotes an ink tank 20Y, 20M, 2
A gas permeable member provided at each of the suction ports 0C and 20B, and has a function as a gas-liquid separation unit that allows gas to pass without passing ink. This gas permeable member 48
Is a thin sheet formed of, for example, a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a resin porous material similar thereto. Ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the internal air is discharged from the common air passages 50, 51, 52 to the general suction port 53 via the respective gas permeable members 48 and the air passages 49, as shown in FIGS. As described later, the air in the ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20B flows from the cap member 54 that is in close contact with the surface 53a where the general suction port 53 is opened, through the ventilation pipe 57.
Is sucked out by the suction pump 31.

The recording head 20a is composed of a plurality of head portions independent for each ink color, and each head portion has a corresponding ink tank 20Y, 20M, 20C, 2C.
A liquid chamber section 43 communicating with the flow path 41 of the OB and a plurality of ink discharge nozzles 44 are provided. The nozzle 44 forms a communication path communicating with the ink discharge port, and is provided with discharge energy generating means for generating energy for discharging ink from the ink discharge port.

C [Configuration of Ink Replenishing Unit 3] In the ink replenishing unit 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a tube 21a.
The ink supply means communicates with the replenishment ink tank 22 through the ink supply means. The ink supply means 21 refills the ink in the replenishment ink tank 22 into the storage ink tank 20 by being closely connected to the ink intake port 20 b of the storage ink tank 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the replenishment ink tank 22 of this embodiment includes an ink tank 22Y for yellow ink and an ink tank 2 for magenta ink for each color of ink to be stored.
2M, an ink tank 22C for cyan ink, and an ink tank 22B for black ink.
Each of the ink tanks 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22
B denotes ink supply means 21Y, 21M, 21C, 2 corresponding to each color of ink via a corresponding tube 21a.
1B.

The ink supply means 21 is provided on a movable table 27 as shown in FIG. The movable table 27 is movable by the guide members 25 and 26 in the left-right direction in FIG. The carriage 19 moves in the direction of arrow 28,
The side surface 20B-1 of the stored ink tank 20B is
Of the movable table 27
Moves in the direction of the arrow 28 integrally with the carriage 19 against the force of the spring 29.

The carriage 19 moves in the direction of the arrow 28 to rotate in the direction of the arrow 37 with the guide member 16 as a rotation axis as shown in FIG. By the rotation of the carriage 19, the ink supply means 21 and the ink inlet 20b of the stored ink tank 20 are connected. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a guide roller pair 19b for supporting the carriage 19 with respect to the guide member 15 is attached to the carriage 19.
When the carriage 19 moves in the direction of the arrow 28, the side surface 20 </ b> B- 1 of the stored ink tank 20 </ b> B
7a, the movable table 27 starts to move in the direction of the arrow 28 together with the carriage 19, and then the guide roller pair 19b moves from the inclined portion 15a of the guide member 15 to the horizontal portion 1a.
Move to 5b. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the carriage 19 rotates in the direction of the arrow 37 about the guide member 13 as a rotation axis, and the ink supply means 21 and the ink inlet 20b of the storage ink tank 20 are connected.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the ink supply means 21.
As shown in Fig. 5, a hollow needle 21c having a closed tip is provided, and a fine hole 21b penetrating in the left-right direction in Fig. 5 is formed at the tip of the hollow needle 21c. Hollow needle 21c
Is provided with a piston-like plug member 21e that can move up and down in FIG. 5 around the hollow needle 21c. The plug member 21e is formed of a flexible material such as rubber, and is urged downward by a spring 21b.

As shown in FIG. 4, before the ink supply means 21 is connected to the ink inlet 20b of the storage ink tank 20, the fine holes 21b of the hollow needle 21c are covered and closed by the plug member 21e. Therefore, at this time,
Ink is not leaked from the hollow needle 21c. At this time, the ink inlet 20b of the ink tank 20, which is formed by a flexible valve member such as rubber, is closed by the restoring force of the valve member as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Is connected to the ink inlet 20b of the storage ink tank 20, the upper surface of the ink inlet 20b and the plug member 2
1c is in close contact with the lower surface. Further, the plug member 21e retracts upward against the force of the spring 21b, and the fine hole 21b of the hollow needle 21c is opened in the inside 20c of the ink intake port 20b. As a result, the ink flowing out of the pores 21b is
The ink is absorbed by the sponge-like ink absorber 41 in the storage ink tank 20 via the flow paths 38, 39, and 40.

D [Configuration of Cap Device Unit 30] The cap device unit 30 is in close contact with the recording head 20a.
This sucks out air and thickened ink accumulated in the liquid chamber 43 and the nozzles 44, that is, foreign matters that cause ink ejection failure. In FIG. 5, 38a is the recording head 2
A cap member that covers a surface on which the ink ejection port 0a is formed (ink ejection port formation surface). Reference numeral 54 denotes a cap member that is in close contact with the surface 53a where the general suction port 53 opens. These cap members 38 a and 54 are held by the frame 45. The frame 45 has four link arm members 46.
It is supported so that it can move up and down. 47 is the frame 4
5 is a spring that urges 5 upward. Cap member 38a,
The conduits 30b, 55 are connected to each of the 54. The conduits 30b and 55 are connected to a pump suction path switching mechanism 56.

D-1 [Pump Suction Path Switching Mechanism 56] At one end of the frame 45, a projection 45a located on the movement locus of a bank 19a provided at a fixed position of the carriage 19 is provided.
Is provided. At the moving position of the carriage 19, when the bank portion 19a hits the protrusion 45a, FIG.
As described above, the frame body 45 is pressed down against the spring 47, and the ink discharge port formation surface of the recording head 20a and the formation surface 53a of the general suction port 53 are connected to the cap member 38.
a, 45 pass over them without touching them. On the other hand, when the bank portion 19a is separated from the projection 45a, the frame body 45 is raised by the spring 47 as shown in FIG. 6, the cap member 38a comes into close contact with the ink discharge port forming surface, and the cap member 54 is integrated. The formation surface 53a of the suction port 53 is in close contact.

The switching mechanism 56 to which the conduits 30b and 55 are connected has a rotary valve 59 made of rubber or the like as shown in FIG. The rotary valve 59 selectively connects the conduits 30b and 55 to the pump suction port 31a of the suction pump 31 via the conduction path 59a according to the rotation position of each 90 degrees. The rotary valve 59 is fixed to the rotary shaft 56a in FIG. A saw tooth gear 56b is fixed to the rotating shaft 56a, and a base end of an arm member 56c is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft 56a. A ratchet tooth 56d that meshes with the saw gear 56b in only one direction is rotatably supported by the arm member 56c. 56e is a spring for urging the arm member 56c clockwise in FIG. 3, and 56f is a one-tooth gear 56b.
Two position indicating members provided with an angle difference of 80 degrees. Reference numerals 57 and 58 denote position detectors for detecting the position indicating member 56f, which are provided at fixed positions with an angle difference of 90 degrees. As the position detectors 57 and 58,
A micro switch, a photo sensor, or the like is used.

The distal end of the arm member 56c is connected to a hole 34b of the switching lever 34 (FIG. 2) via a connecting shaft 36. The base end of the switching lever 34 is rotatably supported about a shaft 34a. When the carriage 19 further moves in the direction of the arrow 35 after the carriage 19 moves in the direction of the arrow 35 and comes into contact with the tip of the switching lever 34, the switching lever 34 moves in the direction of the arrow 35 in FIG. Rotate in the direction. In conjunction with the rotation of the switching lever 34 in the direction of the arrow 35, the arm member 46c
3 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by 90 degrees. At this time, since the ratchet teeth 56d mesh with the saw gear 56d, the saw gear 56d is rotated by the rotary shaft 56a and the rotary valve 5d.
9 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Thereafter, when the carriage 19 separates from the tip of the switching lever 34 in the direction of the arrow 28, the switching lever 34 and the arm member 46c rotate clockwise and return to the original position by the force of the spring 56e. At this time, since the ratchet teeth 56d do not mesh with the saw tooth gear 56d, the saw tooth gear 56d is not rotated.

As described above, every time the switching lever 34 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 35 by the carriage 19, the rotary valve 5
9 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, and the pump suction path is switched. The switching state of the pump suction path is detected by the position detectors 57 and 58. FIG. 6 shows a switching state when the position detector 57 detects the position indicating member 56f. At this time, the total suction port 53 is
4. Conduit 55, conduit 59a, and pump suction port 31
a to the pump 31. FIG. 8 shows a switching state when the position detector 58 detects the position indicating member 56f. At this time, the ink ejection ports of the recording head 20a are connected to the cap member 38a, the conduit 30b, the conduction path 59a,
And it is connected to the pump 31 through the pump suction port 31a. The control means 25 (see FIG. 1), which will be described later, detects the switching state of the pump suction path from the detection signals of the detection signals of the position detectors 57 and 58, and responds to the operation to be executed from the pump suction path. If the switching state does not match, the carriage 19 is moved in the direction of arrow 35, and the switching lever 34 is rotated in the direction of arrow 34. As a result, the pump suction path is switched to meet the operation purpose.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 24 denotes an electric board disposed inside the cover 4, which has a plurality of switch buttons 23 projecting upward from holes in the cover 4. 2
Reference numeral 5 denotes a control unit, which is configured by mounting a microcomputer, a memory, and the like on a control electric board disposed inside the cover 4. This control means 2
Reference numeral 5 controls the recording apparatus while communicating with the host computer.

D-2 [Suction Pump 31] As shown in FIG. 6, the suction pump 31 has a piston member 31e reciprocating via a seal member 31d in a cylinder member 31c having a suction port 31a and a discharge port 31b. It is movably provided. The fine hole 31f provided in the piston member 31e is provided with a reed valve 31g for restricting the flow of the fluid to only one left direction in FIG. 31h is
The piston shaft 31i for driving the piston member 31e is
It is a spring member for urging the piston member 31e rightward in FIG. The ink and air sucked by such a suction pump 31 pass through a discharge pipe 31j from a discharge port 31b, and flow into a sponge-like ink absorber 33a in a waste liquid container 33.
It is discharged toward.

The piston shaft 31h is connected to a cam gear 3 described later.
Following the rotation of the second cam portion 32a, it reciprocates in the left-right direction in FIG. As the piston member 31e reciprocates right and left together with the piston shaft 31h, ink or air is sucked from the suction port 31a and is discharged to the discharge port 31b.
Discharged from

As shown in FIG. 4, a gear 56 is mounted on a shaft 13a of the transport roller 13 via a one-way clutch 13b. The gear 56 is rotated by a drive motor 60. The rotation of the drive motor 60 in the counterclockwise direction rotates the shaft 13a of the transport roller 13, and the clockwise rotation of the drive motor 60 rotates the cam gear 32. A spring 31i is provided on the cam portion 32a of the cam gear 32.
The piston shaft 31h is brought into contact with the piston shaft 31h by the force of the cam shaft 32h.
Is moved right and left. The piston member 31e reciprocates right and left together with the piston shaft 31h. When the piston member 31e moves to the left, the valve 31g is closed by the pressure generated in the left pressure chamber 31k, and the ink and air in the pressure chamber 31k are discharged from the discharge port 31b into the waste liquid container 33. Is discharged. At this time, the volume of the right pressure chamber 31m increases, and a negative pressure is generated in the pressure chamber 31m. The ink or air is sucked from the suction port 31a by the negative pressure. On the other hand, when the piston member 31e moves to the right, ink and air in the right pressure chamber 31m move into the left pressure chamber 31k through the fine holes 31f.

Next, the operation will be described.

[Recording Operation] In the recording operation, first,
The host computer expands the image data sent to the recording device unit 2. The control means 25 moves the carriage 19 in the main scanning direction based on the image data,
14 controls the conveyance of the recording medium S in the sub-scanning direction and the recording head 20a. The recording head 20a records a color image on the recording medium S by ejecting ink droplets of each color from the nozzles 44 that are controlled based on the gradation processing of the image (how to overlap the color dots).

When the photosensor 12 detects the trailing end of the recording medium S, after the recording on the trailing end is completed, the discharge roller pair 14 discharges the recorded recording medium S from the discharge port 4b.

[Recovery Operation] When the power of the printing apparatus is turned on and when the printing operation is interrupted for a predetermined time or more after the power is turned on, the control means 25 removes the thickened ink or bubbles generated in the nozzles of the printing head 20a. A recovery operation for removal is automatically started. If color unevenness or fading of color appears in the recorded image, an operation button (see FIG. 1)
Is pressed, the control means 25 similarly starts the recovery operation.

At the time of the recovery operation, the control means 25 first confirms whether or not the position detector 58 in the suction path switching mechanism 56 is detecting the position indicating member 56a. When the position indicating member 56a is detected by the position detector 57, the carriage 19 is moved to the left arrow 3
By moving the switching lever 34 in five directions, the switching lever 34 is rotated in the direction of arrow 35. Thus, the position detector 58 detects the position indicating member 56a, that is, the suction path switching state as shown in FIG. After confirming that the position detector 58 is detecting the position indicating member 56a, the control unit 25 moves the recording head 20a and the cap member 38a together as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The carriage 19 is moved so as to make contact with the overall suction port 54 and the cap member 54. Thereafter, the control means 25 rotates the cam gear 32 via the gear 59 by rotating the motor 60 (see FIG. 4) clockwise. As a result, the suction pump 31 sucks the thickened ink and air in the nozzles 44 of the recording head 20a and discharges them into the waste liquid container 33.

The piston member 31e of the suction pump 31
One rotation of the cam gear 32 performs one cycle of suction and discharge operation. The number of revolutions of the cam gear 32 is determined according to the magnitude of the negative pressure necessary for recovering from the ejection failure of the recording head 20a.

[Ink Supply Operation] The control means 25 counts the number of ink droplets ejected from the recording head 20a for each ink color. When at least one of the count values for each ink color reaches a predetermined number, the recording on the recording medium S during the recording operation is completed and the recorded recording medium S is discharged. Then, the control means 25 starts the operation of supplying ink from the refill ink tank 22 (see FIG. 1) to the storage ink tank 20.

At the time of ink supply operation, the control means 25
First, the position detector 5 in the suction path switching mechanism 56
It is confirmed whether or not 7 is in a state of detecting the position indicating member 56a. When the position indicating member 56a is detected by the position detector 58, the carriage 19 is moved in the left arrow 35 direction, and the switching lever 34 is moved to the arrow 3 position.
Rotate in 5 directions. Thus, the position detector 57 detects the position indicating member 56a, that is, the suction path switching state as shown in FIG. After confirming that the position detector 57 is detecting the position indicating member 56a, the control unit 25 connects the recording head 20a and the cap member 38a as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. The carriage 19 is moved so as to make contact with the overall suction port 54 and the cap member 54. Then, the control means 2
5 rotates the cam gear 32 via the gear 59 by rotating the motor 60 (see FIG. 4) clockwise. Accordingly, the suction pump 31 sucks the air in the stored ink tank 20 through the gas permeable member 48 and discharges the air into the waste liquid container 33.

The stored ink tank 2 by the suction pump 31
0, the stored ink tank 20
Inside is negative pressure. At this time, the supply means 21 supplies the replenishment ink tank 22 to the storage ink tank 20 as shown in FIG.
(See FIG. 1). Therefore, the ink in the refill ink tank 22 is sucked into the inside 41 of the storage ink tank 20 by the negative pressure in the storage ink tank 20. The ink that has flowed into the interior 41 of the storage ink tank 20 penetrates into the ink absorber 41a, which is made up of clusters of communicating small cells, and as the penetration proceeds, the ink surface 41b rises. The rising speed of the ink surface 41b is
Since it depends on the suction force of the suction pump 31, the cam gear 32
The speed is set to an appropriate speed according to the rotation amount of. When the liquid surface 41b of the ink reaches the gas permeable member 48, the gas permeable member 48 does not allow a liquid such as ink to pass through, so that the replenishment of the ink is automatically stopped.

The stored ink tanks 20 (20
Y, 20M, 20C, and 20B) are supplied with ink from the corresponding refill ink tanks 22 (22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22B) at the same time. And the ink surface 41
The stored ink tank 20 where b has reached the gas permeable member 48
(20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B), the replenishment of the ink stops automatically and sequentially.

As described above, the plurality of stored ink tanks 20
The air in (20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B) is sucked through one cap member 54, and ink can be simultaneously supplied to the stored ink tanks 20 (20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B). Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the suction port 53 and the cap member 54 for each of the stored ink tanks 20 (20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20B), and it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the components of the cap device 30 on the carriage 19 side. it can. In addition, it is possible to ensure high reliability of the device for negative pressure in the storage ink tank 20 (20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B).

When the ink is supplied, the stored ink tank 20 is inclined as shown in FIG.
b occurs. When the stored ink tank 20 returns to a horizontal state as shown in FIG.
Since the ink also penetrates into the liquid surface 41b, the liquid surface 41b in FIG. 7 that has covered the surface of the gas permeable member 48 moves downward away from the surface of the base member dropping member 48 as shown in FIG. As a characteristic of the gas permeable member 48, if the function of the gas permeable member 48 deteriorates when the ink is constantly in contact with the ink, there is a possibility that the gas permeable member 48 will pass through the ink other than during the ink supply operation. It is effective to separate the ink from the 48 surface.

Incidentally, the suction pump 31 in the present embodiment functions as a suction means for sucking ink for the recovery operation of the recording head 20a, and sucks the air in the stored ink tank 20 for the ink supply operation. It also has a function as a suction means. Therefore, compared to the case where a plurality of suction pumps are provided for those functions,
The configuration can be greatly simplified and the price of the entire apparatus can be reduced. Further, the negative pressure applied to the stored ink tank 20 during the ink replenishment operation is set to such a size that the ink in the nozzle 44 is not drawn into the stored ink tank 20 when the ink discharge port is in the open state. . At the time of ink supply operation, the ink ejection port may be sealed with a cap member.

If air enters from a part of the ink flow path between the storage ink tank 20 and the replenishment ink tank 22, the air is transmitted to the gas permeable member 48.
And the ink can be supplied again. In addition, since ink is suction-supplied by the negative pressure in the storage ink tank 20, ink can be supplied even if there is a difference in ink head between the storage ink tank 20 and the replenishment ink tank 22.

By the way, when the ink is sucked and supplied without using the gas permeable member 48, when air enters the stored ink tank 20 from the nozzle 44 or the like,
After the ink supply operation, the ink must be sucked again from the nozzles 44 to discharge the air that has entered and form a meniscus of the ink at the ink discharge ports.
Therefore, it takes extra time and waste ink is generated. At the time of ink supply operation, even if the nozzle 44 is sealed by the cap, if a space exists in the cap, air in the space enters the storage ink tank 20 from the nozzle 44, A similar problem occurs.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, at the same time as the ink supply operation, the nozzle 4
A negative pressure may be applied to the cap member 4 in the same manner as during the recovery operation of the recording head 20a.

In this case, the negative pressure for the ink supply operation is set smaller than the negative pressure applied to the nozzles 44.
Thus, during the ink supply operation period, a negative pressure is applied to the nozzles 44 so as not to suck and discharge the ink,
Even when the ink ejection port of the nozzle 44 is in the open state,
It is possible to prevent the ink in the nozzle 44 from being drawn into the storage ink tank 20, to prevent the meniscus from being broken, and to prevent air from entering.

Further, when the ink in the stored ink tank 20 comes into contact with the entire surface of the gas permeable member 48 and the supply of ink is automatically stopped, that is, at the time of the ink supply operation, the air in the stored ink tank 20 is discharged. When the suction is completed, the negative pressure in the suction path of the air rapidly rises,
The negative pressure in the cap member of the nozzle 44 communicating with the air suction path also rises rapidly. At this time, the negative pressure level in the cap member is limited to a size that does not cause ink to be sucked and discharged from the nozzles 44. By setting the negative pressure in the cap member in this way, the stored ink tank 2
At the time of completion of the suction of the air in 0, there is no wasteful suction of ink from the nozzles. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of air from the nozzles 44 during the ink replenishment operation, and reduce the running cost of the recording apparatus without wasteful suction of ink from the nozzles.

At the time when the suction of the air from the storage ink tank 20 is completed at the time of the ink supply operation,
When the negative pressure in the cap member of the nozzle 44 rises rapidly,
The negative pressure level may be set to a size at which ink can be suctioned and discharged from the nozzles 44. In this case, immediately after the ink supply operation, that is, at the time when it is certain that the stored ink tank 20 is filled with the ink, the nozzle 4
4, a recovery process for sucking and discharging ink can be automatically performed.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 9 to 17 are views for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of this example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the total suction port 53 is provided on the side of the stored ink tank 20.
, An ink inlet 20b is formed. The respective ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B and the total suction port 53 are formed by the groove on the upper surface of the main body of the storage ink tank 20 and the cover member 100 coupled to the upper surface of the main body.
An air discharge path is formed between the two. Each of the ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20B is provided with a gas permeable member 48 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Is provided. The storage tank 20 has the first
The recording head 20a similar to that of the embodiment is engaged. FIG. 11 shows a configuration example in which the ink tank 20B for blank ink has a larger capacity than the other ink tanks 20Y, 20M, and 20C. In this configuration example, the gas permeable member 48 provided in the ink tank 20B is set to be larger than the others, and the air in the ink tank 20B is smoothly sucked through the relatively large gas permeable member 48. As a result, the supply of black ink is promoted.

In FIG. 10, 101Y, 101M, 1
01C, 101B are the ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 2
These supply joints are connectable to the respective ink intake ports 20b of the ink supply ports 0C and 20B, and are connected to the tube 21a in the same manner as the supply means 21Y, 21M, 21C and 21B of the above-described embodiment. Reference numeral 102 denotes a suction joint that can be connected to the general suction port 53, and is connected to the conduit 55 similarly to the cap member 54 of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows the storage ink tank 20 on the carriage 109 side and the joint 101 (10
1Y, 101M, 101C, 101B), and 102. FIG. The ink inlet 20b and the general suction port 53 are connected to the corresponding joints 101 and 102 by moving the carriage 19 in the direction of the arrow 28. In FIG. 12, supply joint 1
The structure of the ink supply system between the ink tank 01 and the refill ink tank 22 and the structure of the suction system between the suction joint 102 and the suction pump 31 are shown in a simplified manner. 103 is a filter provided in the flow path 42.

FIGS. 13 to 17 are explanatory diagrams of the ink supply operation.

In replenishing the ink, first, the carriage 19 moves in the direction of arrow 28 to
As shown, the ink intake port 20b and the general suction port 53
It is connected to the corresponding joint 101,102. Thereafter, by the suction operation of the suction pump 31, the air in the stored ink tank 20 is sucked through the gas permeable member 48,
The inside of the storage ink tank 20 becomes negative pressure. Due to the negative pressure in the stored ink tank 20, the ink in the refill ink tank 22 is sucked into the inside 41 of the stored ink tank 20, as shown in FIGS. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, when the liquid level 41b of the ink in the storage ink tank 20 reaches the gas permeable member 48, the gas permeable member 48
Since ink does not pass through the liquid such as ink, the supply of ink is automatically stopped. Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
9 in the direction of the arrow 35, the ink inlet 20
b and the total suction port 53 are the corresponding joints 101, 1
02 to complete a series of replenishment operations.

(Fourth Embodiment) Stored Ink Tank 20
The gas permeable member 48 provided in each of (20Y, 20M, 20C, 20B) may have different characteristics and shapes depending on the characteristics of the ink and the amount of ink stored.

For example, depending on the amount of ink stored in the storage ink tank 20 provided with the gas permeable member 48 and the type of the stored ink, the gas permeable member 48 is made to vary the degree of the negative pressure generated in the storage ink tank 20. A porous body having different characteristics and shapes can be provided. Specifically, the gas permeable member 48 is made of a porous body having a different pore diameter or thickness, or the opening area of the gas passage 49 provided with the gas permeable member 48 is changed, and the gas permeable member 48 is formed in accordance with the opening area. The sizes can be different. By making the negative pressure values in the storage ink tanks 20 different in this way, each of the storage ink tanks 20 (20Y, 20Y)
M, 20C, and 20B) can be adjusted. In the case of the stored ink tank 20 that stores ink having a large flow resistance and the stored ink tank 20 that has a large amount of stored ink, the gas permeable member 48 is selected in order to set a large negative pressure value in the stored ink tank 20. By doing so, the ink can be efficiently supplied to the plurality of stored ink tanks 20.

As described above, the characteristics of the gas permeable member 48 can be set optimally using the pore diameter and thickness of the gas permeable member 48 and the opening area of the ventilation path 49 as parameters. Further, the physical properties (such as air permeability) of the gas permeable member 48 itself may be made different.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 18 to FIG.
It is an explanatory view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, replenishment of the ink is started after the meniscus of the ink is surely formed at the ink discharge port of the nozzle 44 of the recording head 20a. In the case where the ink is not replenished with a negative pressure in the storage ink tank 20 as in the above-described embodiment without the meniscus of the ink being formed in the ink discharge port, the air is stored in the nozzle 44 from the nozzle 44. There is a risk of being drawn into the tank 20.

In this embodiment, in order to more reliably perform the operation of replenishing the ink by setting the pressure in the storage ink tank 20 to a negative pressure, the ink is sucked from the nozzles 44 before the replenishment of the ink is started. A meniscus of the ink is formed at the ejection port. Thereby, the negative pressure in the storage ink tank 20 is effectively applied, and the ink can be more reliably supplied.

In the case of this example, the stored ink tank 2 shown in FIG.
0Y, 20M, 20C, and 20B are shown in FIG.
The ink inlet 20b and the suction port 53a are formed as shown in FIG. 201 denotes each ink inlet 20b
Supply joints for each type of ink that can be connected to
It is connected to the ink supply system as in the above-described embodiment. Reference numeral 202 denotes suction joints that can be connected to the respective suction ports 53. After they are assembled in the suction path 53c, they are connected to the suction system as in the above-described embodiment.

L in FIG. 19 is a reference level for detecting the liquid level 41b of the ink. When at least one liquid level 41b of the stored ink tank 20 falls below the level L by a predetermined amount or more, the ink supply operation is performed. I do. As means for detecting the liquid level 41b, for example, the presence or absence of ink between the electrodes provided in the stored ink tank 20 is used to detect the liquid level 41b.
An electric liquid level sensor for detecting the pressure, an optical liquid level sensor, or the like can be used.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the ink supply operation when the power of the recording apparatus is turned on.

First, after the power is turned on (step S1), it is determined whether or not this is the first power-on in the printing apparatus. If it is not the first power-on, it is determined whether the remaining amount of ink in the stored ink tank 22 is sufficient (step S2). If the remaining amount of ink is not sufficient, an error message is displayed. (Step S10), the operation ends. When the power is turned on for the first time and the remaining ink amount in the reserved ink tank 22 is sufficient, it is determined whether or not the nozzle 44 is normal, that is, whether or not a meniscus of ink is formed in the ink discharge port. Is determined (step S4).

For the determination, various sensors can be used. For example, when the recording head 20a is driven, an optical sensor that optically detects the ink droplets to detect whether or not the ink droplets are normally ejected from all the nozzles 44, or an impact position of the ink droplets In this case, an acoustic sensor for detecting the sound in the above can be used.
In that case, ink may be ejected from all the nozzles 44 at the same time, or ink may be ejected from the nozzles 44 divided into one or more groups. After a predetermined test pattern is recorded using all the nozzles 44,
A reading sensor for reading the recorded image can also be used. When the recording head 20a discharges ink by using the heat generated by the electrothermal transducer, the nozzle 44 is used when the electrothermal transducer generates heat.
It is also possible to use a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature change corresponding to the presence or absence of the ink in the inside. Further, the recording head 20
It is also possible to use an optical sensor that detects the reflectance of light according to the presence or absence of ink at the ink ejection port so that it is not necessary to eject ink from the ink ejection port. These sensors can also be used to check whether or not a meniscus has been formed in the ink ejection port by a cap suction operation described later.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the meniscus of the ink is normally formed in the ink discharge port, the connection for replenishing the ink is made as shown in FIG. 20 (step S8). Thereafter, an ink supply operation is performed as shown in FIG. 21 (step S9), the reserved ink tank 20 is sucked through the suction joint 202, and ink is supplied into the stored ink tank 20 from the ink inlet 20b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22, when the ink meniscus is not properly formed at the ink discharge port, as shown in FIG.
a and set the suction port 53b to the cap member 2
Block by 03. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 23, the inside of the cap member 38a is sucked (step S5), ink is introduced into the storage ink tank 20 and the recording head 20a from the ink inlet 20b, and a meniscus of the ink is formed at the ink outlet. . Thereafter, after the recording head 20a is wiped by a wiping member (not shown) (step S6), the recording head 20a ejects ink that does not contribute to image recording (preliminary ejection) (step S6).
7). In the preliminary ejection, the ink may be ejected into the cap member 38a. Thus, cap suction (step S5), wiping (step S5)
6) and after performing recovery processing by preliminary ejection (step S7), connection for ink supply (step S8)
And then replenish the ink (step S9).

During the printing operation of the printing apparatus, when the remaining amount of ink in the stored ink tank 20 decreases to a predetermined amount or less, as shown in FIG.
The process from step s should be executed. The remaining amount of ink in the stored ink tank 20 can be detected based on the number of times of ink ejection, the ink level, and the like.

In this embodiment, since the gas permeable member 48 is provided in each suction port 53b, when the ink liquid level 41b reaches the gas permeable member 48 as in the above-described embodiment. Then, the ink supply is automatically stopped. Further, in this embodiment, it is not always necessary to provide the gas permeable member 48, and the stored ink tank 20 is always a refill ink tank 22 by a tube.
May be connected. In short, in a method of replenishing ink by negative pressure, it is sufficient that a meniscus of ink can be formed at the ink ejection port before replenishment of ink.

(Sixth Embodiment) In the above-described fifth embodiment, the ink supply operation shown in FIG.
After 9), cap suction similar to step S5 or preliminary ejection similar to step S7 may be performed.

As described above, immediately after the ink supply operation,
By sucking and discharging the ink from the nozzles 44 or preliminarily discharging the ink from the nozzles 44, the liquid level 41b of the ink in the storage ink tank 20 is reduced by the amount of the consumed ink. As a result, the ink level 41
b is separated from the gas permeable member 48, so that deterioration of the gas-liquid separation function of the gas permeable member 48 due to long-term contact with the ink can be prevented. Further, the pressure inside the storage ink tank 20 immediately after the ink supply operation is adjusted to an appropriate pressure, so that a meniscus of the ink can be reliably formed in the nozzle 44. Such an effect can be obtained by using the stored ink tank 2
It does not matter whether or not an ink holder for absorbing and holding ink is accommodated in zero. In particular, the liquid surface 41b of the ink not held by the ink holding member is
Is particularly effective because the suction and discharge of ink and the preliminary discharge are immediately reflected in the lowering of the ink surface 41b. In addition, by introducing pressure into the stored ink tank 20, the ink can be discharged from the nozzle 44 under pressure.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 25 to FIG.
It is an explanatory view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 25, reference numeral 501 denotes a sub ink tank (hereinafter, referred to as a "sub tank") capable of storing ink, and reference numeral 502 denotes a recording head capable of discharging the ink in the sub tank 501 from a nozzle portion 502A. Is moved in the main scanning direction (in the directions of arrows A1 and A2) along the guide shafts 503A and 503B. An ink supply port 501A, a suction port 501B, an atmosphere communication port 501C, and a communication port (not shown) with the recording head 502 are formed in the sub tank 501, and the inside of the sub tank 501 absorbs and holds ink. Is stored. The suction port 501B has a conical shape whose diameter gradually increases outward, and a gas permeable member 505 that allows gas to pass therethrough without passing ink is attached outside the suction port 501B. The gas permeable member 505 is in the form of a thin sheet made of, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material.

Further, outside the suction port 501B, there is provided a hollow projection 507 which can enter the inside of the cap member 506 on the apparatus main body side. A seal member 508 is slidably fitted to the small-diameter portion 507A on the distal end side of the protrusion 507, and the seal member 508 is urged rightward to the large-diameter portion 507B on the base end side of the protrusion 507. Spring 509 is fitted. In the small diameter part 507A,
A through hole 510 that is opened and closed by the seal member 508 is formed.
8 is closed by a cap member 511 also serving as a stopper. The cap member 506 is connected to a suction pump 513 via a suction pipe 512.

Reference numeral 521 denotes a hollow protruding member provided on the apparatus main body side, and a seal member 523 urged leftward by a spring 522 is slidably fitted on the outer peripheral portion thereof. The protruding member 521 includes a sealing member 5
A tube through hole 521A opened and closed by 23 is formed. A distal end of the protruding member 521 is closed, and a proximal end thereof is connected to a main ink tank (hereinafter, referred to as “main tank”) not shown.

Reference numerals 524 and 525 denote first and second cap members movably provided on the apparatus main body side.
The cap member 525 is connected to a waste liquid tank (not shown) through a suction pump 526. Reference numeral 527 denotes a platen for guiding the recording medium to a position where the recording head 502 records an image. The recording medium is transported in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction by a transport mechanism (not shown). Recording head 50 while discharging ink
By repeating the main scanning of No. 2 and the transport operation of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, images are sequentially formed on the recording medium.

Reference numeral 531 denotes a seal member capable of closing the air communication hole 501C of the sub tank 501.
32. Arm member 532
Is rotatably supported in the vertical direction by a support member 533 on the apparatus body side, and is urged downward by a spring 534. 535 is a stopper member for regulating the downward movement position of the arm member 532. Reference numeral 536 denotes a protrusion provided on the main tank 501,
The arm member 532 is moved up and down in accordance with the moving position of.
The arm member 532 has a recess 5 into which the protrusion 536 enters.
32A are formed.

During the recording operation, the recording head 502
Prints an image by ejecting ink while moving in the directions of arrows A1 and A2 at a position to the left of the home position in FIG.

When the recording head 502 moves to the home position, the first and second cap members 524 and 525 rise as shown in FIG.
5, the nozzle portion 502A of the recording head 502 is capped. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the seal member 523 closes the ink supply port 501A while keeping the through hole 521A of the protruding member 513 closed. Further, the sealing member 508 keeps the through hole 510 of the protruding portion 507 closed,
The opening of the cap member 506 is closed. With respect to the print head 502 at the home position, the ink ejection state can be favorably maintained by a recovery process for discharging ink that does not contribute to image printing. As the recovery process, the negative pressure generated by the suction pump 526 is introduced into the second cap member 525, and the nozzle portion 50
The process includes a process of forcibly sucking and discharging ink from the ink discharge port of 2A and a process of discharging ink toward the inside of the second cap member 525 from the ink discharge port of the nozzle portion 502A.

At the time of the ink supply operation, as shown in FIG.
The recording head 502 further moves from the home position with an arrow A
Move to the ink supply position in one direction. Recording head 502
Is moved to the ink supply position, as shown in FIG.
The first and second cap members 524 and 525 are raised, and the nozzle portion 502 of the recording head 502 is capped by the first cap member 524. The cap member 52
Reference numeral 4 seals the ink discharge port of the nozzle 502A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the seal member 523 opens the through-hole 521A by the relative movement with the protruding member 521 with the ink supply port 501A closed. The through hole 521
A is opened in the sub tank 501,
An ink supply system is formed between the sub tank 501 and the main tank. Further, the seal member 508 opens the through hole 510 by the relative movement with the protrusion 507 while closing the opening of the cap member 506. The through-hole 510 is
By opening the inside of the cap member 506, a suction system between the suction port 501B and the suction pump 513 is formed. The gas permeable member 501B is interposed in the suction system. In addition, the seal member 531 is moved upward once the arm member 532 is moved downward, so that the air communication port 50 is moved.
Close 1C.

When refilling the ink, the suction pump 51
3, the air in the sub tank 501 is sucked through the gas permeable member 505, and the air is discharged into a waste liquid container (not shown). As a result, the inside of the sub tank 501 becomes negative pressure, and the ink in the main tank is sucked into the sub tank 501 by the negative pressure. The ink that has flowed into the sub-tank 501 penetrates into the ink absorber 504, and the ink level rises as the permeation proceeds. Since the rising speed of the ink level depends on the suction force of the suction pump 513, the speed is set to an appropriate speed according to the operation amount.
When the liquid level of the ink reaches the gas permeable member 505, the gas permeable member 505 does not allow a liquid such as ink to pass through, and thus the supply of ink is automatically stopped.

After the ink suction operation is completed,
By moving the recording head 502 to the home position or the recording operation position, the recording apparatus returns to the state shown in FIG. 26 or 25.

By the way, the space between the gas permeable member 505 and the ink absorber 504 is separated by the space in the suction port 501B, and they are not in contact with each other. When the gas permeable member 505 has been in contact with the ink for a long time, its gas-liquid separation function may be reduced. However, in the present embodiment, the gas permeable member 505 and the ink absorber 50
4, the ink does not come into contact with the gas permeable member 505 except when the ink is supplied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the function of the gas permeable member from being deteriorated.

Further, since the inner surface of the suction port 501B is inclined, the ink that has reached the inside of the suction port 501B at the time of refilling the ink is quickly eliminated along the inner surface of the suction port 501B after the replenishment of the ink. . Therefore, the contact period between the gas permeable member 505 and the ink can be minimized. In the case of this example, since the inner lower surface of the suction port 501B is inclined to the lower right in FIG. 25, the ink is easily discharged to the outside of the sub tank 501. When the inner lower surface of the suction port 501B is inclined to the lower left in FIG. 25, the ink is easily removed toward the inside of the sub tank 501. In addition, by performing a water-repellent treatment on the inner surface of the suction port 501B, the ink in the suction port 501B can be more smoothly removed.

At times other than the ink suction operation,
Since the seal member 508 closes the through hole 510, it is possible to prevent the viscosity of the ink in the main tank 501 including the ink adhered to the suction port 501 </ b> B and the gas permeable member 505 from increasing.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 28 to FIG.
It is an explanatory view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The seventh mentioned above
The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the case of the present embodiment, an elastic cap member 551 is provided outside the suction port 501B of the sub tank 501, and a hollow projecting member 552 is provided on the apparatus main body side. The cap member 551 has a protruding member 55
A notch 551A is formed to allow the second through. The hollow interior of the protruding member 552 communicates with the suction pipe 512, and a through hole 552A communicating with the hollow interior is formed at the tip of the protruding member 552.

During the recording operation, the cut 551A is closed by the elastic force of the cap member 551 as shown in FIG. Therefore, at this time, the suction port 501B is closed by the cap member 551. When the recording head 502 moves to the home position, as shown in FIG. 29, the distal end of the protruding member 552 forcibly enters the notch 551A of the cap member 551, and the elastic restoring force of the cap member 551 causes Through hole 55
2A is closed. For the ink supply operation, FIG.
When the recording head 502 moves to the ink supply position as shown in FIG.
One notch 551A penetrates. Thereby, the through-hole 552A opens in the cap member 551, and forms a suction system between the suction port 501B and the suction pump 513. The gas permeable member 501B is interposed in the suction system.

(Ninth Embodiment) FIGS. 31 and 32
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a different example of the form of the suction port 501B in the seventh and eighth embodiments.

The inner surface of the suction port 501B in FIG. 31 (a) is tapered so that its diameter increases toward the inside of the sub-tank in the figure. Suction port 5 in FIG.
01B has a curved inner surface so that its diameter increases toward the inside of the lower sub-tank in FIG. FIG. 31 (c)
The inner surface of the suction port 501B has a plurality of tapered surfaces so that the diameter gradually increases toward the inside of the lower sub-tank in FIG. The ink remaining in these suction ports 501B at the time of ink supply is easily moved into the sub-tank, and the contact period with the gas permeable member 505 is minimized.

The shape of the opening of the suction port 501B can be, for example, a circle, a square, or an ellipse as shown by hatched portions in FIGS. 32 (a), 32 (b) and 32 (c). In short,
Any shape may be used as long as the inner surface of the suction port 501B is inclined.

(Tenth Embodiment) FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

In the ink tank 600, 601 is
A supply port (hereinafter referred to as a “supply port”) 602 connected to the same ink supply system as in each of the above-described embodiments;
Is a suction port provided with the gas permeable member 603 and connected to the same suction system as in each of the above-described embodiments. Reference numeral 604 denotes a supply port for supplying ink to the recording head 605. Inside the ink tank 600, an ink holding body 606 for absorbing and holding ink is accommodated. At the time of ink supply, the suction port 6 is passed through the gas permeable member 603 as in the above-described embodiments.
02, the air in the ink tank 600 is sucked, and ink is supplied from the supply port 601 into the ink tank 600. Then, when the ink comes into contact with the gas permeable member 603, the supply of the ink is automatically stopped because the ink cannot pass through the gas permeable member.

In the case of the present embodiment, the supply port 6 is configured so that the ink supplied from the supply port 601 reaches the supply port 604 and then the ink reaches the gas permeable member 603.
03 and the order in which the ink reaches the gas permeable member 603 is set. By setting such an ink arrival order, after the ink is sufficiently supplied into the ink tank 600, the ink reaches the gas permeable member 603 and the ink supply is stopped. If the ink is supplied to the supply port 60,
If the ink reaches the gas permeable member 603 before reaching the ink tank 4, the ink cannot be sufficiently supplied into the ink tank 600.

The order in which ink arrives can be set based on various conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the distance between the supply port 601 and the supply port 604 is L.
1 and the distance between the supply port 601 and the gas permeable member 603 is L2, the distance relationship between them is L1 <L2.
By doing so, the order of arrival of the ink can be set. In addition, the ink absorption speed of the ink absorber 606 is partially changed in consideration of the influence of the density of the ink absorber, gravity, and the like, so that the ink absorption speed between the supply port 601 and the supply port 604 is reduced. The ink absorption speed between the supply port 601 and the gas permeable member 603 may be set relatively fast and the ink absorption speed relatively slow.

(Eleventh Embodiment) FIGS. 34 to 42
Is an explanatory diagram of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of the present embodiment, each of the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C and 20B in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 34, an ink intake port 20b and a suction port 53b are formed. Each of the suction ports 53b is provided with the same gas permeable member (not shown) as in the fifth embodiment described above. Reference numeral 201 denotes a supply joint for each type of ink that can be connected to each of the ink intake ports 20b, and is connected to the ink supply system as in the above-described fifth embodiment. Reference numeral 202 denotes suction joints that can be connected to the respective suction ports 53, which are assembled in the suction path 53c, and then connected to the suction system as in the above-described fifth embodiment.

L in FIG. 38 is a detection reference level of the ink level 41b. As means for detecting the liquid level 41b,
For example, an electric liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level 41b based on the presence or absence of ink between the electrodes provided in the storage ink tank 20, an optical liquid level sensor, or the like can be used. Further, it is also possible to obtain the amount of ink consumption based on the number of times of ink ejection of the recording head 20a, and to obtain the remaining amount of ink in the stored ink tank 20 from the amount of consumption. The remaining ink amount is detected for each of the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.

The suction path 53c is provided with a stopper 203 as opening / closing means for opening / closing the suction path.
FIGS. 37A and 37B show the outer periphery of the stopper 203.
, A stopper portion 203A is provided. Then, the stopper 203 rotates about the axis O, and as shown in FIG.
When the stopper 203c faces the suction passage 53c, the stopper 203A crushes and closes the suction passage 53c. Further, as shown in FIG. 39, the stopper 203 rotates about the axis O,
When the stopper 203A separates from the suction path 53c, the suction path 53 returns and opens.

Storage ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20
During the operation of supplying ink to C and 20K, the suction path 53
Is opened, and the suction port 53 is opened as in the above-described embodiment.
, A negative pressure is introduced into the ink tank 20 through the gas permeable member, and the negative pressure supplies ink through the inlet 20b (hereinafter referred to as “ink supply operation”).
By such an ink supply operation, ink is simultaneously supplied to each of the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. The stopper 203 closes the suction passage 53 except during such an ink supply operation.

FIG. 42 is a timing chart for explaining a series of operations of the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus receives the recording data D of one page unit of the recording medium, and after the recording medium is fed, the recording head 20a.
An image recording operation for one line accompanied by a movement in the main scanning direction,
The paper feed in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium corresponding to one line is repeated. Then, after discharging the recording medium after the image recording, the recording operation on the next image recording medium is performed. The capping operation in FIG. 42 is a capping operation of the cap member with respect to the recording head 20a, which is “OPEN” (hereinafter, referred to as “cap open”) before the start of the recording operation, and “CLOSE” after a series of recording operations. "
(Hereinafter referred to as “cap close”). Before the cap is closed, a recovery operation for discharging ink not contributing to image recording from the recording head 20a is performed. The recovery operation is, for example, an operation of sucking and discharging ink from the nozzles 44 of the recording head 20a, or a preliminary ejection of discharging ink from the recording head 20.
The ink supply in FIG. 42 is an ink supply operation to be described later, which is performed after printing of one page unit on the recording medium is completed.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart for explaining the ink supply operation.

First, after the recording operation of the recording medium in units of one page is completed, the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20
Based on the detection result of the remaining ink amount in C and 20K, it is determined whether or not there is any ink whose remaining ink amount has been reduced to such an extent that ink supply is necessary (steps S21 and S22). In the case of this example, the ink level 41b is the predetermined liquid level L
It is determined that ink replenishment is necessary when it is lower than.

When there is no need to supply ink, the apparatus stands by with the cap open (step S23). When the print data D is received, the print operation is performed (step S2).
5). If the recording data D is not received within a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example), the cap is closed and the process ends (steps S26 and S27).

If ink supply is necessary, it is determined whether or not to print the next page (step S28). When printing the next page, that is, when the ink supply S in FIG.
In the case of A, the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20
From C and 20K, the one with the lowest remaining amount of ink is determined (step S29). In the case of FIG. 38, it is determined that the stored ink tank 20Y has the minimum remaining amount of ink. Then, by an ink supply operation (step S30),
The remaining amount of ink in the stored ink tank having the minimum remaining amount of ink is set as a predetermined target remaining amount. The target remaining amount can be set, for example, to an amount at which the liquid level 41b of the ink reaches a predetermined liquid level L. In addition, the target remaining amount can be set to the minimum amount of ink required for recording the next one page, or can be set to a different amount for each type of ink. Further, during the ink supply operation at this time, when another stored ink tank is fully filled with ink, the gas permeable member in that stored ink tank automatically stops supplying ink. In the case of FIG. 39, the supply of the ink to the storage ink tanks 20M and 20B is automatically stopped. Then, after such an ink supply operation, the next 1
The recording operation for the page is performed (step S31).

As described above, when the next page is recorded, the ink is supplied by the minimum necessary amount,
By terminating the ink supply operation during the sheet feeding / discharging operation of the recording medium, the recording of the next page can be executed immediately.

On the other hand, when the next page is not printed, that is, when the ink supply SB in FIG. 42 is performed, the apparatus stands by with the cap open (step S32), and performs the printing operation when the print data D is received (step S32). S34). If the recording data D is not received within a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example), the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are filled with ink by the ink supply operation ( Step S36). The supply of ink to the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is automatically stopped by the gas permeable member in order from the one filled with ink. As described above, after each of the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K is fully filled with ink, a detection sequence of the remaining ink amount described below is executed, and then the cap is closed and the process ends (step S38). .

As described above, when there is no recording of the next page, the recording ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are stored after the end of the recording operation which is not particularly limited by the time limit.
Are filled with ink. Thereafter, when the recording apparatus is restarted, the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20Y
Since each of M, 20C, and 20K is fully filled with ink, the recording operation can be started immediately. In addition, during the period when the recording apparatus is not used, the ink in the storage ink tank 20 can be prevented from sticking by keeping the storage ink tank 20 full of ink.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart for explaining the sequence of detecting the remaining amount of ink.

First, after entering this sequence (step S40), the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20M
It is determined whether or not each of C and 20K has been filled with ink (step S41). When the filling of the ink is completed, this sequence ends. If the ink filling is not completed, the same ink suction operation as in step S36 is performed again (step S42). Thereafter, the stored ink tanks 20Y, 20M, 20C,
It is determined whether or not the ink filling for each of the 20Ks has been completed (step S41), and when this has been completed, this sequence ends. If the ink filling is not completed, it is determined that there is no ink in the main ink tank (supply ink tank) that supplies ink to the storage ink tank 20, and an error is displayed (step S4).
4).

In this embodiment, the stored ink tank 20 may always be connected to the ink supply system and the air suction system.

(Other Embodiments) The gas permeable member only needs to have a gas-liquid separation function, and various materials can be used according to the type of ink and the use form.
For example, in addition to a gas permeable film made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material, a porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material can also be used. Also, a valve having a mechanical configuration that opens when gas passes and closes when liquid tries to pass can be used as the gas permeable member.

Further, the ink tank of the present invention is not limited to the one which is moved together with the recording head in the serial scanning type recording apparatus, but may be provided at a fixed position. Further, it may be always connected to a replenishment ink tank (sub ink tank) through a tube.

Further, the ink jet cartridge of the present invention may be configured such that the ink tank and the recording head are integrally or detachably connected.

The present invention can also be applied to a form in which a main tank for replenishing ink to the ink tank is always connected by a tube. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a mode in which the ink tank moves together with the recording head but also to a mode in which the ink tank is provided at a fixed position.

(Others) It should be noted that the present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for discharging ink, particularly in an ink jet recording system. An excellent effect is obtained in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which the state of ink is changed by the thermal energy. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
Although it can be applied to any type of continuous type, in particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to a sheet holding liquid (ink) or an electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding the nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis.
This is effective because air bubbles inside can be formed. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as described above, a recording head fixed to the apparatus main body, or an electric connection to the apparatus main body or ink from the apparatus main body by being mounted on the apparatus main body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself is used.

It is preferable to add a recording head ejection recovery means, a preliminary auxiliary means, and the like as the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If these are specifically mentioned, the recording head is heated using capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer, another heating element or a combination thereof. Pre-heating means for performing the pre-heating and pre-discharging means for performing the discharging other than the recording can be used.

The type and number of recording heads to be mounted are not limited to those provided only for one color ink, for example, and for a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities. A plurality may be provided. That is, for example, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, but may be any of integrally forming a printing head or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of the recording modes of full color by color mixture.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower and which softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. In general, the ink jet method generally controls the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. Sometimes, the ink may be in a liquid state. In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or to prevent evaporation of the ink, the ink is solidified in a standing state and heated. May be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or to start to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, the ink
JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-7
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1260, it is also possible to adopt a form in which the sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter in a state where it is held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

Further, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the one used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function. It may take a form.

[0136]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the suction and replenishment of the ink is automatically stopped by utilizing the function of the gas permeable member, the replenishment of the ink to the ink tank is ensured by a simple structure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the recording apparatus and improve the reliability.

Before ink is replenished into the ink tank, ink is sucked and discharged from the recording head connected to the ink tank to form a meniscus of ink at the ink discharge port of the recording head. Subsequent ink replenishment can be reliably performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of a storage ink tank part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the stored ink tank of FIG. 3;

5 is a cross-sectional view of the stored ink tank of FIG. 3 when tilted.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an air suction system when ink is supplied to the stored ink tank of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the storage ink tank of FIG. 3 when ink is supplied.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a partially cut-out portion of the air suction system at the time of suction recovery of the recording head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a stored ink tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the stored ink tank of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a modification of the stored ink tank of FIG. 9;

12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink supply system connected to the stored ink tank of FIG.

13 is an explanatory diagram of a connection state between the stored ink tank and the ink supply system in FIG.

14 is an explanatory diagram of a state in the middle of ink supply by the ink supply system of FIG. 12;

15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in the middle of ink supply by the ink supply system of FIG. 12;

16 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ink supply by the ink supply system in FIG. 12 is stopped.

17 is an explanatory diagram of the operation after the ink supply by the ink supply system in FIG. 12 is completed.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a stored ink tank according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

19 is an explanatory diagram of an air suction system connected to the stored ink tank in FIG.

20 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of replenishing ink to the storage ink tank in FIG. 18 when a meniscus is formed in the ink discharge port.

21 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of replenishing ink in the storage ink tank of FIG. 18 when a meniscus is formed in an ink discharge port.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of replenishing the storage ink tank of FIG. 18 with ink when a meniscus is not formed in the ink discharge port.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of replenishing ink in the storage ink tank of FIG. 18 when a meniscus is not formed in an ink discharge port.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an ink supply operation to the stored ink tank of FIG. 18;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a main part for describing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

26 is an explanatory diagram of a capping state of the recording head in FIG. 25.

27 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ink is supplied to the sub tank in FIG. 25. FIG.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a main part for describing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a capping state of the recording head in FIG. 28;

30 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which ink is supplied to a sub tank in FIG. 28. FIG.

FIGS. 31 (a), (b) and (c) are diagrams for explaining different forms of suction ports in the sub-tank of FIGS. 25 and 28.

FIGS. 32 (a), (b) and (c) are views for explaining still another form of the suction port in the sub-tank of FIGS. 25 and 28.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of a tank according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink tank according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the ink tank of FIG. 34;

36 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air suction system connected to the ink tank of FIG.

37 (a) is a front view of the stopper in FIG. 34, and FIG. 37 (b) is a side view of the stopper.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a state before ink is supplied to the ink tank of FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a state when ink is supplied to the ink tank of FIG. 34;

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an ink supply operation to the ink tank of FIG. 34;

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining amount detection sequence in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a timing chart illustrating an ink supply operation to the ink tank of FIG. 34;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 feeder unit 2 recording unit 3 ink replenishment unit 19 carriage 20 stored ink tank 20 a recording head 20 b ink intake port 21 ink supply means 22 refill ink tank 30 cap unit 44 nozzle 48 gas permeable member 53 general suction port 54 Cap member

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoji Ara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideo Fukasawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Inoue 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masaya Uezuki 3-30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroki Hayashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Noriyasu Asagi 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yuji Nezu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideaki Okamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2C056 EA14 EA17 EA26 EB07 EB50 EC16 EC24 EC41 EC57 EC62 EC63 EC64 FA03 FA10 JA13 KB15 KB19 KC11 KC16 KC18 KC22

Claims (52)

[Claims] 1. An ink tank capable of taking ink inside from an intake port by a negative pressure introduced into the inside from a suction port, wherein a gas-liquid separation means for passing gas without passing ink through the suction port. An ink tank characterized by comprising: 2. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein said gas-liquid separating means is a gas permeable membrane made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a resin porous material similar thereto. 3. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable film made of porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material. 4. The ink tank according to claim 1, further comprising an ink absorber capable of absorbing and holding ink. 5. The ink tank according to claim 4, wherein a space is formed between said gas-liquid separating means and said ink absorber. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the space has an opening area different from an opening area of an opening opening outward of the ink tank and an opening area of an opening opening inside the ink tank. The described ink tank. 7. The ink tank according to claim 6, wherein an inner wall surface forming the space is a tapered surface. 8. The ink tank according to claim 6, wherein an inner wall surface forming the space is a curved surface. 9. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein the gas-liquid separation unit is provided on an inner wall surface that forms the space. 10. The ink tank according to claim 5, wherein an inner wall surface forming the space is subjected to a surface treatment. 11. The ink tank according to claim 10, wherein the surface treatment is a water-repellent treatment. 12. The ink tank according to claim 1, further comprising a supply port for supplying the ink contained therein to the outside. 13. An ink absorbing member capable of absorbing and holding ink therein, wherein the ink taken in from the inlet is absorbed by the ink absorbing member, and is supplied to the supply port before reaching the gas-liquid separating means. The ink tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 14. The ink tank according to claim 13, wherein a distance between the intake port and the supply port is shorter than a distance between the intake port and the gas-liquid separation unit. 15. The ink tank according to claim 12, wherein an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink is connectable to the supply port. 16. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said ink tanks are combined to form an ink tank assembly. 17. The ink tank according to claim 16, wherein the suction port in each of the plurality of ink tanks communicates with a suction port common to the plurality of ink tanks. 18. The ink tank according to claim 16, wherein the gas-liquid separation means for each of the plurality of ink tanks has different characteristics. 19. The ink tank according to claim 16, wherein said gas-liquid separating means in each of said plurality of ink tanks has a different shape. 20. The gas-liquid separation means for each of the plurality of ink tanks, wherein the degree of negative pressure introduced from the suction port into the inside of each of the plurality of ink tanks is different. The ink tank according to claim 17. 21. The ink tank according to claim 20, wherein the gas-liquid separation means in each of the plurality of ink tanks is a porous body having a different pore size. 22. The ink tank according to claim 20, wherein the gas-liquid separation means in each of the plurality of ink tanks is a porous body having a different thickness. 23. The suction port in each of the plurality of ink tanks has a different opening area, and the degree of negative pressure introduced from the suction port into the inside of each of the plurality of ink tanks is different. An ink tank according to any one of claims 17 to 22. 24. The ink tank according to claim 23, wherein the suction port of each of the plurality of ink tanks has a variable opening area. 25. The ink tank according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of ink tanks store at least two or more types of different inks. 26. The gas-liquid separation means for each of the plurality of ink tanks, wherein the larger the flow resistance of the contained ink, the greater the negative pressure introduced into the inside from the suction port. 26. The ink tank according to claim 25, wherein: 27. The ink container according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of ink tanks have different amounts of ink.
25. The ink tank according to any one of the above items. 28. The gas-liquid separating means for each of the plurality of ink tanks, wherein the larger the amount of stored ink, the greater the negative pressure introduced into the inside from the suction port. Item 29. The ink tank according to item 25. 29. The common suction port is provided with a joint that can be connected to a suction path.
29. The ink tank according to any one of claims to 28. 30. An ink jet cartridge comprising: the ink tank according to claim 1; and an ink jet recording head capable of introducing and discharging ink in the ink tank. 31. The ink jet cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the ink jet recording head has an electrothermal converter that generates heat energy as ink ejection energy. 32. The ink tank according to claim 1 or the ink tank in the ink jet cartridge according to claim 30 or 31,
An ink supply device for supplying ink, comprising: an ink introduction unit capable of introducing ink contained in a main ink tank from the supply port to the inside of the ink tank; and an ink tank from the suction port. And a negative pressure introducing means capable of introducing a negative pressure generated by the suction pump. 33. A joint part capable of connecting and separating the ink introduction means and the supply port, and a joint part capable of connecting and separating the negative pressure introduction means and the suction port. The ink supply device according to claim 32, wherein: 34. An ink supply device for supplying ink to the ink tank according to claim 15, or the ink tank in the ink jet cartridge according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the ink tank is provided from the supply port. Inside, an ink introduction unit capable of introducing ink contained in a main ink tank, and a negative pressure introduction unit capable of introducing a negative pressure generated by a suction pump from the suction port to the inside of the ink tank. An ink supply device, comprising: cap means capable of closing an ink ejection port of the recording head with a cap member. 35. The ink supply device according to claim 34, wherein the cap member is capable of sealing the ink ejection port when supplying ink into the ink tank. 36. A recovering negative pressure introducing means for sucking and discharging ink from said ink discharge port by introducing a negative pressure generated by a suction pump into said cap member. The ink supply device according to claim 34 or 35. 37. The ink supply according to claim 36, wherein the suction pump in the negative pressure introducing means also has a function as the suction pump in the recovery processing negative pressure introducing means. apparatus. 38. The ink supply device according to claim 34, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect presence or absence of ink in the recording head. 39. A mounting section capable of mounting the ink tank according to claim 1 and mounting an ink jet recording head capable of introducing and discharging ink in the ink tank. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: an inkjet recording head; and a moving unit that relatively moves a recording medium. 40. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the ink-jet recording head has an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy as ink ejection energy. 41. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a mounting portion to which the ink jet cartridge according to claim 30 or 31 can be mounted; and moving means for relatively moving the ink jet cartridge and a recording medium. 42. An ink supply device according to claim 32, wherein the ink supply device is provided.
42. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the above items. 43. A device for forming a meniscus of ink at the ink discharge port by a recovery process of sucking and discharging ink from the ink discharge port of the ink jet recording head before supplying ink to the ink tank. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 42, wherein: 44. The method according to claim 44, wherein after the ink is supplied to the ink tank, the ink in the ink tank is separated from the gas-liquid separation unit by a recovery process of sucking and discharging the ink from the ink discharge port of the recording inkjet head. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 42. 45. After the ink is supplied to the ink tank, ink not contributing to image recording is ejected from an ink ejection port of the recording ink jet head, whereby the ink in the ink tank is separated from the gas-liquid separation unit. 43. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is separated. 46. Negative pressure control for applying a negative pressure from the suction port to the inside of the ink tank and supplying an external negative pressure to the ink discharge port of the ink jet recording head when supplying ink to the ink tank. 43. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising means. 47. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the negative pressure applied to the ink ejection port of the recording head is large enough not to suck ink from the ink ejection port. 48. A negative pressure applied to an ink ejection port of the recording head when ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation means, is small enough not to suck ink from the ink ejection port. 47. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 46. 49. A negative pressure applied to an ink ejection port of the recording head when ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation means, is of a magnitude that allows suction of ink from the ink ejection port. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 46. 50. The ink tank according to any one of claims 1 to 29, or the ink tank in the ink jet cartridge according to claim 30 or 31,
An ink supply method for supplying ink, wherein a negative pressure is introduced from the suction port to the inside of the ink tank through the gas-liquid separation unit, whereby ink is supplied from the supply port to the inside of the ink tank. Supplying, the gas-liquid separation means by contact with the ink,
An ink supply method, wherein the introduction of a negative pressure from the suction port to the inside of the ink tank is stopped. 51. A negative pressure is introduced into the plurality of ink tanks from the suction port through the gas-liquid separation means to the inside of the ink tank, whereby ink is simultaneously supplied to the plurality of ink tanks. The ink supply method according to claim 50, wherein the ink is supplied. 52. An ink tank capable of taking ink inside from an intake port can be mounted by negative pressure introduced inside from a suction port, and ink in the ink tank is introduced and ejected from an ink ejection port. A mounting portion capable of mounting a possible ink jet recording head, moving means for relatively moving the ink jet recording head and the recording medium, and supplying ink from an ink discharge port of the ink jet recording head before supplying ink to the ink tank. Means for forming a meniscus of the ink in the ink ejection port by a recovery process for sucking and discharging the ink.